Major Plateaus of India | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
 
Map: Plateaus in India 
Introduction 
India's diverse and captivating landscape is graced by a fascinating geological 
feature known as plateaus. These flat-topped expanses of land surrounded by 
escarpments and occasionally nestled amidst mountains have a rich history and 
unique formation process. In this article, we will delve into the types, formation, 
and significance of plateaus in India, with a particular focus on the Peninsular 
Plateau, Chota Nagpur Plateau, Bundelkhand Upland, and Central Highland. Let's 
embark on this geological journey! 
Understanding Plateaus 
A plateau is a vast, flat region of land elevated above its surroundings, distinct 
from mountain ranges due to its mostly even surface. Plateaus are typically 
Page 2


Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
 
Map: Plateaus in India 
Introduction 
India's diverse and captivating landscape is graced by a fascinating geological 
feature known as plateaus. These flat-topped expanses of land surrounded by 
escarpments and occasionally nestled amidst mountains have a rich history and 
unique formation process. In this article, we will delve into the types, formation, 
and significance of plateaus in India, with a particular focus on the Peninsular 
Plateau, Chota Nagpur Plateau, Bundelkhand Upland, and Central Highland. Let's 
embark on this geological journey! 
Understanding Plateaus 
A plateau is a vast, flat region of land elevated above its surroundings, distinct 
from mountain ranges due to its mostly even surface. Plateaus are typically 
Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
formed when magma rises from the Earth's depths but fails to penetrate the crust 
fully. Over millions of years, this process results in the uplifting of a massive, 
impenetrable rock formation, giving birth to a plateau. 
Types of Plateaus 
Plateaus in India can be broadly classified into two types: 
1. Volcanic Plateaus 
These plateaus are created by molten lava erupting from the Earth's crust and 
solidifying into successive sheets of basaltic lava. Impressive examples include the 
Antrim Plateau in Northern Ireland and the North Western Plateau of the Deccan 
Plateau. The Columbia-Snake Plateau is a remarkable lava-built plateau, spanning 
an area twice the size of Malaysia. 
2. Dissected Plateaus 
Dissected plateaus form due to the slow collision of tectonic plates, leading to 
uplift. Over time, weathering and erosion by water, ice, and winds carve deep, 
narrow valleys into the plateau, resulting in a more rugged landscape. Examples 
of dissected plateaus include the Scottish Highlands. 
Plateaus in India 
India boasts a magnificent array of plateaus, with the Peninsular Plateau being the 
most prominent. This ancient landmass, formed through the disintegration and 
drift of the Gondwana continent, comprises rounded hills and wide, shallow 
valleys. The Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau are its two primary 
divisions, known for their abundant mineral resources, making them significant 
locations for mining operations. 
Exploring Specific Plateaus 
1. Peninsular Plateau 
The Peninsular Plateau, one of India's largest plateaus, takes on a triangular shape 
with its apex near Kanyakumari and its base extending to the southernmost point 
of North India's plain. Covering over 16 lakh square kilometers, this plateau has an 
average height between 600 and 900 meters above sea level, making it one of the 
Page 3


Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
 
Map: Plateaus in India 
Introduction 
India's diverse and captivating landscape is graced by a fascinating geological 
feature known as plateaus. These flat-topped expanses of land surrounded by 
escarpments and occasionally nestled amidst mountains have a rich history and 
unique formation process. In this article, we will delve into the types, formation, 
and significance of plateaus in India, with a particular focus on the Peninsular 
Plateau, Chota Nagpur Plateau, Bundelkhand Upland, and Central Highland. Let's 
embark on this geological journey! 
Understanding Plateaus 
A plateau is a vast, flat region of land elevated above its surroundings, distinct 
from mountain ranges due to its mostly even surface. Plateaus are typically 
Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
formed when magma rises from the Earth's depths but fails to penetrate the crust 
fully. Over millions of years, this process results in the uplifting of a massive, 
impenetrable rock formation, giving birth to a plateau. 
Types of Plateaus 
Plateaus in India can be broadly classified into two types: 
1. Volcanic Plateaus 
These plateaus are created by molten lava erupting from the Earth's crust and 
solidifying into successive sheets of basaltic lava. Impressive examples include the 
Antrim Plateau in Northern Ireland and the North Western Plateau of the Deccan 
Plateau. The Columbia-Snake Plateau is a remarkable lava-built plateau, spanning 
an area twice the size of Malaysia. 
2. Dissected Plateaus 
Dissected plateaus form due to the slow collision of tectonic plates, leading to 
uplift. Over time, weathering and erosion by water, ice, and winds carve deep, 
narrow valleys into the plateau, resulting in a more rugged landscape. Examples 
of dissected plateaus include the Scottish Highlands. 
Plateaus in India 
India boasts a magnificent array of plateaus, with the Peninsular Plateau being the 
most prominent. This ancient landmass, formed through the disintegration and 
drift of the Gondwana continent, comprises rounded hills and wide, shallow 
valleys. The Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau are its two primary 
divisions, known for their abundant mineral resources, making them significant 
locations for mining operations. 
Exploring Specific Plateaus 
1. Peninsular Plateau 
The Peninsular Plateau, one of India's largest plateaus, takes on a triangular shape 
with its apex near Kanyakumari and its base extending to the southernmost point 
of North India's plain. Covering over 16 lakh square kilometers, this plateau has an 
average height between 600 and 900 meters above sea level, making it one of the 
Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
Earth's oldest features. The majority of the rivers on the peninsula flow from west 
to east, with the Narmada-Tapti being an outlier flowing in the opposite direction. 
2. Chota Nagpur Plateau 
Comprising Gondwana rocks, the Chota Nagpur Plateau projects as the 
northeastern extension of the Indian Peninsula. Known for its rich coal reserves, 
this plateau is drained by various rivers and streams, including the Damodar, 
Subarnarekha, North Koel, South Koel, and Barkar. It is also home to the Rajmahal 
Hills, largely composed of basalt and covered in lava flows. 
3. Bundelkhand Upland 
Located between the Yamuna River to the north, Madhya Bharat Pathar to the 
west, Vindhyan Scarplands to the east and south, the Bundelkhand Upland is an 
ancient dissected upland composed of granite and gneiss. Erosional work by rivers 
in this region has given rise to deep, narrow valleys, rugged cliffs, and mesas. The 
Ken River and Betwa River have played a significant role in shaping the landscape 
of the Bundelkhand Upland. 
4. Central Highland 
The Central Highland, also known as the Madhya Bharat Pathar, is a vast plateau 
region that extends across central India. It is characterized by undulating terrain 
with gentle slopes and shallow valleys. The region is predominantly composed of 
sedimentary rocks and is rich in agricultural resources. Rivers such as the 
Chambal, Betwa, and Sindh flow through this plateau, adding to its fertility and 
providing water for irrigation. 
Significance of Plateaus 
Plateaus in India hold immense significance in various aspects: 
? Natural Resources: Many plateaus in India are rich in mineral deposits, 
including coal, iron ore, bauxite, and limestone. These resources play a vital 
role in the country's industrial development and contribute to its economy. 
Page 4


Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
 
Map: Plateaus in India 
Introduction 
India's diverse and captivating landscape is graced by a fascinating geological 
feature known as plateaus. These flat-topped expanses of land surrounded by 
escarpments and occasionally nestled amidst mountains have a rich history and 
unique formation process. In this article, we will delve into the types, formation, 
and significance of plateaus in India, with a particular focus on the Peninsular 
Plateau, Chota Nagpur Plateau, Bundelkhand Upland, and Central Highland. Let's 
embark on this geological journey! 
Understanding Plateaus 
A plateau is a vast, flat region of land elevated above its surroundings, distinct 
from mountain ranges due to its mostly even surface. Plateaus are typically 
Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
formed when magma rises from the Earth's depths but fails to penetrate the crust 
fully. Over millions of years, this process results in the uplifting of a massive, 
impenetrable rock formation, giving birth to a plateau. 
Types of Plateaus 
Plateaus in India can be broadly classified into two types: 
1. Volcanic Plateaus 
These plateaus are created by molten lava erupting from the Earth's crust and 
solidifying into successive sheets of basaltic lava. Impressive examples include the 
Antrim Plateau in Northern Ireland and the North Western Plateau of the Deccan 
Plateau. The Columbia-Snake Plateau is a remarkable lava-built plateau, spanning 
an area twice the size of Malaysia. 
2. Dissected Plateaus 
Dissected plateaus form due to the slow collision of tectonic plates, leading to 
uplift. Over time, weathering and erosion by water, ice, and winds carve deep, 
narrow valleys into the plateau, resulting in a more rugged landscape. Examples 
of dissected plateaus include the Scottish Highlands. 
Plateaus in India 
India boasts a magnificent array of plateaus, with the Peninsular Plateau being the 
most prominent. This ancient landmass, formed through the disintegration and 
drift of the Gondwana continent, comprises rounded hills and wide, shallow 
valleys. The Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau are its two primary 
divisions, known for their abundant mineral resources, making them significant 
locations for mining operations. 
Exploring Specific Plateaus 
1. Peninsular Plateau 
The Peninsular Plateau, one of India's largest plateaus, takes on a triangular shape 
with its apex near Kanyakumari and its base extending to the southernmost point 
of North India's plain. Covering over 16 lakh square kilometers, this plateau has an 
average height between 600 and 900 meters above sea level, making it one of the 
Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
Earth's oldest features. The majority of the rivers on the peninsula flow from west 
to east, with the Narmada-Tapti being an outlier flowing in the opposite direction. 
2. Chota Nagpur Plateau 
Comprising Gondwana rocks, the Chota Nagpur Plateau projects as the 
northeastern extension of the Indian Peninsula. Known for its rich coal reserves, 
this plateau is drained by various rivers and streams, including the Damodar, 
Subarnarekha, North Koel, South Koel, and Barkar. It is also home to the Rajmahal 
Hills, largely composed of basalt and covered in lava flows. 
3. Bundelkhand Upland 
Located between the Yamuna River to the north, Madhya Bharat Pathar to the 
west, Vindhyan Scarplands to the east and south, the Bundelkhand Upland is an 
ancient dissected upland composed of granite and gneiss. Erosional work by rivers 
in this region has given rise to deep, narrow valleys, rugged cliffs, and mesas. The 
Ken River and Betwa River have played a significant role in shaping the landscape 
of the Bundelkhand Upland. 
4. Central Highland 
The Central Highland, also known as the Madhya Bharat Pathar, is a vast plateau 
region that extends across central India. It is characterized by undulating terrain 
with gentle slopes and shallow valleys. The region is predominantly composed of 
sedimentary rocks and is rich in agricultural resources. Rivers such as the 
Chambal, Betwa, and Sindh flow through this plateau, adding to its fertility and 
providing water for irrigation. 
Significance of Plateaus 
Plateaus in India hold immense significance in various aspects: 
? Natural Resources: Many plateaus in India are rich in mineral deposits, 
including coal, iron ore, bauxite, and limestone. These resources play a vital 
role in the country's industrial development and contribute to its economy. 
Major Plateaus of India 
 
 
? Agricultural Productivity: Plateaus provide fertile land for agriculture due 
to the accumulation of nutrient-rich soil over time. Farmers utilize these 
flat expanses for cultivating crops and raising livestock. 
? Water Resources: Plateaus act as catchment areas for rivers, contributing 
to the formation of lakes, reservoirs, and waterfalls. They play a crucial role 
in maintaining the water cycle and supporting the ecological balance in the 
region. 
? Biodiversity: Plateaus encompass diverse ecosystems, including forests, 
grasslands, and wetlands. They serve as habitats for a wide range of flora 
and fauna, promoting biodiversity conservation and providing valuable 
ecological services. 
? Cultural Heritage: Plateaus have been home to ancient civilizations and 
indigenous communities, preserving cultural heritage and historical sites. 
The rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora in the Deccan Plateau are 
remarkable examples of the rich cultural legacy associated with plateaus in 
India. 
Conclusion 
Plateaus in India offer a glimpse into the geological history and natural beauty of 
the subcontinent. From the ancient Peninsular Plateau to the resource-rich Chota 
Nagpur Plateau, Bundelkhand Upland, and Central Highland, each plateau holds 
its unique charm and significance. They not only shape the landscape but also 
contribute to India's economy, agriculture, water resources, biodiversity, and 
cultural heritage. Exploring these plateaus is a captivating journey that unravels 
the wonders of nature and human civilization.