Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The physiography of Peninsular India, with its distinct geological features such as the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Deccan Plateau, and the coastal plains, profoundly impacts its drainage systems, climate, and economic activities.

Body

Influence of Physiography on Drainage Patterns:

• Nature of Rivers: The Peninsular rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery are mostly seasonal, relying on monsoonal rains, due to the hard rock terrain that limits groundwater recharge.
  • Example: Mahanadi and Godavari experience low discharge during non-monsoon months.
• Flow Direction: Rivers are influenced by the west-east slope of the Deccan Plateau, causing eastward drainage into the Bay of Bengal.
  • Example: Krishna and Godavari flow eastward, while exceptions like the Narmada and Tapi flow westward due to structural faults.

Influence of Physiography on Climate:

The physiography of Peninsular India, particularly its plateaus, hills, and coastal plains, significantly affects regional climatic conditions.

• Monsoon Dynamics: The Western Ghats act as an orographic barrier, resulting in heavy rainfall on the windward side (e.g., Kerala, Konkan) and a rain shadow on the leeward side (e.g., Karnataka, Telangana).
• Temperature Patterns: The vast Deccan Plateau with its elevated terrain leads to continental climatic conditions with high diurnal temperature variations.
  • Coastal plains experience maritime climate, moderating temperatures.
• Cyclonic Activity: Eastern Coastal Plains are vulnerable to tropical cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal, impacting areas like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (e.g, Cyclone Fani).

Influence on Economic Activities:

The diverse physiography of Peninsular India fosters a variety of economic activities, ranging from agriculture to mining and industry.

• Agriculture
  • River deltas (e.g., Krishna-Godavari) support intensive agriculture, particularly rice cultivation.
  • The Deccan Plateau supports crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds due to limited irrigation.
• Mineral Resources and Industries
  • The Chotanagpur Plateau is rich in coal, iron ore, and manganese, driving industries like steel production in Jharkhand and Odisha.
  • The Western Ghats provide bauxite and laterite for aluminum industries.
• Tourism
  • Scenic landscapes like Hampi in Karnataka and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra attract tourists, boosting local economies.
• Hydropower Potential
  • Rivers like the Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri are harnessed for hydropower projects. (Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project in Karnataka).
• Ports and Fisheries: The western and eastern coastal plains support thriving port economies (e.g., Mumbai, Visakhapatnam) and marine fishing industries.

Conclusion

The physiography of Peninsular India intricately shapes its drainage patterns, climatic conditions, and economic opportunities, fostering regional diversity and potential. Addressing challenges like uneven rainfall, water scarcity, and sustainable resource utilization can further enhance the economic and environmental prospects of this unique physiographic region.