Geography of India

Overview

Geography of India is a cornerstone topic in the TN TET Paper II Social Studies section. Questions frequently test physical features, major rivers, climatic zones and natural resources — all areas where factual precision matters. This topic connects directly to map-based questions and often overlaps with Environmental Studies and Economics concepts.

India's geography shapes its agriculture, industry, population distribution and cultural diversity. For the TET exam, you must master the spatial arrangement of mountains, plateaus, plains and coastal areas, understand the monsoon system, know the major river systems and their characteristics, and recall key mineral and energy resources with their locations. Expect 3-5 direct questions from this topic, often combining physical features with their economic or human significance.

Key Concepts

• **Physiographic Divisions**: India has six major divisions — Northern Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, Islands, and the Thar Desert. Each has distinct geological origin and characteristics.

• **Himalayan System**: Young fold mountains formed by collision of Indian and Eurasian plates. Three parallel ranges — Himadri (Greater Himalayas), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas).

• **Northern Plains**: Formed by alluvial deposits of Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. Divided into Bhabar (pebble zone), Terai (marshy), Bhangar (old alluvium) and Khadar (new alluvium).

• **Peninsular Plateau**: Ancient landmass, part of Gondwanaland. Divided into Central Highlands (north of Narmada) and Deccan Plateau (south of Narmada). Rich in minerals.

• **Monsoon Climate**: India's climate is dominated by the southwest monsoon (June-September) bringing 75% of annual rainfall. Northeast monsoon affects Tamil Nadu (October-December).

• **River Systems**: Two types — Himalayan rivers (perennial, snow-fed) and Peninsular rivers (seasonal, rain-fed). West-flowing rivers (Narmada, Tapi) form estuaries; east-flowing rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri) form deltas.

• **Natural Resources Distribution**: Minerals concentrated in Chotanagpur Plateau (iron, coal, mica). Petroleum in Assam, Gujarat and offshore Mumbai High. Forest cover highest in Northeast and Western Ghats.

Formulas / Key Facts

| Feature | Key Data | |---------|----------| | Total Area | 32.87 lakh sq km (7th largest country) | | Latitudinal Extent | 8°4'N to 37°6'N | | Longitudinal Extent | 68°7'E to 97°25'E | | Standard Meridian | 82°30'E (passes through Mirzapur, UP) | | Highest Peak | K2 (8611 m) in India; Kanchenjunga (8586 m) entirely in India | | Longest River | Ganga (2525 km in India) | | Largest River Basin | Ganga Basin | | Longest Peninsular River | Godavari (1465 km) — "Dakshin Ganga" | | Largest Lake | Chilika (Odisha) — brackish water lagoon | | Annual Rainfall Average | 118 cm | | Wettest Place | Mawsynram (Meghalaya) | | Driest Place | Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) | | Largest State by Area | Rajasthan | | Coastline Length | 7516.6 km |