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Peninsular Plateau and its features
Have you ever wondered why most of India’s minerals are found in one particular region? Or why rivers like Narmada and Godavari flow in opposite directions?
The answer lies in the peninsular plateau — the oldest and most stable landmass of India.
For UPSC aspirants and other competitive exam students, the peninsular plateau is a core topic in Indian Geography. Questions are frequently asked from its structure, divisions, minerals, and river systems.
In this blog, we will understand the peninsular plateau in a simple, exam-oriented way.
What is the Peninsular Plateau?
The peninsular plateau is a large triangular tableland covering most of southern India. It is one of the oldest landmasses on Earth, formed during the Precambrian era.
Key Features:
- Made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks
- Very stable and rigid block
- Rich in minerals
- Average height: 600–900 meters
It is often called the “Old Crystalline Plateau of India.”
Geological Formation of the Peninsular Plateau
The peninsular plateau was part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana Land.
Around 200 million years ago:
- Gondwana started breaking apart.
- The Indian plate drifted northwards.
- Volcanic eruptions led to formation of Deccan Traps.
Because it is tectonically stable, this region does not experience major earthquakes like the Himalayas.
Diagram Suggestion:
Draw a simple labeled diagram showing:
- Gondwana Land breakup
- Indian Plate movement northward
- Formation of Deccan Plateau
Major Divisions of the Peninsular Plateau
The peninsular plateau is broadly divided into two parts:
1. Central Highlands
2. Deccan Plateau
Let us understand each clearly.
1. Central Highlands
Located north of the Narmada River, this region slopes towards the north and east.
Important Features:
- Bounded by the Aravallis in the northwest
- Includes Malwa Plateau
- Includes Bundelkhand Plateau
- Drained by rivers like Chambal and Betwa
The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountains in the world and lies in this region.
Malwa Plateau
- Formed by volcanic rocks
- Black soil is common
- Suitable for cotton cultivation
Bundelkhand Plateau
- Rocky and less fertile
- Rich in granite and gneiss
2. Deccan Plateau
Located south of the Narmada River, the Deccan Plateau forms the largest part of the peninsular plateau.
It is triangular in shape.
Boundaries:
- Western Ghats (west)
- Eastern Ghats (east)
- Satpura Range (north)
The plateau slopes from west to east.
Deccan Traps
The Deccan Plateau is famous for the Deccan Traps.
These are layered basalt rocks formed due to volcanic eruptions.
The black soil (regur soil) found here is ideal for:
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast.
Features:
- Higher and continuous
- Average height: 900–1600 meters
- Block mountains due to faulting
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
They block monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the western side.
Eastern Ghats
The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and lower in height.
Features:
- Eroded hills
- Cut by rivers like Mahanadi and Godavari
- Not as high as Western Ghats
River System of the Peninsular Plateau
The rivers here are older and mostly seasonal compared to Himalayan rivers.
Two Major River Systems:
West-flowing Rivers
- Narmada River
- Tapi River
These rivers flow into the Arabian Sea through rift valleys.
East-flowing Rivers
- Godavari River
- Krishna River
- Kaveri River
They form large deltas before entering the Bay of Bengal.
Table Suggestion (For Revision)
| Feature | Himalayan Rivers | Peninsular Rivers |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Young | Old |
| Nature | Perennial | Seasonal |
| Valley | V-shaped | Broad & shallow |
| Floods | Frequent | Less frequent |
You can draw this table in your notes for quick revision.
Mineral Resources of the Peninsular Plateau
The peninsular plateau is called the “Mineral Heartland of India.”
Major minerals found:
- Iron ore (Odisha, Jharkhand)
- Coal (Chota Nagpur Plateau)
- Mica
- Bauxite
- Manganese
The Chota Nagpur Plateau is especially important for iron and coal.
UPSC often asks questions on mineral distribution — so remember this region well.
Importance of the Peninsular Plateau
The peninsular plateau plays a crucial role in India’s geography and economy.
1. Agriculture
- Black soil for cotton
- Red soil for millets and pulses
2. Water Resources
- Major river valleys support irrigation
- Dams like Nagarjuna Sagar on Krishna
3. Minerals and Industries
- Steel plants in Jharkhand and Odisha
- Aluminum industries due to bauxite
4. Biodiversity
- Western Ghats hotspot
- Rich forest cover
Comparison: Peninsular Plateau vs Himalayan Region
| Aspect | Peninsular Plateau | Himalayan Region |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Very old | Young |
| Stability | Stable | Unstable |
| Earthquakes | Rare | Frequent |
| Rocks | Igneous & Metamorphic | Sedimentary |
This comparison is extremely important for prelims.
Diagram Suggestions for Exams
- Map showing divisions: Central Highlands & Deccan Plateau
- Rift valley formation (Narmada–Tapi)
- Deccan Trap layered basalt structure
- Mineral distribution map
Practice drawing India’s outline in under 2 minutes for mains answer writing.
Common UPSC Prelims Questions from Peninsular Plateau
- Which rivers flow through rift valleys?
- Why is black soil found in Deccan Plateau?
- Which plateau is rich in iron ore?
- Difference between Western and Eastern Ghats?
Make short notes from each section.
Conclusion: Quick Revision Summary
The peninsular plateau is the oldest and most stable landmass of India. It was part of Gondwana Land and is rich in minerals. It is divided into the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
Key revision points:
- Formed from ancient crystalline rocks
- Deccan Traps formed by volcanic eruptions
- Western Ghats higher than Eastern Ghats
- Narmada and Tapi flow west
- Mineral-rich Chota Nagpur Plateau
For UPSC, focus on structure, rivers, minerals, and comparison with the Himalayas.
Mastering the peninsular plateau strengthens your Indian Geography foundation.
FAQs on Peninsular Plateau
1. Why is the peninsular plateau considered the oldest part of India?
Because it is made of Precambrian crystalline rocks and has remained tectonically stable for millions of years.
2. What are Deccan Traps?
They are volcanic basalt formations found in the Deccan Plateau formed due to lava eruptions.
3. Which rivers flow west from the peninsular plateau?
Narmada and Tapi rivers flow west into the Arabian Sea.
4. Why is the peninsular plateau rich in minerals?
It is composed of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks that contain metallic minerals like iron and manganese.
5. What is the difference between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats?
Western Ghats are higher, continuous, and block monsoon winds, while Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous.
If you are preparing for UPSC or other competitive exams, revise this topic with maps and diagrams. The peninsular plateau is not just geography — it is the backbone of India’s physical structure.