Physiography of India
India's six physiographic divisions — the Himalayas, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains and the Islands.
Key Takeaways
- India has six physiographic divisions, from the young fold Himalayas to the ancient Peninsular Plateau.
- The Himalayas have three parallel ranges — the Himadri, the Himachal and the Shivaliks.
- The Western Ghats are continuous and higher; the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and lower.
Core concept
India's relief is remarkably varied — from the world's youngest and highest fold mountains (the Himalayas) to one of its oldest landmasses (the Peninsular Plateau). Geographers divide the country into six physiographic divisions.
Static foundation — the six divisions
- The Northern (Himalayan) Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert (Thar)
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
The Major Divisions in Detail
Three parallel ranges: the Himadri (Great Himalayas) — highest, perennially snow-bound (Everest, Kanchenjunga); the Himachal (Lesser Himalayas) — hill stations, the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar; and the Shivaliks (Outer Himalayas) — foothills, with flat valleys called Duns. To the east lie the Purvanchal hills.
Western Ghats vs Eastern Ghats
| Feature | Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity | Continuous; crossed only through passes | Discontinuous, dissected by rivers |
| Height | Higher (avg ~900–1600 m) | Lower (avg ~600 m) |
| Highest peak | Anamudi | Mahendragiri / Arma Konda |
| Rainfall | Very high (windward side) | Lower |
Relevance & current linkage
The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot; the Himalayas are ecologically fragile and disaster-prone (landslides, GLOFs). (Add a recent Himalayan or Western Ghats conservation issue if relevant.)
Prelims trap zones
- Himadri = highest range; Shivalik = outermost/foothills — don't reverse the order.
- Anamudi is the highest peak of the Peninsula (in the Western Ghats), NOT the Eastern Ghats.
- Andaman & Nicobar = volcanic; Lakshadweep = coral.
Knowledge Check
2 questions · check your understanding
1. Which is the highest peak of Peninsular India?
2. The 'Duns' (flat valleys) are found in which range of the Himalayas?
Prelims Pointers
- The Himadri (Greater Himalayas) contains the loftiest peaks — Everest, Kanchenjunga.
- Anamudi (in the Western Ghats) is the highest peak of Peninsular India.
- Bhangar is old alluvium; Khadar is new, more fertile alluvium of the floodplains.
- The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are of volcanic origin; Lakshadweep is coral.
Mains Angle
- 'The physiographic diversity of India underpins its climatic and cultural diversity.' Discuss.
- Compare the Western and Eastern Ghats.
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