What was the location of the Indian landmass during the formation of the Deccan Traps?
During the formation of the Deccan Traps around 60 million years ago, the Indian landmass was located close to the equator. This volcanic event occurred during the northward movement of the Indian plate towards the Eurasian plate.
Prior to this, about 140 million years ago, the subcontinent was situated as far south as 50°S latitude. The Indian plate was moving northward from this southern position. The massive outpouring of lava that formed the Deccan Traps continued for a long period as the subcontinent gradually moved towards its eventual collision with Asia about 40-50 million years ago.
Explanation
The textbook explicitly states that during the formation of the Deccan Traps (starting around 60 million years ago), 'the subcontinent was still close to the equator.' This is a key geographical fact students must remember. The context also provides the earlier position (50°S latitude about 140 million years ago) to show the northward journey of the Indian plate. The answer connects the timing of the Deccan Traps formation with the plate's position during that geological period.