The Northeastern Plateau

The Northeastern Plateaus, also known as the Shillong Plateau or the Assam Plateau, is a large plateau region in Northeast India. It consists of several smaller plateaus and hill ranges, including:

Plateau Location Features
Garo Hills Western Meghalaya Dense forests, waterfalls, stunning scenery
Khasi Hills Eastern Meghalaya Rolling hills, lush greenery, unique rock formations
Jaintia Hills Southern Meghalaya Coal mines, waterfalls, orange orchards
Karbi Anglong Plateau Central Assam Rich biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries, tribal culture
Patkai Hills India-Myanmar border Dense forests, bamboo groves, diverse wildlife

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Plateaus in India – Meaning, Types & Importance

Plateaus in India: Plateaus are elevated flat areas of land. They’re the high tables on Earth’s surface. People often live on plateaus, and they affect the weather and nature around them. This article explains plateaus—flat, elevated lands. It describes types, causes, and examples worldwide, focusing on the significance and characteristics of Indian plateaus.

The exploration of Plateaus in India falls within the purview of the Geography segment in the UPSC Syllabus. Plateaus constitute one of the four primary landforms, alongside mountains, plains, and hills. This article delves into the discussion of Plateaus in India, covering their types, formation, and more.

Plateaus in India

Table of Content

  • Plateaus
  • What Are Plateaus?
  • Plateaus In India
  • Types Of Plateaus
  • Indian Peninsular Plateau
  • Importance Of Plateaus in India
  • Causes Of Plateau Formation
  • List Of Plateaus In India
  • Deccan Plateau
  • Central Highlands
  • Chota Nagpur Plateau
  • Meghalaya Plateau
  • Marwar Plateau
  • Bundelkhand Upland
  • Malwa Plateau
  • Baghelkhand
  • Aravalli Range
  • Chotanagpur Plateau Extension
  • Shillong Plateau Sub-Plateaus
  • Deccan Plateaus Sub Plateaus
  • Features Of Peninsular Plateau
  • The Central Highlands
  • The Deccan Plateau
  • The Northeastern Plateau
  • Plateau In India UPSC
  • Famous Plateaus Of The World

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Plateaus

Plateaus are elevated flat or gently sloping areas of land that are characterized by their relatively high elevation compared to the surrounding terrain. These geographical features can be found all around the world and come in various types, each with distinct characteristics....

What Are Plateaus?

Plateaus are flat, elevated areas of land that stand higher than the surrounding areas. Plateaus have relatively level surfaces, making them distinct geographical features, unlike mountains. They result from geological processes such as uplift, volcanic activity, or erosion. Plateaus can vary in size and are found all around the world. They play crucial roles in shaping landscapes and influencing climate patterns. Due to their elevated nature, plateaus often offer breathtaking panoramic views. Some plateaus are characterized by fertile soil supporting agriculture, while others may feature unique ecosystems....

Plateaus In India

India is home to several significant plateaus that contribute to the country’s diverse topography. These plateaus have played crucial roles in shaping the landscape, influencing agriculture, and contributing to historical and cultural developments....

Types Of Plateaus

Plateaus are elevated flat or gently sloping areas that are distinct from the surrounding terrain. They can be classified into various types based on their geological origin, location, and formation. Here are some common kinds of plateaus:...

Indian Peninsular Plateau

The Indian Peninsular Plateau is a vast elevated region in South India, characterized by its flat-topped hills and tablelands. It spans major states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. This plateau, also known as the Deccan Plateau, holds historical and geographical significance. Its landscape is shaped by volcanic activity, resulting in black soil conducive to agriculture. Rivers like the Godavari and Krishna originate here, enriching the fertile plains. The plateau hosts diverse flora and fauna, contributing to India’s biodiversity. Its central location has made it a crossroads of cultural and trade routes throughout history, playing a vital role in the subcontinent’s development....

Importance Of Plateaus in India

Plateaus in India are important for the various reasons listed below:...

Causes Of Plateau Formation

A plateau is caused by different natural processes that shape the Earth’s surface. Here are some simple explanations:...

List Of Plateaus In India

Below is the table for the List of Plateaus in India:...

Types of Plateaus in India

India features seven Plateaus in India. These include the Marwar Plateau, Central Highland, Bundelkhand Upland, Malwa Plateau, Baghelkhand, Chota Nagpur Plateau, Meghalaya Plateau, Deccan Plateau, and Maharashtra Plateau....

Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau, found in central and southern India, is a large elevated area formed by ancient volcanic activity. It has a mix of fertile plains, rocky hills, and unique basaltic formations. Surrounded by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, this plateau has a rich history, playing a key role in ancient civilizations and contributing to India’s overall development....

Central Highlands

The Central Highlands, spanning from Gujarat to Chhattisgarh, is a region of hills and plateaus in central India. It includes the Vindhya and Satpura ranges, influencing the flow of major rivers. This area has diverse landscapes and holds historical importance as the heart of India....

Chota Nagpur Plateau

The Chota Nagpur Plateau, in eastern India (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha), is known for its hills, valleys, and dense forests. Valuable for its coal and iron ore deposits, it’s a significant industrial area contributing to India’s mineral wealth....

Meghalaya Plateau

The Meghalaya Plateau in northeastern India, particularly Meghalaya state, is marked by heavy rainfall and lush greenery. Home to the Shillong Plateau, it’s a biodiversity hotspot with unique flora and fauna, as well as diverse indigenous communities....

Marwar Plateau

The Marwar Plateau in western Rajasthan has a semi-arid landscape with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Part of the Thar Desert, it greatly influences the region’s climate and showcases adaptations to arid environments....

Bundelkhand Upland

The Bundelkhand Upland, extending across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, has a rocky terrain and historical significance. It has witnessed the rise and fall of ancient civilizations and supports agriculture in certain areas....

Malwa Plateau

The Malwa Plateau in northwestern Madhya Pradesh is known for its fertile soil, making it suitable for agriculture. Bounded by the Aravalli Range, it’s a crucial region for food production and holds historical and cultural importance....

Baghelkhand

Baghelkhand, covering eastern Madhya Pradesh and parts of Chhattisgarh, features hills and plateaus. It’s known for its forests and is used for agricultural activities, showcasing a mix of natural landscapes and human settlements....

Aravalli Range

The Aravalli Range, primarily a mountain range, includes sections with elevated plateaus. Stretching through Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, it influences the climate and ecology of the surrounding regions, playing a vital role in western India’s geography....

Chotanagpur Plateau Extension

An extension of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, this area in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh shares characteristics with the main plateau. It contributes to the region’s industrial and economic significance....

Shillong Plateau Sub-Plateaus

The Shillong Plateau in Meghalaya has undulating terrain and high rainfall. Comprising sub-plateaus, it’s known for cultural diversity and unique biodiversity, with various indigenous communities residing there....

Deccan Plateaus Sub Plateaus

The Deccan Plateaus has sub plateaus, like the Malwa Plateau and Telangana Plateau, each with its own characteristics. These sub-plateaus within the broader Deccan Plateau influence agriculture, biodiversity, and human settlements....

Features Of Peninsular Plateau

Here are the features of the Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau):...

The Central Highlands

The Central Highlands form a vital part of India’s landscape, stretching across several states in the central region. Here’s a detailed look at its key features:...

The Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau is a vast and fascinating region in southern India, boasting a rich geological history, diverse ecosystems, and significant cultural and economic importance. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:...

The Northeastern Plateau

The Northeastern Plateaus, also known as the Shillong Plateau or the Assam Plateau, is a large plateau region in Northeast India. It consists of several smaller plateaus and hill ranges, including:...

Plateau In India UPSC

For UPSC aspirants, understanding Plateaus in India is important for exams as they are integral to geography, history, and environmental science topics. Knowing their geographical features, historical importance, and socio-economic roles is essential for success in UPSC examinations....

Famous Plateaus Of The World

Here are Five World Famous Plateaus that have captivated people’s imaginations for centuries, each for different reasons:...

Conclusion

In Conclusion, India’s plateaus are important geographical features that have shaped the country’s diverse landscape and influenced its development. Plateaus like the Deccan and Chota Nagpur have acted as natural barriers, supported biodiversity, and played a role in historical events. These elevated areas are vital for agriculture, sustaining the livelihoods of many people. Despite challenges like soil erosion, efforts are being made to use sustainable practices. In summary, India’s plateaus tell a story of diversity, history, and agricultural importance. They remain crucial for the country’s sustainable development and the balance between preserving nature and progressing as a society....

Plateaus In India – FAQs

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