Description

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Context:

Sikkim has urged the Union Government to consider banning mountaineering activity on Mt. Khangchendzonga, citing its profound religious significance to the state's indigenous populations.

About Mt Khangchendzonga

Location	Lies in the eastern Himalayas, straddling the India–Nepal border, 74 km north-northwest of Darjeeling
Elevation	8,586 metres (28,169 ft) – a third-highest mountain in the world and the highest peak in India
States Associated	Located between Sikkim (India) and Taplejung District (Nepal)
Protected Area	The Indian side lies within the Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim
Geographical Features	Comprises five prominent peaks, known as the “Five Treasures of the Snow” in Sikkimese belief
Major Glaciers	Zemu Glacier (northeast), Talung Glacier (southeast), Yalung Glacier (southwest), Kanchenjunga Glacier (northwest)
Snowfall Pattern	Heavy summer snowfall due to monsoons; lighter snowfall in winter

Cultural significance

The mountain is revered as a sacred site and home to the guardian deity 'Dzoe-Nga'.
The Bhutia and Lepcha communities of Sikkim consider it inviolable.
Climbing is prohibited on the Indian side under the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, and Article 371(F), which safeguards Sikkim's culture following the unification with India.

Historical significance

Prior to Mount Everest's confirmation in 1856, this peak was thought to be the highest point.
Joe Brown and George Band (from the British expedition) were the first to climb it in 1955.
Climbers traditionally stop short of the summit to respect religious beliefs.
Charles Evans also led an expedition to the southwest face in 1955.

Practice Question:

Q. Consider the following statements about Mt. Khangchendzonga:

It is the highest peak in India.
It lies entirely within Indian territory.
It is the third-highest mountain in the world.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: C. 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Mt. Khangchendzonga is the highest peak in India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The mountain lies on the India–Nepal border, not entirely within Indian territory.
Statement 3 is correct: It is the third-highest mountain in the world.