Plateaus
A plateau is an elevated flatland, often called a tableland.
- India has many plateaus formed due to tectonic uplift, volcanic activity, and erosion.
- Plateaus are rich in minerals, forests, and hydroelectric potential.
๐ PYQ (BPSC 66th): Which plateau lies in the southern part of Bihar? โ Chotanagpur Plateau (fringe areas)
Major Plateaus of India
1. The Deccan Plateau
- Largest plateau in India
- Covers Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Triangular in shape; bounded by Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Satpura range
- Made of igneous rocks (basalt)
Significance:
- Rich in iron, manganese, bauxite, limestone
- Origin of rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra
2. The Central Highlands
- Lies north of the Narmada River
- Includes Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, and Vindhya ranges
States Covered:
- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
3. The Chotanagpur Plateau
- Covers Jharkhand, parts of Odisha, West Bengal, northern Chhattisgarh, and southern Bihar
- Made of gneiss and granite rocks
- Richest mineral region in India
๐ PYQ (BPSC 64th): Which plateau is known for mica and coal? โ Chotanagpur Plateau
Chotanagpur Plateau
Extension in Bihar
- Covers southern districts like:
Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur, Banka
Features
- Undulating terrain, isolated hills, and rocky soil
- Contains minor mineral resources:
limestone, quartz, mica, china clay, feldspar - Also known for forest cover and wildlife (e.g., Gautam Buddha Sanctuary)
๐ Expected MCQ: The southern hilly region of Bihar is part of which plateau? โ Chotanagpur Plateau
Other Important Plateaus in India
- Meghalaya Plateau โ Extension of Chotanagpur; includes Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia Hills
- North-Eastern Plateau โ Located in Tripura and Mizoram
- Bastar Plateau โ Southern Chhattisgarh
Economic Importance of Plateaus
- Mineral resources โ Iron, coal, mica, bauxite
- Forests โ Timber, medicinal plants, biodiversity
- Waterfalls โ Hydroelectric potential (e.g., Hundru Falls, Chitrakoot Falls)
- Tribal economy โ Jharkhand and South Bihar tribes dependent on plateau forests
Quick Revision Points
- Deccan Plateau โ Largest in India
- Chotanagpur Plateau โ Mineral-rich, extends into southern Bihar
- Central Highlands โ Malwa & Bundelkhand
- Southern Bihar โ Part of Chotanagpur (Gaya, Rohtas, Jamui)
- Plateaus = Source of rivers, minerals, forests
Sources Used
- NCERT Class 9 Geography โ Physical Features of India
- Lucent GK โ Geography Section
- Drishti Bihar Special Book
- Bihar Economic Survey
- Ghatna Chakra PYQs โ BPSC/DPCS