Malwa plateau
Topic: Structure and Physiography of India: Himalayas, Plains, Peninsula, Coasts and Islands · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Structure and Physiography"; Class 11, Ch 3 "Drainage System"
Meaning
The Malwa plateau is a high, mostly flat area in western Madhya Pradesh. It is part of the Central Highlands. It was formed by lava flows, which hardened into basalt (dark volcanic rock). This rock breaks down into black soil, which holds moisture well and suits cotton. The plateau slopes north, so its rivers flow towards the Yamuna-Ganga system.
Example
The Chambal rises near Mhow on the Malwa plateau and flows north to join the Yamuna. Around towns such as Indore and Ujjain, farmers grow cotton and soybean on the black soil.
Don't confuse with
- Deccan Plateau: it is also largely made of lava and black soil, but it lies south of the Narmada and slopes east. Malwa lies north of the Narmada and slopes north.
Related concepts
- Peninsular Plateau
- Patland plateau
- Chambal ravines
- Central Highlands
- Aravalli Range
- Delhi ridge
- Vindhyan range
- Satpura range
- Maikal range
- Gir range