Question: Describe in detail the physiographic features of the Peninsular Plateau of India and explain their effects on the drainage system of its rivers.

Answer

The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landforms on the Earth. It is a highly stable block composed mainly of Archean gneisses and schists (rock system).

Peninsular Plateau Landforms:

Malwa Plateau:

* This plateau extends in a triangular shape to the north-west of the Narmada and Tapi rivers and the Vindhya Range. The Aravalli Range lies to its north-west, while the Ganga Plain lies to its north-east.

* Its geological structure is highly complex and includes the major rock groups of the Peninsular region.

Maharashtra Plateau:

* The Maharashtra Plateau includes almost the entire area of Maharashtra State except the Konkan Coast and the Western Ghats.

* Most of this plateau is covered by Deccan Trap basalt rocks.

Telangana Plateau:

* From the geological point of view, the Telangana Plateau is a flat upland mainly composed of Precambrian gneissic rock formations.

* Besides these, Dharwar rocks and the Cuddapah rock groups are also found here.

Karnataka Plateau:

* Geologically, this region has a complex structure consisting of rocks ranging from the Archean period to recent formations.

* This plateau is well known for its deposits of iron, manganese, copper, lead, and gold.

Chota Nagpur Plateau:

* During the Jurassic period, volcanic eruptions and the faulting activity associated with the Tertiary earth movements gave the Chota Nagpur Plateau its distinctive character.

* The Damodar, Barakar, Subarnarekha, North Koel, and South Koel rivers have formed extensive drainage basins in this plateau.

Effects on the Drainage System of Rivers

* Most of the rivers of Peninsular India drain into the Bay of Bengal.

* Since the Peninsular region is geologically very old, its rivers are also geographically old.

* Compared to the east-flowing rivers, the west-flowing rivers carry a greater volume of water. The main reason is the Western Ghats and the westward slope of the Peninsular region.

* These rivers form deltas at their mouths.

* Due to the larger catchment area, the east-flowing rivers have a greater number of tributaries compared to the west-flowing rivers.