Chapter: Physical Features of India
India’s diverse physical features are the result of millions of years of geological formations and tectonic activity. These include mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, and islands, each with unique characteristics.
1. Formation of Physical Features
- Tectonic Plates: The Earth’s lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates, which have been constantly moving over millions of years. India’s current physical features were shaped by the movement of the Indo-Australian plate towards the Eurasian plate.
- Collision of Plates: This collision led to the formation of the Himalayas. Other features like plateaus and plains are also a result of tectonic movements.
2. Major Physiographic Divisions of India
India’s landscape can be divided into six main physiographic divisions:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- Extends from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east.
- Divided into three parallel ranges:
- Himadri (Greater Himalayas): Highest range, includes Mount Everest, K2, and Kanchenjunga.
- Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): Lower than Himadri, includes popular hill stations and valleys.
- Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas): Outer most range with sedimentary rocks, prone to erosion and landslides.
- The Northern Plains
- Formed by alluvial deposits from rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
- Divided into three sections:
- Punjab Plains: Western part, formed by the Indus River system.
- Ganga Plains: Central part, drained by the Ganga and its tributaries.
- Brahmaputra Plains: Eastern part, drained by the Brahmaputra.
- The Peninsular Plateau
- Oldest landmass, formed from volcanic and tectonic activity.
- Consists of the Central Highlands (north) and the Deccan Plateau (south).
- Includes important hill ranges like the Aravalli, Vindhya, Satpura, Western Ghats, and Eastern Ghats.
- The Indian Desert
- Located in western Rajasthan, also called the Thar Desert.
- Characterized by sandy soil, sparse vegetation, and shifting sand dunes.
- The Coastal Plains
- Located along the Arabian Sea (Western Coastal Plain) and Bay of Bengal (Eastern Coastal Plain).
- Includes fertile regions and deltas like the Sundarbans in the east.
- The Islands
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Located in the Bay of Bengal, volcanic origin, with rich biodiversity.
- Lakshadweep Islands: Located in the Arabian Sea, coral islands.
3. Significance of India’s Physical Features
- Agriculture and Livelihood: The fertile plains support agriculture, a major livelihood source.
- Biodiversity: Each region has distinct flora and fauna, contributing to India’s rich biodiversity.
- Natural Resources: The plateau regions have mineral resources, important for industrialization.
- Tourism and Heritage: The diversity in landscapes attracts tourists and has cultural significance.
Key Terms
- Alluvial Soil: Fertile soil deposited by rivers, found in plains.
- Tectonic Plates: Large plates forming the Earth’s crust that move and interact at their boundaries.
- Sedimentary Rocks: Rocks formed from sediment deposit, commonly found in Shiwaliks.
India’s varied physical geography not only influences the climate and resources but also impacts the lifestyle, agriculture, and economy of the regions. This diversity is one of India’s unique features.