Question

Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the peninsular plateau.

Answer 1

Hint: India is a land of diversity. This statement is true not only in terms of cultural language or religious diversity but also in terms of physiographic divisions. All major physiographic forms or geographical forms are present in the Indian subcontinent. These various physiographic features have directly or indirectly contributed to the development of Indian society and economy.

Complete Answer:Geographical features observed in India are broadly classified into 6 physiographic divisions. They are: The great Himalayas, the northern plains, the peninsular plateau, the coastal plains, the Indian desert, and the Islands.

All the physiographic divisions are different from each other in various contexts. Specifically talking about the great Himalayas and the peninsular plateau, they both are almost opposite to each other. The great Himalayas are young fold mountains whereas the peninsular plateau is the part of the oldest landmass formed on the earth.

The Himalayas are made up of sedimentary rocks and are structurally folded mountains whereas, the peninsular plateau is a flat tableland and is made up of metamorphic and crystalline rocks.

The Himalayas are home to one of the highest mountain peaks and are one of the loftiest mountain ranges whereas the Peninsular plateau is home to shallow valleys and rounded hills.

Note: The largest mountain peaks in the world are located in the great Himalayas. Every physiographic feature of India is home to rich biodiversity and different climatic conditions have helped in the survival and growth of this biodiversity in India. Even the arid physiographic feature of India that is The Indian Desert is also home to unique biodiversities.