India has a variety of landforms: mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coastal plains, and islands. Each region has unique features, resources, and significance.

Major Physiographic Divisions

India’s physical features are grouped into six divisions:

  1. The Himalayan Mountains
  2. The Northern Plains
  3. The Peninsular Plateau
  4. The Indian Desert
  5. The Coastal Plains
  6. The Islands

1. The Himalayan Mountains

  • Location and Extent:
    • Run along India’s northern border, from the Indus River (west) to the Brahmaputra River (east).
    • Form a 2,400 km long arc with widths varying from 400 km (west) to 150 km (east).
    • Altitude increases from west to east.
  • Divisions (Longitudinal):
    a. Himadri (Great Himalayas):
    • Northernmost range, highest peaks (avg. 6,000 meters).
    • Snow-covered with glaciers.
    • Includes Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi, etc.
    b. Himachal (Lesser Himalayas):
    • Rugged, 3,700–4,500 meters high.
    • Famous valleys: Kashmir, Kangra, Kullu.
    • Popular hill stations: Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital.
    c. Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas):
    • 900–1,100 meters, made of unconsolidated sediments.
    • Have longitudinal valleys called Duns (e.g., Dehra Dun).
  • Regional Divisions:
    • Punjab Himalayas: Between Indus and Satluj Rivers.
    • Kumaon Himalayas: Between Satluj and Kali Rivers.
    • Nepal Himalayas: Between Kali and Teesta Rivers.
    • Assam Himalayas: Between Teesta and Dihang Rivers.
  • Eastern Hills (Purvachal):
    • Extend southward beyond Dihang Gorge.
    • Includes Patkai, Naga, Manipur, and Mizo Hills.

2. The Northern Plains

  • Formation:
    • Built by alluvial deposits of rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra over millions of years.
    • Spread across 7 lakh sq. km, making it densely populated and agriculturally fertile.
  • Regional Divisions:
    a. Punjab Plains: Formed by the Indus and its tributaries.
    • Doabs (land between two rivers) are significant here.
    b. Ganga Plains: Extend from Haryana to West Bengal.
    • Rich in fertile khadar (new alluvium) and bhangar (old alluvium).
    c. Brahmaputra Plains: Located in Assam.
  • Special Features:
    • Bhabar Zone: Narrow belt of pebbles near Shiwaliks; streams disappear here.
    • Terai Zone: Swampy, marshy area south of Bhabar, now cleared for agriculture.

3. The Peninsular Plateau

  • Nature and Origin:
    • Oldest landform, made of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
    • Rich in minerals like iron, coal, and manganese.
  • Divisions:
    a. Central Highlands:
    • North of Narmada River, includes Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand.
    • Rivers like Chambal flow from southwest to northeast.
    b. Deccan Plateau:
    • South of Narmada River, triangular in shape.
    • Slopes eastward; Western and Eastern Ghats flank it.
    • Known for black soil from volcanic rocks.
  • Important Features:
    • Western Ghats: Higher, continuous, cause orographic rain.
    • Eastern Ghats: Lower, discontinuous, dissected by rivers like Krishna and Godavari.

4. The Indian Desert

  • Located west of Aravalli Hills, it is sandy with dunes and scarce vegetation.
  • Climate: Arid, less than 150 mm of annual rainfall.
  • River: Luni is the only significant river.

5. The Coastal Plains

  • Western Coast:
    • Narrow, runs along the Arabian Sea.
    • Divided into Konkan (north), Kannad (central), and Malabar (south) regions.
  • Eastern Coast:
    • Wider, along the Bay of Bengal.
    • Divided into Northern Circar (north) and Coromandel Coast (south).
    • Known for deltas of rivers like Godavari and Krishna.

6. The Islands

  • Lakshadweep Islands:
    • Coral islands near the Malabar coast.
    • Headquarters: Kavaratti.
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
    • Located in the Bay of Bengal; larger and scattered.
    • Comprise two groups: Andaman (north) and Nicobar (south).
    • Only active volcano in India is on Barren Island (Andaman).

Additional Notes for Competitive Exams

  1. Important Peaks:
    • Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,598 m).
    • Anai Mudi (2,695 m) in Western Ghats.
  2. Terminology:
    • Doab: Land between two rivers (e.g., Punjab).
    • Barchans: Crescent-shaped sand dunes in deserts.
  3. Largest Features:
    • Majuli (Brahmaputra): Largest riverine island.
    • Chilika Lake (Odisha): Largest saltwater lake.
  4. Natural Resources:
    • Himalayas: Water and forests.
    • Plains: Agriculture.
    • Plateau: Minerals and industries.
    • Coastal areas: Ports and fishing.

THESE ALL ARE THE NOTES OF CHAPTER 2 GEOGRAPHY. AND AFTER SOME TIME YOU GET IMPORTANT QUESTIONS HERE. *#THANKS FOR VISITING, VISIT AGAIN#* 😊