Major Physiographic Divisions

Bhabar is a part of the Northern Plains found below the Shiwalik. Exam tip: connect Bhabar with the belt of the Northern Plains.

The Terai region lies immediately south of the Bhabar belt. In Bhabar, river water often disappears into the porous layer of pebbles and boulders; farther south, in the wet and marshy Terai region, it may re-emerge near the surface. The Shiwalik Range lies north of Bhabar, so it is a close but incorrect option. Exam tip: remember the north-to-south order—Shiwaliks, Bhabar, Terai, Northern Plains.

Khadar is the low-lying, flood-prone part of the Northern Plains where rivers deposit fresh alluvium every year. Therefore, it is called newer alluvium. In contrast, Bhangar is a relatively higher area formed of older alluvium. Exam tip: remember Khadar = new alluvium and Bhangar = old alluvium.

Bhangar is the relatively elevated part of the Northern Plains formed by older alluvial deposits. It often contains calcareous concretions called kankar. Khadar is the floodplain area made of newer alluvium, so it is not correct. Exam tip: Bhangar means old alluvium; Khadar means new alluvium.

The Central Highlands are a part of the Peninsular Plateau. Exam tip: remember the subparts of the plateau separately.

The Deccan Plateau is considered roughly triangular in shape. Exam tip: remember both the shape and location of Deccan.

The Aravalli is a major range associated with the Central Highlands. Exam tip: connect Aravalli with the northern part of the Peninsular Plateau.

Sand dunes are commonly found in the Indian Desert. Exam tip: connect sand dunes with Thar.

Coastal Plains are mainly divided into Western and Eastern Coastal Plains. Exam tip: remember the names of both coasts.

The Western and Eastern Ghats are connected with the edges of the Peninsular Plateau. Exam tip: connect the Ghats with plateau margins.

The Himalayas and Northern Plains are major landforms connected with northern India. Exam tip: remember the physical structure of North India separately.

Coastal Plains lie along sea coasts and Island Groups are located in the sea. Exam tip: remember sea-related landforms separately.

The Peninsular Plateau extends over central and southern India. Exam tip: remember it as India’s main plateau region.

Himadri Himachal and Shiwalik are the main Himalayan ranges. Exam tip: remember their order from north to south.

The Northern Plains are fertile because of alluvial soil. Exam tip: connect fertile plains with river deposits.

Andaman and Nicobar are located in the Bay of Bengal. Exam tip: remember Andaman and Nicobar for the Bay of Bengal.

The Indian Desert is the dry region of western India. Exam tip: remember the dry region and Thar together.

Large river deltas are found on the Eastern Coastal Plain. Exam tip: connect the eastern coast with deltas.

High peaks and glaciers are found in the Himalayas. Exam tip: connect the Himalayas with height and glaciers.

Bhabar Terai Bhangar and Khadar are terms connected with the Northern Plains. Exam tip: remember plain subparts together.