Geography is critical in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, both in the Prelims and Mains stages. It bridges physical and human geography concepts, making it essential for aspirants to develop a clear understanding of India’s geography and related environmental dynamics.
Indian Geography and Physiographic Divisions of India
India’s geography is vast and diverse, with five distinct physiographic divisions that hold great importance for the UPSC examination.
- The Himalayas: Stretching across northern India, the Himalayas are young fold mountains divided into the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and the Shivaliks. Key features include glacial activity, significant rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, and the role in influencing monsoon patterns.
- Indo-Gangetic Plains: These fertile alluvial plains lie between the Himalayas and the Peninsular Plateau. Divided into the Punjab Plains, Ganga Plains, and Brahmaputra Plains, they are vital for agriculture and densely populated regions.
- Peninsular Plateau: The oldest landmass in India, it includes the Deccan Plateau, Malwa Plateau, and Chota Nagpur Plateau. The plateau is rich in minerals and is drained by rivers like the Narmada, Godavari, and Krishna.
- Coastal Plains: Running along India’s eastern and western coastlines, these plains are known for their ports, agriculture, and tourism. The Western Coastal Plain includes the Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar coasts, while the Eastern Coastal Plain comprises the Coromandel and Northern Circar coasts.
- Islands: India has two significant island groups—the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands are crucial for biodiversity, tourism, and defense.
Rivers of India
Rivers play a central role in shaping India’s geography and supporting its economy. They are classified into Himalayan and Peninsular rivers.
- Himalayan Rivers: These rivers are perennial, originating from glaciers. Major systems include:
- Indus River System: Originating from Tibet, it includes tributaries like Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- Ganga River System: Originates from the Gangotri Glacier and has key tributaries like Yamuna, Ghaghra, and Son.
- Brahmaputra River System: Originates in Tibet as the Tsangpo, entering India in Arunachal Pradesh and flowing through Assam.
- Peninsular Rivers: These rivers are rain-fed and non-perennial. Key systems include:
- East-Flowing Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, and Mahanadi drain into the Bay of Bengal.
- West-Flowing Rivers: Narmada, Tapi, and Mahi flow into the Arabian Sea.
- Phenomena: Aspirants should study river capture, river rejuvenation, and interlinking projects like Ken-Betwa.
Indian Climate
India’s climate is predominantly monsoonal, influenced by various factors like latitude, altitude, and ocean currents. Understanding the dynamics of the Indian monsoon is crucial.
- Indian Monsoon: The lifeline of agriculture, characterized by:
- Onset: Usually begins in Kerala in early June, advancing across the country.
- Retreat: Starts withdrawing from Rajasthan in September, marked by dry conditions.
- Factors Affecting Monsoons:
- El Niño and La Niña phenomena.
- Indian Ocean Dipole.
- Western Disturbances.
- Cyclones: Tropical cyclones impact India’s eastern and western coasts. Examples include Cyclone Amphan and Cyclone Tauktae.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the major physiographic divisions of India?
India has five major divisions: the Himalayas, Indo-Gangetic Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, and Islands.
Q2. Why is the Indian monsoon important?
The monsoon is vital for agriculture, water resources, and economic activities in India.
Q3. What is the significance of the Ganga River system?
The Ganga supports agriculture, industry, and millions of livelihoods across its basin.
Q4. How are cyclones classified in India?
Cyclones are classified based on wind speed, such as Depression, Cyclonic Storm, and Super Cyclonic Storm.
Q5. What are biodiversity hotspots in India?
India has four biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland (Nicobar Islands).
