Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau, a vast and ancient landmass, is one of the most prominent geological features of the Indian subcontinent. Spanning across several states, this plateau has played a significant role in shaping the region’s geography, history, and culture.

From its unique geological formations to its diverse flora and fauna, the Deccan Plateau is a fascinating subject for exploration and study. Let us learn more about the Deccan Plateau!

Deccan Plateau on Map

Deccan Plateau

Deccan Plateau: Overview

Aspect	Description
Location	Located in the southern part of India, covering large portions of the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Area	Approximately 500,000 square kilometers (200,000 square miles), making it one of the largest plateaus in India.
Average Elevation	Ranges from 300 to 1,000 meters (1,000 to 3,300 feet) above sea level, with some peaks rising higher.
Geological Formation	Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, resulting in extensive lava flows and basaltic rock formations.
Vegetation	Diverse vegetation ranging from dry deciduous forests to scrublands, grasslands, and thorn forests.
Rivers	Several major rivers originate from the Deccan Plateau, including the Godavari, Krishna, and Tungabhadra rivers.
Biodiversity	Rich biodiversity with various species of flora and fauna adapted to the plateau’s diverse habitats.
Economic Significance	The Deccan Plateau is agriculturally productive, supporting crops such as cotton, millets, pulses, and oilseeds. It also has mineral deposits, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite.
Cultural Heritage	The plateau is home to several historical and cultural sites, including ancient cave temples, rock-cut monuments, and forts.

Deccan Plateau: Location

• Covering Southern India: The Deccan Plateau is a vast region that covers most of the southern states of India, such as Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Boundaries: This plateau is surrounded by different mountain ranges. On the west side, it is bounded by the Western Ghats, a long mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. On the east side, it is bounded by the Eastern Ghats, another mountain range that runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal coast. In the northwest, the Aravalli Range forms a natural border for the plateau.
• Central Location: The Deccan Plateau is situated in the central part of the Indian Peninsula, occupying a huge area within the interior of the country.
• Spanning Multiple States: While the plateau primarily covers the southern states, it also extends into parts of the central and western states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.
• Major Cities: Some of India’s largest and most important cities are located on the Deccan Plateau, including Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru (Bangalore), and Chennai. These cities are major economic and cultural centers, attracting people from all over the country and beyond.
• Strategic Importance: The Deccan Plateau’s location has made it strategically important throughout history. Its central position and natural boundaries made it a valuable region for various rulers and empires, leading to numerous battles and conflicts over its control.
• River Systems: Several major rivers originate from the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats and flow through the Deccan Plateau. These include the Krishna, Godavari, Cauvery, and Narmada rivers, which have played a vital role in supporting agriculture and human settlements in the region.

Facts of Deccan Plateau

1. Size: The Deccan Plateau covers an area of approximately 500,000 square kilometers (200,000 square miles), making it one of the largest plateaus in India.
2. Geological Formation: The plateau was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, resulting in extensive lava flows and basaltic rock formations.
3. Elevation: The average elevation of the Deccan Plateau ranges from 300 to 1,000 meters (1,000 to 3,300 feet) above sea level, with some peaks rising higher.
4. Rivers: Several major rivers originate from the Deccan Plateau, including the Godavari, Krishna, and Tungabhadra rivers. These rivers play a crucial role in supporting agriculture and providing water for irrigation.
5. Biodiversity: The Deccan Plateau is characterized by diverse vegetation, ranging from dry deciduous forests to scrublands, grasslands, and thorn forests. It is home to various species of flora and fauna adapted to the plateau’s diverse habitats.
6. Agricultural Productivity: The plateau is agriculturally productive, supporting crops such as cotton, millets, pulses, and oilseeds. It is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate for agriculture.
7. Mineral Deposits: The Deccan Plateau has significant mineral deposits, including coal, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and manganese. These minerals are important for industrial development and contribute to the region’s economy.
8. Cultural Heritage: The plateau is rich in historical and cultural heritage, with numerous ancient cave temples, rock-cut monuments, and forts scattered across the region. These sites bear witness to the rich history and heritage of the Deccan Plateau.
9. Tourism: The Deccan Plateau attracts tourists from around the world with its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural attractions. Popular tourist destinations include Hyderabad, Hampi, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and the Western Ghats.
10. Biodiversity Hotspot: The Western Ghats, which form the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, are recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot due to their rich and unique biodiversity. The plateau plays a crucial role in supporting this biodiversity hotspot.

8 States of Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Plateau spans across several states in southern and central India. The eight states that partially or wholly lie within the Deccan Plateau are:

1. Maharashtra: The western part of Maharashtra, including cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Nashik, lies within the Deccan Plateau. The plateau is known for its rugged terrain, fertile plains, and historical sites.
2. Karnataka: The entire northern part of Karnataka, including regions around Bengaluru (Bangalore), Mysuru (Mysore), and Hampi, is part of the Deccan Plateau. Karnataka is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical monuments.
3. Telangana: The entire state of Telangana lies within the Deccan Plateau. Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, is located on the plateau and is known for its blend of modernity and historical charm.
4. Andhra Pradesh: The southern part of Andhra Pradesh, including regions around Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, lies within the Deccan Plateau. The plateau is known for its agriculture, industry, and historical significance.
5. Goa: The state of Goa, located on the western coast of India, partially lies within the Deccan Plateau. While most of Goa’s terrain is coastal, parts of the interior regions are part of the plateau.
6. Madhya Pradesh: The northern and central parts of Madhya Pradesh, including regions around Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur, lie within the Deccan Plateau. Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich biodiversity, historical sites, and cultural heritage.
7. Chhattisgarh: The southern part of Chhattisgarh lies within the Deccan Plateau. The state is known for its dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and tribal culture.
8. Tamil Nadu: The northwestern part of Tamil Nadu, including regions around Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, partially lies within the Deccan Plateau. Tamil Nadu is known for its temples, classical dance, and rich cultural traditions.

Significance of Deccan Plateau

The significance of deccan plateau are as follows:

1. Ancient Civilizations: The Deccan Plateau was home to many ancient civilizations and empires. Powerful kingdoms like the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Marathas, and the Vijayanagar Empire flourished in this region. Various archaeological sites and architectural wonders found here give us a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of these ancient societies.

2. Importance for Agriculture: The Deccan Plateau is a vital region for agriculture in India. Major rivers like the Krishna, Godavari, Cauvery, and Narmada flow through this plateau, providing water for irrigation. The fertile lands of the Deccan have supported the cultivation of various crops, contributing significantly to the country’s food production.

3. Industrial Powerhouse: In modern times, the Deccan Plateau has become an important industrial hub. Major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai, located in this region, are key centers of economic activity. These cities attract investments and drive growth in sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and automotive industries.

4. Unique Geological Formation: The Deccan Plateau is famous for its unique geological formation called the Deccan Traps. These vast basaltic lava flows formed millions of years ago during intense volcanic activity, and cover a large area of the plateau. The Deccan Traps are a geological wonder and a valuable source of minerals and resources.

5. Rich Biodiversity: The Deccan Plateau is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. From lush evergreen forests to dry deciduous forests and scrublands, the region supports a rich variety of plant and animal species, including many that are found only in this area.

6. Cultural Significance: The Deccan Plateau has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural traditions of India. Many historical monuments, temples, and architectural marvels found in this region showcase the artistic and architectural skills of the various civilizations that flourished here.

FAQs on Deccan Plateau

Where is Deccan Plateau located?

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau that covers most of South India. It is triangular, surrounded by three mountain ranges. It extends over eight Indian states (principally, Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu).

What are the names of 8 states of Deccan Plateau?

The 8 states of Deccan Plateau are:

1. Telangana
2. Maharashtra
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh
5. Kerala
6. Tamil Nadu
7. Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh

Why is Deccan trap called so?

The term trap has been used in geology since 1785–1795 for such rock formations. It is derived from the Swedish word for stairs (trapp) and refers to the step-like hills forming the landscape of the region. The name Deccan has Sanskrit origins meaning “southern”.

Which is the oldest plateau in India?

The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest landmass of the Indian subcontinent and it was also part of the Gondwana land. It’s a tableland and is composed of the old crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Which city is known as Deccan Plateau?

The Deccan plateau consists of dry tropical forests that experience only seasonal rainfall. The large cities in the Deccan are Bengaluru, Mysuru, Tirupati, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik and Hyderabad.