Himalayan and Peninsular Regions for UPSC Prelims
1. Introduction to Himalayan and Peninsular Regions
The Himalayan and Peninsular regions are two of India’s most distinct geographical divisions, shaping its topography, climate, and socioeconomic landscape. The Himalayas, a young fold mountain range in the north, contrast with the ancient, stable Peninsular Plateau in the central and southern parts of India. These regions influence India’s rivers, biodiversity, and economy, making them critical for UPSC Prelims in Indian geography. Their geographical significance lies in their role in climate regulation, resource distribution, and cultural diversity.
Key Facts
- Himalayas: Youngest mountain range, spans northern India, ~2,400 km long
- Peninsular Region: Ancient plateau, ~1.9 million sq. km, mineral-rich
- Significance: Impacts climate, rivers, agriculture, and industry
- Geological Contrast: Himalayas (fold mountains), Peninsular (shield region)
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier, influencing India’s monsoon.
- The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landmasses, part of Gondwana.
- Both regions support India’s major river systems (e.g., Ganga, Narmada).
2. Himalayan Region: Overview and Divisions
Overview
The Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, extend across five Indian states: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, forming a natural northern boundary.
Divisions
| Division |
Altitude (m) |
Features |
Examples |
| Greater Himalayas (Himadri) |
Above 6,000 |
Snow-capped peaks, glaciers |
Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Nanda Devi |
| Lesser Himalayas (Himachal) |
3,700–4,500 |
Forested valleys, hill stations |
Darjeeling, Shimla |
| Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks) |
900–1,100 |
Foothills, deciduous forests |
Dehradun, Rishikesh |
Characteristics
- Length: ~2,400 km, width: 150–400 km.
- Contains over 50 peaks above 7,000 m, including India’s highest, Kanchenjunga.
- Rich in glaciers (e.g., Siachen, Gangotri), feeding major rivers.
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Himalayas span five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan.
- The Shiwaliks are geologically younger and more unstable, prone to erosion.
- The Trans-Himalayas (e.g., Ladakh Range) lie north of the Greater Himalayas.
Overview
The Himalayas are a young fold mountain range formed by tectonic processes over millions of years.
Formation Process
- Tectonic Collision: Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate ~50 million years ago, folding sedimentary rocks.
- Ongoing Uplift: The Himalayas are still rising (~5 mm/year) due to continued tectonic activity.
- Geological Features: Thrust faults, folded rocks, and sedimentary layers dominate.
Significance
The Himalayas are tectonically active, leading to frequent earthquakes and landslides.
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Himalayan orogeny began during the Cenozoic era.
- The Main Central Thrust (MCT) is a key fault line in the Himalayas.
- Fossil evidence in the Himalayas indicates ancient marine origins (Tethys Sea).
4. Geographical Significance of the Himalayas
Climatic Influence
Acts as a barrier, blocking cold Siberian winds and trapping monsoon winds, causing orographic rainfall.
Hydrological Role
Source of perennial rivers (Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra), supporting 1.4 billion people downstream.
Biodiversity
Hosts diverse ecosystems, from alpine meadows to tropical forests, with species like snow leopards and red pandas.
Strategic Importance
Forms a natural defense barrier, influencing India’s geopolitics.
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Himalayas cause a rain shadow in Ladakh, creating a cold desert.
- Glacial melt contributes 50% of water to Himalayan rivers.
- The Eastern Himalayas are a biodiversity hotspot, part of WWF’s Global 200.
5. Peninsular Region: Overview and Divisions
Overview
The Peninsular Region, a stable, ancient plateau, covers central and southern India, encompassing states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
Divisions
| Division |
Location |
Features |
Examples |
| Deccan Plateau |
South of Narmada |
Basalt, black soils, slopes eastward |
Hyderabad, Bengaluru |
| Central Highlands |
North of Narmada |
Rolling hills, rivers |
Malwa, Bundelkhand |
| North-Eastern Plateau |
Meghalaya, Assam |
Coal deposits, hills |
Shillong, Karbi Anglong |
Characteristics
- Area: ~1.9 million sq. km, triangular shape, bounded by Western and Eastern Ghats.
- Elevation: 600–900 m, with hills like Aravallis, Vindhyas, and Satpuras.
- Drained by rivers like Narmada, Godavari, and Krishna, flowing eastward.
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Western Ghats are taller (1,000–2,500 m) than the Eastern Ghats (600 m).
- The Deccan Plateau supports rain-fed agriculture due to black soils.
- The Chhota Nagpur Plateau is India’s mineral hub, rich in coal and iron.
Overview
The Peninsular Region is one of the oldest landmasses, part of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent.
Formation Process
- Archaean Origin: Formed over 3 billion years ago, composed of gneiss and schist.
- Deccan Traps: Massive volcanic eruptions ~65 million years ago covered the Deccan with basalt.
- Stable Shield: Minimal tectonic activity, resistant to erosion.
Significance
Geological stability makes the Peninsular Region rich in minerals but less prone to earthquakes.
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Peninsular Plateau predates the Himalayas by billions of years.
- Deccan Traps are linked to the mass extinction of dinosaurs.
- The Aravallis are India’s oldest mountain range, heavily eroded.
7. Geographical Significance of the Peninsular Region
Climatic Influence
The Western Ghats intercept monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall, while the Eastern Ghats allow cyclone penetration.
Hydrological Role
Peninsular rivers (e.g., Godavari, Krishna) support irrigation and hydropower, though seasonal.
Biodiversity
The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosting endemic species like the Nilgiri tahr.
Resources
Rich in minerals (coal, iron, bauxite), driving India’s industrial growth.
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Western Ghats cause a rain shadow in the Deccan Plateau.
- Peninsular rivers are rain-fed, unlike Himalayan perennial rivers.
- The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve spans the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot.
8. Comparative Analysis of Himalayan and Peninsular Regions
| Aspect |
Himalayan Region |
Peninsular Region |
| Geological Age |
Young (~50 million years) |
Ancient (~3 billion years) |
| Formation |
Tectonic collision (fold mountains) |
Volcanic and shield formation |
| Topography |
High peaks, steep slopes |
Flat plateau, low hills |
| Rivers |
Perennial (e.g., Ganga) |
Seasonal (e.g., Godavari) |
| Climate Influence |
Blocks cold winds, traps monsoons |
Intercepts monsoons, rain shadow |
| Resources |
Hydropower, timber |
Minerals, black soils |
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Himalayas are tectonically active; the Peninsular Region is stable.
- Himalayan rivers form large deltas; Peninsular rivers form smaller estuaries.
- The Peninsular Region’s minerals support 80% of India’s mining output.
9. Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact
Himalayan Region
- Economy: Tourism (e.g., Shimla), hydropower (e.g., Tehri Dam), agriculture (terraced farming).
- Environment: Deforestation, landslides, and glacial retreat due to climate change.
- Challenges: Seismic risks, infrastructure damage from floods.
Peninsular Region
- Economy: Mining (e.g., Jharkhand), agriculture (cotton, millets), industries (e.g., Bengaluru).
- Environment: Over-mining, soil erosion, and deforestation in the Ghats.
- Challenges: Water scarcity due to seasonal rivers, urban sprawl.
Important Facts for UPSC
- Himalayan tourism contributes ~8% to Uttarakhand’s GDP.
- Peninsular mining supports India’s steel and coal industries.
- Both regions face climate change impacts, e.g., glacial melt and droughts.
10. Significance for Geography
Geographical Significance
The Himalayan and Peninsular regions define India’s topography, influencing climate, drainage, and ecosystems.
Environmental Significance
Both regions are biodiversity hotspots but face threats from human activity and climate change.
Socioeconomic Significance
They drive India’s economy through agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and mining, requiring sustainable development.
UPSC Relevance
These regions are core to Indian geography, tested for their geological, environmental, and economic roles in Prelims.
Important Facts for UPSC
- The Himalayas and Peninsular Region cover ~70% of India’s land area.
- Both regions influence India’s five major drainage systems.
- NDMA focuses on Himalayan seismic risks and Peninsular water management.
UPSC Preparation Tips
- Memorize Himalayan divisions (Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks) and Peninsular sub-regions.
- Understand geological contrasts (fold mountains vs. shield plateau).
- Focus on climatic and hydrological roles (monsoons, rivers).
- Link regions to resources and socioeconomic activities (hydropower, mining).
- Practice map-based questions on Himalayan states and Peninsular rivers.
- Revise key terms (orogeny, Deccan Traps, rain shadow) and examples.