Introduction — Why physiographic divisions matter

India’s physical features shape its climate, agriculture, settlement patterns, natural resources, and transport. Understanding the six major physiographic divisions helps students link physical geography with human activities — a key focus of the CBSE syllabus. Below are clear, NCERT-aligned notes with exam-oriented points and map tips.

1. The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayas are the most prominent mountain system of India, forming the northern barrier. They are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate.

Major divisions

• Greater Himalaya (Himadri): The highest ranges with perennial snow — includes Mount Everest (outside India) and Nanda Devi (India’s highest entirely in India).
• Lesser Himalaya (Himachal): Middle ranges with peaks 3,700–4,500 m and steep slopes; many hill stations and terraced agriculture.
• Outer Himalaya (Siwalik): Lowest range made of sandstones and conglomerates; broad intermontane valleys called ‘duns’ (e.g., Dehradun).

Rivers and glaciers

Major Himalayan rivers — the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra — originate from glaciers in the Himalayas and carry large loads of sediments, nourishing the plains below.

Climatic and economic significance

• Act as a climatic barrier: block cold Central Asian winds and influence monsoon patterns.
• Source of perennial rivers vital for irrigation and hydroelectricity.
• Rich in alpine vegetation, medicinal plants, and unique wildlife; important for tourism.

2. The Northern Plains

The Northern Plains lie south of the Himalayas and are one of the world’s most fertile and densely populated regions. They are formed by alluvium deposited by rivers flowing from the Himalayas.

Extent and division

• Indo-Gangetic Plain: Stretches from Punjab in the west to West Bengal in the east; includes three sub-regions:
• Punjab Plains (Upper plains) — formed by deposits of rivers like the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi.
• Ganga Plains (Central plains) — the largest portion, extremely fertile and intensively cultivated.
• Deltaic Plains (Lower plains/Bengal basin) — the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is the largest in India with fine silts and clay.

Soils and agriculture

Alluvial soils dominate, classified into newer (recent) and older alluvium. These soils are highly fertile — support intensive cultivation of wheat, rice, sugarcane, oilseeds, and pulses.

Economic importance

• Densely populated; major urban and industrial centres (e.g., Delhi, Kolkata, Kanpur).
• Excellent irrigation potential — canals, tube wells and large river systems facilitate agriculture.

3. The Peninsular Plateau

Also called the Peninsular Shield, this is the oldest and most stable landform of India consisting of crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks. Unlike the Himalayas, it is an ancient landmass.

Subdivision

• Central Highlands: North-western fringe — undulating terrain with the Aravalli ranges and Vindhya uplands.
• Deccan Plateau: Broad peninsular tableland bounded by the Western and Eastern Ghats. The Deccan is formed of basaltic rocks (Deccan Traps) and has distinct black soils in parts.

Relief and rivers

The plateau has broad relief with hills, plateaus and river valleys. Major peninsular rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Narmada and Tapi flow in this region. Narmada and Tapi flow westwards into the Arabian Sea, running in rift valleys.

Mineral resources and land use

• Rich in minerals — iron ore, manganese, bauxite, copper and mica are concentrated here.
• Supports mixed agriculture, cotton on black soils, and important mining and industrial centres (e.g., Jamshedpur, Bhilai).

4. The Indian Desert (Thar Desert)

Located in northwestern India (Rajasthan), the Indian Desert is an arid region bounded by the Aravallis in the east and the Indus plains in the west.

Features

• Sandy soil, shifting dunes, sparse vegetation and low rainfall (less than 250 mm annually in many parts).
• Vegetation consists of thorny shrubs, grasses and scattered trees adapted to xerophytic conditions.

Human adaptation and use

• Pastoralism, drought-resistant crops (millets), and irrigation-based agriculture in irrigated tracts (e.g., through canals from rivers).
• Rapid urbanisation around cities like Jodhpur and Bikaner; large solar potential and wind energy sites.

5. The Coastal Plains

India’s coastal plains lie between the peninsular plateau and the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. They are divided into the Western Coastal Plains and the Eastern Coastal Plains.

Western Coastal Plains

• Narrower and steeper compared to the east; stretches from Gujarat to Kerala.
• Features include lagoons (e.g., Pulicat), estuaries, and important ports (Mumbai, Mangalore, Kochi).

Eastern Coastal Plains

• Wider and flatter — formed by the deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.
• Contains extensive mangrove vegetation in parts (e.g., Sunderbans in the deltaic region of the Ganga-Brahmaputra).

Economic importance

• Fertile soils in deltas support rice cultivation; fishing and ports are vital economic activities.
• Coastal plains are key for trade, marine fisheries, and tourism.

6. Islands — Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep

India has two major groups of islands that differ in origin and features.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Located in the Bay of Bengal; mostly of tectonic origin (part of the Arakan Yoma range); characterised by evergreen forests and coral reefs.
• Strategically important and rich in biodiversity; Nicobar islands have indigenous tribes and protected areas.

Lakshadweep

• Located off the western coast, these are coral atolls and reefs — small, low-lying islands with lagoons.
• Economy revolves around fishing, coconut cultivation and tourism.

Interlinking themes: Rivers, Soils, and Climate

To answer higher-order questions, link physiography with rivers, soils and climate:

• Rivers: Himalayan rivers are perennial and carry heavy silt; peninsular rivers are seasonal with more stable courses.
• Soils: Alluvial soils dominate the plains; black soils on Deccan traps; red and lateritic soils on plateaus and coastal regions.
• Climate impact: Mountains influence rainfall distribution; the plains receive heavy monsoon rains; the desert receives scanty rainfall.

Map skills & Exam Tips

Quick Revision — Key points (One-page)

Practice Questions (NCERT-style)

1. What are the major physiographic divisions of India? Explain their main features. (5 marks)
2. Describe the Northern Plains of India and explain why they are considered the "food basket" of the country. (5 marks)
3. Distinguish between Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers with examples. (3 marks)
4. Write a short note on the coastal plains of India. (3 marks)
5. Explain the economic importance of the Peninsular Plateau. (4 marks)

Useful mnemonics & memory aids

• Remember the six physiographic divisions with: "Himalayas, Plains, Plateau, Desert, Coasts, Islands" — H P P D C I.
• To recall peninsular rivers flowing east — remember: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri — all flow to Bay of Bengal.

Further reading & revision strategy

Follow the NCERT textbook strictly for definitions and illustrations. Use the following simple strategy for exams:

• Read the NCERT chapter once; make short notes of each division (1–2 lines).
• Practice map labelling and at least 5 long/short answer questions every week.
• Revise the quick revision list 2–3 times before exams and practise past-year board questions.

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