All Plateaus of India Explained Through Animation | Physiography of India | UPSC Geography

Summary

In this video, the speaker delves into the geographic divisions of India, focusing on the Peninsular Plateau, its composition, elevation, and major subdivisions. The discussion covers various minor plateaus such as the Marwar, Central Highland, and Malwa Plateaus, highlighting their unique features and geological composition. The speaker explains how the region's rivers and terrain shape its landscape, with specific attention given to the drainage systems and their impact on agriculture. The video also touches on the challenges posed by the terrain for cultivation and resource management, offering insights into India's diverse and complex geography.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script discusses India's fourth physiographic division, the Peninsular Plateau, describing its flat-topped, elevated landforms and how it rises sharply from surrounding areas.
• 😀 The Peninsular Plateau consists of smaller plateaus and hill ranges, including the Aravalli Range, Rajmahal Hills, and others, forming a complex terrain across the region.
• 😀 The general elevation of the Peninsular Plateau ranges from 600 to 900 meters, with a general slope from west to east, influencing the flow direction of most rivers in the region.
• 😀 Notable exceptions to the west-to-east flow pattern include the Narmada and Tapi rivers, which flow east to west due to a rift valley.
• 😀 The Peninsular Plateau is composed mainly of ancient rock formations like granite, gneiss, and schist, with various minor plateaus formed by geological processes.
• 😀 The Marwar Plateau in Eastern Rajasthan and the Central Highland are key sub-regions, each with distinct geological characteristics such as rolling plains and erosion patterns.
• 😀 The Bundelkhand Upland, located between the Yamuna and Narmada rivers, features granite and sandstone hills with unique undulating surfaces, making it unsuitable for cultivation.
• 😀 The Malwa Plateau in central India is shaped by extensive lava flows and features step-like topography, significantly influenced by two major drainage systems: the Narmada-Tapi-Mahi and Chambal-Betwa rivers.
• 😀 The Baghhelkhand Plateau, with an average elevation of 150-1200 meters, has uneven relief and is rich in granite and limestone.
• 😀 The region of Chhota Nagpur Plateau in northeastern India is notable for its coal fields, which are a major source of India's coal, and its radial drainage pattern formed by rivers like the Damodar and Subarnarekha.

Q & A

What is the Peninsular Plateau in India and how is it defined geographically?

The Peninsular Plateau is a major physiographic division of India, characterized as a large, elevated table land. It consists of several smaller plateaus and hill ranges, and is generally bounded by the Aravalli Range in the northwest, the Rajmahal Hills in the east, and the Western and Eastern Ghats. The plateau covers a vast area of about 16 lakh square kilometers.

What is the general elevation of the Peninsular Plateau?

The general elevation of the Peninsular Plateau varies from 600 to 900 meters, depending on regional variations. The elevation decreases as one moves from west to east.

What is the significance of the river flow patterns in the Peninsular Plateau?

Most of the rivers in the Peninsular Plateau flow from west to east, indicating the general slope of the plateau. However, exceptions exist, such as the Narmada and Tapi rivers, which flow from east to west due to the rift valley formations in the region.

How are plateaus formed, and what are the major types found in the Peninsular Plateau?

Plateaus are flat-topped, elevated landforms that rise sharply from the surrounding areas. In the Peninsular Plateau, several types of plateaus are formed, including composite plateaus, which are made up of smaller hill ranges, basins, and valleys. The Malwa Plateau, Marwar Plateau, and Deccan Plateau are examples of composite plateaus in the region.

What are the primary geological compositions of the Peninsular Plateau?

The Peninsular Plateau is primarily composed of ancient crystalline rocks, including granite, gneiss, and schist. These rocks are interspersed with sedimentary formations, such as sandstone and limestone, particularly in the Marwar and Malwa plateaus.

What are the major subdivisions of the Deccan Plateau, and how do they differ geographically?

The Deccan Plateau is subdivided into several regions, including the Maharashtra Plateau, Karnataka Plateau, and Telangana Plateau. The Maharashtra Plateau is characterized by basaltic lava rocks and black cotton soil, while the Karnataka Plateau has a more rolling landscape, divided into forested and open plain areas. The Telangana Plateau is rich in minerals and features a varied topography with river systems like the Godavari and Krishna.

What is the role of the Aravalli Range in the formation of the Peninsular Plateau?

The Aravalli Range, located in the northwestern part of the Peninsular Plateau, plays a significant role in shaping the plateau's landscape. It is one of the oldest mountain ranges in India and acts as a boundary between the northern plains and the Peninsular Plateau.

What are the major rivers that drain the Peninsular Plateau, and how are they structured?

Major rivers that drain the Peninsular Plateau include the Narmada, Tapi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. These rivers typically follow a west-to-east flow pattern, except for Narmada and Tapi, which flow from east to west. The region is marked by extensive drainage systems that contribute to its rich biodiversity and agricultural importance.

How does the Peninsular Plateau affect the climate and agriculture in India?

The Peninsular Plateau significantly influences the climate and agriculture of India. Its elevation and varied topography create microclimates in different regions, affecting rainfall patterns. The plateau's soils, particularly in areas like the Deccan Traps, are rich in minerals and suitable for crops such as cotton, groundnuts, and pulses. However, some areas experience erosion, making cultivation difficult in certain regions.

What are the distinctive features of the Malwa Plateau and its drainage system?

The Malwa Plateau is located in central India and is characterized by extensive lava flows. Its drainage system is divided into two major parts: the Narmada-Tapi-Mahi rivers flow westward towards the Arabian Sea, while the Chambal and Betwa rivers drain into the Bay of Bengal. The region is rich in basaltic soil and is known for its rugged terrain and rolling hills.