India's Geography and Physical Features

Location and Size

• India is located in South Asia, bordered by the Indian Ocean on the south.
• It shares land borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
• India covers an area of approximately 3.28 million square kilometers.

Physical Features

• Himalayan Mountains: A significant mountain range, forming a northern boundary and influencing the climate. Includes the highest peaks in the world, like Mount Everest.
• Indo-Gangetic Plain: A fertile alluvial plain formed by the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. This region is crucial for agriculture.
• Deccan Plateau: A large, stable plateau covering much of southern India, known for its diverse geological formations.
• Coastal Regions: India has a long coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, with numerous beaches and coastal plains. This includes the Konkan, Malabar, and Coromandel coasts.
• Deserts: The Thar Desert, located in western India, is a significant arid region.

Climate

• India's climate is diverse, influenced by its vast size and varied topography.
• Monsoon Climate: The seasonal shift of winds, called monsoons, heavily impacts rainfall patterns.
• Tropical Climate: Significant parts of the country experience tropical climates, with varying degrees of humidity and temperature.
• Different regions: Specific features like the Himalayas and the Deccan Plateau, along with proximity to the sea, contribute to varied local climates.

Rivers

• Major rivers include the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, and Kaveri, which play a vital role for irrigation, transportation, and water resources.
• River basins are crucial for agricultural activities.
• River systems often mark boundaries or form significant ecological features.

Natural Resources

• India possesses diverse natural resources including coal, iron ore, bauxite, manganese, and petroleum.
• Geographic factors and natural formations affect the distribution of these resources.
• The resources are imperative for the national economy and industrial development.

Biodiversity

• India is known for its rich biodiversity.
• The country has high levels of species richness, reflecting the diverse geographical features and varied climates.
• From tropical rainforests to alpine meadows, the landscape supports a wide range of plant and animal species.

Administrative Divisions

• India is divided into states and union territories.
• The administrative divisions reflect the historical and geographical features of different parts of the country.
• These divisions play a key role in governance and resource management.

Islands

• India has island territories, including Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• These islands offer unique ecological environments and aspects of the marine ecosystem.