Plateaus in India

The Peninsular Plateau of India, delineated by mountain ranges and Ghats, features diverse topography and geological formations. Split by the Narmada-Son-Damodar rift valley, it divides into the Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau. Regional plateaus like Mewar, Bundelkhand, and Malwa showcase unique landscapes shaped by rivers and geological processes. Notable areas include the Chota Nagpur Plateau, rich in minerals and coal, and the Karnataka Plateau with its fertile plains and coffee production. The Meghalaya Plateau stands out for its heavy rainfall and unique hills. Overall, the Peninsular Plateau is a geological treasure, rich in resources and biodiversity.

Plateaus are elevated landforms with extensive summit areas characterized by broad, flat surfaces. Typically, there is a sudden rise or fall from the surface of a plateau to the adjacent land. The term "highland" is relative in nature because many plateaus are situated at higher elevations than some mountains, while many plains are higher than certain plateaus. The surfaces of plateaus can vary widely, resembling those of plains with very flat, rolling, or hilly terrain. Often, plateaus are heavily dissected by streams, making it difficult to discern their original plateau characteristics.

The Peninsular Plateau is demarcated from the plains of the Ganga and the Indus by an array of mountain and hill ranges, ranging from 460 to 1,220 meters in elevation. Notable among these are the Aravali, Vindhya, Satpura, Maikala, and Ajanta ranges. On one side, the Peninsula is bordered by the Eastern Ghats, with an average elevation of about 610 meters, while on the other side lies the Western Ghats, where elevations typically range from 915 to 1,220 meters, reaching over 2,440 meters in some areas. Between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea stretches a narrow coastal strip, while a broader coastal area lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. The southern tip of the plateau is delineated by the Nilgiri Hills, where the Eastern and Western Ghats converge. Beyond these hills, the Cardamom Hills may be considered a continuation of the Western Ghats.

The Peninsular plateau is a significant geological feature composed of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, creating a prominent tableland. Its formation dates back to the fragmentation and shifting of the Gondwana landmass, making it one of the oldest landforms on Earth. Over millennia, the plateau has undergone numerous cycles of upliftment and submergence, often accompanied by crustal faulting and fractures, which have sculpted its diverse topography. Characterized by expansive valleys and gently rounded hills, the plateau's landscape is both majestic and varied.

A peninsula refers to a landmass surrounded by water bodies on three sides. Similarly, a peninsular plateau is a plateau surrounded by water bodies on three sides. The Indian Peninsular Plateau is encircled by the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south.

The Narmada-Son-Damodar rift valley divides the peninsular landmass into two distinct sections: the Central Highlands in the north and the Deccan Plateau in the south. The peninsular plateau is segmented into different regional landforms determined by local topography and geographical positioning. These include the Mewar Plateau , Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand Plateau, Baghelkhand Plateau, Madhya Bharat Pathar, Kathiawar Plateau, Chotanagpur Plateau, Meghalaya Plateau, and Deccan Plateau.

• The plateau located in eastern Rajasthan is known as either the Marwar Plateau or the Mewar Plateau,
• This plateau, ranging in height from 250 to 500 metres above sea level, gradually descends towards the east
• Comprising sandstone, shales, and limestones from the Vindhyan period, it is a terrain carved into a rolling plain by erosional work of Banas river and its tributary.

• The Central Highlands, located north of the Narmada River and covering a significant portion of the Malwa Plateau, are bordered by the Vindhya Range to the south and the Aravallis to the northwest.
• This region gradually transitions into the sandy and rocky deserts of Rajasthan in the west and extends towards the Rajmahal Hills in the east.
• Rivers like the Chambal, Sind, Betwa, and Ken flow southwest to northeast, indicating the slope of the land.
• The Central Highlands are wider in the west but narrow towards the east, with extensions known locally as Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. Further east, the Chotanagpur Plateau, drained by the Damodar River, marks the continuation of this terrain.

• The Bundelkhand Upland is located between the Yamuna River to the north, the Malwa Plateau to the south, the Vindhyan Scarplands to the east and southeast, and the Madhya Bharat Pathar to the west.
• It comprises mainly 'Bundelkhand gneiss' composed of granite and gneiss rocks, this upland is an ancient dissected land, characterized by numerous deep valleys.
• Its elevation typically ranges from 300 to 600 metres above sea level.
• The drainage system of the Bundelkhand Upland flows into the Bay of Bengal.
• Despite its water sources, the region is unsuitable for cultivation due to the erosional work of flowing rivers, resulting in an undulating, wave-like surface.
• Major streams such as the Betwa, Dhasan, and Ken flow through the plateau, contributing to its unique geographical features.

• It is located around Bihar and Uttar Pradesh region. It is approximately between 23°30' to 25°30' N latitude and 81° to 84° E longitude.
• It is bordered by Gangetic plains in the North, by Vindhyan range in West and South and by Chhotanagpur plateau in the East.
• It is extension of the Vindhyan range and consists of sedimentary rocks.
• It is rugged terrain with small hills. The elevation ranges from 300 to 900 meters above sea level.
• It is rich in minerals such as limestone, sandstone, and coal.
• Son river flows through the plateau.
• The plateau is very fertile and supports various crops such as wheat, rice, pulses, and oilseeds.
• Apart from Agriculture, mining is an important economic activity in the region.
• This region also has a rich cultural heritage with ancient forts, caves, and temples. One of the most popular tourist attractions of the region is the Rohtasgarh Fort.

• The Malwa Plateau is roughly triangular in shape, bordered by the Vindhyan Hills to the south, the Aravalli Range to the west, the Madhya Bharat Pathar to the north, and Bundelkhand to the east.
• It features two drainage systems: one towards the Arabian Sea, including rivers like the Narmada, Tapi, and Mahi, and another towards the Bay of Bengal, with the Chambal and Betwa rivers ultimately joining the Yamuna.
• With an average elevation of 500 meters, the plateau gently slopes towards the north.
• Geologically diverse, the Malwa Plateau comprises Dharwar rocks, Vindhyan rocks, Gondwana rocks, and Volcanic Basalt.
• Extensive lava flows cover the plateau, contributing to the presence of black soils.
• The terrain of the plateau is rolling and dissected by rivers.
• The region experiences a semi-arid to arid climate, leading to the emergence of temporary streams during short spells of rainfall.
• Due to the absence of dense vegetation, these temporary streams erode the topsoil, forming narrow valleys known as gullies.
• Over time, these gullies deepen and evolve into ravines. Ravine-gully erosion transforms the landform into badlands, rendering it unsuitable for agriculture.
• The drainage basin of the Chambal River is particularly abundant with such badland topography, characterized by its rugged and eroded terrain.

• Baghelkhand is situated east of the Maikala Range and is composed of limestones and sandstones in the west, transitioning to granite in the east.
• The plateau contains Dharwar and Gondwana rocks, contributing to its geological diversity.
• Acting as a water divide, the central part of the plateau separates the Son drainage system in the north from the Mahanadi river system in the south.
• Notable water management infrastructure includes the Rihand Dam and the Govind Vallabh Pant Sagar reservoir, the largest man-made lake in India, built on the Son River.
• The plateau exhibits a general elevation ranging from 150 meters to 1200 meters, with uneven relief across its terrain.
• The physiography of the area is characterized by scarps of Vindhyan sandstones situated between the Ganga plain and the Narmada-Son trough.
• Bhaner and Kaimur are located close to the axis of the plateau, contributing to its geological features.
• The general horizontality of the strata suggests that this area has not undergone significant geological disturbances, maintaining its structural integrity over time.

• The Chota Nagpur Plateau (CNP) is a vast continental plateau boasting an average elevation of 700 meters above sea level. It spans across the states of Jharkhand, the northern part of Chhattisgarh, Purulia district of West Bengal, and parts of Odisha.
• A defining feature of the CNP is the Damodar Rift Valley (DRV), characterized by Gondwana rocks and renowned for its rich coal deposits, including the Damodar Valley Coal Fields.
• The plateau's geological composition alternates between soft and hard rock strata, resulting in a distinctive topography known as Patland, where erosion of soft rock leaves behind hard rock formations. Monadnocks, isolated hills or ridges of erosion-resistant rock, interrupt this landscape.
• Intense weathering and erosion have transformed the CNP into a region dominated by laterite soils, influencing its agricultural and ecological characteristics.
• The plateau is crisscrossed by numerous rivers and streams, forming a radial drainage pattern. Major rivers include the Son, Damodar, Subarnrekha, North Koel, South Koel, and Barkar, each contributing to extensive drainage basins.
• The Hazaribagh Plateau, located north of the Damodar River, boasts an average elevation of 600 meters and features isolated hills, resembling a peneplain due to extensive erosion.
• South of the Damodar Valley lies the Ranchi Plateau, rising to about 600 meters above sea level. Highly dissected, this plateau is characterized by rolling terrain and is home to the city of Ranchi.
• The Ranchi Plateau gradually slopes southeastward into the hilly and undulating region of Singhbhum, separated from the Hazaribagh Plateau by the Damodar trough. The western part of the plateau, known as Patland, exhibits the highest elevation.
• Rivers descending from the Ranchi Plateau form spectacular waterfalls as they traverse precipitous escarpments, such as the Pheruaghaugh Falls on the North Karo River and the Hundru Falls on the Subarnarekha River.
• The Singhbhum area, encompassing the Kolhan division of Jharkhand, is renowned for its rich deposits of metallic minerals.
• The northeastern edge of the CNP is defined by the Rajmahal Hills, predominantly composed of basalt and covered by basaltic lava flows.
• The Chota Nagpur Plateau is a treasure trove of minerals, including mica, bauxite, copper, limestone, iron ore, and coal. The Damodar Valley, in particular, is renowned for its abundance of coking coal, making it a prime center for coal mining in the country.

• Separated by a fault from the Chotanagpur Plateau, the Meghalaya or Shillong Plateau is a unique geological formation in Northeast India.
• The formation of this plateau can be traced back to the northeastern movement of the Indian plate during the Himalayan origin, resulting in a significant fault between the Rajmahal Hills and the Meghalaya plateau.
• Over time, the depression formed by this fault was filled up by the deposition activity of numerous rivers, leading to the detachment of the Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateau from the main Peninsular block.
• The Meghalaya plateau is subdivided into three distinct hills from west to east: the Garo Hills, the Khasi Hills, and the Jaintia Hills. This geological diversity extends into Assam, with the Karbi Anglong hills.
• Similar to the Chotanagpur plateau, the Meghalaya plateau is abundant in mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, sillimanite, limestone, and uranium.
• This region receives the maximum rainfall from the southwest monsoon, resulting in a highly eroded surface on the Meghalaya plateau.
• Cherrapunji, famously known for its record-breaking rainfall, showcases a bare rocky surface with minimal permanent vegetation cover due to the erosive forces of the monsoon rains.

• The Kathiawar Plateau is situated in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat and is characterized by numerous pipe-like volcanic openings that have given rise to several hill ranges, including the Girnar range, Junagarh range, and Pavagarh range.
• Lake Nalsarovar, a renowned bird sanctuary, forms the northeast boundary of the plateau, adding to its ecological significance and biodiversity.
• Adjacent to the Kathiawar Plateau to the north lies the Little Rann, a unique salt marsh that contrasts with the plateau's volcanic terrain.
• The plateau features volcanic rocks in the form of the Mandav hills and Balda hills, contributing to its geological diversity and scenic beauty.
• Mount Girnar stands as the highest point of the Kathiawar Plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and serving as a prominent landmark in the region.

• The Deccan Plateau stands as the largest unit of the Peninsular Plateau of India, encompassing an expansive area of approximately five lakh square kilometers. It is comprised of the Maharashtra, Telangana and Karnataka plateaus.
• Triangular in shape, this plateau is bordered by various geographical features: the Satpura and Vindhya ranges in the northwest, the Mahadev and Maikal ranges in the north, the Western Ghats in the west, and the Eastern Ghats in the east.
• With an average elevation of 600 meters above sea level, the Deccan Plateau rises up to 1000 meters in the south and gradually dips to 500 meters in the north.
• Its general slope from west to east is indicated by the flow of major rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery, which further dissect the plateau into smaller plateaus which include the Maharashtra Plateau , Karnataka Plateau and Telangana Plateau
• The plateau has black soil which has been formed by lava that came out during volcanic activity. This black soil area is known as the Deccan Trap
• Resource potential of Deccan Trap
  • Minerals:
    • Rich in minerals such as oil and gas, notable examples include the Ankleshwar and Halisa Oilfields, along with the Wardha Coal Field.
    • Additionally, the Deccan Traps are abundant in minerals like basalt, laterite, and bauxite. Basalt finds extensive use in construction materials, while laterite and bauxite play essential roles in the production of cement and aluminum, respectively
  • Soil: Renowned for its black soil, ideal for cotton cultivation, and conducive to agriculture. Crops like sugarcane and groundnut thrive in this soil type.
  • River System: Endowed with major rivers like the Kaveri and Godavari, offering hydroelectric potential and facilitating irrigation projects.
  • Wind Potential: Benefits from significant wind potential, driven by both land and sea breezes. States like Gujarat and Maharashtra boast substantial installed wind power capacity.
  • Vegetation: The South Deccan Plateau harbors dry deciduous forests, featuring valuable timber species such as sal, utilized in construction, and teak, prized for shipbuilding and furniture making.

• The Maharashtra Plateau is an integral part of Maharashtra, comprising the northern segment of the Deccan Plateau, renowned for its distinctive geological formations and rich cultural heritage.
• Dominated by basaltic rocks of lava origin, much of the plateau is characterized by the presence of horizontal lava sheets, giving rise to the iconic Deccan Trap topography.
• The plateau's landscape resembles a rolling plain, shaped over millennia by the relentless action of exogenetic forces, including erosion and weathering.
• Broad and shallow valleys, carved by rivers such as the Godavari, Bhima, and Krishna, punctuate the plateau, flanked by flat-topped, steep-sided hills and ridges such as the Ajanta, Balaghat, and Harishchandra ranges.
• A defining feature of the Maharashtra Plateau is the ubiquitous presence of black cotton soil, known locally as regur, which covers the entire area and contributes to its fertility and agricultural productivity.

• The Karnataka Plateau, also known as the Mysore Plateau, lies to the south of the Maharashtra Plateau, encompassing a vast expanse of picturesque landscapes and cultural richness.
• Characterized by a rolling plateau topography, the Karnataka Plateau boasts an average elevation ranging from 600 to 900 meters above sea level.
• This plateau is intricately dissected by numerous rivers originating from the Western Ghats, including the Tungabhadra and Cauvery rivers, which contribute to the region's fertile plains and lush vegetation.
• Hills within the Karnataka Plateau typically align either parallel to the Western Ghats or traverse across them, showcasing the diverse geological formations of the region.
• The highest peak in the Karnataka Plateau is Mulangiri, located in the Baba Budan Hills of Chikmagalur district. The Baba Budan Hills are renowned for their iron ore mining and coffee production, adding to the economic significance of the region.
• The plateau is divided into two distinct regions: the western hilly country region known as 'Malnad' and the plain region referred to as 'Maidan,' each offering unique landscapes and cultural experiences.
• Towards the south, the Karnataka Plateau tapers between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, gradually merging with the Nilgiri Hills, creating a seamless transition between these majestic mountain ranges.

• The Telangana Plateau, primarily composed of Dharwar rocks, is renowned for its mineral wealth, owing to the geological formations of the region. Gondwana rocks, famous for their coal fields, are also present in the Godavari valley, further adding to the plateau's mineral resources.
• The plateau is drained by three major river systems: the Krishna, the Godavari, and the Penneru. The Godavari river acts as a natural divider, splitting the plateau into two distinct parts.
• Physiographically, the Telangana Plateau comprises two main regions: the Ghats, characterized by rugged terrain and elevated features, and the Peneplains, vast undulating plains formed during the final stages of the deposition process.
• Despite its rugged topography, the Telangana Plateau receives substantial rainfall, averaging around 1000mm annually, similar to the Chota Nagpur Plateau (CNP).
• The northern part of the plateau is generally lower in elevation compared to its southern counterpart, contributing to variations in landscape and ecological diversity across the region.

• Aravalli Ranges: Stretching from Gujarat through Rajasthan up to Delhi, the Aravalli range is a significant physiographic feature with an average elevation of 400-600 meters. Mount Abu, with its highest peak known as Guru Shikhar, rises to 1722 meters.
• Vindhyan Ranges: Extending from the southern edge of the Malwa plateau, the Vindhyan range spans approximately 1200 kilometers, with elevations ranging from 300 to 650 meters. It rises abruptly from the bed of the Narmada river.
• Satpura Ranges: Located between the Narmada valley in the north and the Tapti valley in the south, the Satpura range reaches its maximum height near Panchmarhi (1350 meters). The Maikal range, part of the Satpuras, runs north-south and reaches its peak near Amarkantak (1,127 meters)

• Abundance of minerals like manganese, iron ore, and coal.
• Fertile black soils conducive to agriculture, particularly for cotton and sugarcane.
• Dense forests in the Western Ghats provide valuable wood varieties.
• Natural habitat for diverse wildlife and birds.
• Rivers flowing through the plateau form waterfalls, harnessed for hydroelectricity.
• Hill resorts such as Ooty, Panchmarhi, and Mahabaleshwar attract tourists.

Structurally, the Peninsular Plateau forms the Indian Shield which is a large tectonically stable area made up of rocks from the Precambrian age. The area is rich in natural resources like minerals of iron, bauxite, dolomite, limestone, quartz, and silica. These minerals are used in a variety of industries, including construction, steelmaking, and aluminum production. It is an important source of water for irrigation and drinking for the population in the region. The underground layers of rock act as aquifers. The region is a host to a variety of forests which have been a source for timber. These forests also have diverse biodiversity. They also contribute substantially to the Indian economy due to being rich in both metallic and non-metallic resources. The plateaus of India hence are a very important natural resource which must be protected and sustainably used.