Geography of India and World Geography

Physical Geography

Indian Geography

Physical factors: Terrain, topography, climate, and soil. which determine agriculture
Geological and Physiographic divisions of India
agriculture
Green Revolution and its impact on major crops of India
Major types of Soils.(ICAR classification) and their distribution. Soil degradation and conservation
Population, environment and development
Multipurpose Projects & Hydro-Electric Projects in India
WHITE REVOLUTION IN INDIA
SERICULTURE IN INDIA
Drainage System of India
Structure, relief and physiographic divisions Three Geological divisions: 1. The peninsular block 2. The Himalayas and other Peninsular Mountains 3. Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain • Peninsualar block is made of gneisses (metamorphic) and granites (igneous). Six physiographic divisions: 1. The Northern and North-eastern Mountains 2. The Northern Plain 3. The Peninsular Plateau 4. The Indian Desert 5. The Coastal Plains 6. The Islands Northern and North-Eastern Mountains Approximate length of the Great Himalayan range: 2500 KM. Width: 160-400 KM Impact of Himalayas on the climate of India? It can be divided into five sub-divisions: 1. Kashmir (or Northwestern) Himalayas 2. Himachal and Uttaranchal Himalayas 3. Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas 4. Arunachal Himalayas 5. Eastern Hills and Mountains Kashmir Himalayas • Ranges: Karakoram, Ladhakh, Zaskar, Pir Pinjal • Glaciers: Baltoro, Siachen • Passes: Zoji La (Great Himalayas), Banihal (Pir Pinjal), Photu La (Zaskar) and Khardung La (Ladakh) • Lakes: (freshwater) Dal and Wular; (saltwater) Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri • Pilgrimage: Vaishno Devi, Amarnath Cave, Charar-e-Sharif • They are also famous for Karewa formations which are useful for the cultivation of Zafran (a local variety of Saffron). Karewas are the thick deposits of glacial clay and other materials embedded with moraines. • Kashmir is located on the banks of Jhelum river. • Meanders is a typical feature associated with the rivers in this region. • In South, there are longitudinal valleys called duns; Jammu dun and Pathankot dun Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas • Lies between rivers Ravi and Kali • Drained by two major river systems: Indus and Ganga • Northernmost part is an extension of the Ladakh desert, lies in Spiti. • Ranges: Great Himalayan Range, Lesser Himalayas (Dhaoladhar in HP and Nagtibha in Uttarakhand), Shivalik range • Pilgrimage: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and the five famous prayags (Refer to Panch Prayag) • Famous for hill stations: Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Shimla, Kaosani; Cantt.: Kasauli, Almora, Lansdowne, Ranikhet • The important distinguishing features of this area are the ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Dun formations’. • Important duns: Chandigarh-Kalka, Nalagarh, Dehra, Harike, Kota • Dehradun is the largest of all duns: Length – 35-45 KM, Width: 22-25 KM • Inhabited with the Bhotia They migrate to higher reaches (Bugyals) in summer and return to the valleys during winters. Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas • Between Nepal Himalayas and Bhutan Himalayas. • Fast flowing rivers such as Tista • Peaks: Kanchenjunga • Tribe: Lepcha • Has a mixed population of Nepalis, Bengalis and tribals from Central India. • Importance: Due to the moderate slope, it is best suited for tea plantations. • Duar formations are peculiar to this region. Arunachal Himalayas • From Bhutan Himalayas to Diphu pass in the east. • Direction: Southwest to Northeast • Peaks: Kangtu and Namya Barwa • Rivers: Brahmaputra, Kameng, Subansiri, Dihang, Dibang and Lohit. • These rivers are perennial and have the highest hydro-electric power potential in the country. • Tribes: Monpa, Daffla, Abor, Mishmi, Nishi and Nagas • These communities practice shifting cultivation known as Jhumming. Eastern Hills and Mountains • Direction: North to South • Ranges: Patkai Bum, Naga hills, Manipur hills, Mizo or Lushai hills • These are low hills • Tribes practice Jhum cultivation • Rivers: Barak. Most of the Nagaland rivers form a tributary of Brahmaputra. Rivers in eastern Manipur are the tributaries of Chindwin, which in turn is a tributary of the Irrawady of Myanmar. • Lake: Loktak • Loktak Lake: is an important lake in Manipur which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. Also called the only Floating Lake in the world due to floating masses of organic matter on it. It serves as a source for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply. • Keibul Kamjao National Park located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur is the only floating park in the world and is an integral part of the Loktak Lake. Home to the endangered Manipur Eld’s Deer or Brow-antlered Deer or Sangai or Dancing Deer. • Mizoram is also known as the ‘Molassis basin’ which is made up of soft unconsolidated deposits. The Northern Plains • Formed by the alluvial deposits of rivers – Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra. • Length: 3200 KM; Width: 150-300 KM Three main zones: 1. Bhabar 2. Tarai 3. Alluvial Plains (Khadar and Bangar) Bhabar • Narrow belt. 8-10 KM wide. • Paralllel to Shivalik at the break-up of the slope. Hence, streams and rivers deposit heavy rocks (and at times disappear) in this zone. Tarai • South of Bhabar. 10-20 KM wide. • Rivers re-emerge and create marshy and swampy conditions known as Tarai. Alluvial Belt • South of Tarai. • Features of mature stage of fluvial erosional and depositional landforms such as sand bars, meanders, ox-bow lakes and braided channels. Riverine islands in Brahmaputra. • Brahmaputra takes a turn an almost 90 degree turn at Dhubri (Assam) before entering Bangladesh. Peninsular Plateau • Bounded by the Delhi ridge, Rajmahal Hills, Gir range and Cardamom hills. • Made up of a series of patland plateaus: Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi, Malwa, Coimbatore, Karnataka etc. • One of the oldest and most stable landmass of India. • Physiographic Features: Tors, block mountains, rift valleys, spurs, bare rocky structures, hummocky hills and quartzite dykes offering natural sites for water storage. • Black soil in western and northwestern parts. • Bhima fault in this region has frequent seismic activity (Lathur earthquake) • NW part also has ravines and gorges: Chambal, Bhind and Morena. Three broad regions: 1. Deccan Plateau 2. Central Highlands 3. Northwestern Plateau Deccan Plateau • Bordered by Eastern Ghats, Satpura, Maikal range and Mahadeo hills • Important ranges: WG: Sahyadri, Nilgiri, Anaimalai and Caradamom hills; EG: Javadi hills, Palconda range, Nallamala Hills, Mahendragiri hills • EG and WG meet at Nilgiri hills. • Highest peak: Anaimudi (2695 m) on Anaimalai hills; Dodabetta (2637 m) on Nilgiri hills. • Rivers: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri etc. Central Highlands • Bounded by the Aravali and Satpura range. • Relic mountains, highly denuded and form discontinuous ranges. • Near Jaisalmer it is covered by the longitudinal sand ridges and crescent-shaped sand dunes called barchans. • Elevation: 700-1000 m • Banas, a tributary of Chambal, originates in the Aravalli. Other tributaries of Yamuna originate from the Vindhyan and Kaimur ranges. • Minerals in Chotanagpur plateau. Northeastern Plateau • Extension of the main Peninsular plateau. • Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateau. • Megahalaya plateau: Garo hills, Khasi hills and Jaintia hills (named after the tribals inhabiting the region) • Rich in minerals like coal, iron, sillimanite, limestone and uranium. • Receives maximum rainfall from SW monsoon. Hence, Meghalaya plateau has a highly eroded surface. Cherrapuni and Myswarnam. Indian Desert • Aka Marusthali • Northwest of the Aravali hills • Dotted with longitudinal dunes and barchans. • Low rainfall: >150 mm per year Low vegetation cover • Evidence that this area was under the sea during the Mesozoic era. • Features: mushroom rocks, shifting dunes and oasis. • Rivers are ephemeral: Luni. Brackish lakes. Inland drainage. Coastal Plains Two divisions: 1. Western coastal plains 2. Eastern Coastal Plains Western Coastal Plains • Submerged coastal plain. Hence, a narrow belt. Narrow in middle and broader towards north and south. • Ports: Provides natural conditions for the development of ports and harbours due to submergence. Kandla, Mazagaon (Mumbai), JLN port Navha Sheva, Maramagao, Mangalore, Cochin etc. • Mumbai has the world’s largest natural harbour. • May be divided into: Kachchh and Kathiawar coast in Gujarat, Konkan coast, Goan coast and Malabar coast. • Rivers don’t form delta. • Kayals (Backwaters): Found in the Malabar coast. Used for fishing and inland navigation. Every year Nehru Trophy Vallamkali (boat race) is held in Punnamada Kayal in Kerala. Eastern Coastal Plains • Broader • Emergent coast. Hence, less number of ports and harbours. Chennai, Vizag, Paradwip, Haldia. • Delta formation The Islands Two major Divisions: 1. Andaman and Nicobar 2. Lakshwadeep & Minicoy Andaman and Nicobar • Two major island groups: Ritchie’s archipelago and the Labrynth island. • The group is divided into: Andaman in the North and Nicobar in the South. • Andaman and Nicobar separated by the Ten Degree channel. • Barren Island • Peaks: Saddle Peak (N.Andaman – 738 m), Mt. Diavolo (Middle Andaman – 515 m), Mt. Koyob (S Andaman – 460 m) and Mt. Thuiller (Great Nicobar – 642 m) • Coral deposits found • Convectional rainfalls and equatorial type of vegetation. Lakshadweep and Minicoy • Entire group built of coral deposits. • Total of 36 islands of which 11 are inhabited. • Smallest UT • Minicoy is the largest island • Separated by the 9 Degree Channel, north of which is the Amini Island and to the south Canannore island. • These islands have storm beaches consisting of unconsolidated pebbles, shingles, cobbles and boulders.
Types of Settlements : rural and urban
Development of Industries : Types of Industries;factors of industrial location, distribution and changing pattern of selected industries [iron and steel, cotton textile, sugar and petro- chemicals); Weber’s theory of industrial location-lts relevance in the modern world.
Scarcity of water, methods of conservation-rain water harvesting and watershed management, ground water management
Environment and Ecological Issues
Agricultural Crops of India
Landforms
CHARACTERISTICS AND PROBLEMS OF INDIAN AGRICULTURE
Institutional Factors of Agriculture (1) Land Tenure and Land Tenancy (ii) Land Holding
Utilization for industrial and other purposes, irrigation
Mineral Resources of India:-Metallic Minerals
Drainage Systems Himalayan and the Peninsular
Natural Vegetation-Forest types and distribution, wild life, conservation, biosphere reserves
Indian Agriculture- Current Status, Issues & initiatives.
Various National Missions and Programmes:-
Mineral Resources of India
Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION
Infrastructure-energy,ports,roads,airports,railwaysetc
Drainage System of India
INDIAN AGRICULTURE—CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Mineral Resources of India:Non Metalic
functional classification of urban settlements Problems of human settlement in India
Water Resources : Availability
Green Revolution in India
Structure, relief and physiographic divisions
Urban morphology
AQUA CULTURE
Natural Resources of India
DRY FARMING IN INDIA

World Geography

FAQs on Geography of India and World Geography of Odisha

What are the major physiographic divisions of India?

India can be divided into six major physiographic divisions:

The Northern Mountains (Himalayas and Trans-Himalayas)
The Northern Plains (Indo-Gangetic Plains)
The Peninsular Plateau (Deccan Plateau)
The Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
The Coastal Plains (Eastern and Western Coastal Plains)
The Islands (Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

What are the major river systems in India?

The major river systems in India include:

The Indus River System
The Ganga-Brahmaputra River System
The Peninsular River System (Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Mahanadi, etc.)

What are the different types of climates found in India?

India experiences a variety of climates, including:

Tropical Wet Climate
Tropical Dry Climate
Subtropical Humid Climate
Montane Climate

What are the major soil types found in India?

India has diverse soil types, including:

Alluvial Soils
Black Soils
Red Soils
Laterite Soils
Desert Soils

What are the major natural resources of India?

India is rich in natural resources, including:

Minerals (coal, iron ore, bauxite, etc.)
Forests
Water resources
Agricultural land

What are the major continents and oceans of the world?

The major continents are Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. The major oceans are the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.

What are the major mountain ranges of the world?

The major mountain ranges include the Himalayas, Andes, Alps, Rockies, and Great Dividing Range.

What are the different types of climates found across the world?

The world experiences various climates, including:

Tropical
Dry
Temperate
Continental
Polar

What are the major factors affecting climate change?

Major factors affecting climate change include:

Greenhouse gas emissions
Deforestation
Industrialization
Land use changes

What are the major international organizations working on environmental issues?

Some major international organizations working on environmental issues are:

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Greenpeace

What are the major physiographic divisions of Odisha?

Odisha can be divided into five major physiographic divisions:

The Northern Plateau (part of the Chotanagpur Plateau)
The Central Tableland
The Eastern Ghats
The Coastal Plains
The River Valleys (Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani)

What are the major rivers of Odisha?

The major rivers of Odisha include:

Mahanadi
Brahmani
Baitarani
Subarnarekha
Rushikulya

What are the major natural resources of Odisha?

Odisha is rich in natural resources, including:

Minerals (iron ore, bauxite, coal, chromite, etc.)
Forests (sal, teak, bamboo, etc.)
Water resources
Marine resources (fish, prawns, crabs)

What are the major environmental issues facing Odisha?

Odisha faces several environmental issues, including:

Cyclones and floods
Deforestation
Industrial pollution
Coastal erosion

What are the major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Odisha?

Odisha has several important protected areas, including:

Bhitarkanika National Park
Simlipal National Park
Chilika Lake (Ramsar site)