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Cheat Sheet: Peninsular Plateau | Geography for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Overview

  • Oldest landmass of India (Pre-Cambrian origin).
  • Composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
  • Broadly triangular in shape.
  • Bounded by:
    • North: Indo-Gangetic Plains
    • West: Arabian Sea
    • East: Eastern Ghats
    • South: Indian Ocean

Major Divisions

Cheat Sheet: Peninsular Plateau | Geography for UPSC CSE

Geological & Structural Features

  • Archaean rocks: Rich in minerals.
  • Black soil (Regur) in Deccan—formed from lava.
  • Faulted edges in the west (e.g., Western Ghats are fault scarps).

Important Plateaus within

Cheat Sheet: Peninsular Plateau | Geography for UPSC CSE

Drainage Characteristics

  • Radial drainage in western plateau (Deccan Traps).
  • Trellis and dendritic patterns in older terrain (e.g., Chotanagpur).
  • Rivers: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada, Tapi, etc.

Soils & Vegetation

  • Soils: Black (Deccan), Red (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka), Laterite (Western Ghats).
  • Vegetation: Tropical deciduous forests.

Economic Importance

  • Mineral Wealth: Coal, iron ore, bauxite, manganese.
  • Agriculture: Cotton, pulses, oilseeds.
  • Hydropower & Industries: Damodar Valley, iron-steel industry (Jamshedpur, Bhilai).
The document Cheat Sheet: Peninsular Plateau | Geography for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course Geography for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Cheat Sheet: Peninsular Plateau - Geography for UPSC CSE

1. What are the major divisions of the Peninsular Plateau?
Ans. The Peninsular Plateau is primarily divided into three major regions: the Malwa Plateau, the Deccan Plateau, and the Chotanagpur Plateau. Each of these divisions has distinct geological characteristics and elevation profiles, contributing to the overall diversity of the region.
2. What are the geological and structural features of the Peninsular Plateau?
Ans. The Peninsular Plateau is characterized by ancient crystalline rocks, primarily granites and gneisses, which are significant for their age and stability. The plateau features rugged terrain with numerous hills and valleys, and it is bordered by the Western and Eastern Ghats, which are important for biodiversity and climate regulation.
3. What are the important plateaus within the Peninsular Plateau?
Ans. Key plateaus within the Peninsular Plateau include the Deccan Plateau, which is the largest, and the Malwa Plateau located in central India. The Chotanagpur Plateau is another significant area, known for its mineral wealth and diverse ecosystems. These plateaus play a crucial role in the geography and economy of the region.
4. How does the drainage system of the Peninsular Plateau function?
Ans. The drainage system of the Peninsular Plateau is characterized by river systems that flow towards the east and west. Major rivers include the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which drain into the Bay of Bengal, while rivers like the Narmada and Tapi flow westward into the Arabian Sea. The plateau's topography influences the direction and characteristics of these river systems.
5. What is the economic importance of the Peninsular Plateau?
Ans. The Peninsular Plateau is economically significant due to its rich natural resources, including minerals like coal, iron ore, and bauxite. Agriculture is also prominent, with the plateau supporting crops such as cotton, wheat, and pulses. Additionally, the region has potential for hydroelectric power generation due to its rivers and topography.
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