Physical Features of India

The Peninsular Plateau is made of ancient hard rocks. For exams remember it as India's old stable landmass.

The Northern Plains are formed by alluvial soil brought by rivers. For exams connect alluvial soil with agriculture.

The Himalayas are an example of young fold mountains. For exams remember the Himalayas as a young mountain range.

The Thar Desert is India's major and large dry desert region. For exams remember its connection with Rajasthan.

India's eastern coast extends along the Bay of Bengal. For exams remember eastern coast and delta forming rivers.

India's western coast lies along the Arabian Sea. For exams remember Konkan and Malabar coasts.

Western Ghats are also called Sahyadri. For exams remember they run parallel to the western coast.

Rivers like Godavari Krishna and Kaveri cut across the Eastern Ghats. For exams remember river dissection.

The Narmada flows westward into the Arabian Sea. For exams remember Narmada and Tapi together.

The Godavari flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal. For exams remember east flowing peninsular rivers.

Lakshadweep is a coral island group in the Arabian Sea. For exams remember coral and western islands.

Andaman and Nicobar are located in the Bay of Bengal. For exams remember them as India's eastern island group.

Barren Island in the Andaman region is known for an active volcano. For exams remember volcanic island.

Kanyakumari is the southern tip of mainland India. For exams remember the difference between mainland and island extremes.

Shiwalik is the outermost and southern range of the Himalayas. For exams remember the order Himadri Himachal Shiwalik.

The Greater Himalaya is called Himadri. For exams remember it as the highest Himalayan range.

The Lesser Himalaya is also called Himachal. For exams remember it as the middle Himalayan range.

Bhabar has pebble deposits through which water sinks down. For exams connect Bhabar with the Himalayan foothills.

Terai is a moist and marshy region south of Bhabar. For exams remember the order of Bhabar and Terai.

Khadar is the newer alluvial soil deposited by floods in river floodplains. It is generally highly fertile because fresh fine silt and minerals are added regularly. Old alluvium is called Bhangar and occurs on relatively higher parts of the floodplain. Exam tip: Khadar = new alluvium; Bhangar = old alluvium.