Geography of South Asia

A large landmass separated from a larger continent by geographical features like mountains or water bodies.

Characterized by high temperatures, significant rainfall, and two main seasons: rainy and dry.

The Himalayan Mountains block cold winds from the north and influence the direction of monsoon winds.

A range of mountains in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau.

The seasonal wind patterns that bring heavy rainfall to South Asia during the summer months.

The dry months in Bangladesh when rainfall is significantly lower.

The Deccan Plateau dominates Central and Southern India, forming a large, elevated plateau.

A river in South Asia that originates in the Himalayas and flows through India to the Arabian Sea.

A sub-continent is a large landmass that is part of a continent but has distinct geographical features. South Asia is separated from other parts of Asia due to the presence of mountain ranges.

The Ganges Plain is a fertile region in northern India, famed for its agriculture and dense population. It supports a large portion of the world's population.

Monsoon winds are seasonal winds that bring significant rainfall to South Asia, impacting its weather patterns and influencing agriculture. They are categorized as winter and summer monsoons.

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in South India, known for its dry climate and reliance on rainfall from the monsoon. Its rich soil is a potential asset for agriculture.

India is a major exporter of mica which is a mineral used in various industries, including electronics. This signifies its contribution to global production.

The Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges form the northern border of South Asia. They are iconic for their towering peaks and their impact on regional weather.

The Gangetic Plain has been largely cleared to make way for crops such as rice, sugarcane, and jute. This highlights the importance of the region for agriculture.

Sri Lanka is a major producer of graphite, a crucial material used in the production of pencils. This indicates its role in the global supply chain of this commodity.

The Himalayan Mountain Barrier causes a significant drop in temperature and moisture, making the Tibetan Plateau cooler and drier compared to Northern India.

The Gomal and Khyber Passes in northwest India provided historical access routes for invaders to enter the Indus River Valley and the Indian plateaus. These routes were used by invaders over many centuries.

The Vindhya Mountain range separates the northern and southern parts of the Indian subcontinent. It acts as a geographical boundary.

The Deccan Plateau in South India is composed of volcanic rock. This rock was a valuable material for constructing temples and other structures in ancient times.

Sea traders used ancient shipping routes connecting the Arabian Gulf, African coasts, Southeast Asia, and later European fleets. These routes facilitated trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.

Monsoons are seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent. The monsoon winds originate in the southwest Indian Ocean and carry moist air towards India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Bangladesh, a low-lying coastal country, is highly susceptible to flooding during excessive monsoon rainfall. Farmers and villagers prepare for the monsoon season each year, but droughts can occur when rains are insufficient.

The winter and summer monsoon winds blow in opposite directions. This pattern enabled traditional sailboats and merchant boats to use the winds on their journeys across the Arabian Gulf, India, and the East African coast. The changing direction of winds allowed them to sail back in the opposite direction during the next monsoon season.