Which one of the following is not a Coalfield of Gondwana period of India?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

The correct option is 4: **Nichahom**.
This question requires you to distinguish between India's two major coal deposit categories: Gondwana coal and Tertiary coal. Gondwana coal is the most significant type, accounting for over 98% of India's reserves. These deposits are geologically ancient, dating back to the Permian period (about 250–300 million years ago), and are characterized by high carbon content, making them primarily bituminous and excellent for power generation and metallurgical uses. The Nichahom coalfield, however, is not part of this ancient Gondwana sequence. It is located in the Himalayan region (specifically Jammu and Kashmir), and its deposits are of the younger Tertiary age. Tertiary coalfields, formed much later (around 1–65 million years ago), are typically smaller, limited in extent, and consist mainly of lignite or sub-bituminous coal. Therefore, Nichahom stands out as the non-Gondwana option.

The incorrect option is 1: **Korba**.
Korba is a very prominent and large Gondwana coalfield, situated in the South Chhattisgarh region (Chhattisgarh state). It is part of the extensive deposits found in the Mahanadi river valley basins, which are key locations for Gondwana coal. As one of the major producers of bituminous coal in India, Korba is definitively classified under the ancient Gondwana period, thus making this option incorrect.

The incorrect option is 2: **Jharia**.
Jharia is arguably the most important Gondwana coalfield in India, located in the Damodar Valley (Jharkhand). Jharia is famous for possessing nearly all of India's prime coking coal reserves, which is essential for the iron and steel industry. Since Jharia is located in one of the peninsular plateau's major Gondwana river valleys, it is a classic example of Gondwana coal deposits, and is therefore an incorrect choice.

The incorrect option is 3: **Ramgarh**.
Ramgarh is another significant coalfield found within the extensive Damodar Valley coal basin, alongside Jharia and Bokaro (Jharkhand). It falls directly within the geological and geographical range known for housing the vast Gondwana coal reserves. Due to its location and geological formation dating back to the Permian era, Ramgarh is clearly a Gondwana coalfield, making it an incorrect answer to the question asking for the one that is *not* a Gondwana field.