Deccan Plateau
Ancient plateau forming the bulk of the Indian peninsula.
via Wikipedia: Deccan Plateau · see source
The Deccan Plateau ( DEK-ən ), also called the Peninsular Plateau, extends over 422,000 km² on the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. It forms the bulk of the Deccan Peninsula, stretching from the Satpura and Vindhya ranges in the north to the northern fringes of Tamil Nadu in the south. It is bound by the Eastern and Western Ghats mountain ranges, which separate it from the Eastern and Western Coastal Plains. The plateau covers most of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana (excluding their coastal regions), and includes minor portions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is marked by rocky terrain with an average elevation of about 600 m (2,000 ft).
- area
- 422,000 km²
- average_elevation
- about 600 m (2,000 ft)
- major_rivers
- Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri
- major_states
- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana
- geological_feature
- Deccan Traps (basaltic lava flows from end of Cretaceous period, 66 mya)
- climate
- semi-arid
Lore & Background
The Deccan Plateau is one of the oldest and most stable land formations in the Indian subcontinent. Its underlying bed consists of granite and sedimentary rocks formed during the Precambrian era and the formation of Gondwana. The Deccan Traps in the northwest were formed by multiple layers of igneous rock deposited by basaltic lava flows following a massive volcanic eruption at the end of the Cretaceous period (66 mya). Scientists state this is the second largest volcanic eruption ever recorded on land, and it would have released large amounts of ash, dust, and carbon dioxide, blocking sunlight and causing major climatic changes. Researchers argue it contributed to the extinction of various species including some dinosaurs. The volcanic deposits stretch more than 500,000 km², encompassing neighbouring central highlands. The region is rich in mineral deposits like iron ore, coal, and mica, and large uranium deposits were discovered in the 21st century.
Reader's Guide
The Deccan Plateau region was ruled by several kingdoms in Indian history such as Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Kadambas, Kakatiyas, and Western Gangas. In the later medieval era, the lower plateau was ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire, and the upper portion by the Bahmani Kingdom and its successors, the Deccan sultanates. It later housed the Kingdom of Mysore, Maratha Confederacy, and Nizam's dominions. It was under British Raj control for nearly two centuries before Indian independence in 1947. The reorganisation of Indian states in the 1950s created states on linguistic lines, and Telangana was created in 2014 by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh. The plateau forms one of the major watersheds of India, with perennial rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flowing eastwards. Its semi-arid climate results from the Western Ghats blocking rain-bearing winds. The region has largely semi-arid climate in the northern parts and tropical climate in most other areas, with summer months of April–May dry and hot, often exceeding 40 °C.
Did You Know?
- The Deccan Traps were formed by the second largest volcanic eruption ever recorded on land, occurring at the end of the Cretaceous period (66 mya).
- The volcanic deposits of the Deccan Traps stretch more than 500,000 km², encompassing neighbouring central highlands.
- The word 'Deccan' is an anglicised version of the Prakrit word 'dakkhaṇa', which evolved from the Sanskrit 'dakṣiṇa', meaning 'south'.
- Carbon dating shows ash mounds associated with Neolithic cultures in the region date back to 8000 BCE.
- Large uranium deposits were discovered in the Deccan Plateau region in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Deccan Plateau?
Deccan Plateau, also called the Peninsular Plateau, is a massive elevated landmass covering roughly 422,000 square kilometers across southern India. It sits at an average elevation near 600 meters and forms the structural core of the Deccan Peninsula, spanning most of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
What are Deccan Plateau's powers/role?
Its most signature geological feature is the Deccan Traps, a colossal series of basaltic lava flows that erupted around 66 million years ago at the close of the Cretaceous period. It also acts as the source region for the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers, making it a critical hydrological hub for peninsular India.
How does Deccan Plateau's story end?
As a permanent geological formation, Deccan Plateau has no narrative finale — it persists today, slowly weathering over deep geological time. Its semi-arid climate and basalt-rich soils continue to define the agriculture, ecology, and settlement patterns of the four major states it underpins.
Why is Deccan Plateau important?
It serves as the central stage of the Indian subcontinent's southern half, stretching from the Satpura and Vindhya ranges in the north down to the northern fringes of Tamil Nadu. The Eastern and Western Ghats flank it on both sides, separating it from the coastal plains and anchoring the geography of an entire region.
Who are Deccan Plateau's key allies and rivals?
The Eastern and Western Ghats function as its boundary partners, while the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers carve across its surface as vital waterways. Its semi-arid character sets it apart from the humid coastal strips it borders, giving it a distinct ecological identity.
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