Why this matters now
This is the foundation of Indian physical geography for Prelims and GS-1 — the basis for understanding rivers, monsoon, soils, agriculture and natural hazards. Examiners test sub-divisions (e.g., Bhabar-Terai-Bhangar-Khadar; Himadri-Himachal-Shiwalik) and contrasts (young fold mountains vs ancient plateau).
1. The Himalayan Mountains
Young, fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Three parallel ranges:
- Himadri (Greater Himalaya) — highest, perpetually snow-bound, core of granite; Kanchenjunga, Nanda Devi.
- Himachal (Lesser Himalaya) — ranges like Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar; hill stations and valleys (Kashmir, Kangra).
- Shiwaliks (Outer Himalaya) — youngest, lowest; longitudinal valleys called Duns (Dehra Dun).
Regionally divided (west to east) into Punjab, Kumaon, Nepal and Assam Himalayas; the eastern hills bending sharply south are the Purvanchal.
2. The Northern Plains
Formed by alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra systems. Relief belts from north to south:
- Bhabar — porous gravel belt at the foothills where streams disappear;
- Terai — re-emergence of streams, marshy, forested;
- Bhangar — older alluvium, slightly elevated, often with calcareous kankar;
- Khadar — newer alluvium of floodplains, renewed each year, very fertile.
3. The Peninsular Plateau
One of the oldest landmasses (part of Gondwana), made of igneous and metamorphic rock. Two broad parts — the Central Highlands (north of the Narmada, including the Malwa plateau and Bundelkhand) and the Deccan Plateau (south, bordered by the Western and Eastern Ghats). The black soil of the Deccan Trap (volcanic basalt) is ideal for cotton.
4-6. Desert, Coastal Plains and Islands
The Indian (Thar) Desert lies west of the Aravalis — arid, with low rainfall and ephemeral streams like the Luni.
The Coastal Plains flank the plateau: the narrow Western Coastal Plain (Konkan, Kanara, Malabar; submergent, with lagoons/backwaters) and the wider Eastern Coastal Plain (Northern Circars, Coromandel; emergent, with deltas of the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri).
The Islands: the Andaman & Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal (continental/volcanic — Barren Island is India’s only active volcano) and the coral Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea.
UPSC angle
Memorise the north-to-south belts of the Northern Plains (Bhabar → Terai → Bhangar → Khadar) and the three Himalayan ranges (Himadri → Himachal → Shiwalik). Contrast the young fold Himalayas with the ancient Peninsular Plateau.
Frequently asked questions
What are the six physiographic divisions of India?
The Himalayan Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian (Thar) Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.
What are the three ranges of the Himalayas?
From north to south — the Himadri (Greater Himalaya), the Himachal (Lesser Himalaya) and the Shiwaliks (Outer Himalaya).
What is the difference between Bhangar and Khadar?
Bhangar is the older alluvium, slightly elevated, often with kankar nodules; Khadar is the newer alluvium of floodplains, renewed by floods each year and more fertile.
Why is the Peninsular Plateau important?
It is one of the oldest and most stable landmasses (part of Gondwana), rich in minerals, and its Deccan Trap black soil supports cotton cultivation.