North & North East Mountains of India | Physiography of India | UPSC GS1

Summary

This video discusses the geographic diversity of India, highlighting its vast and varied physiographic divisions. The Northern and North Eastern Mountains are explored in-depth, focusing on the Himalayan ranges and their sub-divisions like the Trans-Himalayan Range, Great Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, and Shivalik ranges. The script covers their physical features, significance, and how they impact the surrounding areas. It also highlights important mountain passes and famous peaks, such as Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The video aims to offer essential insights into the country's topography, crucial for UPSC exam preparation.

Takeaways

• 😀 India is the 7th largest country in the world, with diverse physical geography covering over 32,87,000 sq km.
• 😀 India is divided into six physiographic regions: Northern and North Eastern Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.
• 😀 The Northern and North Eastern Mountains, primarily formed by the Himalayan ranges, are a significant geographical feature of India.
• 😀 The Himalayan ranges include three main divisions: Greater Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser Himalayas (Middle Himalayas), and Shivalik Ranges (Outer Himalayas).
• 😀 The Greater Himalayan Range, or Himadri, is home to the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
• 😀 The Lesser Himalayas, or Middle Himalayas, contain notable ranges like the Pir Panjal and include important mountain passes like Zojila Pass and Rohtang La Pass.
• 😀 The Shivalik Ranges, or Outer Himalayas, have lower elevations and are formed by river sediments, prone to erosion, and often forested.
• 😀 The Trans-Himalayan region, which includes the Karakoram, Ladakh, and Jansak ranges, is a distinct geographical feature with peaks like Ketu Rimo and Godwin Austin.
• 😀 The Purvanchal or North Eastern Hills cover regions from Arunachal Pradesh to Mizoram, including the Patkai Bum Hills, Naga Hills, and Manipur Hills.
• 😀 UPSC preparation is emphasized, with a reference to a course (SIP Plus) offering live classes, revision booklets, and mock tests to help aspirants clear the exam.

Q & A

What are the six major geographical divisions of India?

The six major geographical divisions of India are: Northern and North-Eastern Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsula Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.

What role do the Northern and North-Eastern Mountains play in India's geography?

The Northern and North-Eastern Mountains, primarily the Himalayas, form a natural barrier, influencing climate patterns, biodiversity, and strategic military locations in India.

What are the key features of the Greater Himalayas (Himadri)?

The Greater Himalayas, also called Himadri, contain the world's highest continuous mountain range, with peaks such as Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, and are mostly covered with snow.

What are the characteristics of the Lesser or Middle Himalayas?

The Lesser or Middle Himalayas feature ranges like Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Mussoorie, characterized by moderate altitudes and steep slopes, with rich flora and fauna.

What is the significance of the Shivalik Ranges in India?

The Shivalik Ranges, also known as the Outer Himalayas, are the southernmost of the Himalayan ranges, known for their rich biodiversity and are important for agriculture due to fertile soils.

How do the Northern Plains contribute to India's agricultural economy?

The Northern Plains, formed by rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, are among the most fertile lands in India, supporting a significant portion of the country's agriculture, especially rice and wheat production.

What is the significance of the Deccan Plateau in India's geography?

The Deccan Plateau, a volcanic region, forms the southern part of India, characterized by rich black soils and significant mineral resources, making it important for agriculture and mining.

What defines the Indian Desert and where is it located?

The Indian Desert, primarily the Thar Desert, is located in the north-western part of India, characterized by arid conditions, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperatures.

What are the two main coastal plains in India?

India has two main coastal plains: the Western Coastal Plain and the Eastern Coastal Plain. They run along the western and eastern coasts, respectively, and are vital for trade and agriculture.

What is the importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, serving as important naval bases, and are known for their unique biodiversity and eco-tourism.