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Physiographic Division of India

India's physiographic divisions consist of six major regions: the Northern Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands, each characterized by unique features and climates. The Northern Mountains serve as a climate barrier and source of rivers, while the Northern Plains are known for their fertility and agricultural significance. The Peninsular Plateau is rich in minerals, the Indian Desert has a distinct cultural heritage, the Coastal Plains support agriculture and trade, and the Islands are important for biodiversity and strategic naval purposes.

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27 views4 pages

Physiographic Division of India

India's physiographic divisions consist of six major regions: the Northern Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands, each characterized by unique features and climates. The Northern Mountains serve as a climate barrier and source of rivers, while the Northern Plains are known for their fertility and agricultural significance. The Peninsular Plateau is rich in minerals, the Indian Desert has a distinct cultural heritage, the Coastal Plains support agriculture and trade, and the Islands are important for biodiversity and strategic naval purposes.

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Physiographic Division of India: Definition & Overview

The physiographic divisions of India refer to the natural landform regions of the country,
based on physical geography like mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coasts, and islands.

India's vast and diverse landscape is divided into six major physiographic divisions, each
with unique features, climate, soil, vegetation, and economic activities.

India can be broadly divided into six major physiographic divisions:


1. The Northern Mountains (Himalayas)

Location:

• Stretch from Jammu & Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.

• Extend for about 2,400 km in length and 240–400 km in width.

Divisions:

1. Himadri (Greater Himalayas)

o Highest and youngest range.

o Includes peaks like Mount Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga, and Nanda
Devi.

o Perennially snow-covered.

2. Himachal (Lesser Himalayas)

o Between Himadri and Shiwaliks.

o Famous hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie, Darjeeling.

o Known for deep valleys and scenic beauty.

3. Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas)

o Lowest range, formed by unconsolidated sediments.

o Includes Duns (valleys) like Dehradun.

Importance:

• Acts as a climate barrier.

• Source of perennial rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.

• Rich in biodiversity and forests.


2. The Northern Plains

Location:

• Lies south of the Himalayas.

• Stretches from Punjab to Assam.

• Formed by deposits of Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.

Features:

• Extremely fertile alluvial soil.

• Flat and levelled surface.

• Divided into:

o Punjab Plains – by Indus and its tributaries.

o Ganga Plains – largest section, fertile and agriculturally rich.

o Brahmaputra Valley – flood-prone but very fertile.

Importance:

• Food bowl of India – ideal for growing wheat, rice, sugarcane.

• Densely populated.

• Center for transport, trade, and settlement.

3. The Peninsular Plateau

Location:

• Lies south of the Northern Plains.

• Triangular shape; oldest landmass of India.

Features:

• Made of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

• Hard, uneven terrain.

• Rich in minerals and forests.


Subdivisions:

1. Central Highlands – between Aravallis and Vindhyas.

o Includes Malwa and Bundelkhand Plateaus.

2. Deccan Plateau – covers major parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.

o Bounded by Western and Eastern Ghats.

Importance:

• Source of many rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Narmada).

• Rich in iron ore, coal, and other minerals.

4. The Indian Desert (Thar Desert)

Location:

• Lies in western Rajasthan.

Features:

• Sandy soil, high temperature, and very low rainfall (less than 150 mm).

• Vegetation is sparse.

• Contains dunes and dry river beds.

• River Luni is the only major river.

Importance:

• Rich cultural heritage.

• Rising tourism (e.g., Jaisalmer).

• Camel-based transportation and trade.

5. The Coastal Plains

Location:

• Narrow strips of land along the Arabian Sea (west) and Bay of Bengal (east).

Divisions:
1. Western Coastal Plain – narrow and rugged.

o Divided into Konkan (Mumbai–Goa), Kannad, and Malabar.

o Features backwaters and estuaries.

2. Eastern Coastal Plain – broader and flatter.

o Divided into Northern Circars and Coromandel Coast.

o Has river deltas (Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi).

Importance:

• Fertile deltas support rice farming.

• Ports like Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Kochi.

• Fishing and tourism.

6. The Islands

Two Major Groups:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Bay of Bengal

o Volcanic origin (e.g., Barren Island – active volcano).

o Strategic naval importance.

o Rich marine biodiversity.

2. Lakshadweep Islands – Arabian Sea

o Coral origin (Atolls and reefs).

o Smallest union territory.

o Known for lagoons and marine life.

Importance:

• Tourism potential.

• Strategic for defense and trade routes.

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