List of Plateaus in India: Major Plateau Regions, Features, Maps, Formation

Plateaus in India form one of the most important physical divisions of the country and occupy a large part of the Peninsular region. These elevated landforms play a key role in shaping India’s rivers, climate patterns, soil distribution, and mineral wealth. From the vast Deccan Plateau to smaller regions like Malwa, Chota Nagpur, and Meghalaya, the plateau regions of India geography reflect the country’s ancient geological history. Studying plateaus in India helps students understand natural resources, agricultural patterns, and economic development linked to these highland areas.

What are Plateaus in India?

Plateaus in India are elevated landforms with generally flat or gently sloping surfaces. They stand distinctly above the surrounding terrain. These geological features are fundamental to India’s physical geography. They also carry significant importance for natural resources, agriculture, and historical development throughout the country.

Plateau Features in India

Plateaus are distinct landforms withś several common characteristics. 

• They typically have a large, flat top surface, often called a tableland. Their sides are usually steep, rising sharply from the surrounding lower lands. 
• Plateaus can be hundreds to thousands of meters above sea level. Their geological structure may include igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks. 
• Many plateaus contain rich mineral deposits.

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Formation of Plateaus

Plateaus form through various geological processes. These processes occur over millions of years.

• Volcanic Activity: Large lava flows erupt and spread over vast areas. This lava solidifies into thick, horizontal rock layers. Over time, erosion wears down surrounding areas, leaving the resistant lava as an elevated plateau. The Deccan Plateau formed this way.
• Tectonic Uplift: Earth’s crust experiences forces like faulting or folding. This lifts large land blocks upwards. Softer rock layers erode, exposing harder, flat-topped layers. The Tibetan Plateau and Chota Nagpur Plateau exemplify this process.
• Erosion: Differential erosion removes softer rock layers. Harder, more resistant rock layers remain standing. Rivers, wind, or glaciers carve valleys, leaving isolated flat-topped remnants. The Meghalaya Plateau shows effects of this, with karst landscapes.
• Sedimentation: Sediments accumulate in basins. Later, tectonic forces or sea-level changes uplift these hardened deposits. This creates new plateau regions.

List of Major Plateaus of India

India hosts several significant plateaus, each with unique characteristics and importance. Here is a list of plateaus in India:

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Economic Importance of Plateaus in India

Plateaus in India are vital for the country’s economy due to various reasons. 

• They are rich sources of minerals like coal, iron ore, and manganese. 
• Many mining areas are located on plateaus, such as the Chota Nagpur Plateau. 
• Rivers flowing through plateaus often create waterfalls, which are ideal for hydroelectric power generation. 
• The fertile black soils of certain lava plateaus, like parts of the Deccan, support extensive agriculture, especially cotton cultivation. Plateaus also offer large grasslands for animal rearing.

Geographical Division of Indian Plateaus

The Peninsular Plateau of India divides into three main groups:

• Central Highlands: North of the Narmada River, bounded by the Aravallis in the west. This region includes the Marwar Upland, Madhya Bharat Pathar, Malwa Plateau, and Bundelkhand Plateau.
• Deccan Plateaus: South of the Narmada River, triangular shape. Bordered by the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Satpura, Maikal, and Mahadeo hills. Volcanic in origin, good for cotton and rich in minerals. Includes Maharashtra and Karnataka plateaus.
• Northeastern Plateaus: Includes the Meghalaya (Shillong) Plateau, separated from the main peninsular block by the Garo-Rajmahal gap. Known for high rainfall and eroded surfaces.

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