Skip to main content

Purvanchal Hills


The Purvanchal Hills are an eastern extension of the Himalayan system, bending southward from Arunachal Pradesh along the Indo-Myanmar border. They include a series of discontinuous hill ranges such as the Patkai Bum, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, Mizo (Lushai) Hills, Barail Range, and the Meghalaya Plateau (Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills).

They are geologically young fold mountains (Tertiary period) made of sedimentary rocks (sandstone, shale, siltstone). Their structure is the result of the collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates, which uplifted the Himalayan orogeny. Unlike the snow-clad Greater Himalayas, these hills are moderate in elevation (600–3000 m), with dense forests, heavy rainfall, and humid climate.

1. Barail Range

  • Location: Separates the Brahmaputra Valley (north) and Barak Valley (south) in Assam.

  • Geomorphology: Tertiary folded ranges with elongated ridges and valleys.

  • Drainage: Acts as a watershed between the Barak River and the Brahmaputra River.

  • Vegetation: Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

  • Tourism: Haflong (Assam's only hill station), known as the Switzerland of the East.

  • Economy: Bamboo products, horticulture, shifting cultivation (jhum).

2. Patkai Bum

  • Location: Along the Indo-Myanmar border, east of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Geology: Formed of volcanic rocks with sediments; folded Tertiary formations.

  • Elevation: Average height 1500–2000 m.

  • Drainage: Numerous rain-fed streams feeding into the Brahmaputra and Chindwin rivers.

  • Climate: Receives very heavy monsoonal rainfall; dense evergreen forest cover.

  • Tourism: Tribal cultural circuits, unexplored trekking routes, and wildlife.

  • Strategic importance: International boundary hills between India and Myanmar.

3. Naga Hills

  • Location: Predominantly in Nagaland, stretching into northern Myanmar.

  • Highest Peak: Saramati (3,841 m).

  • Geology: Strongly folded sedimentary rocks (sandstone, shale).

  • Relief: Rugged, steep slopes, and deep valleys.

  • Drainage: Dhansiri and Doyang rivers, tributaries of Brahmaputra.

  • Vegetation: Dense tropical rainforests, bamboo, and medicinal plants.

  • Tourism: Kohima (capital), Hornbill Festival, Dzukou Valley trekking.

  • Culture: Home to Naga tribes with distinct traditions.

4. Garo Hills

  • Location: Western Meghalaya Plateau.

  • Geology: Very old rocks of the Precambrian era (gneiss, granite).

  • Elevation: 400–1500 m; Nokrek Peak (1515 m).

  • Vegetation: Subtropical forests, citrus fruits, and betel nut.

  • Tourism: Nokrek National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), limestone caves, waterfalls.

  • Culture: Matrilineal society (Garo tribe).

  • Drainage: Simsang and other short rivers draining into Brahmaputra.

5. Khasi Hills

  • Location: Central Meghalaya Plateau.

  • Highest Peak: Shillong Peak (1961 m).

  • Geology: Precambrian rocks with coal, limestone, uranium deposits.

  • Climate: Extremely high rainfall due to monsoon funneling effect; Mawsynram and Cherrapunji are among the wettest places on Earth.

  • Tourism: Shillong (Scotland of the East), living root bridges, waterfalls.

  • Vegetation: Evergreen forests, pine groves.

  • Drainage: Short, swift rivers flowing north into Brahmaputra.

6. Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills)

  • Location: Mizoram, forming southern Purvanchal extension.

  • Highest Peak: Phawngpui (Blue Mountain, 2,157 m).

  • Geology: Folded ridges and valleys, sedimentary rocks.

  • Relief: Parallel ranges with north–south orientation.

  • Climate: Humid subtropical, heavy monsoonal rainfall.

  • Tourism: Phawngpui National Park, bamboo forests, cultural heritage.

  • Vegetation: Bamboo forests (often affected by Mautam—cyclical flowering of bamboo).

  • Culture: Home to Mizo tribes with rich dance and festivals.

7. Jaintia Hills

  • Location: Eastern Meghalaya Plateau.

  • Elevation: 1200–1500 m.

  • Geology: Rich in limestone and coal deposits.

  • Geomorphology: Karst landscape with extensive caves (Krem Mawmluh, Krem Liat Prah—the longest cave in India).

  • Tourism: Caves, waterfalls, sacred groves.

  • Drainage: Rivers like Myntdu flow into Bangladesh plains.

8. Manipur Hills

  • Location: Surrounding the Imphal Valley in Manipur.

  • Elevation: 800–2000 m.

  • Geology: Sedimentary rocks with steep folded structures.

  • Relief: Saucer-shaped Imphal Valley encircled by hills.

  • Drainage: Rivers like Barak, Manipur River system.

  • Tourism: Loktak Lake (largest freshwater lake in NE India, with floating phumdis), Keibul Lamjao National Park (home of endangered Sangai deer).

  • Culture: Rich tribal diversity with unique traditions.

Geographical Concepts & Features

Geological Setting

  • These ranges belong to the Tertiary fold mountain system (young, unstable).

  • Composition: sandstone, shale, siltstone (sedimentary rocks).

  • Meghalaya Plateau: ancient block of the Peninsular shield, separated from Chotanagpur Plateau by Garo-Rajmahal Gap.

Drainage

  • Rivers: Barak, Dhansiri, Doyang, Kopili, Simsang.

  • Act as watersheds between Brahmaputra Basin and Barak Basin.

Vegetation

  • Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

  • Bamboo, citrus fruits, orchids, and sacred groves.

Climate

  • Humid tropical with heavy monsoonal rainfall.

  • Cherrapunji and Mawsynram: rainfall >11,000 mm annually.


Tourism Potential

  • Adventure Tourism: Trekking (Dzukou Valley, Phawngpui).

  • Eco-Tourism: Caves (Meghalaya), Loktak Lake.

  • Cultural Tourism: Tribal festivals (Hornbill, Mizo festivals, Khasi heritage).

The Purvanchal Hills represent a unique geographical entity, distinct from the Greater Himalayas, with:

  • Young folded ranges (Tertiary origin).

  • Moderate heights (600–3000 m).

  • Heavy monsoonal rainfall, lush forests, and biodiversity.

  • Tourist attractions like Shillong, Loktak Lake, Haflong, Phawngpui, Cherrapunji.

  • Economic activities: shifting cultivation, forestry, coal and limestone mining.

  • Cultural significance: Tribal societies with unique traditions.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

geostationary and sun-synchronous

Orbital characteristics of Remote sensing satellite geostationary and sun-synchronous  Orbits in Remote Sensing Orbit = the path a satellite follows around the Earth. The orbit determines what part of Earth the satellite can see , how often it revisits , and what applications it is good for . Remote sensing satellites mainly use two standard orbits : Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)  Geostationary Satellites (GEO) Characteristics Altitude : ~35,786 km above the equator. Period : 24 hours → same as Earth's rotation. Orbit type : Circular, directly above the equator . Appears "stationary" over one fixed point on Earth. Concepts & Terminologies Geosynchronous = orbit period matches Earth's rotation (24h). Geostationary = special type of geosynchronous orbit directly above equator → looks fixed. Continuous coverage : Can monitor the same area all the time. Applications Weather...
Post a Comment
Read more

Disaster Management

1. Disaster Risk Analysis → Disaster Risk Reduction → Disaster Management Cycle Disaster Risk Analysis is the first step in managing disasters. It involves assessing potential hazards, identifying vulnerable populations, and estimating possible impacts. Once risks are identified, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies come into play. DRR aims to reduce risk and enhance resilience through planning, infrastructure development, and policy enforcement. The Disaster Management Cycle then ensures a structured approach by dividing actions into pre-disaster, during-disaster, and post-disaster phases . Example Connection: Imagine a coastal city prone to cyclones: Risk Analysis identifies low-lying areas and weak infrastructure. Risk Reduction includes building seawalls, enforcing strict building codes, and training residents for emergency situations. The Disaster Management Cycle ensures ongoing preparedness, immediate response during a cyclone, and long-term recovery afterw...
Post a Comment
Read more

Linear Arrays Along-Track Scanners or Pushbroom Scanners

Multispectral Imaging Using Linear Arrays (Along-Track Scanners or Pushbroom Scanners) Multispectral Imaging: As previously defined, this involves capturing images using multiple sensors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. Linear Array of Detectors (A): This refers to a row of discrete detectors arranged in a straight line. Each detector is responsible for measuring the radiation within a specific wavelength band. Focal Plane (B): This is the plane where the image is formed by the lens system. It is the location where the detectors are placed to capture the focused image. Formed by Lens Systems (C): The lens system is responsible for collecting and focusing the incoming radiation onto the focal plane. It acts like a camera lens, creating a sharp image of the scene. Ground Resolution Cell (D): As previously defined, this is the smallest area on the ground that can be resolved by a remote sensing sensor. In the case of linear array scanne...
Post a Comment
Read more

Discrete Detectors and Scanning mirrors Across the track scanner Whisk broom scanner.

Multispectral Imaging Using Discrete Detectors and Scanning Mirrors (Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner) Multispectral Imaging:  This technique involves capturing images of the Earth's surface using multiple sensors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.  This allows for the identification of various features and materials based on their spectral signatures. Discrete Detectors:  These are individual sensors that are arranged in a linear or array configuration.  Each detector is responsible for measuring the radiation within a specific wavelength band. Scanning Mirrors:  These are optical components that are used to deflect the incoming radiation onto the discrete detectors.  By moving the mirrors,  the sensor can scan across the scene,  capturing data from different points. Across-Track Scanner or Whisk Broom Scanner:  This refers to the scanning mechanism where the mirror moves perpendicular to the direction of flight.  This allows for t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Disaster Risk

Disaster Risk 
Post a Comment
Read more