4. The Vindhyan System

The Central Indian Highlands known as the Vindhyan Mountains occupy a large basin extending from Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) in the west to Sasaram and Dehri-on-Son (Bihar) in the east. One branch of it extends from Sasaram to Iloshingabad (Madhya Pradesh). It occupies a large contiguous area stretching over one lakh sq km from the Chambal to Son rivers. Several isolated exposures of sedimentary rocks occur in the Bastar area of Chhattisgarh. In some of the exposures of the Vindhyan System are found the diamond bearing conglomerates. The Panna District of Madhya Pradesh and the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh are well known for diamond production. Elsewhere in the south, the upper Vindhyans are covered by the Deccan Traps. The Vindhyans are known for the good quality of building materials. They are rich in ornamental stones, precious stones, diamonds and materials used in ceremics. The historical monuments of the Medieval Period and majestic religious places like Stupa of Sanchi, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Red Fort,Jama-Masjid, Birla Mandir, etc. have been constructed with the red-sandstones obtained from the Vindhyan Ranges.