Physical Geography of India

Overview

Physical Geography of India is a foundational topic for WB TET Paper II Social Studies. It covers the structural framework of the Indian subcontinent — the mountains that guard it, the plains that feed it, the rivers that sustain it, and the climate and vegetation that define its ecological diversity. Questions typically test factual recall (names, locations, heights, lengths) and the ability to connect physical features with human activities like agriculture, settlement and transportation.

For the TET exam, you must know the major physiographic divisions, the course and tributaries of principal rivers, the mechanism of the Indian monsoon, and the distribution of natural vegetation types. Map-based mental images are essential — examiners often ask "which state" or "which direction" questions that require spatial awareness.

Key Concepts

• **Six Major Physiographic Divisions**: India is divided into the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains and Islands. Each has distinct geological origin and landforms.

• **Himalayan Zones**: The Himalayas run west to east and comprise three parallel ranges — the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal) and Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks). Important passes include Khyber, Bolan, Shipki La and Nathu La.

• **Northern Plains Formation**: Formed by alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems. Sub-divisions are Bhabar (pebble zone), Terai (marshy), Bhangar (old alluvium) and Khadar (new alluvium).