Geographical diversity of India short notes by sandeep swamy

Table of contents India’s unique geography sets it apart from many other countries, giving it a distinct national character, as noted by Sri Aurobindo. Jog Falls in Karnataka From the towering plateaus and majestic waterfalls like Jog Falls in Karnataka, to its vast and varied landscapes. India’s geographical diversity shapes not only its natural beauty but also the way people live across the country. In 1984, when Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut, was asked how India looked from space, he famously replied, “Sāre jahān se achchha” — better than the whole world — capturing the pride and uniqueness of India’s geography. India's Geographical Diversity India is the seventh-largest country in the world and an important part of the Indian Subcontinent, which also includes its neighbors like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Together, these countries form a region that is diverse in both culture and geography. Physical Features of India India’s distinct geography influences its climate, culture, and way of life. The country is divided into five main regions: The Mountain Zone (The Himalayas) The Plains of the Ganga and Indus The Desert Region (The Thar Desert) The Southern Peninsula The Islands These regions create varied climates and lifestyles, with some areas having fertile plains for farming and others being arid deserts or cold mountains. The geographical features like mountains, rivers, deserts, and coasts help shape daily life, farming practices, and even festivals across India. India’s natural boundaries—The Himalayas to the north, The Thar Desert and Arabian Sea to the west, The Indian Ocean to the south, and The Bay of Bengal to the east—help define the country’s physical limits and contribute to the diverse ecosystems and cultures within it. This variety deeply affects how people live, farm, travel, and celebrate The Himalayas The Himalayas, India's mighty northern mountain range, act as a natural barrier, not only protecting the country but also influencing the climate and culture. These mountains stretch about 2,500 km across six countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Himalayas The Himalayas are home to some of the world’s tallest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, making it a region of extreme natural beauty and hardship. In summer, the snow melts from the Himalayas, feeding rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, which supply water to millions for drinking, farming, and industries. This makes the Himalayas often referred to as the ‘Water Tower of Asia’. The Himalayan range is divided into three main parts: Himalayan Range Himadri (Greater Himalayas): This is the highest part, home to the Eight Thousanders, mountains towering over 8,000 meters. Very few people live here due to the extreme conditions. Himachal (Lower Himalayas): Known for hill stations like Shimla, Darjeeling, and Mussoorie, this range has a more moderate climate, rich biodi