Physical Divisions

Introduction

Physical divisions of land are a contentious issue. The most common approach is to use the natural physical features of the land, such as mountains, rivers, and lakes, to create borders. This has the advantage of being easy to understand and visualize. However, it can also lead to problems when the physical features of the land change, as they often do overtime.

Another approach is to use man-made features, such as roads and railways, to define borders. This has the advantage of being more flexible and easier to change if necessary. However, it can also lead to disputes if there is disagreement about where the border should be placed.

Major Physical Distribution 

The major physical division of India in the Himalayas in the north, the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the center, and the Deccan Plateau in the south. Central India is largely a plateau with an average elevation of 610 meters (2000 feet). The Indian climate is tropical and subtropical, with three seasons: a hot summer from March to June, a cool monsoon season from July to October, and a cold winter from November to February.

Mountains

Mountains are found all along India’s northern border, with the Himalayas being the most prominent. The Himalayas are home to some of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, which is the tallest mountain in the world. The Himalayas are also home to many other important mountains, such as Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Dhaulagiri, and Mount Makalu.

Major Physical Distribution of India

Major physical distribution of India are:

The Northern Mountains

Northern mountains are the Himalayan Mountains and the Hindu Kush. They extend from the border of Afghanistan to Myanmar. The average elevation is about 4000 meters. These mountains are young fold mountains. Northern mountains are also the source of many great rivers like the Indus, the Ganges, and the Brahmaputra.

The Northern Plains

The northern plains are located between the Himalayan Mountains and the southern peninsula. They extend from Pakistan to Assam. The average elevation is about 100 meters. These plains are formed by sediments deposited by the above-mentioned rivers. The land is very fertile here and is suitable for agriculture. The climate is also very conducive to human habitation.

The Deccan Plateau

The Deccan plateau lies south of the northern plains. It covers most of central and southern India. The average elevation is about 600 meters. This plateau was formed by volcanic activity in the Mesozoic era. It has a hot and dry climate.

The Southern Peninsula

The southern peninsula is the landmass extending from Kerala to Kanyakumari. It is separated from the mainland by the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. The average elevation is about 900 meters. This peninsula has a hot and humid climate. The main physical features of this region are the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats.

The Indian Desert

The Indian desert lies in western India between the Aravalli hills and the Thar desert. It has an area of about 200,000 square kilometers. The average elevation is about 300 meters. This desert has a hot and dry climate with very little rainfall. The main physical feature of this region is the Great Rann of Kutch.

The Coastal Plains

The coastal plains are located on the eastern and western coasts of India. They extend from Gujarat to West Bengal in the west and from Tamil Nadu to Andhra Pradesh in the east. The average elevation is about 30 meters. These plains are formed by the sediments deposited by the rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The climate is hot and humid with heavy rainfall. The main physical features of this region are the deltas of the Ganges, the Mahanadi, and the Godavari rivers.

Conclusion

Physical distribution in India is vast and varied. It includes the Northern Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Deccan Plateau, the Southern Peninsula, and the Indian Desert. Each region has unique physical features and a different climate. India’s major rivers are the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Godavari. The country’s diverse geography provides a home to many different plant and animal species.