Physiographic Evolution

1. Origin of the Indian Landmass

• India was once part of Gondwanaland, a southern supercontinent.
• Breakup began around 180 million years ago, initiating continental drift.

2. Northward Drift of the Indian Plate

• The Indian Plate moved rapidly northwards.
• Collision with the Eurasian Plate around 40–50 million years ago shaped major landforms.

3. Formation of the Himalayas

• Result of folding and uplift due to plate collision.
• Continues to rise due to ongoing tectonic activity.

4. Development of the Northern Plains

• Formed by alluvial deposition from the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputr river systems.
• Represents one of the world’s largest gradational plains.

5. Evolution of the Peninsular Plateau

• Oldest and most stable part of India.
• Formed from Archaean and Precambrian rocks.
• Shaped by erosion, faulting, and volcanic activity (e.g., Deccan Traps).

6. Formation of the Coastal Plains

• Created by submergence and emergence of land along the coasts.
• Influenced by marine processes, sedimentation, and river deltas.

7. Development of the Indian Desert

• Result...