India's equity market fell sharply on Monday after hitting multiple highs last week as investors rushed to book profit amidst valuation concerns and worsening geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East.

Over 300 stocks, including JSW Steel and NTPC, reached one-year highs on the BSE, despite the Sensex and Nifty 50 falling over one per cent amid weak global cues.

After opening on a weak note, the selloff intensified in the last hour of trade, with the Sensex plunging over 1,200 points and the Nifty slipping below the critical 26,000 mark, reflecting growing caution among investors.

The S P BSE Sensex fell 1,272.07 points to 84,299.78 at the closing bell, while the NSE Nifty50 settled 361.65 points lower at 25,810.85.