Lesson 1. Physiography: The Northern and Peninsular Mountains
A thorough understanding of India’s physical framework is foundational. This includes the Himalayan range (its longitudinal divisions: Kashmir/Punjab, Kumaon, Nepal, and Assam Himalayas), major peaks, passes, and the significance of the Shiwaliks. Contrast this with the ancient, stable Peninsular Plateau—its divisions like the Deccan, Central Highlands, and Northeastern Plateau, and hill ranges like the Western and Eastern Ghats, Aravalis, and Vindhyas. Master this by repeatedly sketching a physical map of India. The NCERT Class XI textbook “India: Physical Environment” is indispensable. For applied questions, correlate mountain ranges with river origins, mineral belts, and biosphere reserves located within them.