Physical Features of India's Central Plateau

The Central Plateau (Deccan Plateau) spans Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Key Characteristics

• Elevation: 600–900 m avg; peaks: Satpura Range (1,350 m), Maikal Range (1,100 m).
• Topography: Hills, valleys, sub-plateaus dissected by Satpura, Vindhya, Maikal ranges.
• Rivers: Narmada, Tapti (west-flowing gorges); Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna (east-flowing).
• Geology: Deccan Traps (volcanic basalts) over Gondwana sedimentary rocks (sandstone, limestone, shale).
• Flora/Fauna: Dry deciduous forests (teak, sal, bamboo); tigers, leopards, gaur, nilgai, diverse birds.
• Mineral Wealth: Iron ore, manganese, coal, bauxite—fueling steel, cement, power industries.
• Agriculture: Fertile pockets support cotton, wheat, soybeans.