India’s diverse physiography plays a crucial role in its climate, rivers, vegetation, and human settlements. The country is divided into six major physical divisions—the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands. Each region has unique geographical features that influence India’s natural resources and biodiversity.
In this comprehensive guide, we provide easy-to-understand notes on India’s physical geography, covering key facts, important locations, and exam-focused insights for UPSC, RRB NTPC, SSC, WBCS, and other competitive exams. Stay ahead in your preparation with our well-structured and informative content!
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Major Physiographic Divisions of India – Easy Notes
India has a diverse landscape with six major physiographic divisions, each with unique landforms, climate, and importance. Let’s explore them one by one:
1️⃣ Northern and Northeastern Mountains
🔹 The Himalayas and the Northeastern hills form a natural barrier in the north. These mountains have lofty peaks, deep valleys, and glaciers, making them important for climate, rivers, and biodiversity.
2️⃣ Northern Plains
🔹 The Northern Plains, formed by rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, are flat and fertile. These plains are great for agriculture and have a dense population due to their rich soil and water availability.
3️⃣ Peninsular Plateau
🔹 This region has old rocky hills, plateaus, and valleys. The Deccan Plateau and the Central Highlands make up this area, rich in minerals, forests, and rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Narmada.
4️⃣ Indian Desert
🔹 The Thar Desert in Rajasthan is hot, dry, and sandy. It has very little rainfall, extreme temperatures, and unique desert wildlife.
5️⃣ Coastal Plains
🔹 India has two coastal plains—the Western Coastal Plain along the Arabian Sea and the Eastern Coastal Plain along the Bay of Bengal. These regions have beautiful beaches, fertile deltas, and major ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
6️⃣ Islands
🔹 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea add to India’s natural beauty and biodiversity. These islands are important for tourism, marine life, and strategic location.
India’s physiographic diversity influences its climate, agriculture, economy, and culture. Understanding these divisions is crucial for UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams.
Stay tuned for detailed notes on each region to boost your exam preparation! 🚀
Physiographic Divisions of India MAP
Northern and Northeastern Mountains
India’s Northern Mountains are an important part of its geography, influencing the climate, rivers, and biodiversity. These mountains are divided into three groups:
1️⃣ The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas are young fold mountains that stretch 2,500 km from the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east. The width varies from 400 km in the west to 150 km in the east.
The Himalayas have three parallel mountain ranges:
(a) Greater Himalayas (Himadri)
🔹 The highest and northernmost range.
🔹 Peaks are very tall, with an average height of 6,000 meters.
🔹 Famous peaks: Mount Everest (8,848 m) – the highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga – the highest in India, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Nanga Parbat.
🔹 Important mountain passes: Bara Lacha-La, Shipki-La, Nathu-La, Zoji-La.
🔹 Rivers like Ganga and Yamuna originate here
(b) Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)
🔹 Located below the Greater Himalayas
🔹 Height: 1,000 – 4,500 meters
🔹 Width: 50 km
🔹 Includes Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Mahabharata ranges
🔹 Famous hill stations: Shimla, Darjeeling, Mussoorie, Nainital, Dalhousie
🔹 Beautiful valleys: Kashmir, Kullu, Kangra
(c) Outer Himalayas (Siwaliks)
🔹 The lowest and outermost range of the Himalayas
🔹 Height: 900 – 1,100 meters
🔹 Width: 10 – 50 km
🔹 Between Siwalik and Lesser Himalayas, we find valleys called ‘Duns’ – Dehradun, Kotli Dun, Patli Dun
2️⃣ The Trans-Himalayan Ranges
🔹 Located north of the Greater Himalayas
🔹 Includes Zaskar Range, Ladakh Range, and Karakoram Range
🔹 The Indus River flows between the Zaskar and Ladakh ranges
🔹 Karakoram Range in the extreme north has K2 (8,611 m) – the second highest peak in the world
3️⃣ The Purvanchal Hills
🔹 Located in the eastern part of India
🔹 Includes Mishmi, Patkoi, Naga, and Mizo Hills
🔹 The Meghalaya Plateau is part of these hills and includes:
- Garo Hills
- Khasi Hills
- Jaintia Hills
Why Are the Northern Mountains Important?
✔️ Control climate – Protect India from cold winds
✔️ Source of rivers – Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra start here
✔️ Rich biodiversity – Home to rare plants and animals
✔️ Tourism hub – Beautiful hill stations, trekking, and adventure sports
✔️ Natural barrier – Protects India from invasions
India’s Northern Mountains are geographically and economically important. They shape the climate, rivers, and way of life for millions.
Regional or Longitudinal division of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges
The Himalayan mountain range is divided into four major sections, each separated by deep river gorges.
These sections are spread across several states and countries, offering breathtaking landscapes and diverse geography. Let’s explore each one in detail:
1. The Punjab Himalayas
🔹Location: Between the Indus and the Satlej rivers.
🔹Alternate Name: Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Himalayas.
🔹Length: 560 kilometers.
🔹Key Ranges: Ladakh, Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Zaskar.
🔹Notable Pass: Zoji La Pass (altitude of 3,444 meters).
🔸This section is mostly found in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, providing stunning mountain views and acting as a natural barrier in the region.
2. The Kumaon Himalayas
🔹Location: Between the Satlej and Kali rivers.
🔹Length: 320 kilometers.
🔹Geography: This section is higher than the Punjab Himalayas.
🔹Important Rivers: Ganga and Yamuna both originate here.
🔸The Kumaon Himalayas are famous for their stunning peaks and are the source of two of India’s most important rivers, the Ganga and Yamuna.
3. The Nepal Himalayas
🔹Location: Between the Kali and Tista rivers.
🔹Length: 800 kilometers.
🔹Famous Peaks: Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Makalu.
🔹Notable Feature: The Kathmandu Valley.
🔹Located mostly in Nepal, this is the highest part of the Himalayas, home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, and other famous peaks. The region is also known for its rich culture and beautiful valleys.
4. The Assam Himalayas
🔹Location: Between the Tista and Dihang (Tsangpo-Brahmaputra) rivers.
🔹Length: 720 kilometers.
🔸This section of the Himalayas is located in Assam, known for its lush green landscapes, rivers, and wildlife.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Himalayas: Home to famous ranges and passes, located in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
- Kumaon Himalayas: Higher mountain ranges with the origins of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
- Nepal Himalayas: The highest part of the Himalayas, with iconic peaks like Everest and Kanchenjunga.
- Assam Himalayas: Known for its rich biodiversity and located in Assam.
The Northern Plain
The Northern Plain is one of the most important geographical regions in India, known for its fertility, climate, and agricultural productivity. Let’s break down its origin, features, and significance.
Origin of the Northern Plain
🔹 The Northern Plain was formed by sediments brought down by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries.
🔹 Geologists believe that a shallow trough or geosyncline existed between the Himalayas and the Deccan Plateau.
🔹 Over time, as the Himalayas uplifted, sediments and debris from rivers filled the trough, creating the vast alluvial plain we see today.
Geographical Location
🔹 Located between the Himalayas in the north and the Peninsular Plateau in the south, the Northern Plain extends across several states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Features of the Northern Plain
🔹 The Northern Plain is 2,400 km long, with a width that ranges from 300 km in the west to about 150 km in the east.
🔹 It is one of the largest and most fertile plains in the world, producing major crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses, oilseeds, and jute.
Relief Features of the Northern Plain
The Northern Plain can be divided into four regions based on relief features:
i. Bhabar
🔹 Located at the foot of the Himalayas, rivers deposit pebbles in a narrow belt, about 8-16 km wide.
🔹 In this region, most streams disappear before reappearing in the Terai.
ii. Terai
🔹 South of the Bhabar belt, the streams reappear in the swampy, marshy, and wet land.
iii. Bhangar
🔹 The largest part of the Northern Plain, made of older alluvial soil.
🔹 This region lies above flood plains and resembles terraces. The soil is locally called kankar and contains calcareous deposits.
iv. Khadar
🔹 Made of younger alluvium, the flood plains of the region are constantly renewed by floods, making the soil highly fertile.
Regional Divisions of the Northern Plain
The Northern Plain is further divided into three regions based on the rivers that formed them:
i. Punjab Plains
🔹 Found in the western part of the Northern Plain, formed by the Indus and its tributaries like Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
🔹 The region is known for its Doabs (the land between two rivers).
ii. Ganga Plain
🔹 This region extends between the Ghaggar and Tista rivers.
🔹 States like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal lie in this area.
iii. Brahmaputra Plain
🔹 Located in the eastern part, it lies in Assam and is part of the Brahmaputra River basin.
Significance of the Northern Plain
(a) Agricultural Importance
🔹 The fertile soil, perennial rivers, and favorable climate make this region the agricultural heart of India. Major crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and oilseeds are grown here.
(b) Heavy Concentration of Population
🔹 This region supports one of the densest populations in the world due to its fertile soil and agricultural prosperity.
(c) Cultural and Political Importance
🔹 The Northern Plain has been the center of political power, cultural movements, and religious significance.
🔹 Delhi, Patna, and Kolkata have been major political capitals of India.
(d) Social and Religious Significance
🔹 The Ganga is considered a sacred river in Hinduism, and areas like Mathura, Haridwar, and Varanasi are seen as holy lands.
(e) Economic Importance
🔹 The fertile soil and irrigation systems have made the Northern Plain an agriculture-driven economy, boosting the production of essential crops and promoting trade and industry.
The Northern Plain is a vital region in India due to its fertile soil, agriculture, and cultural significance.
The Peninsular Plateau of India
The Peninsular Plateau is one of the most important physical features of India, known for its unique shape and diverse landforms. Let’s understand its structure, divisions, and significance in simple terms.
What is the Peninsular Plateau?
🔹 The Peninsular Plateau is a triangular-shaped tableland formed from the ancient landmass called Gondwana.
🔹 It covers nearly 5 lakh square kilometers and spans across several states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Divisions of the Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is divided into two main parts by the River Narmada:
- Central Highlands
- Deccan Plateau
(i) The Central Highlands
🔹 The Central Highlands extend from the Narmada River to the Northern Plains.
🔹 Important features of the Central Highlands include:
- Aravalli Mountains: These mountains stretch from Gujarat to Delhi.
- Malwa Plateau and Chhota Nagpur Plateau are part of the Central Highlands.
- Key rivers like Betwa, Chambal, and Ken flow through this region.
- The Mahadeo, Kaimur, and Maikal hills are important hills of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
- The Narmada Valley lies between the Vindhya and Satpura mountains, flowing east to west, and eventually joins the Arabian Sea.
(ii) The Deccan Plateau
🔹 The Deccan Plateau lies south of the Narmada River and is separated from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau by a fault line.
🔹 This region is famous for the Deccan Trap, a black soil area formed by volcanic eruptions, ideal for cotton and sugarcane cultivation.
Divisions of the Deccan Plateau
The Deccan Plateau is further divided into two important mountain ranges:
- The Western Ghats
- The Eastern Ghats
(a) The Western Ghats
🔹 The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India, covering a distance of about 1,600 km.
🔹 Key features of the Western Ghats:
- The average elevation is 1,000 meters.
- Famous peaks include Doda Betta, Anaimudi, and Makurti.
- Western Ghats are continuous and can be crossed through passes like Palghat, Thal Ghat, and Bhor Ghat.
- Rivers like Godavari, Bhima, and Krishna flow eastward, while the Tapti River flows westward.
(b) The Eastern Ghats
🔹 The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of mountains with an average elevation of 600 meters.
🔹 They run parallel to the eastern coast from the Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiri Hills in the south.
🔹 Key features of the Eastern Ghats:
- Famous hills like Mahendragiri, Nimigiri, Nallamallai, Kollimalai, and Pachaimalai are part of this range.
- This area is drained by major rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
- The Nilgiri Hills join both the Western and Eastern Ghats in the south.
The Peninsular Plateau is a unique landform in India, consisting of the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau. With its rich soil, mountain ranges, and river systems, this region plays a significant role in India’s agriculture, geography, and climate.
The Indian Desert
The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is a unique and vast region in India. Here’s a breakdown of its features:
Location
🔹 The Indian Desert is located on the western margin of the Aravalli Hills.
🔹 It is commonly called the Thar Desert, one of the most famous deserts in India.
Size and Importance
🔹 The Thar Desert is the ninth-largest desert in the world. It spans across the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India.
Physical Features
🔹 The desert is dotted with dunes (sand hills) and barchans (crescent-shaped sand dunes), giving it a typical desert landscape.
Climate and Weather
🔹 The region experiences semi-arid and arid weather conditions.
🔹 It receives less than 150 mm of rainfall annually, making it one of the driest areas in India.
Vegetation
🔹 Due to the dry conditions, the vegetation is low, mainly consisting of thorny bushes and drought-resistant plants.
Rivers and Water
🔹 The main river in the Indian Desert is the Luni River, which flows through the desert region.
The Thar Desert is a vast, dry region with a unique landscape and limited vegetation. Despite its harsh conditions, it holds cultural and historical significance for the people living in this area.
The Coastal Plains of India
The Coastal Plains of India are beautiful and important regions that lie along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
These plains stretch across the Peninsular Plateau and are divided into two parts: the Western Coastal Plain and the Eastern Coastal Plain.
1. Western Coastal Plain
🔹 Location: Runs along the Arabian Sea.
🔹 Width: Narrow belt, about 10-20 km wide.
🔹 Stretch: From the Rann of Kachchh (in Gujarat) to Kanyakumari (in Tamil Nadu).
Three Sectors of Western Coastal Plain:
- Konkan Coast: From Mumbai to Goa.
- Karnataka Coast: From Goa to Mangalore.
- Malabar Coast: From Mangalore to Kanyakumari.
2. Eastern Coastal Plain
🔹 Location: Runs along the Bay of Bengal.
🔹 Width: Wider than the western coastal plain, about 120 km wide on average.
🔹 Stretch: From West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south.
Two Parts of Eastern Coastal Plain:
- Northern Circar: The northern part.
- Coromandal Coast: The southern part.
Key Features of Eastern Coastal Plain
🔹 Marked by Deltas formed by the rivers Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
🔹 Chilika Lake: The largest saltwater lake in India, located in Odisha, near the Mahanadi Delta.
🔰Discover Comprehensive Notes on Major Lakes in India
Importance of Coastal Plains
🔹 Agriculture: The coastal plains are perfect for growing spices, rice, coconut, pepper, and more.
🔹 Fishing: These areas are hubs for fishing activities, and fishing villages are found along the coasts.
🔹 Trade and Commerce: The coastal plains are centers of trade and commerce due to their access to sea routes.
Famous Landmarks
- Vembanad: A famous lagoon located on the Malabar Coast in Kerala.
The Coastal Plains of India are not just vital for agriculture, fishing, and trade but are also home to rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. These plains play a key role in the economic development of the country.
The Islands of India
India is home to two main groups of islands, each located in different seas. Let’s take a look at their features:
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
🔹 Location: These islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, stretching from north to south.
🔹 Number of Islands: There are 204 islands in this group.
🔹 Size: The Andaman and Nicobar islands are larger in size compared to other island groups in India.
🔹 Volcano: An active volcano is located on Barren Island, which is part of this group.
🔹 Flora and Fauna: The islands are rich in biodiversity, with a variety of plants and animals.
2. Lakshadweep Islands
🔹 Location: Located in the Arabian Sea, near the Malabar Coast of Kerala.
🔹 Number of Islands: There are 43 islands in this group.
🔹 Size: The total area of Lakshadweep is about 32 sq km.
🔹 Capital: The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti.
🔹 Formation: These islands are formed by coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of marine life.
Key Points About Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Both groups are known for their beautiful beaches, diverse ecosystems, and rich marine life.
- Coral reefs around these islands make them popular for marine tourism and underwater exploration.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands are important parts of India’s physical geography. They are not only significant for their natural beauty but also for their rich ecosystems and unique volcanic and coral formations.
Importance of the Physiography of India
India’s diverse physiography plays a critical role in shaping its geography, climate, and economy. Each physiographic division contributes uniquely to the nation’s ecological, cultural, and economic landscape.
✅ Fold Mountains – The Great Mountain Wall of the North
- Geographical Formation: The Himalayas form the Great Mountain Wall that stretches from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
- Geographic Span: These mountains span over 2,500 kilometers, making them one of the longest mountain ranges in the world.
- Variable Width: The width of the Himalayas ranges between 230 and 400 kilometers.
- Himalayan Identity: Known as the Himalayas, they are crucial in defining the northern geography of India.
- Contribution to Fertility: The Himalayas provide nutrient-rich alluvial soils, making the surrounding areas highly fertile and agriculturally productive.
- Protective Role: These mountains act as a natural barrier, protecting the Indian subcontinent from cold Central Asian winds, thus maintaining moderate temperatures in the region.
✅ Great Northern Plain
- Geographic Location: Situated south of the Himalayas, this plain extends from the Punjab Plain in the west to the Brahmaputra valley in the east.
- Riverine Region: Known for its slow-moving rivers, the Northern Plain is a significant feature of the Indian landscape.
- Fertile Soil: The region is blessed with fertile alluvial soils, making it one of the most agriculturally productive areas in the world.
- Moderate Temperatures: The temperate climate supports a wide range of agricultural and economic activities.
- Strategic Importance: The combination of fertile soil, moderate climate, and flat topography makes the Great Northern Plain vital for both agriculture and infrastructure development.
✅ Peninsular Plateau
- Geographical Location: The Peninsular Plateau lies between the northern central highlands and the southern Deccan Plateau.
- Geological Significance: It is one of the oldest geological formations in India, rich in minerals and natural resources.
- Rich in Minerals: This plateau holds significant reserves of minerals, such as coal, iron ore, and mica, contributing greatly to India’s economy.
- Economic Role: The plateau’s mineral wealth makes it crucial for industries like mining and manufacturing, playing a pivotal role in India’s economic landscape.
✅ Coastal Plains – West and East
- Geographic Flanking: The West Coastal Plain and East Coastal Plain run parallel to the Western and Eastern Ghats, respectively, along India’s coastline.
- Economic Importance: These coastal plains house major ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, making them integral to trade and commerce.
- Fertile Soil: The rich and fertile soil in these plains supports the cultivation of crops like rice, sugarcane, and spices.
- Agricultural Role: The fertile soil in these plains ensures that India remains a top producer of agricultural products, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
✅ Islands
- Island Groups: India has two key island groups: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands.
- Maritime Security: These islands are crucial for maritime security, serving as a strategic location for India to safeguard important maritime chokepoints.
- Pirate Deterrence: The islands help deter pirate attacks in Indian waters, enhancing security in the region.
- Cooperative Exercises: The islands support collaborative defense efforts, engaging in exercises with other navies to ensure the security of marine assets.
- Marine Asset Security: These islands play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of India’s maritime routes and trade assets.
Conclusion
The physiography of India is not just a collection of geographical features but an intricate web that influences the climate, agriculture, economy, and security of the nation. From the towering Himalayas to the fertile plains and strategic islands, each region plays a significant role in India’s development and global standing.
Physiographic Divisions of India FAQs
The 6 physical divisions of India are:
The Himalayan Mountains.
The Northern Plains.
The Peninsular Plateau.
The Indian Desert.
The Coastal Plains.
The Islands.
The Peninsular Plateau or Deccan Plateau is recognized as the largest physiographic division in India, covering an expansive area of approximately 16 lakh sq km.
The peninsular plateau, originating from the Gondwana landmass, is considered the oldest landmass of the Indian subcontinent.
The Northern Plains are acknowledged as the youngest physiographic feature in India, situated south of the Shivaliks and bordered by the Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF).
India has six physiographic divisions based on varied features: the Northern and North-eastern Mountain, Northern Plain, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.
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