List of Top 6 Largest Plateaus in India

India has many different geographic features including mountains, plains, deserts, and high plateaus. High plateaus are defined as large, generally flat areas of land that are higher in elevation than the surrounding areas of the country. Many of India's higher plateaus are found throughout the country and represent a large portion of India's overall area and contain a wide variety of economic, geographic, climatic, and geological features and influences such as the river system, soil type, agriculture, and Minerals and resources. These plateaus are among the largest regions in India and have unique characteristics, geographic features, topography, and potential natural wealth.

Some high plateaus have an abundance of minerals, while others provide fertile land for crop farming; still others have strikingly beautiful landscapes. Understanding India's most prominent high plateaus is beneficial for all students preparing for competitive examinations, quizzes & general knowledge (GK) tests, because they represent common topics in competitive exams, including where each plateau is located within the country, how large it is, its significance to the state's economy and geography.

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Top 6 Largest Plateaus in India 

Here are the top 6 largest plateaus in India along with the major states covered and their significance based on the list by Ministry of Education: 

1. Deccan Plateau

 The Deccan Plateau is the largest plateau in India, occupying much of southern India. It is bordered by the Western and Eastern Ghats. The plateau was formed by volcanic activity and is comprised primarily of black soil, which is rich in minerals. Many significant rivers begin their journey from this plateau.

2.  Malwa Plateau

The Malwa Plateau is found primarily in the western sections of Madhya Pradesh and parts of Rajasthan. Major rivers draining the Malwa Plateau include the Chambal and the Betwa. Black soil is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Malwa Plateau, making it suitable for growing crops such as wheat, soybeans and pulses.

3.  Chota Nagpur Plateau

 The Chota Nagpur Plateau is entirely located within the state of Jharkhand, but it also extends into neighbouring states. India’s mineral resource hub, the Chota Nagpur Plateau includes reserves of coal, iron ore, bauxite and mica. The Chota Nagpur Plateau is currently being used by several mining and industrial activities.

4. Bundelkhand Plateau

The Bundelkhand Plateau covers parts of both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Bundelkhand Plateau is made up of very old rocks that have been weathered, thus creating an irregularly shaped rocky surface. Although the Bundelkhand Plateau faces several challenges due to insufficient water resources, the Bundelkhand Plateau is a significant contributor to the historical geography of India.

5. Shillong Plateau

 Meghalaya’s Shillong Plateau is situated in the northeastern part of India. Ganga plains separate it from the Peninsular Plateau, and it has a lot of rainfall, a diverse range of living things, and very pretty hills that surround the city of Shillong. 

Conclusion

Plateaus in India are a crucial part of the geography, climate, and natural resources of the country, from the Deccan, which is very large, to the smaller Chota Nagpur that contains minerals, through to the beautiful Shillong Plateau; all play an important part in agriculture, industry, and preparation for competitive exams.