Table of Contents
India has a diverse physiography. The physiography of India can be divided into six main regions according to its composition.
The Northern Mountains
- Himalayas: This region includes three parallel ranges: the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), the Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and the Shiwaliks. It forms the northern frontier and acts as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia.
- Trans-Himalayas: Including the Karakoram, Ladakh, Zanskar, and the Kailash ranges, these are situated north of the main Himalayan range.
The Indo-Gangetic Plains
- Northern Plains: Extending from the Punjab Plains in the west to the Brahmaputra Valley in the east, these plains are fertile and intensively cultivated, formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers.
- Divisions: The region is further divided into the Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains, and Brahmaputra Plains, each with distinct physical and cultural characteristics.
The Peninsular Plateau
- Deccan Plateau: Bounded by the Western and Eastern Ghats, it is rich in mineral resources and known for its black soil.
- Central Highlands: Including the Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand, and the Chotanagpur Plateau, it lies north of the Narmada River.
- Western and Eastern Ghats: These mountain ranges run parallel to the western and eastern coasts of India.
The Coastal Plains
- Western Coastal Plains: Narrow and divided into the Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar coasts, known for their backwaters and lagoons.
- Eastern Coastal Plains: Wider and divided into the Northern Circar and the Coromandel Coast, known for their deltas formed by the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.
The Indian Desert
- Thar Desert: Located in western Rajasthan, it is characterized by sand dunes, scanty rainfall, and arid climate.
The Islands
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Located in the Bay of Bengal, known for their tropical rainforests and diverse marine life.
- Lakshadweep Islands: Located in the Arabian Sea, consisting of coral atolls and known for their pristine beaches and lagoons.
Conclusion
Each of these regions contributes uniquely to India's diverse geography and cultural landscape, shaping the lifestyle and economy of its inhabitants.
