Physical Features of India
Overview
India's physical features form a diverse landscape shaped over millions of years. The country is divided into six major physiographic divisions: the Himalayan Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Island Groups. Each region has distinct geological origin, landforms, and economic significance. Understanding these divisions is critical for UPSC and BPSC prelims and mains, as questions frequently test boundaries, rivers, soil types, and regional characteristics.
Typed Notes
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas stretch about 2400 km from Indus gorge in the west to Brahmaputra gorge in the east, with a width of 150–400 km. They are divided into three parallel ranges: (1) Himadri (Greater Himalayas) — highest, continuous, average elevation 6000 m; (2) Himachal (Lesser Himalayas) — 3700–4500 m, includes Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Mahabharat ranges; (3) Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) — 900–1100 m, southernmost. Valleys between Himachal and Shiwaliks are called 'Duns' (e.g., Dehradun). Mount Everest (8849 m) and Kanchenjunga (8586 m, India's highest peak) are in this system. Exam tip: Remember Shiwaliks = southernmost, Himadri = northernmost.
Northern Plains and Indian Desert
The Northern Plains extend from Punjab in the west to Assam in the east, covering about 7 lakh sq km. Formed by deposition of sediments by Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers, these plains are 40–300 m above sea level. Key terms: Bhabar (pebble-strewn zone near foothills), Terai (marshy, forested belt south of Bhabar), Bhangar (old alluvium, higher ground), Khadar (new alluvium, fertile flood plains). The Indian Desert (Thar Desert) lies in Rajasthan west of Aravalli Hills. It receives less than 150 mm annual rainfall. Luni is the only significant river. Exam tip: Bhabar → Terai → Bhangar → Khadar — order from north to south.
Peninsular Plateau and Coastal Plains
The Peninsular Plateau is a tableland of ancient crystalline rocks, tilted slightly westward. It is divided into two parts by the Narmada valley: Central Highlands (north of Narmada — Malwa Plateau, Vindhyas, Satpura) and Deccan Plateau (south of Narmada). The Deccan Trap region has black cotton soil (regur) ideal for cotton cultivation. Western Coastal Plains are narrow (10–25 km) but fertile; divided into Konkan (Maharashtra-Goa), Kannad (Karnataka), and Malabar (Kerala). Eastern Coastal Plains are wider (80–100 km), divided into Northern Circar and Coromandel Coast. Chilika Lake (Odisha) is India's largest coastal lagoon. Exam tip: West coast = narrow + steep; East coast = wide + gentle.
Island Groups of India
India has two major island groups. Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal — about 572 islands, of which only 38 are inhabited. They are of volcanic and sedimentary origin. Barren Island (North Andaman) is India's only active volcano. Narcondam is a dormant volcano. Port Blair is the capital. The Ten Degree Channel separates Andaman from Nicobar Islands. Lakshadweep Islands (36 islands) lie in the Arabian Sea, formed by coral reefs. Minicoy is the southernmost and largest island. The Nine Degree Channel separates Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep group. Exam tip: 10° Channel = Andaman-Nicobar; 9° Channel = Minicoy-Lakshadweep.
Key Concepts
Revision ke liye ek nazar — exam se pehle yahi padhna hai.
- 01India has six physiographic divisions; the Himalayas are fold mountains formed by collision of Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates.
- 02The Northern Plains are formed by alluvial deposits of three river systems: Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra — spanning about 7 lakh sq km.
- 03The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest and most stable landmass of India, composed of ancient crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks (Gondwana origin).
- 04The Western Ghats (Sahyadri) run parallel to the west coast; Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and lower in height; highest peak of Western Ghats is Anamudi (2695 m).
- 05Lakshadweep Islands are coral islands in the Arabian Sea; Andaman & Nicobar Islands are of volcanic origin in the Bay of Bengal — Barren Island has India's only active volcano.
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
What are the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas from north to south? Name one important valley found between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks.
Distinguish between Bhangar and Khadar soils found in the Northern Plains.
Why is the Western Ghats considered more ecologically significant than the Eastern Ghats?
Which channel separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands, and which separates Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep group?
What is the geological significance of the Peninsular Plateau, and what is 'Regur' soil?
India's six physiographic divisions — Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Island Groups — each have unique geological history and economic importance. The Himalayas are young fold mountains; the Peninsular Plateau is the oldest stable block. Northern Plains are the most fertile agricultural zone. Coastal plains support dense population and trade. Island groups have strategic and ecological significance. Mastering these divisions with key facts, rivers, peaks, and channels is essential for UPSC and BPSC success.
Chapter-end quiz
4 MCQsOption tap karo — turant pata chalega sahi ya galat, explanation ke saath.
Q1.Which is the highest peak entirely within India?
Q2.Chilika Lake, India's largest coastal lagoon, is located in which state?
Q3.The Luni River flows through which desert of India?
Q4.Which of the following is India's only active volcano?
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