India: Physical Features Chapter Notes | Footprints Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

India is a fascinating land of diversity, with various physical features, climates, vegetation, people, and economy. Let's explore the key aspects of India's geography!

Geographical Location

India is part of the Asian landmass, located in the Eastern Hemisphere. The mighty Himalayas separate it from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, giving it the identity of a subcontinent known as the Indian subcontinent. India is surrounded by water on three sides—the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south.

Zones and Climate

The Tropic of Cancer runs through the center of India, dividing it into two climate zones. The southern half is in the Tropical Zone, while the northern half is in the Temperate Zone, often described as subtropical. The 82°30'E longitude passing near Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh serves as the basis for Indian Standard Time (IST).

Physical Features 

India's diverse relief features can be categorized into six major divisions:

1. The Northern Mountains
2. The Northern Plains
3. The Great Indian Desert
4. The Peninsular Plateau
5. The Coastal Plains
6. The Islands

The Northern Mountains

Originating from the Pamir Knot in Central Asia, the Northern Mountains include three significant ranges: the Karakoram Range, the Ladakh Range, and the Himalayas. The Himalayas, the highest and most prominent, start from Kashmir in the north and extend to Arunachal Pradesh in the east. The Himalayas bend southwards, forming the Purvanchal Mountains.

The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges—the Greater Himalayas, the Middle Himalayas, and the Outer Himalayas. The Greater Himalayas, or Himadri, are the highest with peaks like Kanchenjunga.

The Middle Himalayas, or the Himachal, lie to the south of the Greater Himalayas and include scenic hill stations like Shimla and Darjeeling.

The Outer Himalayas, or the Shiwaliks, have an average height of 1,550 m, merge with the marshy Terai region, and play a crucial role in tourism, trade, fruit production, and animal rearing.

The Northern Plains

South of the Himalayan foothills lie the Northern Plains, stretching from Punjab in the west to Assam in the east. These plains, formed by the deposition of alluvium from rivers like Satluj, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, are among the world's most fertile and densely populated.

The Ganga and its tributaries drain the central part of the plains, while the Brahmaputra forms the eastern part before flowing into Bangladesh and joining the Ganga.

The Great Indian Desert

To the west of the Northern Plains lies the Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert. Bounded by the Aravalli Range in the east, this arid region receives minimal rainfall and supports limited economic activities like nomadic herding and some cultivation.

The Peninsular Plateau

The Peninsular Plateau, India's oldest physical feature, consists of the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau. Rivers like Narmada and Tapi separate these two parts. The Deccan Plateau, formed by volcanic activity, is rich in mineral wealth and surrounded by chains of hills called ghats.

The Coastal Plains

To the east and west of the Peninsular Plateau lie the Coastal Plains. The Western Coastal Plain, close to the Arabian Sea, features rocky cliffs and lagoons. The Eastern Coastal Plain, between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, is fertile and home to large peninsular rivers' deltas.

The Islands

India has two groups of islands—the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands, comprising only 1% of the landmass, are home to some of India's oldest tribal groups.

Conclusion

India's physical features create a tapestry of landscapes, from the towering Himalayas to the fertile plains and diverse coastal regions. This geographical diversity contributes to India's unique identity and supports various economic activities.