The Peninsula Plateau
Constituting the largest physiographic division of India, the Peninsular upland forms an irregular triangle with a general elevation ranging from 600 to 900 meters. Its outer boundaries include the Delhi ridge in the northwest (an extension of the Aravallis), the Raj Mahal hills in the east, the Gir range in the west, and the Cardamom hills in the south. The northeast extension features the Shillong and Karbi-Anglong plateau. Originating from the fragmentation and movement of the Gondwana landmass, the Peninsular Plateau stands as one of India’s oldest and most stable landmasses, comprising ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Notable plateaus within Peninsular India include the Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi, Malwa, Coimbatore, and Karnataka plateaus.
A distinctive feature of the Peninsular Plateau is the presence of black soil areas known as the Deccan Trap, formed from volcanic activity. Over time, these igneous rocks have weathered, giving rise to the formation of fertile black soil.
Based on prominent relief features, the Peninsular plateau can be categorized into three main groups:
- The Central Highlands – Positioned north of the Narmada river, this region encompasses the Malwa plateau, bordered by the Aravallis to the north and the Vindhyan range to the south. The Aravallis, among the world’s oldest folded mountain ranges, extend into Rajasthan, featuring notable peaks like Guru Sikhar. The Vindhyan range, bounded by the Satpura range to the south, forms the northern boundary of the Deccan plateau.
- The Deccan Plateau – Spanning south of the Narmada river, the Deccan Plateau comprises a triangular landmass flanked by the Satpura range to the north. It extends eastward with the Mahadev, Kaimur Hills, and Maikal range. To the northeast, extensions of the plateau include the Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong Plateau, and North Cachar Hills, separated by faults from the Chotanagpur Plateau. Noteworthy hill ranges include the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills.
- Western Ghats – These mountain ranges border the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, running parallel to the western coast for about 1600 km. Known locally as Sahyadri in Maharashtra and Nilgiri Hills in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats feature peaks like Anaimudi and Dodabetta. They serve as the source of rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, influencing regional climates and supporting diverse ecosystems.
- Eastern Ghats – Forming the eastern boundary of the Deccan Plateau, the Eastern Ghats consist of low hills eroded by rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Notable ranges include the Javadi hills, Palconda range, Nallamala hills, and Mahendragiri hills, with the highest peak being Mahendragiri. The Eastern and Western Ghats converge at the Nilgiri hills.
- The Northeastern Plateau – An extension of the main Peninsular Plateau, this region emerged due to the northeastward movement of the Indian plate during the formation of the Himalayas. A significant fault created between the Rajmahal hills and the Meghalaya plateau led to the deposition of sediments, resulting in the detachment of the Meghalaya and Karbi-Anglong plateau from the main Peninsular block. The Meghalaya plateau, rich in mineral resources, receives heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon, leading to extensive erosion and unique landscapes like those found in Cherrapunji.
Indian Geography
India is like a big puzzle with lots of different pieces. There are mountains in the north that reach way up high, while in the south, there are sunny beaches. In the west, there are dry, sandy deserts; in the east, there’s lush greenery as far as the eye can see.
This country sits between two big oceans, and its geography has shaped its history and culture. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at India’s geography. We’ll travel all around the country, learning about its different landscapes and what makes them special. So, get ready to discover the amazing places and stories that India’s geography has to offer!
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