Special Topic – UPSC Geography Synopsis
UPSC Prelims Geography Revision | Page 13
Indian Location, Rivers, Mountains and Coastal Areas
India has a unique geographical location that influences its climate, economy, culture and strategic importance. Rivers, mountains and coastal regions play a vital role in India’s development.
Location of India
India is located in South Asia. It lies completely in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres.
Latitudinal and Longitudinal Extent
- Latitude → 8°4'N to 37°6'N
- Longitude → 68°7'E to 97°25'E
The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of India.
Neighbouring Countries of India
- Pakistan
- China
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Bangladesh
- Myanmar
- Afghanistan
- Sri Lanka
- Maldives
India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh.
Physical Divisions of India
- The Himalayan Mountains
- Northern Plains
- Peninsular Plateau
- Indian Desert
- Coastal Plains
- Islands
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas are the youngest fold mountains in the world. They protect India from cold winds and influence the monsoon system.
Three Parallel Ranges
- Himadri
- Himachal
- Shiwalik
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the Himalayas.
Northern Plains
The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of rivers. These plains are highly fertile and densely populated.
Major Rivers
- Ganga
- Yamuna
- Brahmaputra
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is one of the most fertile regions in the world.
Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses in India. It is rich in mineral resources.
Important Plateaus
- Deccan Plateau
- Malwa Plateau
- Chota Nagpur Plateau
The Chota Nagpur Plateau is known for mineral deposits.
Indian Desert
The Thar Desert is located in western India, mainly in Rajasthan.
Features
- Low rainfall
- Sandy terrain
- Sparse vegetation
Coastal Plains
India has a long coastline along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Western Coastal Plains
- Konkan Coast
- Kannad Coast
- Malabar Coast
Eastern Coastal Plains
- Northern Circars
- Coromandel Coast
The western coastal plains are narrow, while the eastern coastal plains are wider.
Islands of India
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Located in the Bay of Bengal. These islands are volcanic in origin.
Lakshadweep Islands
Located in the Arabian Sea. These are coral islands.
Major Rivers of India
Himalayan Rivers
- Indus
- Ganga
- Brahmaputra
Peninsular Rivers
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Kaveri
- Mahanadi
- Narmada
Godavari is the longest peninsular river in India.
Importance of Rivers
- Irrigation
- Hydroelectric power
- Transportation
- Drinking water supply
Rivers are considered the lifeline of Indian civilization.
Important Mountain Passes
- Nathu La
- Zoji La
- Shipki La
- Bomdi La
Mountain passes are important for trade and defense.
Important UPSC Facts
- Tropic of Cancer passes through India
- Bangladesh shares the longest border with India
- Godavari is the longest peninsular river
- Chota Nagpur Plateau is mineral-rich
- Lakshadweep islands are coral islands
Quick Revision Box
- Himalayas → Young fold mountains
- Indo-Gangetic Plains → Fertile plains
- Thar Desert → Indian desert
- Godavari → Longest peninsular river
- Lakshadweep → Coral islands
- Nathu La → Mountain pass
Mind Map – Indian Physical Geography
-
India
- Location
- Mountains
- Rivers
- Plateaus
- Coastal Plains
- Islands
Shaktimatha Learning
UPSC Geography Synopsis – English Version
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