{"id":30257,"date":"2026-09-26T17:49:25","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T12:19:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=30257"},"modified":"2026-09-26T17:49:25","modified_gmt":"2026-09-26T12:19:25","slug":"physiography-of-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/physiography-of-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Physiography of India, Major Divisions, Significance, Threats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The physiography of India reflects a long geological evolution shaped by tectonic movements, weathering, erosion and deposition, resulting in diverse landforms and regional landscapes. The physiography of India is broadly divided into six major physiographic divisions - the Northern and North-eastern Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains and Islands. Each division possesses distinct geological structures, relief features, drainage systems, soils, natural resources and ecological characteristics.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These physical regions significantly influence agriculture, water availability, biodiversity, mineral resources, settlement patterns, transport and economic activities. At the same time, they face region-specific challenges such as landslides, floods, soil erosion, desertification, mining pressures, coastal erosion, cyclones and ecosystem degradation. Understanding the physiography of India is therefore essential for sustainable resource management, disaster resilience, environmental conservation and balanced regional development.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India Meaning<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India describes the physical form, relief and landforms of the country resulting from geological structure, geomorphic processes and the stage of landscape development.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The term 'physiography' refers to the physical features and relief of a region. In India, physiography has been shaped by the interaction of endogenic forces, such as tectonic movements, and exogenic processes, including weathering, erosion and deposition.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">India displays considerable physical diversity, ranging from the rugged Himalayan mountains in the north to the stable <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/peninsular-plateau\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Peninsular Plateau<\/strong><\/a> in the south, with extensive plains lying between them.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India Overview<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With vast and varied geographical extent, the physiography of India can be understood through its location, latitudinal and longitudinal spread, major physical extremes, important lines of latitude and key geographical routes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Latitudinal extent:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Indian mainland extends from 8\u00b04\u2032N to 37\u00b06\u2032N. Including the islands, India extends farther south to about 6\u00b045\u2032N at Indira Point, Great Nicobar.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Longitudinal extent:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The mainland extends from 68\u00b07\u2032E to 97\u00b025\u2032E.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>North\u2013South extent:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> India measures about 3,214 km from north to south.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>East\u2013West extent:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> India measures about 2,933 km from east to west.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Northernmost point of India:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Indira Col in the Karakoram, Ladakh, is generally identified as India's northernmost point.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Southernmost point of India:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Indira Point, Great Nicobar, is the southernmost point of India.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Southernmost point of mainland India:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Westernmost point:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Guhar Moti, Gujarat, in the Kutch region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Easternmost point:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Kibithu\/near Kibithu in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh, is commonly identified as India's easternmost inhabited\/land point; the exact geographical extreme is associated with the eastern Arunachal Pradesh\u2013Myanmar frontier.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Highest point associated with India:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> K2 (8,611 m) in the Karakoram range.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lowest point: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Kuttanad region of Kerala contains land lying below sea level, with some areas around \u22122.2 m.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important Latitudes and Longitudes<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Equator (0\u00b0):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Does not pass through India; it lies south of the Indian mainland.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tropic of Cancer (23\u00b030\u2032N):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It passes approximately through the <\/span><b>central part of India from west to east<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. The Tropic of Cancer divides the country broadly into a tropical southern part and a subtropical\/temperate northern part.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>States crossed by the Tropic of Cancer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> From west to east<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gujarat<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rajasthan<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Madhya Pradesh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Chhattisgarh<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Jharkhand<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">West Bengal<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tripura<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Mizoram<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tropic of Capricorn (23\u00b030\u2032S):<\/b> <b>Does not pass through India.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> It lies entirely south of the Indian mainland and passes through countries such as Australia, South Africa and Brazil.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Indian Standard Meridian:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 82\u00b030\u2032E is the basis for Indian Standard Time (IST), and it passes near Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, which is the standard reference. It also passes through Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Delhi: Important Latitude and Longitude<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Latitude of Delhi:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Approximately <\/span>28\u00b036\u2032N.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Longitude of Delhi:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Approximately <\/span>77\u00b013\u2032E.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Important point:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Delhi lies <\/span>north of the Tropic of Cancer<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, which is at approximately 23\u00b030\u2032N.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Cities lying roughly around the latitude of Delhi:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Jaipur, Agra, Lucknow and Patna lie within the broad northern Indian latitudinal belt, although none has exactly the same latitude as Delhi.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Cities close to Delhi's longitude:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bhopal, parts of Rajasthan, and Bengaluru lie relatively close to Delhi's longitude, while the 82\u00b030\u2032E Standard Meridian lies considerably farther east.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Largest and Smallest States<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Largest Indian state by area:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rajasthan.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Smallest Indian state by area:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Goa.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Largest state by population:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Uttar Pradesh.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Smallest state by population:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Sikkim.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important Physiographic Extremes<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lowest land:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Parts of Kuttanad, Kerala, lie below mean sea level.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Longest coastline among states:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states (2,340.62 km as per reassessed estimates).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Largest state:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rajasthan, characterised largely by the Thar Desert and extensive arid landscapes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Smallest state:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Goa, located along the Konkan Coast.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other Important Location Facts<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>India's northern boundary:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Dominated by the Himalayan mountain system.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>India's southern boundary:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Opens into the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/indian-ocean\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Indian Ocean<\/strong><\/a>, with the Arabian Sea to the west and the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/bay-of-bengal\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Bay of Bengal<\/strong><\/a> to the east.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Western water body:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Arabian Sea.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Eastern water body:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Bay of Bengal.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ten Degree Channel:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Nine Degree Channel:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Separates Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep group.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Palk Strait:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Separates India and Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Gulf of Mannar:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Lies between southeastern India and Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Gulf of Kachchh:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Located along the Gujarat coast.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Gulf of Khambhat:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Located on the Gujarat coast between the Saurashtra Peninsula and mainland Gujarat.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Siliguri Corridor:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The narrow land connection linking India's northeastern states with the rest of mainland India through West Bengal.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India Divisions Basis<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The basis of physiographic divisions of India lies in differences in geological structure, rock formations, relief and geomorphic processes that have shaped the country over geological time. The present relief of India has developed through:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Geological differences:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Landforms have evolved during different geological periods.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Tectonic movements:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The northward movement of the Indian Plate contributed to the formation and evolution of major mountain systems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Weathering:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rocks are gradually broken down through physical, chemical and biological processes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Erosion:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Weathered materials are transported by rivers, glaciers, wind and other natural agents.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Deposition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rivers and other agents deposit sediments, contributing to the formation of plains and other landforms.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India Divisions<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiographic divisions of India comprise six broad regions that together represent the country\u2019s major variations in relief, geological structure, climate, drainage and natural resources. India is broadly divided into:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northern and North-eastern Mountains<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northern Plains<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Peninsular Plateau<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indian Desert<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Coastal Plains<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Islands<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30258 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23171300\/Physiography-of-India-1.png\" alt=\"Physiography of India\" width=\"610\" height=\"715\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northern and North-eastern Mountains<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Northern and North-eastern Mountains comprise the Himalayas and associated northeastern hill systems, forming a major physical, climatic and drainage divide for India. The northern mountain system can be further understood through three major groups:<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Himalayas\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Himalayas are young fold mountains extending broadly from the Indus to the Brahmaputra, forming a major mountain barrier along India\u2019s northern boundary.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Himalayan system extends for approximately 2,400 to 2,500 km.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Its width varies considerably, with the source noting approximately 400 km in the west and 150 km in the east. The Himalayas are divided into three parallel ranges:<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Greater Himalayas or Himadri:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The northernmost and most continuous Himalayan range.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average elevation is around 6,000 metres.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Width is approximately 120\u2013190 km.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It remains largely snow-covered and contains numerous glaciers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important high peaks include Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri and Nanga Parbat.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important mountain passes include Bara Lacha-La, Shipki-La, Nathu-La, Zoji-La and Bomdi-La.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Ganga and Yamuna originate in this broader Himalayan region.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Lesser Himalayas or Himachal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Elevation generally ranges between 1,000 and 4,500 metres.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The average width is around 50 km.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important ranges include Pir Panjal, Dhaula Dhar and Mahabharata.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It contains valleys such as Kashmir, Kullu and Kangra.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Several important hill stations are located in this zone.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Outer Himalayas or Siwaliks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> The Siwaliks form the outermost Himalayan range.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their elevation generally varies between 900 and 1,100 metres.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Width ranges between 10 and 50 km.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Longitudinal valleys between the Siwaliks and Lesser Himalayas are known as Duns, such as Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30259 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23171502\/Physiography-of-India-2.png\" alt=\"Physiography of India\" width=\"775\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23171502\/Physiography-of-India-2.png 775w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23171502\/Physiography-of-India-2-768x436.png 768w, https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23171502\/Physiography-of-India-2-270x152.png 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 775px) 100vw, 775px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trans-Himalayas<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Trans-Himalayan ranges lie north of the Greater Himalayas and include the Zaskar, Ladakh and Karakoram ranges, with the Indus flowing between Zaskar and Ladakh.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Karakoram Range occupies the extreme northern part, while K2 is the world\u2019s second-highest peak.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30424 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/26174745\/Trans-Himalayas.webp\" alt=\"Trans-Himalayas\" width=\"711\" height=\"413\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Purvanchal Hills<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Purvanchal Hills form the eastern continuation of the northern mountain system and include the Mishmi, Patkai, Naga and Mizo hills.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The northeastern hill system also includes the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills of the Meghalaya Plateau.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northern Plains<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Northern Plains are extensive alluvial plains formed by sediments deposited by the <\/span><b>Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, making them among India\u2019s most agriculturally productive regions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The plains extend approximately 2,400 km from west to east (or up to 3,200 km for the total Indus-Gangetic tract, including portions outside\/extending to river mouths).<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their average width ranges between 150 and 300 km.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The maximum depth of alluvial deposits ranges between 1,000 and 2,000 metres.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They include the Bhabar, Tarai and alluvial plains.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The alluvial plains are further divided into Bhangar and Khadar.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bhabar<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Bhabar is a narrow belt of approximately 8\u201310 km along the Shiwalik foothills where rivers deposit rocks and boulders, with some streams disappearing underground.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tarai<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Tarai lies south of the Bhabar and is approximately 10\u201320 km wide, where streams re-emerge and create marshy and swampy conditions supporting rich natural vegetation and wildlife.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bhangar and Khadar<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bhangar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Older alluvial deposits.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Khadar<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Newer alluvial deposits.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The plains contain features such as meanders, sand bars, ox-bow lakes and braided channels.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Brahmaputra plains are particularly known for riverine islands, sand bars and shifting braided channels.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Northern Plains also extend from Punjab to Assam, with a width of about 300 km in the west and 150 km in the east, and identify Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam as major states associated with the plains<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Peninsular Plateau<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Peninsular Plateau is an ancient, relatively stable triangular tableland characterised by plateaus, residual hills, rift valleys, rocky structures and diverse mineral and soil resources.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The plateau rises from about 150 metres above the river plains to 600\u2013900 metres in many areas. Its outer limits include the Delhi Ridge, Rajmahal Hills, Gir Range and Cardamom Hills, with extensions towards Shillong and Karbi-Anglong. It can broadly be divided into:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Deccan Plateau<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central Highlands<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northeastern Plateau.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Deccan Plateau<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Deccan Plateau is bounded by the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/western-ghats\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Western Ghats<\/strong><\/a> in the west, the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/eastern-ghats\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Eastern Ghats<\/strong><\/a> in the east, and the Satpura, Maikal and Mahadeo ranges in the north.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Western Ghats: More continuous and generally higher than the Eastern Ghats.\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Average elevation is approximately 1,200 metres, with higher elevations in the south.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Elevation increases from north to south.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Anaimudi at 2,695 metres is the highest peak of the Peninsular Plateau.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Doddabetta is about 2,637 metres.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many Peninsular rivers originate in the Western Ghats.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Eastern Ghats: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Discontinuous and comparatively lower.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They have been considerably eroded by rivers such as the <\/span>Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Important ranges include the Javadi, Palconda, Nallamala and Mahendragiri hills.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Eastern and Western Ghats meet around the Nilgiri Hills.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30261 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23172240\/Physiography-of-India-4.png\" alt=\"Physiography of India\" width=\"583\" height=\"722\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Central Highlands<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Central Highlands are associated with the Aravallis, Vindhyas, Satpuras, Malwa Plateau and Chotanagpur Plateau.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their general elevation ranges between 700 and 1,000 metres, and they slope towards the north and northeast.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Chotanagpur region contains substantial mineral resources, while the Narmada valley lies between the Vindhyas and Satpuras.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Northeastern Plateau<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Northeastern Plateau is an extension of the Peninsular Plateau that became separated from the main block through geological processes associated with the formation of the Himalayas.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30423 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/26174743\/Northeastern-Plateau.webp\" alt=\"Northeastern Plateau\" width=\"625\" height=\"426\" \/><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Meghalaya Plateau is separated from the main block by the Garo-Rajmahal gap, or Malda Gap and comprises:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><b>Garo Hills<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Khasi Hills<\/b><\/li>\r\n\t<li><b>Jaintia Hills<\/b><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It also extends into <\/span><b>Karbi Anglong<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> in Assam and contains minerals such as <\/span><b>coal, iron ore, sillimanite, limestone and uranium<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Heavy monsoonal rainfall has contributed to substantial erosion of the plateau surface.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Indian Desert<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Indian Desert is located to the northwest of the Aravalli Hills and is characterised by an arid climate, sand dunes, low vegetation and limited surface water availability.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30422 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/26174741\/Indian-Desert.webp\" alt=\"Indian Desert\" width=\"678\" height=\"578\" \/><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The region is also known as the <\/span>Great Indian Desert or Marusthali.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Receives less than 150 mm of rainfall annually.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contains longitudinal dunes and barchans.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Has landforms such as mushroom rocks, shifting dunes and oases.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">It has mostly ephemeral rivers, with the Luni being an important river.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Experiences low precipitation and high evaporation<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, producing water-deficit conditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Coastal Plains<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Coastal Plains are elongated lowland belts along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, broadly divided into western and eastern coastal plains according to their geomorphological characteristics.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30264 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23172839\/Physiography-of-India-7.png\" alt=\"Physiography of India\" width=\"692\" height=\"456\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Western Coastal Plains<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Western Coastal Plains are relatively narrow and submerged coastal plains extending from Gujarat towards Kerala. They include:<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Kachchh and Kathiawar Coast<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Konkan Coast<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Goan Coast<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Malabar Coast<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The western coast provides favourable natural conditions for ports and harbours, including Kandla, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Marmagao, Mangalore and Cochin.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Malabar Coast is particularly known for <\/span><b>Kayals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, or backwaters, which support fishing, inland navigation and tourism.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eastern Coastal Plains<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Eastern Coastal Plains are broader and emergent, with extensive deltas formed by east-flowing rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The continental shelf is relatively extensive along this coast, and with sediment deposition, it generally limits natural harbour formation compared with the western coast.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Islands<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Indian Islands consist principally of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea, representing distinct geological and ecological environments.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Andaman and Nicobar Islands<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands have separated the Andaman Sea to the east from the Indian Ocean.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Island group consists of about 836 islands and islets, out of which 31 are inhabited.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Ten Degree Channel separates the two groups.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">They are considered elevated portions of submarine mountains, while some smaller islands have volcanic origins.<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Barren Island<span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> contains India\u2019s only active volcano.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The islands contain coral deposits, beaches and equatorial-type vegetation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30265 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23173156\/Physiography-of-India-8.png\" alt=\"Physiography of India\" width=\"472\" height=\"656\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lakshadweep<\/span><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Lakshadweep group lies in the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/arabian-sea\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Arabian Sea<\/strong><\/a>, approximately 220\u2013440 km from the Kerala coast.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The islands are primarily formed from coral deposits.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are approximately 36 islands, of which 10 are inhabited.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Andrott is identified as the largest island in the group.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The islands have coral features and beaches and support distinctive marine ecosystems.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-30266 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vajiramias.sgp1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/wp\/upsc-exam\/2026\/09\/23173334\/Physiography-of-India-9.png\" alt=\"Physiography of India\" width=\"515\" height=\"325\" \/><\/p>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India Significance<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The significance of the physiography of India extends beyond landforms because physical divisions influence agriculture, drainage, climate, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/biodiversity\/\" target=\"_blank\">biodiversity<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, settlement patterns, resources, transport and economic activities across the country.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Agriculture and Food Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Northern Plains provide fertile alluvial soils for intensive agriculture.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Black-soil areas of the Peninsular Plateau support crops such as cotton and sugarcane.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Coastal regions support rice, coconut and spice cultivation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Desert regions support specialised arid and semi-arid livelihoods.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Drainage and Water Resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Physiography determines river gradients, drainage patterns and water availability. Himalayan rivers are generally perennial, while many peninsular rivers have different seasonal and flow characteristics.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Mineral Resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The Peninsular Plateau, particularly regions such as Chotanagpur and Meghalaya, contains important mineral resources, supporting mining and industrial activities.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Biodiversity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: The mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coastal ecosystems and islands create diverse ecological conditions and habitats.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Transport and Trade<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Mountain passes facilitate movement across difficult terrain, while coastal plains provide locations for ports and maritime trade. Mountain passes have historically facilitated trade, migration and cultural exchange.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Human Settlement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Fertile plains have historically supported dense populations, while mountains, deserts and islands have encouraged more specialised settlement and livelihood patterns<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India Threats<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Major threats to India\u2019s physiographic regions arise from natural hazards, geomorphic processes and increasing human pressure, although their nature and intensity vary significantly across different physical divisions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Himalayan region<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Landslides, erosion, <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/earthquake\/\" target=\"_blank\">earthquakes<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, glacier-related hazards and pressure from infrastructure and settlements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Northern Plains:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Floods, riverbank erosion, shifting channels and waterlogging.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Peninsular Plateau<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Soil erosion, land degradation, mining pressure and local seismic activity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Indian Desert:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Water scarcity, desertification, wind erosion and shifting dunes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Coastal Plains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: Coastal erosion, cyclones, storm surges, flooding and salinity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Islands<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/tsunami\/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Tsunami<\/strong>,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> cyclones, sea-level-related risks, coral degradation and excessive tourism pressure.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India Way Forward<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The way forward for India\u2019s physiographic regions requires region-specific planning that combines ecological conservation, disaster resilience, sustainable resource use and livelihood security.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Adopt region-specific planning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Development policies should reflect the distinct ecological and geological characteristics of mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coasts and islands.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen disaster resilience:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Hazard mapping, early-warning systems and resilient <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/infrastructure\/\" target=\"_blank\">infrastructure<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0should be prioritised in vulnerable regions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote sustainable mountain development:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Construction and tourism in Himalayan areas should account for geological instability, slope conditions and ecological carrying capacity.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Improve flood management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Floodplain zoning, wetland conservation, river restoration and better drainage management can reduce risks in the Northern Plains.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Control land degradation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Soil conservation, watershed management, afforestation and sustainable land-use practices should be strengthened in plateau and arid regions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ensure sustainable mining:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Mineral-rich plateau regions require stronger environmental safeguards, rehabilitation of mined areas and community participation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Strengthen coastal management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Integrated Coastal Zone Management should balance ports, tourism, fisheries, settlements and ecosystem conservation.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Protect island ecosystems:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Coral reefs, mangroves and other coastal ecosystems should be conserved while tourism is managed according to local ecological conditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Promote water security:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Rainwater harvesting, watershed development and efficient irrigation can address water stress, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Use scientific and local knowledge:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Physiographic planning should combine geological and geographical data with community knowledge and local livelihood requirements.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Physiography of India UPSC PYQs<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b>Q1.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2018)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Bengaluru<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Hyderabad<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Nagpur<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Pune<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q2.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Which of the following pairs of States of India indicates the easternmost and Westernmost State? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2015)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Assam and Rajasthan<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Assam and Gujarat<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (d)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Q3.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the \u2018Ten Degree Channel\u2019? <\/span><b>(UPSC Prelims 2014)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">a) Andaman and Nicobar<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">b) Nicobar and Sumatra<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">c) Maldives and Lakshadweep<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">d) Sumatra and Java\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><b>Ans: (a)<\/b><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The division of physiography of India lies in differences in geological structure, rock formations, relief and geomorphic processes. Read about its facts, significance and threats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":30393,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,24],"tags":[2061,40,620],"class_list":["post-30257","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-notes","category-upsc-geography-notes","tag-physiography-of-india","tag-quest","tag-upsc-geography-notes"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30257","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30257"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30257\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30430,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30257\/revisions\/30430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30257"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30257"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}