Geography of North East India | North Eastern States | UPSC | StudyIQ IAS

Summary

This script delves into the geographical and cultural richness of North East India, a region often shrouded in mystery. It covers the distinct states of this area, including Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, highlighting their unique landscapes, biodiversity, and economic significance. From the majestic Himalayas to the lush tea plantations and from rich wildlife to the challenges of climate change, the script provides a comprehensive journey through the heart of India's North East, offering insights into its history, geography, and the daily life of its people.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the preparation for the UPSC IAS exam, emphasizing the importance of understanding the geography of India, particularly the North East region.
• 🏞 The North East of India is described as a beautiful part of the country with a distinct geographical location, yet it remains somewhat of a mystery due to its distance from mainland India.
• 🌏 The script mentions the 'Seven Sisters' and Sikkim as the main states in the North East, each with its unique culture and linguistic identity.
• 🏛 The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, and the state is known for its mountainous terrain, including the third highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga.
• 🌳 Assam is the largest state in the North East by area and is densely populated, with its capital being Dispur, known for its tea plantations and rich biodiversity.
• 🏞 Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost state of India, sharing borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, and is known for the Eastern Himalayan mountain range.
• 🌧 Meghalaya, known as the 'Scotland of the East' during the British era, is famous for being one of the wettest places on Earth, with Mawsynram receiving the highest rainfall.
• 🌳 The script highlights the diverse topography of the North East, ranging from the Himalayan peaks to river valleys and plateaus.
• 🐘 The region is rich in natural resources, including tea from Assam, natural gas reserves, and potential uranium deposits in Meghalaya.
• 🏞 The North East is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park, which are recognized for their unique ecosystems.
• 📈 The script suggests that understanding the geography of the North East is crucial for the UPSC exam and offers study tips for aspirants.

Q & A

What is the significance of the North East India region in the context of India's history?

The North East India region has always been an integral part of India's soul in the history of the Indian subcontinent, despite its distinct geographical location and distance from mainland India.

Which states are collectively referred to as the 'Seven Sisters' of North East India?

The 'Seven Sisters' of North East India are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

What is the capital of Sikkim, and when was it officially established as a state of India?

The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, and it was officially established as the 22nd state of India on May 16, 1975.

What is the geographical feature that makes Sikkim's climate predominantly cold?

Sikkim's predominantly cold climate is due to its location in the Himalayan mountain range, which results in high altitude terrain with average elevations ranging from 280 meters near the West Bengal border to over 8500 meters at its highest points.

Which peak, situated on the border of Sikkim and Nepal, is considered the third highest in the world?

Kanchenjunga, with a height of 8,586 meters, is situated on the border of Sikkim and Nepal and is considered the third highest peak in the world.

What are the major rivers that flow through Assam, and what type of conditions do they create during the rainy season?

The major rivers flowing through Assam are the Brahmaputra, Manas, and Barak, along with their tributaries. These rivers create flood-like conditions in Assam during the rainy season.

What is the significance of the tea plantations in Assam, and what makes the region ideal for tea production?

Assam is known for its tea plantations, which are a distinct feature of the region. The perfect combination of soil, hills, and climate in Assam makes it the largest tea-producing state in India.

What is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, and what makes it the largest state in North East India?

The capital of Arunachal Pradesh is Itanagar, and the state is the largest in North East India due to its vast area and diverse geographical features, including the Eastern Himalayan ranges.

Which are the two national parks in Meghalaya, and what is unique about one of them?

The two national parks in Meghalaya are Balpakram National Park and Nokrek National Park. Nokrek National Park is unique as it is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

What is the average annual rainfall in Mawsynram, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, and why is it significant?

Mawsynram, on average, receives more than 467.7 inches of rainfall annually, making it one of the wettest places on Earth and significant for its unique climatic conditions.

What are the potential threats to the ecosystem of Mawsynram due to climate change and deforestation?

The potential threats to Mawsynram's ecosystem due to climate change and deforestation include a continuous decrease in rainfall, which could disrupt the ecological balance and affect the region's biodiversity.