Eastern Ghats Belt, Grenvillian‑Age Tectonics and the Evolution of the Greater Indian Landmass: A Critical Perspective

Abstract

The configuration of the Greater Indian Landmass was
achieved during the late Proterozoic era (Grenvillian-age) through tectonic
cycles involving cratonic blocks of India and East Antarctica in the
broad framework of the assembly of the supercontinent Rodinia. Geological
evidences are recorded from orogenic belts separating southern,
northern and western cratonic blocks of India and its transcontinental
neighbor East Antarctica. Eastern Ghats Belt of India played a pivotal
role in the continental amalgamation process and it evolved in tandem
with the Central Indian Tectonic Zone and the Aravalli Delhi Mobile Belt.
We have collated geological and geochronological evidences from
the cratonic blocks and the bounding orogenic belts to trace back the
Grenvillian-age tectonics surrounding India and its eventual manifestation
as the configuration of the Greater Indian Landmass. The status of
the Greater Indian Landmass as a part of Rodinia is debated and unresolved
issues are highlighted.