Physical Features of India

Overview

Physical Features of India is a foundational topic in the Geography section of CG TET Paper II Social Studies. It covers the major landforms—mountains, plains, plateaus—along with the river systems and climatic patterns that shape the Indian subcontinent. This topic carries significant weight because questions often test factual recall of locations, heights, river origins and climate types.

For CG TET, expect 3–5 questions directly from this area. You must know the six major physiographic divisions, key mountain passes, river systems (especially those relevant to Chhattisgarh like Mahanadi), and the monsoon mechanism. Map-based mental imagery helps—visualise India divided into distinct relief regions from north to south.

Mastery here also supports the Chhattisgarh-specific geography questions, since the state's plateau region connects to the broader Deccan system. Build a clear mental map and memorise the "anchor facts" listed below.

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Key Concepts

• **Six Physiographic Divisions**: India is divided into (1) The Himalayan Mountains, (2) The Northern Plains, (3) The Peninsular Plateau, (4) The Indian Desert, (5) The Coastal Plains, and (6) The Islands.

• **Himalayan Formation**: The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate during the Tertiary period (about 50 million years ago). They are still rising.

• **Three Parallel Ranges of Himalayas**: From north to south—Himadri (Greater Himalayas, highest), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas, includes hill stations), and Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas, youngest and lowest).

• **Northern Plains Origin**: Formed by alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems. These are among the most fertile lands in the world.

• **Peninsular Plateau Character**: One of the oldest landmasses, composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Divided into Central Highlands (north of Narmada) and Deccan Plateau (south of Narmada).

• **Drainage Divide**: The Western Ghats act as the main water divide—rivers to the west (short, swift) drain into the Arabian Sea; rivers to the east (longer) drain into the Bay of Bengal.

• **Monsoon Mechanism**: India's climate is dominated by the seasonal reversal of winds. The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings most of India's rainfall.

• **Climate Zones**: India has tropical monsoon climate predominantly, with variations—tropical wet (Kerala), semi-arid (Rajasthan), alpine (Himalayas), and humid subtropical (Northern Plains).

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