Deccan Plateau: Geography, Features, Climate, Resources, and Significance for UPSC

The Deccan Plateau is one of the most significant geographical regions of India, both historically and economically. Located in the peninsular part of the country, it has shaped India’s culture, agriculture, mineral wealth, and biodiversity. The plateau stretches across several states, housing ancient civilizations, rich mineral resources, unique biodiversity, and diverse climatic conditions. Its strategic location between the Western and Eastern Ghats, flanked by important rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, has made it a cradle of human settlement and economic growth since prehistoric times.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Deccan Plateau is crucial, as it is a recurring topic in Prelims (Geography) and GS Mains (Papers I and III). This article offers a detailed exploration of its formation, location, geology, physical features, climate, soils, rivers, vegetation, mineral resources, agriculture, economy, biodiversity, historical importance, and environmental issues.

Deccan Plateau

1. Location and Extent

The Deccan Plateau forms the southern part of the Indian peninsula.
Bounded by:

Western Ghats to the west
Eastern Ghats to the east
Satpura Range and Vindhya Range to the north

Extends over Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala.
Approximate area: 1.9 million square kilometers.

Geographical Coordinates:

Latitude: 8° N to 23° N
Longitude: 73° E to 85° E
Average elevation: 600–900 meters above sea level.

2. Geological Formation

Originated during the Precambrian Era (over 600 million years ago).
Dominated by igneous basalt rock formations, particularly in the northwestern part known as the Deccan Traps.
Formation linked to massive volcanic activity around 66 million years ago, coinciding with the extinction of dinosaurs.
Rich deposits of minerals such as mica, iron ore, bauxite, gold, and coal.

3. Physical Features

a) Western Ghats

Steep escarpments rising sharply from the west coast.
UNESCO World Heritage Site for biodiversity.
Acts as a climatic barrier intercepting southwest monsoon winds.

b) Eastern Ghats

Discontinuous and lower in elevation compared to the Western Ghats.
Cut by rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi.

c) Central Basin

Broad rolling upland area.
Interspersed with river valleys and hills.

d) Plateau Regions

Divided into Maharashtra Plateau, Karnataka Plateau, Telangana Plateau, and Tamil Nadu Uplands.

4. Climate

Tropical monsoon type with seasonal variations.
Summer: Hot and dry, temperatures up to 45°C in interior regions.
Monsoon: Southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the Western Ghats; interior receives moderate rainfall.
Winter: Mild, with average temperatures around 20°C.
Rain-shadow effect in interior parts like Karnataka and Maharashtra due to Western Ghats.

5. Rivers and Drainage System

Rivers are mostly seasonal with dependence on monsoons.
Major west-flowing rivers: Mandovi, Zuari, Sharavathi, Bharathapuzha.
Major east-flowing rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra, Pennar.
Important for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and agriculture.

6. Soils

Predominantly black cotton soil (regur) from basaltic rocks — ideal for cotton cultivation.
Also includes red soils, laterite soils, and alluvial soils in river valleys.
Fertility depends on location, rainfall, and organic matter content.

7. Vegetation and Biodiversity

Ranges from tropical moist deciduous forests in high rainfall areas to dry deciduous and thorn forests in arid zones.
Biodiversity hotspots: Western Ghats (home to endemic species).
Rich wildlife: tigers, elephants, leopards, gaur, Nilgiri tahr, and endemic birds.
National parks: Bandipur, Nagarhole, Kudremukh, Silent Valley, Periyar.

8. Mineral Resources

Known as a mineral-rich region:

Mica (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana)
Iron ore (Karnataka, Chhattisgarh)
Bauxite (Maharashtra)
Gold (Kolar Gold Fields)
Coal (Godavari Valley)

Supports industries like steel, cement, and power generation.

9. Agriculture

Dependent on monsoon rains.
Major crops: Cotton, Jowar, Bajra, Rice, Sugarcane, Pulses.
Plantation crops in Western Ghats: coffee, tea, spices.
Irrigation projects: Nagarjuna Sagar, Tungabhadra, Almatti Dam.

10. Economy and Human Settlements

Urban centers: Hyderabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Chennai.
Industrial hubs: IT in Bengaluru & Hyderabad; automobile in Pune & Chennai.
Mining, agriculture, and manufacturing form economic backbone.

11. Historical and Cultural Significance

Seat of ancient kingdoms: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagara Empire.
Rich in forts, temples, and rock-cut architecture.
Cultural diversity with Dravidian and Deccan influences.

12. Environmental Challenges

Deforestation due to agriculture and mining.
Water scarcity in rain-shadow areas.
Soil erosion from overgrazing.
Climate change affecting monsoon patterns.

13. Significance for UPSC

Relevant for topics in Indian Geography, Economic Development, Environment, and Culture.
Important for map-based questions.
Often appears in GS Paper I and Essay topics.

Top 10 FAQs on Deccan Plateau

1. What is the Deccan Plateau?
The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in southern India, covering multiple states, known for its volcanic basalt formations, rich mineral resources, and cultural heritage.

2. Which states are part of the Deccan Plateau?
It covers Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala.

3. How was the Deccan Plateau formed?
Formed by volcanic activity around 66 million years ago, resulting in basaltic lava flows called the Deccan Traps.

4. Why is the Deccan Plateau important?
It is vital for agriculture, mineral wealth, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, contributing significantly to India’s economy.

5. Which rivers flow through the Deccan Plateau?
Major rivers include the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra, and Pennar.

6. What type of soil is found in the Deccan Plateau?
Black cotton soil (regur) is predominant, ideal for cotton farming.

7. What is the climate of the Deccan Plateau?
It has a tropical monsoon climate with hot summers, moderate monsoons, and mild winters.

8. Which minerals are found in the Deccan Plateau?
Key minerals include mica, iron ore, bauxite, gold, and coal.

9. What are the main crops grown in the Deccan Plateau?
Cotton, jowar, bajra, rice, sugarcane, and pulses are widely cultivated.

10. What are the environmental issues faced by the Deccan Plateau?
Deforestation, water scarcity, soil erosion, and climate change impacts are major challenges.