Physical Features of India

Overview

Physical Features of India is a foundational topic in Social Studies for Assam TET Paper II. It covers the major landforms—mountains, plains, plateaus—along with the river systems and climatic patterns that shape the subcontinent. This topic forms the basis for understanding agriculture, population distribution, natural resources, and regional diversity across India.

For the Assam TET, expect direct questions on identification of physical divisions, characteristics of major rivers, and climate types. Questions often link physical geography to human activities—why certain regions are densely populated, why floods affect Assam, or why the Deccan is mineral-rich. Mastering this topic also helps with the Geography of Assam section, as Assam's landforms and rivers are part of the broader Indian physiographic framework.

Students must build a clear mental map of India's six physiographic divisions and understand how relief, drainage, and climate interact to create India's geographic diversity.

Key Concepts

• **Six Major Physiographic Divisions**: India is divided into the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, Islands, and the Thar Desert—each with distinct formation, soil, and economic significance.

• **Himalayan Formation**: The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate about 50 million years ago. They are still rising and experience frequent earthquakes.

• **Three Parallel Ranges of Himalayas**: From north to south—Himadri (Greater Himalayas, permanently snow-covered), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas, includes hill stations), and Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas, youngest and most fragile).

• **Northern Plains as Alluvial Formation**: Formed by depositional work of Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers. Divided into Bhabar (pebble zone), Terai (marshy), Bhangar (older alluvium), and Khadar (newer alluvium, fertile flood plains).

• **Peninsular Plateau as Ancient Landmass**: Part of the Gondwana landmass, one of the oldest and most stable land blocks. Divided into Central Highlands (north of Narmada) and Deccan Plateau (south of Narmada).

• **Drainage Divide**: The Western Ghats act as a water divide—rivers flowing east (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) drain into Bay of Bengal; rivers flowing west (Narmada, Tapi) drain into Arabian Sea.

• **Monsoon as Unifying Climate Factor**: India's climate is dominated by the monsoon system. The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings 75% of annual rainfall; the northeast monsoon affects Tamil Nadu in winter.