The Indian Subcontinent: Position, Extent, and Physical Features

Geographical Position

• The Indian subcontinent is located in the southern part of Asia, mostly in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres.
• It lies approximately between 8°4' N and 37°6' N latitude and 68°7' E and 97°25' E longitude.
• Bounded by the Himalayas in the north, the Indian Ocean in the south, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Bay of Bengal in the east.
• It includes the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives (sometimes considered).

Extent of the Indian Subcontinent

• The subcontinent extends about 3,200 km from north to south and about 2,933 km from east to west.
• The Tropic of Cancer (23°30' N) divides India into almost two equal halves, influencing its climatic patterns.
• The area covers approximately 4.4 million square kilometers.

Physical Features

The Indian subcontinent is marked by diverse physical features which can be broadly classified into the following:

1. The Himalayan Mountain System:

   The young fold mountains forming the northern boundary, including peaks like Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the highest peak in India.

2. The Northern Plains:

   Formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems, these fertile alluvial plains support intensive agriculture and dense population.

3. The Peninsular Plateau:

   An ancient, stable landmass with rounded hills, plateaus like the Deccan Plateau, rich in minerals and featuring the Western and Eastern Ghats.

4. The Coastal Plains:

   Narrow strips of land along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, hosting major ports and delta formations such as the Sundarbans.

5. The Islands:

   Includes the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.

Significance of the Indian Subcontinent

• Acts as a natural geographic unit due to its distinct boundaries formed by the seas and mountains.
• Supports diverse ecosystems and climatic zones, from alpine to tropical.
• Serves as a cradle of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Important for trade routes historically and presently due to its strategic location.

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2020: Between which latitudes does the Indian subcontinent lie?
• Between 8°4' N and 37°6' N.
• RRB JE 2019: Name the mountain range forming the northern boundary of the Indian subcontinent.
• The Himalayas.
• HSSC CET 2018: Which river systems form the Northern Plains of India?
• Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
• SSC MTS 2017: Which islands belong to the Indian subcontinent?
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.