Indian Geography: Physiographic Divisions of India
Indian Geography: Physiographic Divisions of India
India is a land of incredible geographic variety — from snow-capped peaks in the north to sun-drenched beaches in the south. Its landforms have evolved over millions of years, shaped by tectonic movements, erosion, and natural events. These physical features not only define India's external appearance but also influence its weather, culture, agriculture, and biodiversity.
To study the geography of India systematically, geographers have divided the country into five major physiographic divisions:
- The Northern Mountains (Himalayas)
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains and Islands
1. The Northern Mountains (Himalayas)
The Himalayas are the crown jewel of India’s geography. Stretching over 2,400 km, they form the northern boundary and act as a natural defense barrier. These young fold mountains are a result of the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate around 50 million years ago.
Three distinct ranges:
- Himadri (Greater Himalayas): Home to the highest peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
- Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): Contains famous hill stations such as Shimla and Mussoorie.
- Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas): Formed from unconsolidated sediments. Prone to landslides.
The Himalayas are the source of major perennial rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. They play a critical role in India's monsoon system and protect the subcontinent from cold Central Asian winds.
2. The Northern Plains
Formed by the deposition of alluvium from the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems, these plains are among the most fertile and densely populated regions in the world. Spanning from Punjab in the west to Assam in the east, these plains support intensive agriculture and host many major Indian cities.
Divisions:
- Punjab Plains: Dominated by the Indus and its tributaries.
- Ganga Plains: Spread across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Brahmaputra Plains: Located in Assam, rich in alluvium but prone to floods.
3. The Peninsular Plateau
This is the oldest and most stable part of the Indian landmass. It consists of ancient crystalline rocks and is rich in minerals. The plateau rises gradually from east to west and is dissected by numerous rivers that form deep valleys and waterfalls.
Key features:
- Central Highlands: Located north of the Narmada River; includes Malwa and Bundelkhand.
- Deccan Plateau: Covers much of southern India; bounded by the Western and Eastern Ghats.
The Western Ghats are higher and more continuous, while the Eastern Ghats are lower and more dissected by rivers.
4. The Indian Desert
Also known as the Thar Desert, this region lies to the northwest of the Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan. It is characterized by sandy soil, high temperatures, and scanty rainfall (less than 150 mm annually).
Notable features:
- Seasonal rivers like Luni.
- Sand dunes (barchans and longitudinal).
- Vegetation includes thorny bushes and xerophytes.
5. The Coastal Plains and Islands
India has a coastline of over 7,500 km, flanked by two main coastal plains and two major island groups.
Coastal Plains:
- Western Coastal Plains: Narrow strip with estuaries; includes Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar coasts.
- Eastern Coastal Plains: Broader and more level; home to river deltas like those of Godavari and Kaveri.
Islands:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Volcanic origin, located in the Bay of Bengal.
- Lakshadweep Islands: Coral atolls located in the Arabian Sea.
Flashcards: Indian Geography – 25 Q&A
You can copy this JSON block below and use it directly in the APKG Generator to generate Anki flashcards for revision.
{
"questions": [
{
"question": "Name the five major physiographic divisions of India.",
"answer": "The Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, and Coastal Plains with Islands."
},
{
"question": "Which mountain range is known as the youngest fold mountain?",
"answer": "The Himalayas."
},
{
"question": "What is the Himadri range also known as?",
"answer": "The Greater Himalayas."
},
{
"question": "Which is the outermost range of the Himalayas?",
"answer": "The Shiwalik range."
},
{
"question": "What type of rivers originate in the Himalayas?",
"answer": "Perennial rivers."
},
{
"question": "What are the three sub-divisions of the Northern Plains?",
"answer": "Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains, Brahmaputra Plains."
},
{
"question": "Which plains are known for frequent flooding?",
"answer": "Brahmaputra Plains."
},
{
"question": "Which plateau is bounded by the Western and Eastern Ghats?",
"answer": "The Deccan Plateau."
},
{
"question": "Name one river that flows through the Peninsular Plateau.",
"answer": "Godavari, Krishna, or Kaveri."
},
{
"question": "Which is the oldest physiographic division of India?",
"answer": "The Peninsular Plateau."
},
{
"question": "Where is the Indian Desert located?",
"answer": "Northwest Rajasthan."
},
{
"question": "What is the name of the seasonal river in the Thar Desert?",
"answer": "The Luni River."
},
{
"question": "What type of vegetation is found in the Indian Desert?",
"answer": "Thorny bushes and xerophytes."
},
{
"question": "What is the width of the Western Coastal Plains?",
"answer": "About 50–80 km wide."
},
{
"question": "Which coast has more river deltas?",
"answer": "The Eastern Coastal Plain."
},
{
"question": "Where are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located?",
"answer": "In the Bay of Bengal."
},
{
"question": "What is the origin of Lakshadweep Islands?",
"answer": "Coral origin."
},
{
"question": "Which coastal plain is narrower?",
"answer": "The Western Coastal Plain."
},
{
"question": "Which mountain range affects the Indian monsoon?",
"answer": "The Himalayas."
},
{
"question": "What is the average height of the Himalayas?",
"answer": "6,000 meters (approx.)."
},
{
"question": "What causes the formation of alluvial soil in Northern Plains?",
"answer": "Deposition by rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra."
},
{
"question": "Which region has black soil and is ideal for cotton cultivation?",
"answer": "The Deccan Plateau."
},
{
"question": "Which mountain lies between the Ganga Plains and the Plateau?",
"answer": "The Vindhya Range."
},
{
"question": "What is the significance of Western Ghats in biodiversity?",
"answer": "They are a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot."
},
{
"question": "Which part of India receives the lowest rainfall?",
"answer": "The Indian Desert (Thar)."
}
]
}
Conclusion
India’s physiography is not just a study in physical geography, but a lens through which we understand our agriculture, climate, culture, and development. For UPSC aspirants, this topic lays the foundation for many other areas in geography and current affairs. Use the flashcards above to make your learning active and retain concepts better!
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