The Deccan Plateau in India has evolved through a series of
geological events, including volcanic eruptions, plate
tectonics, and erosion
The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in western and southern India.
It covers most of the southern part of the country, including the
states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
The plateau also extends into the northern part of Tamil Nadu. The
Deccan Plateau is a large, flat expanse of land.
INTRODUCTION
■ The Deccan Plateau or the Peninusular India is a triangular
table and separated from the Indo-Gangetic plain by Vindhya
and Satapura ranges and impenetrable forests known as
Dandakaranya and Mahakantaravana.
■ The Deccan (meaning south) is flanked by the Eastern
Ghats (Mahendra) and the Western Ghats (Sahyadri), which
meet at Nilgiris (Blue mountain) with Dodo Betta peak at a
height of 2,637 metres.
■ Beyond it lie the Cardamom Hills, which may be regarded
as the continuation of the Western Ghats
There is a small gap about 35 kilometers wide, between the Nilgiri and Cardamom Hills, which
provides an easy access from Coromondel coast to Malabar Coast i.e. from east to west which
is known as the Coimbatore or Palaghat gap.
■ Geologically the Deccan Plateau is older than the Himalayas and the Gangetic plain.
■ The nucleus of the Peninsula is a triangular block of very old rock that cover its greater part
from the Satmala - Ajanta ranges to the Nilgiris.
Elevation of Deccan Plateau
■ The Deccan plateau has a general elevation of 600 mtrs. and the general slope is
towards south-east.
■ The Peninsula narrows down towards the south and at last meet at Cape Camorin
of Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of India.
■ The Western Ghats is a continuous steep mountain wall running parallel to the
shore of Arabian Sea for about 1140 kilometers and is 925 to 2475 meters high
above sea level.
The Peninsular River System
These are seasonal rivers, as their flow depends mainly on rainfall.
They carry about 30% of the total discharge.
These can be divided Into following characteristics:
1.East-Flowing rivers
2. West-Flowing rivers
East-Flowing Rivers
• Most Deccan plateau rivers flow south.•
Most of the northern part of the plateau is drained by the Godavari River and its
tributaries, including the Indravati River, starting from the Western Ghats and
flowing east towards the Bay of Bengal.
Most of the central plateau is drained by the Tungabhadra River, Krishna River and
its tributaries, including the Bhima River, which also run east.
WEST- FLOWING RIVERS
• Narmada rises from the Amarkantak plateau (north-west of Deccan
plateau) and enters into the Gulf of Khambat.•
• Tapi river rises from north-west of Deccan plateau and flows into
Arabian sea.
Periyar rises from Western Ghats and enters into Arabian Sea.
• Saravati rises from Sahyadri hills. It forms the famous Jog or
Gersoppa falls (289m).
Lengths of rivers
• Length of Mahanadi: 890 km
• Length of Godavari: 1450 km
• Length of Krishna: 1290 km
• Length of Cavery: 760 km
• Length of Periyar: 560 km
• Length of Narmada: 1290 km
• Length of Tapi: 724km
CONCLUSION
• Peninsular rivers are the lifeline of Central and South India.
• The Deccan Plateau is a significant geographical and cultural region in
India, known for its unique landscape, rich biodiversity, and
historical importance.
• The plateau has been home to diverse flora and fauna, ancient
civilizations, and influential empires, contributing immensely to India's
history and heritage.
• Today, it plays a vital role in India's economy, particularly in
agriculture, mining, and industrial development, while also being a hub
for cultural diversity and traditions.
