Question.
Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.
( Chapter - 2 Physical Features of India, Cass 9 NCERT Contemporary India -I )
Answer.
Based on the physical and relief features of India, India is divided into 6 (six) major geographical divisions of India:
- Himalayan mountain range
- Northern Plains
- Peninsular plateau
- Indian desert
- Coastal plains
- Islands
The following are the differences in physical and relief features between the Himalayan region and the peninsular plateau:
- The Himalayan region comprises a young and structurally folded mountain range while the Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses on Earth and was part of the Gondwana land.
- The Himalayan region is made up of sedimentary rocks while the peninsular plateau is made up of older crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- The Himalayan region is arc-shaped, extending from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh for about 2400 km while the Peninsular Plateau is a table-shaped highland.
- The Himalayan region is formed after the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates where the break-up and flow of the Gondwana landforms the Peninsular Plateau.
- The Himalayan region has fast-flowing rivers, and deep and narrow valleys while the peninsular plateau has slow-flowing rivers and shallow and wide valleys.
- The Himalayan region is a tectonic active and unstable region while the Peninsular Plateau is the most stable landmass in India.
- The Himalayan region receives low temperatures and moderates to low rainfall and snowfall while the Peninsular Plateau receives moderate temperatures and moderate to high rainfall.
The Himalayan region is comprised of the highest mountains and from north to south, the Himalayan region is divided into three ranges:
- Greater Himalaya [Himadri]; average altitude over 6000 m;
- Lesser Himalaya [Himachal Himalaya]: Average altitude 3700 to 4500 m.
- Shivalik Range: Average altitude of 900 to 1100 meters.
On the basis of relief, the peninsular plateau is divided into two major groups:
- Central Highlands.
- Deccan Plateau.
The average elevation of the Peninsular Plateau is 500 to 600 m.
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