Geography: Physical and Human Geography of India
This domain tests India's location, physiographic divisions, drainage, monsoon climate and population patterns, plus the ability to explain a physical cause-and-effect question in a few precise sentences.
Location and extent
India stretches from 8°4'N to 37°6'N and 68°7'E to 97°25'E, covering about 3.28 million sq km. The Tropic of Cancer crosses eight states, and the standard meridian is 82°30'E, passing near Mirzapur.
Physiography and drainage
- Himalayas: Himadri, Himachal and Shivalik ranges; passes such as Zoji La and Nathu La.
- Northern plains: Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar (older alluvium, on higher ground) and Khadar (newer, renewed by floods).
- Peninsular plateau: Deccan Trap lava, which weathers into moisture-retentive black soil.
- Coasts: Konkan, Kanara and Malabar on the west; Coromandel on the east; coral Lakshadweep, volcanic Andaman and Nicobar.
- Rivers: Himalayan rivers are perennial; the Godavari is the largest peninsular river; the Narmada and Tapi flow west through rift valleys and form estuaries, not deltas.
Climate and people
The southwest monsoon (June–September) delivers most rainfall. The Western Ghats force moist winds to rise, so the Konkan coast is drenched while Pune and Solapur lie in the leeward rain shadow. The east coast faces Bay of Bengal cyclones. Census 2011 recorded about 121 crore people, with dense northern plains and coastal clusters.
Worked example
Why does Mumbai receive far more rain than Pune? Both are near 19°N, but Mumbai is on the windward side of the Western Ghats, where the monsoon current is forced to rise, cool and condense; Pune lies leeward, in the descending rain-shadow, receiving well under half the coastal total.
Traps
Mislabelling Bhangar and Khadar; claiming the Narmada builds a large delta; naming the Krishna as the longest peninsular river; forgetting that the Tropic of Cancer crosses eight states; mixing Malabar with Coromandel.