Indian Peninsula

The Indian Peninsula is a significant geographical feature of India, covering the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is surrounded by water on three sides, with the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. The Indian Peninsula plays a crucial role in India's climate, economy, and cultural history.

1. Introduction to the Indian Peninsula

1. The Indian Peninsula is a triangular landmass that extends southward from the Gangetic Plains.
2. It is one of the oldest landforms of India and is a part of the ancient Gondwana landmass.
3. The region includes the Deccan Plateau, Western and Eastern Ghats, coastal plains, and islands.

2. Geographical Extent

1. Northern Boundary: The Vindhya and Satpura ranges separate it from the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
2. Southern Tip: Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) marks the southernmost point of the mainland.
3. Western Side: Surrounded by the Arabian Sea.
4. Eastern Side: Bounded by the Bay of Bengal.

Area Coverage:

1. Approximately 1.5 million square kilometers, covering states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

3. Formation of the Indian Peninsula

1. The Indian Peninsula is a part of the Gondwana land, which broke away from Antarctica and drifted northward.
2. It is made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks, making it one of the oldest and most stable landmasses.

4. Major Physical Divisions of the Indian Peninsula

The Indian Peninsula consists of four major geographical features:

(A) The Deccan Plateau

1. The largest landform in the Indian Peninsula, covering most of central and southern India.
2. It is tilted eastward, causing rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri to flow towards the Bay of Bengal.
3. Rich in minerals like iron ore, coal, and manganese.

(B) The Western and Eastern Ghats

1. Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills):
2. Runs parallel to the western coast.
3. Acts as a barrier to monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall.
4. Home to biodiversity hotspots like Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
5. Eastern Ghats:
6. Discontinuous and lower in height compared to the Western Ghats.
7. Rivers like Godavari and Krishna cut through them.

(C) The Coastal Plains

1. Western Coastal Plains:
2. Narrow and uneven, located between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
3. Includes Konkan, Malabar, and Kannad regions.
4. Famous for spice cultivation and backwaters in Kerala.
5. Eastern Coastal Plains:
6. Wider and more fertile than the Western Coastal Plains.
7. Lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
8. Includes the Coromandel Coast and Northern Circar regions.
9. Major river deltas like the Ganga-Brahmaputra, Godavari, and Krishna are found here.

(D) The Islands

1. Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea):Coral islands formed from reef deposits.
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal):Volcanic in origin, includes India’s only active volcano – Barren Island.
3. Important for strategic defense and biodiversity.

5. Rivers of the Indian Peninsula

The rivers of the Indian Peninsula are divided into two categories:

(A) East-Flowing Rivers

1. Flow into the Bay of Bengal.
2. Form deltas at their mouths.
3. Examples: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi, and Pennar.

(B) West-Flowing Rivers

1. Flow into the Arabian Sea.
2. Form estuaries instead of deltas.
3. Examples: Narmada, Tapti, Sabarmati, and Mahi.

6. Climate of the Indian Peninsula

1. Tropical monsoon climate due to its proximity to the sea.
2. Southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the Western Ghats.
3. Rain shadow effect on the Deccan Plateau, making it drier.
4. Cyclones occur frequently in the Eastern Coastal region.

7. Economic Significance of the Indian Peninsula

(A) Agriculture:

1. Rice, coconut, spices, and coffee are grown in coastal areas.
2. Millets, cotton, and pulses are cultivated in the Deccan Plateau.

(B) Mineral Resources:

1. Iron, coal, bauxite, and limestone are found in Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
2. Gold deposits in Karnataka (Kolar Gold Fields).

(C) Industries:

1. IT hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai contribute to India's economy.
2. Fishing and tourism thrive in coastal states.

8. Cultural and Historical Significance

1. Ancient Kingdoms: Chola, Chera, Pandya, Satavahana, Vijayanagara Empire flourished in the Peninsula.
2. Religious Heritage: Temples in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh reflect India's rich culture.
3. UNESCO Heritage Sites: Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Elephanta Caves showcase historical architecture.