Which of the following is known as the Lesser Himalaya?

Answer: Himachal (Middle Himalaya) is known as the Lesser Himalaya.

Explanation: The Himalayas are divided into three main parallel ranges based on elevation and geology.

• Great Himalaya (Himadri): The highest range with snow-clad peaks and glaciers; this is the Greater Himalaya.

• Middle Himalaya (Himachal): Known as the Lesser Himalaya. It lies between the Great Himalaya to the north and the Shiwalik to the south. It has lower elevations than the Great Himalaya but higher relief than the Shiwalik.

• Outer Himalaya (Shiwalik): The southernmost, lowest range; also called the sub-Himalaya.

Why the other choices are incorrect:

• Purvi means 'eastern' and is not a physiographic zone of the Himalayas.

• Himadri is the highest range (Greater Himalaya), not the Lesser Himalaya.

• Shiwalik is the lowest range (Outer Himalaya), not the Middle/Lesser Himalaya.