Chapter 2: Physical Features of India
1. Introduction
Geological Diversity: India’s landscape includes mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands, each with unique geological characteristics.
2. Major Physiographic Divisions
2.1 The Himalayan Mountains
Characteristics: The Himalayas are young, fold mountains extending over 2,400 km from west to east, forming the northern boundary.
Divisions:
Himadri: Northernmost range, home to high peaks (e.g., Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga).
Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): Known for hill stations like Kashmir Valley.
Shiwaliks: Southernmost range with narrow valleys (Duns) like Dehra Dun.
2.2 The Northern Plains
Formation: Created by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers, with fertile alluvial soil.
Sections:
Punjab Plains: Formed by the Indus and its tributaries.
Ganga Plains: Extends across North India.
Brahmaputra Plains: Located in Assam.
Subdivisions: Bhabar (pebble-laden area), Terai (swampy region), Bhangar (older alluvium), and Khadar (fertile floodplains).
2.3 The Peninsular Plateau
Structure: Old landmass with igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Divisions:
Central Highlands: North of the Narmada River.
Deccan Plateau: South of the Narmada, bordered by Western and Eastern Ghats.
2.4 The Indian Desert
Location: Western side near the Aravalli Hills.
Characteristics: Sandy terrain with low rainfall, primarily in Rajasthan; Luni River is a significant water body.
2.5 The Coastal Plains
Western Coast: Includes Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar coasts.
Eastern Coast: Northern Circar and Coromandel Coast with large river deltas like the Mahanadi.
2.6 The Islands
Lakshadweep: Coral islands near Kerala.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Located in the Bay of Bengal, known for their biodiversity.
3. Exercises and Map Skills
Questions: Topics on physiographic divisions, key features of regions, and differences between relief features.
Map Skills: Locate major ranges, peaks, plateaus, and islands on the map of India.
