Major Physical Divisions of India
Delhi Police Exams - GK Section
Introduction
India's landmass shows remarkable physiographic diversity — from the world's youngest mountains to the oldest plateaus and longest coastlines.
Based on physical features, India is divided into five major physical divisions:
Geological Significance
Each division has distinct geological, climatic, and economic significance that contributes to India's overall geographical diversity.
The Himalayas
Northern Plains
Peninsular Plateau
Coastal Plains
Islands
The Himalayas – "The Abode of Snow"
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Derived from Sanskrit — Hima (snow) + Alaya (abode) |
| Location | Extends from Indus River (W) to Brahmaputra (E) |
| Length | ~2,400 km; Width: 150–400 km |
| Nature | Young fold mountains formed by collision of Indian & Eurasian plates |
| Direction | West to East (N–S arc curve) |
Divisions of the Himalayas (West → East)
| Division | Location | Important Peaks / Passes |
|---|---|---|
| Trans Himalayas | Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar | Mt. K2 (Godwin Austen) |
| Greater Himalayas (Himadri) | Northernmost, highest | Mt. Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat |
| Lesser Himalayas (Himachal) | Between Himadri & Siwalik | Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Mussoorie, Shimla |
| Outer Himalayas (Siwalik) | Southernmost, foothills | Doon valleys (Dehradun, Kotli) |
Significance: Acts as climatic barrier blocking cold winds. Source of rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra. Provides timber, medicinal herbs, tourism and hydroelectric power.
The Northern Plains – "Gift of Rivers"
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Formation | Formed by alluvial deposits of Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra systems |
| Extent | From Punjab (W) to Assam (E) |
| Width | 150–300 km |
| Area | ~7 lakh sq km |
| Soil Type | Alluvial – fertile, supports dense agriculture |
Divisions of Northern Plains:
| Region | Rivers | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Plains | Indus & its tributaries | Western part, irrigation-based |
| Ganga Plains | Ganga & tributaries | Central fertile belt |
| Brahmaputra Plains | Brahmaputra | Eastern, flood-prone but rich in silt |
Importance: Densely populated and food bowl of India. Suitable for wheat, rice, sugarcane cultivation. Well connected by rail & road network.
The Peninsular Plateau – "Oldest Landmass of India"
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature | Ancient land, part of Gondwana land |
| Boundaries | South of Northern Plains |
| Composition | Igneous and metamorphic rocks |
| Average Elevation | 600–900 m |
Major Divisions:
| Region | Features |
|---|---|
| Central Highlands | Between Aravalli (W) & Chhotanagpur Plateau (E) |
| Deccan Plateau | Triangular region between Western & Eastern Ghats |
| Western Ghats | Steep, higher; source of major rivers (Godavari, Krishna) |
| Eastern Ghats | Lower, broken; merges with Nilgiri Hills |
Economic Significance: Rich in minerals – coal, iron, manganese. Major hydroelectric projects and industrial centers (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka).
The Coastal Plains
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Along Arabian Sea (W) and Bay of Bengal (E) |
| Total Length | ~6100 km |
| Divisions | Western & Eastern Coastal Plains |
Western Coastal Plains
| Region | States | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Konkan Coast | Maharashtra–Goa | Narrow, rocky coast |
| Kannad Coast | Karnataka | Ports like Mangalore |
| Malabar Coast | Kerala | Lagoons (Kayals), backwaters |
Eastern Coastal Plains
| Region | States | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Circars | Andhra Pradesh | Deltas of Godavari, Krishna |
| Coromandel Coast | Tamil Nadu | Cyclones, rice cultivation |
Importance: Centers for trade, ports, tourism, and fisheries.
Islands of India
| Group | Location | Composition | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Bay of Bengal | Volcanic origin | 572 islands; Indira Point (southernmost tip) |
| Lakshadweep Islands | Arabian Sea | Coral origin (atolls) | 36 islands; capital – Kavaratti |
Importance: Strategic for defense, tourism, and marine biodiversity. Home to coral reefs, mangroves, and tribal communities (e.g., Jarawas, Sentinelese).
Memory Tricks & Quick Recap
Memory Tricks:
Physical Divisions:
"Hi No Pe Co Is"
→ Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, Islands
Himalayas Layers:
"T G L O"
→ Trans, Greater, Lesser, Outer
Coastal Plains:
"Ko Ka Ma – No Co"
→ Konkan, Kannad, Malabar – Northern Circars, Coromandel
Quick Recap:
Himalayas = Young fold mountains, protect India, source of rivers
Northern Plains = Alluvial fertile soil, agricultural hub
Peninsular Plateau = Oldest landmass, rich in minerals
Exam Tip: Delhi Police often asks about the formation, extent, and significance of each physical division. Remember key features and geographical locations.
Practice Questions (Delhi Police PYQ-style)
Which of the following is known as the "Storehouse of Minerals"?
Options: (a) Northern Plains (b) Himalayas (c) Peninsular Plateau (d) Coastal Plains
Category: Physical Divisions
Show Answer
(c) Peninsular Plateau
Which mountain range separates the Northern Plains from the Deccan Plateau?
Options: (a) Aravalli (b) Vindhya (c) Satpura (d) Western Ghats
Category: Mountain Ranges
Show Answer
(b) Vindhya Range
Which coast of India is known for lagoons and backwaters?
Options: (a) Coromandel Coast (b) Malabar Coast (c) Konkan Coast (d) Kannad Coast
Category: Coastal Features
Show Answer
(b) Malabar Coast
Indira Point is located in which island group?
Options: (a) Andaman (b) Nicobar (c) Lakshadweep (d) Maldives
Category: Islands
Show Answer
(b) Nicobar Islands
Which part of the Himalayas lies between the Greater and Siwalik ranges?
Options: (a) Himadri (b) Himachal (c) Karakoram (d) Ladakh
Category: Himalayan Divisions
Show Answer
(b) Himachal (Lesser Himalayas)
Summary Points
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