India - Physiography | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

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India- Physiography 
 
 
 
Physiographic Map of India: Understanding India's Diverse Geographical 
Features 
“India is a country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. 
Spanning from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the picturesque coastal 
towns in the south, India showcases a diverse range of physiographic features. 
From lush tropical forests to arid desert landscapes, the country's geographical 
formations are truly fascinating. In this article, we will explore the physiographic 
map of India, shedding light on its distinct regions and their unique 
characteristics. ” 
Introduction 
India's geological history dates back to the Eoarchean Era, encompassing various 
geologic periods. With a total land border of 15,200 kilometers and a coastline 
spanning 7,516.6 kilometers, India occupies a significant portion of the Indian 
subcontinent, which is part of the larger Indo-Australian Plate. 
Page 2


India- Physiography 
 
 
 
Physiographic Map of India: Understanding India's Diverse Geographical 
Features 
“India is a country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. 
Spanning from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the picturesque coastal 
towns in the south, India showcases a diverse range of physiographic features. 
From lush tropical forests to arid desert landscapes, the country's geographical 
formations are truly fascinating. In this article, we will explore the physiographic 
map of India, shedding light on its distinct regions and their unique 
characteristics. ” 
Introduction 
India's geological history dates back to the Eoarchean Era, encompassing various 
geologic periods. With a total land border of 15,200 kilometers and a coastline 
spanning 7,516.6 kilometers, India occupies a significant portion of the Indian 
subcontinent, which is part of the larger Indo-Australian Plate. 
India- Physiography 
 
 
The Himalayas: Majestic Fold Mountains 
The Himalayas, one of the world's youngest fold mountain ranges, stretch from 
the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east. Comprising three 
parallel ranges —the Himadri (Greater Himalayas), the Himachal (Lesser 
Himalayas), and the Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) —this mountainous region boasts 
breathtaking landscapes and serves as a natural barrier for India. 
The Northern Plains: Alluvial Deposits 
The Northern Plains, shaped by the alluvial sediments carried by the Indus, Ganga, 
and Brahmaputra rivers, extend approximately 3,200 kilometers from east to 
west. These fertile plains, with a breadth ranging from 150 to 300 kilometers, 
feature alluvium deposits reaching depths of 1,000 to 2,000 meters. They are 
divided into three zones —the Bhabar, the Tarai, and the alluvial lowlands. 
The Indian Desert: A Unique Arid Region 
To the northwest of the Aravali Mountains lies the Great Indian Desert, also 
known as Marusthali. This region is characterized by an undulating terrain 
adorned with longitudinal dunes and barchans. With an arid climate and minimal 
rainfall of less than 150 millimeters per year, the Indian Desert exhibits sparse 
vegetation and is a true testament to nature's adaptability. 
The Indian Plateau: A Land of Ancient Rocks 
Located towards the southern part of the country, the Indian Plateau is triangular 
in shape, with its base parallel to the Gangetic Plain. Composed of ancient igneous 
and metamorphic rocks, this plateau belongs to the Gondwanaland tectonic plate. 
Bounded by the Western Ghats in the west and the Eastern Ghats in the east, it 
showcases a unique topographical landscape. 
The Peninsular Plateau: A Rich Geographical Tapestry 
Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and the Satpura, Maikal range, 
and Mahadeo hills in the north, the Peninsular Plateau offers a varied 
geographical panorama. The Western Ghats are locally known as the Nilgiri hills in 
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra, and the Cardamom 
Page 3


India- Physiography 
 
 
 
Physiographic Map of India: Understanding India's Diverse Geographical 
Features 
“India is a country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. 
Spanning from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the picturesque coastal 
towns in the south, India showcases a diverse range of physiographic features. 
From lush tropical forests to arid desert landscapes, the country's geographical 
formations are truly fascinating. In this article, we will explore the physiographic 
map of India, shedding light on its distinct regions and their unique 
characteristics. ” 
Introduction 
India's geological history dates back to the Eoarchean Era, encompassing various 
geologic periods. With a total land border of 15,200 kilometers and a coastline 
spanning 7,516.6 kilometers, India occupies a significant portion of the Indian 
subcontinent, which is part of the larger Indo-Australian Plate. 
India- Physiography 
 
 
The Himalayas: Majestic Fold Mountains 
The Himalayas, one of the world's youngest fold mountain ranges, stretch from 
the Indus River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east. Comprising three 
parallel ranges —the Himadri (Greater Himalayas), the Himachal (Lesser 
Himalayas), and the Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) —this mountainous region boasts 
breathtaking landscapes and serves as a natural barrier for India. 
The Northern Plains: Alluvial Deposits 
The Northern Plains, shaped by the alluvial sediments carried by the Indus, Ganga, 
and Brahmaputra rivers, extend approximately 3,200 kilometers from east to 
west. These fertile plains, with a breadth ranging from 150 to 300 kilometers, 
feature alluvium deposits reaching depths of 1,000 to 2,000 meters. They are 
divided into three zones —the Bhabar, the Tarai, and the alluvial lowlands. 
The Indian Desert: A Unique Arid Region 
To the northwest of the Aravali Mountains lies the Great Indian Desert, also 
known as Marusthali. This region is characterized by an undulating terrain 
adorned with longitudinal dunes and barchans. With an arid climate and minimal 
rainfall of less than 150 millimeters per year, the Indian Desert exhibits sparse 
vegetation and is a true testament to nature's adaptability. 
The Indian Plateau: A Land of Ancient Rocks 
Located towards the southern part of the country, the Indian Plateau is triangular 
in shape, with its base parallel to the Gangetic Plain. Composed of ancient igneous 
and metamorphic rocks, this plateau belongs to the Gondwanaland tectonic plate. 
Bounded by the Western Ghats in the west and the Eastern Ghats in the east, it 
showcases a unique topographical landscape. 
The Peninsular Plateau: A Rich Geographical Tapestry 
Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and the Satpura, Maikal range, 
and Mahadeo hills in the north, the Peninsular Plateau offers a varied 
geographical panorama. The Western Ghats are locally known as the Nilgiri hills in 
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra, and the Cardamom 
India- Physiography 
 
 
and Anamalai hills in Kerala. This plateau is a treasure trove of natural beauty and 
cultural heritage. 
Islands: Gems of India's Coastline 
India is blessed with two major groups of islands —the Andaman Islands in the Bay 
of Bengal and the Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands in the Arabian Sea. The 
Andaman Islands, located in the northern part, and the Nicobar Islands in the 
southern part are separated by the 10° channel. The Lakshadweep and Minicoy 
islands, situated off the coast of Kerala, are renowned for their coral deposits and 
picturesque landscapes. 
Important Points to Remember 
? India's physiographic map exhibits a diverse range of geographical features. 
? The Himalayas are the world's youngest fold mountain range, comprising 
three parallel ranges. 
? The Northern Plains are shaped by alluvial deposits brought by major rivers. 
? The Indian Desert is an arid region with minimal rainfall and sparse 
vegetation. 
? The Indian Plateau consists of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks. 
? The Peninsular Plateau showcases a rich geographical tapestry and cultural 
heritage. 
? India is home to the Andaman Islands, Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep 
and Minicoy islands, each with its unique characteristics. 
Conclusion 
India's physiographic map presents a fascinating blend of geographical features. 
From the mighty Himalayas to the vast expanse of the Northern Plains, the arid 
Indian Desert, the ancient Indian Plateau, the diverse Peninsular Plateau, and the 
enchanting islands, each region contributes to the country's unique beauty. 
Exploring India's physiographic divisions is a journey that unveils the nation's 
diverse landscapes and showcases its remarkable natural heritage.