Peninsular Plateau of India: Map, Plateaus, Hill Ranges UPSC Notes

The India Peninsular Plateau is one of the stable and oldest landforms on Earth. This extensive tableland forms a geological wonder that spans across central and southern India and has had a very remarkable role in defining the physical and cultural geography of the subcontinent. The plateau was created in the Precambrian age, consists of igneous, metamorphic, and crystalline rock types, has minerals, biodiversity and has many historical values.

Get a detailed article insight into the Indian Peninsular Plateau, outlining its geological origin, structural divisions, landforms, river systems, and economic relevance, with integrated references to India's plateau maps useful for UPSC exam preparation, including preliminary and mains exams.

Download the key takeaways on the peninsula plateau of India UPSC Notes

Geological Formation of the Peninsular Plateau

• Originating from the Gondwana landmass during the Precambrian era, over 600 million years ago
• Formed through volcanic activity, crustal uplift, and faulting
• Composed mainly of Archaean gneisses, schists, and basaltic lava flows (Deccan Traps)
• Stable and tectonically inactive, with minimal structural changes since formation
• Features include tors, block mountains, rift valleys, and quartzite dykes

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What Is the Peninsular Plateau?

Peninsular plateau It is a massive landmass that is predominantly triangular-shaped and is positioned in the southern countries of India with the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats and Vindhya-Satpura ranges as their boundaries. It is formed by igneous and metamorphic and crystalline rock and is characterized by its senile topography, re-entrant plains and mineralscapes.

• Hindi: Pradya-dweepy-pathar
• Shaped like: Triangular, and tapers towards Kanyakumari in the South.
• Altitude: 600-900 high above the sea level
• Slope: west to east, affect the flow of the rivers
• Geographical location: Includes states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and a part of Madhya Pradesh and Odisha

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Major Divisions of the Peninsular Plateau

The plateau can be subdivided into a number of physiographic regions on the basis of altitude, geology, and location:

1. Central Highlands

• Located north of the Narmada River
• Includes Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand Upland, Baghelkhand, and Vindhyan Range
• Composed of sandstone, limestone, and granite
• Slopes from southwest to northeast
• Rivers: Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Son

2. Deccan Plateau

• Widest division which includes Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
• On its west and south-west side lies the Western Ghats, eastern Ghats and the Satpura Range
• The Basaltic lava flows formed it and made black soil (regur)
• West to east slopes
• Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, caveri, Bhima

3. Northeastern Plateau

• Includes Meghalaya Plateau, Karbi Anglong, and Mikir Hills
• Detached from the main plateau by the Garo-Rajmahal Gap
• Composed of quartzites, shales, and schists
• Hills: Garo, Khasi, Jaintia
• Highest point: Shillong Peak (1,961 m)

4. Chotanagpur Plateau

• It is situated to the north of the Narmada river.
• It includes Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand Upland, Baghelkhand, and Vindhyan Range
• It is made up of sandstone, limestone and granite
• Southwest to northeast slopes

Rivers: Chambal, betwe, Ken,Son5. Telangana & Rayalaseema Plateau

• Composed of Archaean gneisses
• Semi-arid due to the rain-shadow effect
• Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Penneru
• Highly dissected terrain

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Features of the Peninsular Plateau

Topographical Features

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Drainage System

• East-Flowing Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi
• West-Flowing Rivers: Narmada, Tapi
• Drainage Patterns:
  • Radial (Chotanagpur Plateau)
  • Trellis (Vindhyan region)
  • Dendritic (Deccan Plateau)

Soil Types

• Black Soil (Regur): The black soil is found on the Deccan traps; very suitable to the growth of Cotton.
• Red Soil: Located in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
• Laterite soil: This occurs in high rainfall; the material is used to make bricks.
• Alluvial Patches: These are on the river valleys

Economic Significance

1. Mineral Resources

• Rich in coal, iron ore, bauxite, mica, limestone, and uranium
• Major mining regions: Chotanagpur, Dandakaranya, Telangana

2. Agriculture

• Fertile black soil supports cotton, sugarcane, pulses
• Irrigation from rivers enhances crop yield
• Plantation crops: Coffee (Karnataka), spices (Kerala)

3. Industry

• Industrial hubs: Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Nagpur
• Power generation: Hydroelectric projects on rivers like Krishna and Godavari
• Cement, steel, and textile industries thrive due to mineral availability

4. Tourism & Culture

• Historical sites: Hampi, Badami, Golconda Fort
• Tribal heritage: Gonds, Santhals, Bhils
• Biodiversity hotspots: Western Ghats, Nilgiris

Environmental Challenges

• Deforestation due to mining and urbanization
• Soil erosion in hilly and plateau regions
• Water scarcity in semi-arid zones
• Loss of biodiversity in forested areas
• Conservation efforts include protected areas and afforestation programs

Conclusion

The Peninsular Plateau in India forms an important component of the country in terms of geography, economy and the country's culture. Closely linked to rich mineral deposits, diverse ecologies, ancient origins and a strategic location, it is a key region in terms of development and conservation. This topic is most important in preparing for geography in both preparations for UPSC and other as well as academic exams, as mastery in it is a great advantage.

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