Which group of Indian islands lies in the Arabian Sea near the Malabar Coast and consists of coral islands?

Correct option is D

Correct answer: (d) Lakshadweep Islands

Explanation:

• The Lakshadweep Islands lie in the Arabian Sea, off the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India.
• They consist entirely of coral atolls and reefs, making them India’s only coral islands.
• The islands are low-lying, flat, and formed by coral polyps, unlike the volcanic or tectonic origins of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Information Booster:

• The Lakshadweep archipelago has 36 islands, of which 10 are inhabited.
• The islands are known for:
• Pristine marine biodiversity
• Lagoon and atoll ecosystems
• Sustainable fishing and coconut-based economy
• The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti.

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Andaman Islands – Located in the Bay of Bengal; volcanic in origin (e.g., Barren Island).
• (b) Nicobar Islands – Also in the Bay of Bengal; closer to Indonesia; part of the Andaman and Nicobar group.
• (c) Sundarbans – A mangrove delta region in West Bengal and Bangladesh; not islands in the open sea.