Login
OR
Don't worry. We'll fix this for you!
India's vast and varied landscape is shaped by natural forces over millions of years. To understand this diversity, geographers divide the country into physiographic divisions. These divisions are natural regions defined by distinct landforms such as mountains, plateaus, plains, coasts, and islands. Each division has unique geological features, elevation, climate, soil types, and vegetation.
Studying these divisions helps us understand how India's geography influences its climate patterns, agriculture, settlement, and economic activities. For example, the fertile plains support dense populations and farming, while the mountainous regions affect weather and water resources.
In this chapter, we will explore the major physiographic divisions of India, their formation, characteristics, and significance.
Physiographic divisions are natural landform regions classified based on three main criteria:
India's major physiographic divisions include:
The Himalayas are the youngest and highest mountain system in India, stretching over 2,400 km across the northern border. They are formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, a process that began about 50 million years ago.
The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges:
These ranges run roughly parallel from northwest to southeast, creating distinct climatic zones and river systems.
Plateaus are elevated flatlands that rise sharply above the surrounding area. India's two major plateau regions are the Deccan Plateau and the Central Highlands.
The Deccan Plateau covers most of southern India and is roughly triangular in shape. It is bounded by the Western Ghats on the west, the Eastern Ghats on the east, and the Satpura and Vindhya ranges to the north.
Geologically, it is made up of ancient volcanic basalt rocks called the Deccan Traps. The plateau's elevation ranges from 300 to 900 meters above sea level.
Located north of the Deccan Plateau, the Central Highlands include the Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand Plateau, and parts of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. These are older landforms with varied elevation and are rich in minerals.
The Indo-Gangetic Plains are vast flatlands formed by the deposition of sediments carried by the rivers originating in the Himalayas. These plains extend from Punjab in the west to Assam in the east, covering parts of northern and eastern India.
They are made up of rich alluvial soil, which is highly fertile and ideal for agriculture. The plains are divided into three zones based on soil and topography:
India's coastline stretches over 7,500 km and is divided into two main coastal plains:
These coastal plains support fishing, trade, and tourism, making them economically vital.
India has two major island groups located in the Indian Ocean:
Step 1: Locate the northernmost part of India along the border with Nepal and China. This is where the Himalayas lie.
Step 2: Just south of the Himalayas, identify the large flat area stretching from Punjab in the west to West Bengal in the east. This is the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
Step 3: Look towards the southern part of India, a large triangular elevated region bounded by mountain ranges. This is the Deccan Plateau.
Step 4: Along the western coast, between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, identify the narrow strip of land. This is the Western Coastal Plains.
Answer: The map is correctly labeled with the Himalayas in the north, Indo-Gangetic Plains south of the Himalayas, Deccan Plateau in the south-central region, and Western Coastal Plains along the western coastline.
Step 1: The description mentions a flat elevated area, which suggests a plateau.
Step 2: The presence of volcanic basalt rocks indicates the Deccan Traps.
Step 3: Being bounded by mountain ranges on three sides matches the Deccan Plateau's geography, surrounded by the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura-Vindhya ranges.
Answer: The landform is the Deccan Plateau, a volcanic plateau in southern India.
Step 1: Elevation
- Himalayas: Highest mountain range with peaks above 7,000 meters.
- Deccan Plateau: Elevated flatland with average elevation between 300 and 900 meters.
Step 2: Geological Formation
- Himalayas: Formed by tectonic collision between Indian and Eurasian plates (fold mountains).
- Deccan Plateau: Formed by volcanic activity, consisting mainly of basalt lava flows (Deccan Traps).
Step 3: Climatic Influence
- Himalayas: Act as a barrier to cold Central Asian winds and influence monsoon rainfall.
- Deccan Plateau: Experiences tropical climate; its elevation moderates temperature but less impact on monsoon compared to Himalayas.
Answer: The Himalayas are high fold mountains formed by plate collision, significantly influencing climate, while the Deccan Plateau is a volcanic elevated region with moderate elevation and less climatic barrier effect.
Step 1: Rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra originate in the Himalayas, carrying sediments eroded from the mountains.
Step 2: As these rivers flow south and east, they deposit sediments along their banks and floodplains.
Step 3: Over thousands of years, continuous deposition of alluvium (sand, silt, clay) has created a vast flat area known as the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
Step 4: The plains are replenished regularly by floods, maintaining their fertility and supporting agriculture.
Answer: The Indo-Gangetic Plains formed through sediment deposition by Himalayan rivers over geological time, creating fertile flatlands.
Step 1: Trade
- Both coastal plains have natural harbors and ports (e.g., Mumbai on the west coast, Chennai on the east coast) facilitating domestic and international trade.
Step 2: Fisheries
- The coastal waters are rich in marine life, supporting large fishing communities and contributing to the economy through fish exports.
Step 3: Tourism
- Beaches, backwaters (like Kerala's), and scenic coastal landscapes attract tourists, boosting local businesses and employment.
Answer: The coastal plains are vital economic zones due to their ports supporting trade, abundant fisheries, and attractive tourism destinations.
When to use: When recalling mountain ranges quickly during exams.
When to use: To quickly identify plateau boundaries on maps.
When to use: For questions related to plains and river systems.
When to use: When answering questions on coastal geography.
When to use: For questions on island groups and their formation.
Progress tracking is paywalled — subscribe to mark subtopics as understood and save your streak.
Go to practice →
Your Score
Your Rank
| Rank | Name | Score |
|---|
