Chapter - 1 Geographical Diversity of India
India’s Geography
1. A View from Space:
- Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space (1984), told Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that India looked “Sāre jahān se achchha” (better than the entire world), a quote from a famous patriotic poem.
- This sets the tone for exploring India’s physical beauty and diversity.
2. Using the Map:
- Maps use different colours to indicate altitudes (heights).
- Students are encouraged to refer to a physical map and learn the legend to understand elevations and landforms.
3. India's Size and Neighbours:
- India is the 7th largest country in the world.
- It is part of Asia, and along with neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, forms the Indian Subcontinent.
4. Major Geographical Zones of India:
- India is commonly divided into five physical regions:
- The Great Mountain Zone (Himalayas)
- The Northern Plains (Ganga and Indus)
- The Desert Region (Thar Desert)
- The Southern Peninsula
- The Islands (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep)
5. India's Natural Boundaries:
- North: The Himalayan Mountains form a natural protective barrier.
- West: The Thar Desert and the Arabian Sea.
- South: The Indian Ocean.
- East: The Bay of Bengal.
6. Significance of Geography:
- These natural features have greatly influenced India’s climate, culture, and history by shaping interactions with neighbouring regions.
- The Himalayan Range stretches across northern India like a giant wall.
- Using the map legend, you can estimate the altitude (height) of various parts — some peaks are among the highest on Earth (e.g., Mt. Everest).
- Ganga
- Indus
- Brahmaputra
- These rivers support:
- Drinking water
- Agriculture
- Industry
- The Himalayas are sacred in many religions and cultures.
- They are home to temples, monasteries, and pilgrimage sites.
- People from around the world come here to pray, meditate, and seek spiritual peace.
- Millions of years ago, India was part of a supercontinent called Gondwana.
- At that time, India was near Africa!
- India broke off from Gondwana and moved northward.
- Around 50 million years ago, India collided with the Eurasian landmass.
- This collision caused the land to crumple and rise, just like how a carpet wrinkles when pushed.
- This rising of land formed the Himalayan mountains.
- India continues to push into Asia today at a speed of about 5 cm per year (slower than hair growth).
- As a result, the Himalayas are still growing taller, by about 5 mm per year.
- Over 1,000 years, that adds up to around 5 metres!
- Highest and most rugged part of the Himalayas.
- Home to towering peaks like:
- Mount Everest (world’s highest peak)
- Kanchenjunga (India’s highest peak)
- Always snow-covered.
- Harsh conditions make human life difficult.
- Few or no permanent settlements.
- Located south of the Himadri.
- Moderate climate supports:
- Human habitation
- Rich biodiversity
- Rolling hills
- Dense forests
- Rich in wildlife.
- Most people imagine deserts as hot and sandy, but cold deserts exist too.
- Ladakh, in northern India, is a cold desert.
- Winter temperatures can drop below –30°C.
- Very little rainfall.
- Rugged landscape with:
- Rocky terrain
- Deep valleys
- High-altitude lakes, like Pangong Tso (tso means lake).
- The terrain looks like the surface of the moon, earning it the nickname "moonland."
- Ladakh’s terrain was formed when the Indian plate collided with Eurasia, folding the land.
- This area was once under the ocean, so the rocks are mostly sand and clay.
- Over time, wind and rain eroded the land into its current shapes.
- Located south of the Himalayas.
- Known as vast, flat, and fertile land.
- One of the most important regions in India’s history and civilization.
- Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra
- These rivers, along with their tributaries, bring mineral-rich silt that:
- Enriches the soil
- Makes the land highly fertile – ideal for agriculture.
- Rivers also help in generating hydroelectric power.
- Found in the northwestern part of India.
- Appears as a yellowish region on the map.
- Very little rainfall – it’s an arid (dry) region.
- These harsh conditions make travel and settlement difficult.
- They have adapted their food, clothing, and lifestyle to suit the environment:
- Light, loose clothing
- Water conservation practices
- Traditional desert homes
- Highest peak: Mount Abu (over 1700 metres).
- Most hills: between 300–900 metres high.
- Located in northwestern India.
- Example: You can travel from Mount Abu to Jodhpur (in the Thar Desert) in just 4.5 hours, moving between mountains and desert – two very different landscapes.
- Prevents the Thar Desert from spreading eastward.
- Influences the climate and rainfall patterns in the region.
- Indians mastered zinc extraction over 800 years ago – first in the world to do so!
- Home to famous forts, such as:- Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore
- A triangular-shaped landmass in central and southern India.
- One of the oldest land formations in the world.
- Called a peninsula because it is surrounded by water on three sides:
- Taller and continuous range.
- Run along the western coast.
- Famous for steep slopes and monsoon-fed waterfalls.
- Lower in height.
- Broken and uneven.
- Found along the eastern coast.
- Lies between the Western and Eastern Ghats.
- A vast highland area.
- Slightly tilted towards the east, which affects river flow direction.
- East-flowing rivers (flow into Bay of Bengal):- Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi
- Important for irrigation, farming, and hydroelectric power.
- West-flowing rivers (flow into Arabian Sea):- Narmada, Tapti
- Many beautiful waterfalls are found here (due to uneven terrain).
- Minerals, Forests, Fertile soil
- Supports agriculture, mining, tourism, and power generation.
- Key contributor to India’s economy.
- Have unique languages and traditions
- Live in close connection with nature
- India has a coastline of over 7500 km, offering a diverse range of beaches, forests, and islands.
- Features include golden sands, black rocks, coral reefs, and dense jungles.
- Location: Stretches from Gujarat to Kerala, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka.
- Geography:- Rivers: Most rivers here originate in the Western Ghats and flow swiftly towards the coast.
- Estuaries: The rivers form estuaries (where fresh water meets salt water), with the Narmada and Tapti estuaries being the largest.
- Landforms:- The coastline is shaped by alluvial deposits from short rivers, forming features like coves, creeks, and estuaries.
- Economic Importance:- Many important ports and cities are located along the west coast, historically central to trade and commerce.
- Location: Lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, stretching from the Ganga delta to Kanyakumari.
- Geography:-Features wide plains and major river deltas:
- Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers.
- Water Bodies:- Chilika Lake and Pulicat Lake are significant water bodies found on the east coast. Pulicat Lake is a lagoon, separated from the ocean by a natural barrier.
- Deltas:- The deltas are formed where rivers deposit sediments into the Bay of Bengal.
- Over time, this sediment buildup creates fertile, triangular or fan-shaped landforms.
- The fertile deltas of the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and Mahanadi rivers make the land ideal for farming.
- India has two major island groups:
- Lakshadweep Islands (in the Arabian Sea)
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands (in the Bay of Bengal)
- These islands have:- Unique wildlife, Beautiful beaches, Coral reefs, Volcanoes
- Tribes: Several ancient tribes have lived on these islands for tens of thousands of years.
- Location: In the Arabian Sea, near the Malabar coast of Kerala.
- Features:- Comprising 36 islands made of coral.
- Not all islands are inhabited.
- Importance:- India controls a vast marine area around Lakshadweep.
- Supports fishing, resource exploration, and environmental protection.
- Location: In the Bay of Bengal.
- Structure:- Made up of more than 500 islands (both large and small).
- Divided into two main groups:- 1. Andaman Islands, 2. Nicobar Islands
- Strategic Importance:- The islands are like outposts of India, serving as a strategic point to monitor the ocean.
- Historical Significance:- The Andaman Islands are known for the Cellular Jail, where many of India's freedom fighters were imprisoned under harsh conditions.
- The jail has been preserved as a historical monument to honor the sacrifices made by these fighters for India's freedom.
- This delta has a unique combination of river, sea, and land.
- Half of the Sundarbans lies in India, while the other half is in Bangladesh.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Sundarbans are recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site due to their ecological importance.
- Region: The hills of the Northeast are part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
- Notable Hills: The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills are marked on the map.
- The region experiences heavy rainfall, making it one of the wettest places on Earth.
- The lush greenery and breathtaking waterfalls make it an area of great natural beauty.
- Water for Drinking: People along the river use it as a source of drinking water.
- Agriculture: The river’s water irrigates fields, supporting farming in the Gangetic Plains.
- Transportation: Boats and ships use the river for the movement of goods and people.
- Religious Significance: The Ganga is sacred, and people perform rituals, prayers, and ceremonies along its banks.
- Hydroelectric Power: In some parts, dams built on the river generate electricity.
- Fishing: People rely on the river for fishing, a source of livelihood.
- Sundarbans UNESCO Heritage Site is a unique delta formed by the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.
- It is home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and rich wildlife.
- The region has a diverse ecosystem of mangrove forests, estuaries, and tidal waterways.
- Its combination of river, sea, and land creates a fascinating habitat.
- The site plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation.
- Its remote and unique geographical features add to its ecological significance.
- To describe its location, I would use the Himalayas in the north as the defining physical feature.
- The Gangetic Plains in the north also shape the central region.
- Peninsular Plateau in the south outlines the landmass, bordered by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean on three sides.
- Drying: Vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and spinach are dried during the harvest season and stored for use in off-seasons.
- Pickling: Fruits and vegetables (e.g., mangoes, lemons) are preserved by pickling with salt, oil, and spices.
- Fermentation: Foods like idli and dosa batter are fermented to preserve and enhance their taste.
- Smoking: Fish and meats are smoked, especially in regions like Northeast India, to preserve them for long periods.
- Canning: Jams, fruits, and vegetables are canned in airtight containers for preservation.
- Salting: Fish and meats are salted to prevent spoilage, commonly used in coastal areas.
- Rivers: Major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra have acted as lifelines, connecting people for trade, travel, and cultural exchange.
- Shared Culture: Geography has influenced a common cultural identity, with festivals, cuisine, and traditions that unify people across regions.
- Common Language: Despite regional diversity, languages like Hindi and English have facilitated communication across the country.
- Infrastructure: The development of roads, railways, and communication networks has connected distant regions, making travel and trade easier.
- Religious and Historical Significance: Common religious practices and historical monuments spread across the country have created a sense of shared heritage.