Geographical Diversity of India

Overview

India is a vast country with an amazing variety of landforms. From the towering Himalayas in the north to the coastal plains and islands in the south, India's geography includes mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, coasts and islands. This diversity shapes the way people live, farm and travel across different regions.

Key points

• The Himalayas are young fold mountains in the north and the source of major rivers.
• The Northern Plains are flat, fertile and watered by rivers like the Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra.
• The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses, rich in minerals.
• The Thar Desert lies in the west; coastal plains and islands (Andaman, Nicobar, Lakshadweep) lie to the south.
• India is bounded by the Himalayas, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.

Important terms / dates

• Peninsula - land surrounded by water on three sides.
• Plateau - a raised flat-topped area of land.
• Delta - fertile land formed where a river meets the sea.
• Western and Eastern Ghats - hill ranges bordering the plateau.

Important questions

1. Name the main physical divisions of India.
2. Why are the Northern Plains very fertile?
3. How do the Himalayas help India?
4. What is a peninsula? Why is India called a peninsula?

Quick revision

India has six major physical regions: the Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains and Islands. This geographical diversity gives India different climates, crops and ways of life, making it a land of great natural variety.