Physiographic Divisions of India Notes for SSC Exams

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Physiographic Divisions of India Notes are essential for candidates preparing for competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, and RRB NTPC. Understanding the Major physiographic divisions of India is crucial for grasping the country’s diverse geography, which includes mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal regions.

This guide will help you get a clear and structured overview of the different physiographic divisions, making it easier for you to study and ace the geography section of your SSC exams.

What is Physiography?

Physiography is a branch of geography that focuses on studying the natural features of the Earth’s surface and how they relate to the structure of the Earth’s crust. In simple terms, it describes the physical characteristics of a region, such as mountains, rivers, valleys, plains, and plateaus.

What is Physiographic Division?

  • Physical division refers to a specific area of land within a larger region, characterized by its unique landforms and geological features.
  • Simply put, it involves dividing large areas into categories based on shared physical features. This concept helps in classifying, studying, and managing different regions according to their natural environment and physical traits.

What are the major physiographic divisions of India?

India can be divided into six major physiographic divisions based on its physical features. These divisions help us understand the diverse landscapes across the country. Let’s take a closer look at each division:

  1. The Northern Mountains:
    The Northern Mountains include the famous Himalayas, which stretch across northern India. These mountains form a natural barrier and are home to the highest peaks in India, like Kangchenjunga.
  1. The Northern Plains:
    The Northern Plains are vast, flat lands formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems. This region is known for its fertile soil, making it an important area for agriculture.
  1. The Indian Desert:
    The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is located in the western part of India, mainly in Rajasthan. This region is known for its dry, sandy environment with very little rainfall.
  1. The Peninsular Plateau:
    The Peninsular Plateau is a large region in southern India, made up of old, hard rocks. It is surrounded by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats and includes the Deccan Plateau.
  1. The Coastal Plains:
    The Coastal Plains lie along the east and west coasts of India. These plains are narrow and are famous for their beaches, ports, and fishing activities.
  1. The Islands
    The Islands of India, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands, are located in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, respectively. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches and unique ecosystems.
Physiographic Divisions of India
6 Physiographic Divisions of India

Short Notes on Physiographic Divisions of India

A brief description of the five physiographic divisions of India is provided in the following sections.

Northern Mountain

The Northern Mountains are divided into three distinct groups:

  1. The Trans-Himalayas
  2. The Himalayas
  3. The Purvanchal Hills

Theory on the Formation of the Himalayas

Edward Suess’s Theory

According to Edward Suess, the formation of the Himalayas was caused by compressional forces that worked from the north. These forces led to the folding of the Tethys sediment, which had been deposited in the bed of the ancient Tethys Ocean.

  • Angara Land (north of Tethys) acted as the backland, while Gondwana Land (located along the southern margin of Tethys) served as the foreland, remaining stationary during this process.
  • The southward movement of Angara Land resulted in the compression of the Tethyan sediments against the Peninsular Mass, causing the formation of three successive arc-like mountain ranges from west to east.
  • The two extended horns of the Peninsula—the Aravallis and Delhi Ridge in the west and the Meghalaya Plateau in the east—played a key role in this process.
  • The southward bend of the Himalayan ranges is considered strong evidence supporting Suess’s theory.
Kober’s Theory

Kober, a famous German geologist, presented a detailed description of Earth’s surface features in his book Der Bau der Erde. In his work, he attempted to establish a connection between ancient rigid landmasses and orogeny (mobile zones or geosynclines).

  • Geosynclinals Theory: Kober’s theory focuses on explaining the origin of mountains through geosynclines. According to him, the Tethys geosyncline once occupied the present-day region of the Himalayas, bordered by Angaraland in the north and Gondwanaland in the south. Both of these rigid landmasses acted as forelands.
  • Convergence of Rigid Masses: During the Eocene period, the Angaraland and Gondwanaland masses began to converge. This convergence resulted in the formation of folds along the northern and southern borders of the Tethys sediments.
  • Formation of Mountains: This process gave birth to the Kunlun Mountains in the north and the Himalayas in the south. The Tibetan Plateau, located between these two mountain ranges, remained largely unaffected by the folding. However, it was slightly raised due to the intense compressional forces at work.

The Trans-Himalayan Range

  • The Trans-Himalayan Range lies north of the Greater Himalayas and runs parallel to it.
  • The Zaskar Range forms a significant part of the Trans-Himalayas.
  • To the north of the Zaskar Range is the Ladakh Range, with the Indus River flowing between these two ranges.
  • The Karakoram Range is located in the extreme north of India.
  • K2, the second-highest peak in the world, is part of the Karakoram Range.

The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayan Mountains are a young fold mountain range that stretches in a west-east direction, from the Indus River to the Brahmaputra River, covering a total distance of about 2,500 km.

The width of the Himalayas varies, being around 400 km in the western part and narrowing to about 150 km in the eastern part. These mountains are classified into three parallel ranges:

  • Greater Himalayas (Himadri)
  • Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)
  • Outer Himalayas (Siwaliks)
(a) The Greater Himalayas or Himadari
  • The Greater Himalayas, also known as Himadri, are the northernmost mountain ranges with towering peaks.
  • These ranges have an average height of about 6,000 meters and a width ranging from 120 to 190 kilometers.
  • They are home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest (8,848 m), the highest peak globally, and Kanchenjunga, which is the highest peak in India.
  • Other notable peaks in this range include Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Nanga Parbat.
  • Important mountain passes in this region include Bara Lacha-La, Shipki-La, Nathu-La, and Zoji-La.
  • Major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna have their sources in the glaciers of the Greater Himalayas.
(b) The Lesser Himalayas or Himachal
  • The Lesser Himalayas, also called Himachal, lie between the Greater Himalayas and the Shiwaliks.
  • These ranges have a height of 1,000 to 4,500 meters and an average width of about 50 kilometers.
  • Prominent ranges in this region include the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Mahabharata ranges.
  • Popular hill stations located here are Shimla, Dalhousie, Darjeeling, Chakrata, Mussoorie, and Nainital.
  • Beautiful valleys like Kashmir, Kullu, and Kangra are also part of the Lesser Himalayas.
(c) The Outer Himalayas or the Siwaliks
  • The Outer Himalayas, also known as the Siwaliks, form the outermost range of the Himalayan mountains.
  • Their height ranges from 900 to 1,100 meters, and their width varies between 10 to 50 kilometers.
  • The valleys located between the Siwaliks and the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal) are called ‘Duns’.
  • Famous examples of these valleys include Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, and Patli Dun.
Division of Himalayas Chart
Division of Himalayas Chart

The Purvanchal Hills

  • The Purvanchal Hills are located on the eastern side of India.
  • This region includes the Mishmi, Patkoi, Naga, and Mizo Hills.
  • The Meghalaya Plateau is also a part of the Purvanchal Hills, comprising the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills.

Regional Divisions of Himalayas

The Himalayan Mountain Ranges are divided into four main regions, separated by deep valleys or gorges carved by rivers flowing through them.

The Punjab Himalayas
  • The Punjab Himalayas lie between the Indus River and the Satluj River.
  • They are also called the Jammu-Kashmir Himalayas and the Himachal Himalayas, as most of this region is in these two states.
  • This section stretches for about 560 kilometers.
  • Important ranges in this region include the Ladakh Range, Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Zaskar.
  • The Zoji La Pass, located here, stands at an altitude of 3,444 meters above sea level.
The Kumaon Himalayas
  • The Kumaon Himalayas stretch for about 320 kilometers, lying between the Satluj River and the Kali River.
  • These ranges are higher than the Punjab Himalayas.
  • Major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna originate from the Kumaon Himalayas.
The Nepal Himalayas
  • The Nepal Himalayas lie between the Kali River and the Tista River, stretching for about 800 kilometers.
  • Most of this range is in Nepal, which is why it is called the Nepal Himalayas.
  • It is the highest section of the Himalayas, home to towering peaks like Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Makalu.
  • The Kathmandu Valley, a flat and fertile region, is also located in the Nepal Himalayas.
The Assam Himalayas

The Assam Himalayas stretches for about 720 kilometers, located between the Tista River and the Dihang River (also known as the Tsangpo-Brahmaputra).

Regional Divisions of Himalayas
Regional Divisions of Himalayas

Significance of the Himalayan Mountains to India

  • Climatic Influence: The Himalayas act as a barrier to cold winds from the north, helping to moderate India’s climate. They also influence the monsoon, causing heavy rainfall on the southern slopes.
  • Defence: The Himalayas provide a natural defence against invasions from the north, protecting India from hostile forces.
  • Source of Rivers: The Himalayas are the source of many major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Indus, which are essential for water supply, irrigation, and power generation.
  • Fertile Soil: The rivers flowing from the Himalayas bring fertile soil to the plains, making them highly suitable for agriculture.
  • Hydroelectricity: The fast-flowing rivers of the Himalayas provide immense potential for hydroelectric power generation.
  • Forest Wealth: The Himalayan region is rich in forests, which provide valuable timber, medicinal plants, and contribute to the biodiversity of India.
  • Agriculture: The fertile soil and favorable climate support the growth of various crops, including rice, wheat, tea, and fruits, benefiting Indian agriculture.
  • Tourism: The stunning natural beauty, including high peaks, valleys, and lakes, makes the Himalayas a major tourist destination, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
  • Pilgrimage: The Himalayas are home to several sacred shrines and pilgrimage sites like Amarnath, Badrinath, and Kedarnath, attracting millions of religious pilgrims each year.
  • Minerals: The Himalayas are rich in mineral resources such as salt, limestone, manganese, and marble, contributing to India’s economy.

The Northern Plain

Origin

  • The Northern Plain of India, also known as the Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain, was formed by sediments carried by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers, and their tributaries.
  • A long time ago, there was a shallow area (called a geosyncline) between the Himalayas and the Deccan Plateau.
  • When the Himalayas were formed, this area began to collect sediments and debris from the rivers.
  • Over time, these materials built up and created the vast flat plain we see in Northern India today.

Location and Region

  • Located between the south of the Himalayas and north of the Peninsular Plateau.
  • Formed by the deposition of sediments brought by three main river systems: the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra.
  • 2400 km long, with width varying from about 300 km in the west to about 150 km in the east.
  • Includes the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
  • One of the largest and most fertile plains in the world. Major crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, and jute are grown here.

Divisions of Northern Plains

Based on relief features:

Based on relief features, the Northern Plain can be divided into the following regions:

  • Bhabar:
    • After descending from the mountains, rivers deposit pebbles in a narrow belt.
    • The width of this belt is about 8-16 km and lies parallel to the Shiwaliks.
    • All the streams disappear in this region.
  • Terai:
    • Lies to the south of the Bhabar belt.
    • In this region, the streams reappear, creating a wet, swampy, and marshy area.
  • Bhangar:
    • The largest part of the Northern Plain is composed of the oldest alluvial soil.
    • It lies above the floodplains and resembles terraces.
    • The soil is locally known as kankar and is composed of calcareous deposits.
  • Khadar:
    • The floodplains formed by younger alluvium are called Khadar.
    • The soil in this region is renewed every year, making it highly fertile.
Regional division of Northern Plains:
  • Punjab Plains:
    • Forms the western part of the Northern Plains.
    • It is formed by the Indus and its tributaries like Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
    • A major portion of this plain is in Pakistan.
    • Doabs (land between two rivers) are common in this plain.
  • Ganga Plain:
    • Extends between the Ghaggar and Tista rivers.
    • The northern states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, parts of Jharkhand, and West Bengal lie in the Ganga Plains.
  • Brahmaputra Plains:
    • Forms the eastern part of the Northern Plain.
    • Lies in the state of Assam.

Significance of the Great Plains of India

  • The northern plains are a riverine region with fertile soil, a favorable climate, a flat surface for construction, and slow-moving rivers. These factors make the plains extremely important for development.
  • Irrigation systems developed on the tributaries of rivers like the Satluj, Ganga, Yamuna, and others have turned once barren regions in Punjab, Haryana, northern Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh into populous and prosperous areas.

Key Significance:

  • Heavy Concentration of Population:
    • The five rich states of the plain (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal) support some of the densest populations in the world.
  • Cultural and Political Importance:
    • The plains are central to political power, as well as to economic and cultural movements.
    • Delhi, Patna, and Kolkata have served as important political capitals.
  • Social and Religious Significance:
    • The Ganga is considered the sacred river in Hinduism, and areas like Gaya, Mathura, Sangam, and Haridwar are recognized as holy lands.
    • This region was important in the spread of the teachings of Buddha, Mahavira, and the movements of Bhakti and Sufism.
  • Economic Significance:
    • The plains have fertile soil, perennial rivers, and a favorable climate, making them some of the most productive agricultural areas in the country.
    • Major crops like rice, wheat, oilseeds, sugarcane, tobacco, and jute are grown here.
    • People in this region engage in a wide variety of occupations, including commercial and industrial activities.

The Peninsular Plateau

  • The Peninsular Plateau is a triangular-shaped tableland and is part of the ancient landmass called Gondwana land.
  • It covers an area of nearly 5 lakh sq.km and is spread across the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • The River Narmada divides the Peninsular Plateau into two parts:
    1. The Central Highlands
    2. The Deccan Plateau

1. The Central Highlands

  • The Central Highlands extend from the Narmada River to the northern plains.
  • The Aravalli Range is an important mountain range that stretches from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Delhi.
  • The Malwa Plateau and Chhota Nagpur Plateau are parts of the Central Highlands.
  • Important rivers in this region include the Betwa, Chambal, and Ken.
  • The Mahadeo, Kaimur, and Maikal hills are located in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
  • The Narmada Valley lies between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The Narmada River flows from east to west and empties into the Arabian Sea.

2. The Deccan Plateau

  • The Deccan Plateau is separated from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau by a fault.
  • The black soil area in the Deccan Plateau is known as Deccan Trap, formed due to volcanic eruptions. This soil is ideal for cultivating crops like cotton and sugarcane.

The Deccan Plateau is broadly divided into two main parts:

  • (a) The Western Ghats
  • (b) The Eastern Ghats
(a) The Western Ghats:
  • The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast for about 1600 km.
  • The average elevation of the Western Ghats is around 1000 meters.
  • Peaks: Doda Betta, Anaimudi, and Makurti.
  • The Western Ghats are continuous and can be crossed through passes like Pal Ghat, Thal Ghat, and Bhor Ghat.
  • Important rivers: Godavari, Bhima, and Krishna flow eastward, while the Tapti River flows westward.
(b) The Eastern Ghats:
  • The Eastern Ghats form a discontinuous low belt with an elevation of about 600 meters.
  • They run parallel to the east coast, from the south of the Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiri Hills.
  • Famous hills include Mahendragiri, Nimaigiri (Orissa), Nallamallai (Southern Andhra Pradesh), Kollimalai, and Pachaimalai (Tamil Nadu).
  • The area is drained by major river systems like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
  • The Nilgiri Hills join the Western and Eastern Ghats in the south.
 Majestic Plateaus of India
Majestic Plateaus of India

The Indian Desert

  • The Indian Desert lies towards the western margin of the Aravalli Hills.
  • It is also known as the Thar Desert.
  • The Thar Desert is the ninth-largest desert in the world.
  • The desert is dotted with dunes and barchans.
  • It spreads across the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
  • The region experiences semi-arid and arid weather conditions, receiving less than 150 mm of rainfall per year.
  • The vegetation cover is sparse, consisting mainly of thorny bushes.
  • Luni is the main river in this area.

The Coastal Plains

The coastal plains run parallel to the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal along the Peninsular Plateau.

Western Coastal Plain

  • The Western Coastal Plain is a narrow belt along the Arabian Sea, about 10-20 km wide.
  • It stretches from the Rann of Kachchh to Kanyakumari.
  • The Western Coastal Plain is divided into three sectors:
    1. Konkan Coast (from Mumbai to Goa),
    2. Karnataka Coast (from Goa to Mangalore),
    3. Malabar Coast (from Mangalore to Kanyakumari).
Coastal Plains of India
Coastal Plains of India (Photo Credit: Nextias.com)

Eastern Coastal Plain

  • The Eastern Coastal Plain runs along the Bay of Bengal and is wider than the Western Coastal Plain, with an average width of about 120 km.
  • The northern part of the coast is known as the Northern Circar, while the southern part is called the Coromandel Coast.
  • The Eastern Coastal Plain is marked by deltas formed by the rivers Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
  • The Chilika Lake, the largest saltwater lake in India, is located to the south of the Mahanadi Delta in Odisha.

Economic Importance

  • The coastal plains are vital for growing crops like spices, rice, coconut, and pepper.
  • These regions are also centers of trade and commerce.
  • Coastal areas are known for fishing activities, and numerous fishing villages have developed along the coasts.
  • Vembanad, a famous lagoon, is located along the Malabar Coast.
MAJOR ISLANDS OF INDIA
MAJOR ISLANDS OF INDIA

The Islands

India is home to two major groups of islands:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  • Located in the Bay of Bengal, these islands number 204.
  • Stretch from north to south across the Bay of Bengal.
  • These islands are larger in size.
  • Barren Island, part of this group, is home to an active volcano.

Lakshadweep Islands

  • Comprising 36 islands situated in the Arabian Sea, near the Malabar Coast of Kerala.
  • Covers a total area of 32 square kilometers.
  • Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep.
  • These islands are primarily formed from corals and host a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Don’t Miss: Detailed Geography Facts of Lakshadweep Islands

FAQs

Q1: Which are the major physiographic divisions of India?

Answer: The major physiographic divisions of India are:
1. The Northern Mountains
2. The Northern Plains
3. The Peninsular Plateau
4. The Indian Desert
5. The Coastal Plains
6. The Islands

Q2: What is the meaning of physiographic?

Answer: Physiography refers to the study and description of the physical features of the Earth’s surface, including landforms, climate, and natural vegetation. It encompasses the analysis of landscapes and the processes that shape them.

Q3: What defines physiographic regions?

Answer: Physiographic regions are defined by their distinct physical features, including landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation. These regions are areas with uniform topography and geological structure, which separate them from surrounding areas. The unique combination of these characteristics makes each physiographic region distinct and recognizable.

Q4: Which is the largest physiographic division of India?

Answer: The Peninsular Plateau is the largest physiographic division of India. This ancient plateau covers a vast area and includes regions such as the Deccan Plateau, the Central Highlands, and the Eastern and Western Ghats. It is characterized by its extensive highlands, hills, and plateaus.

Q5: Which is the smallest physiographic division of India?

Answer: Which is the smallest physiographic division of India?
The Islands are the smallest physiographic division of India. This division includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands have unique topographical and ecological features, making them distinct from the mainland.

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