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Geography of J&K — Physiography

Geography of J&K — Physiography

Physiography of Jammu & Kashmir
Figure 1: Physiography of Jammu & Kashmir — frequently tested in JKSSB and UPSC examinations.

1. Introduction

  • Physiography is the study of relief features.
  • The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir possesses a peculiar geo-physical setting as all the major landforms — mountains, plateaus, plains and valleys — are present in its landscape.
  • Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Poonch Valley, Sind Valley and Liddar Valley.
  • The UT of J&K and UT of Ladakh are situated within the Himalayan mountain system forming the northernmost part of India.
KNOWLEDGE NUGGET

  • Physiography: Study of relief features
  • Major Valleys: Kashmir, Tawi, Chenab, Poonch, Sind, Liddar
  • Location: Northernmost part of India, Himalayan mountain system
SIX PHYSICAL DIVISIONS

  • 1. The Outer Plains
  • 2. The Shivaliks
  • 3. The Middle Himalayas
  • 4. The Valley of Kashmir
  • 5. The Greater Himalayas
  • 6. The Ladakh Region

2. The Outer Plains

  • The plains of Jammu region are formed by deposition of Chenab, Tawi, Ravi and their tributaries.
  • Interlocking sandy alluvial fans.
  • The outer plain of Jammu and Kashmir, locally known as Andarwah or Bajwat, is a part of the Great Plains of India.
  • Situated in the vicinity of Shivaliks, the outer plain of Jammu Division is traversed by numerous hill torrents, locally known as Khad.
  • These torrents remain dry over greater parts of winter and summer and attain enormous size during rains.
  • The alluvial plains are formed by the depositions of Chenab, Tawi, Ravi and their tributaries.
  • Width: 7 to 30 km.
  • Stretches in the southern parts of Akhnoor, Ranbir Singh Pura (R.S. Pura), Samba and Kathua.
  • Height: Varies between 325 to 350 m.
  • The rocks are of fluviatile and sub-aerial formation — massive beds of clay, either sandy or calcareous.

3. The Shivaliks

  • Towards the north of the Outer Plains lies the youngest mountains of the sub-continent called Shivalik Hills.
  • Width: 20-50 km; Altitude: 600-1220 meters above mean sea level.
  • The southern slopes are gentle, covered with deciduous forests, evergreen bushes and numerous scrubs.
  • The northern slopes are steep with thin cover of vegetation.
  • Jammu (City of Temples) is located on the southern slope of Shivalik hills.
  • Mansar and Surinsar lakes lie in the vicinity of these mountains.
  • The rolling slopes between Ravi and Chenab Rivers are called Kandi.
  • Kandi is characterised by numerous torrents, hilly soils and scarcity of water.
  • Agriculture in Kandi tract is largely dependent on rains.
  • The Gujjars are the buffalo-keepers called as Doodhia-Gujars.
  • The Longitudinal valley of Outer Zones is called Duns (e.g., Duns of Udhampur and Kotli).

4. The Middle Himalayas (Lesser Himalayas)

  • Located between River Ravi in the East and Poonch in the West.
  • Elevation: 1820 to 3600 meters above mean sea level.
  • Width: 10 to 60 km across.
  • The ranges of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar lie in the Lesser Himalayas.
  • In Jammu region, they are locally known as Pahar (mountain).
  • Pir Panjal is the longest and the westernmost range of the region.
  • Trikuta Mountain — a branch of the Lesser Himalayas, characterised with limestone strata.
  • Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji is situated on a peak of Trikuta mountain.
  • Jammu Srinagar National Highway passes through these mountains at Pantnop.
  • Important towns: Banihal, Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Batote, Rajouri.
  • Rivers of Middle Himalayas: Tawi, Manawar-tawi, Basantar, Ujh.
  • Major Hydel Power Projects: Salal, Dul-Hasti, Baglihar.
  • The rock strata are dominated by sandstone, shale, and light yellow limestone of the Miocene Murree System and Eocene deposits.

5. The Valley of Kashmir

  • A low area of land between hills or mountains typically with a river/stream flowing through is called a Valley.
  • It is a "bowl shaped basin" surrounded by high mountain ranges.
  • River: Jhelum originates from Verinag and terminates in Baramulla from where it enters Pakistan.
KAREWAS

  • Karewas are lacustrine deposits.
  • The term Karewa is derived from the Kashmiri dialect which means "Elevated table-land".
  • Locally known as 'Vudr' or 'Wudar'.
  • The term was first used by Godwin-Austin (1859) and later by Lydekker (1878).
  • The thickness of Karewas is about 1400 m.
  • Karewas are also found in Bhaderwah Valley of the Jammu Division.
  • World famous saffron (Zafaran) is cultivated on these deposits.
  • Pampore Wudar is known for its Saffron Cultivation.
THREE IMPORTANT SIDE VALLEYS

  • (i) Liddar Valley: Extends from Anantnag to Pahalgam. At Pahalgam, divides into two branches — one towards Sheshnag and the Cave of Amarnath. The river Liddar is fed by streams from the Kolahoi and Sheshnag.
  • (ii) Sind Valley: Extends from Ganderbal to the Zoji-La Pass (about 100 km). Sonamarg (golden meadow) is a beautiful meadow near the Thajwas Glacier. Famous lakes: Vishansar, Kishansar and Gangabal.
  • (iii) Lolab Valley: Fertile oval-shaped valley in the north-west of Kashmir (25 km long, 5 km wide). Traversed by the Lahwal Stream. Covered by thick forest of deodar. Famous for apple, cherry, peach and walnut.

6. The Greater Himalayas (Inner Himalayas)

  • Altitude: 4500 m to 6100 m above sea level.
  • These ranges act as a climatic divide and stop cold winds coming from Central Asia.
  • Nanga Parbat is the highest mountain peak of this region in Greater Himalayas.
  • Zoji La and Razdan Pass are important passes connecting the valley with Ladakh and Guzez respectively.
  • The famous Amarnath cave is also situated in this range.
  • The Zanskar range is situated at an altitude of 5940 m. It is famous for its two river valleys — the Zanskar and the Suru.
  • Famous Kargil town lies in the Suru valley.

7. The Plateau of Ladakh

  • Ladakh is one of the loftiest inhabited regions of the world (3,600-4,600m above sea level).
  • The coldest place Drass, where the temperature during winters falls below -40°C, is located in this region.
  • The Ladakh region is a cold desert having very low rainfall (less than 25 cm per annum) and scanty vegetation.
  • River Indus flows through this region.
  • Leh town is situated at about 3500 meters above mean sea level.
IMPORTANT DIVISIONS OF LADAKH PLATEAU

  • Singh valley
  • Drass
  • Kargil
  • Zanskar region
  • Nubra valley
  • Changthang region
KARAKORAM REGION

  • Known as the "roof of the world".
  • Siachen, Baltoro, Hispar are important glaciers in this range.
  • 'K2' or 'Godwin Austin' is the world's second highest peak in the Karakoram range.

8. Points to Note

KEY POINTS

  • Andarwah/Bajwat: Local name for Outer Plains of Jammu (part of Great Plains of India).
  • Karewa: Elevated table-land; lacustrine deposits; first used by Godwin-Austin (1859).
  • Kandi: Undulating slope between Ravi and Chenab rivers; characterised by numerous torrents, hilly soils, scarcity of water.
  • Duns: Longitudinal valley of Outer Zones (e.g., Udhampur, Kotli).
  • Aharbal Waterfall: Also known as Niagara Waterfall of Kashmir.
  • Pir Panjal: Longest and westernmost range of the Lesser Himalayas.
  • Vaishno Devi Cave: Situated on a peak of Trikuta mountain (branch of Lesser Himalayas).
  • Gulmarg: Originally called 'Gaurimarg'; present name given by Sultan Yusuf Shah in the 16th century. Favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir. Has the highest green golf course in the world at 2,650 m.
  • Nedou's Cup: Introduced in 1929 at Gulmarg.

9. JKSSB Previous Year Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q1. The outer plain of Jammu and Kashmir is locally known as:

  • A) Andarwah or Bajwat
  • B) Kandi
  • C) Duns
  • D) Karewa

Q2. The rolling slopes between Ravi and Chenab rivers are called:

  • A) Andarwah
  • B) Kandi
  • C) Duns
  • D) Karewa

Q3. Karewas are:

    <
  • A) Lacustrine deposits
  • B) Glacial deposits
  • C) Fluvial deposits
  • D) Aeolian deposits

Q4. The term Karewa was first used by:

  • A) Godwin-Austin (1859)
  • B) Lydekker (1878)
  • C) Walter Lawrence
  • D) M.A. Stein

Q5. Pampore is known for the cultivation of:

  • A) Apple
  • B) Saffron (Zafaran)
  • C) Walnut
  • D) Almond

Q6. The longest and westernmost range of the Lesser Himalayas is:

  • A) Pir Panjal
  • B) Dhauladhar
  • C) Trikuta
  • D) Zanskar

Q7. The Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is situated on a peak of:

  • A) Pir Panjal
  • B) Trikuta Mountain
  • C) Dhauladhar
  • D) Zanskar

Q8. The river Jhelum originates from:

  • A) Dal Lake
  • B) Verinag
  • C) Wular Lake
  • D) Mansar Lake

Q9. The coldest place in Jammu & Kashmir where temperature falls below -40°C is:

  • A) Leh
  • B) Drass
  • C) Kargil
  • D) Zanskar

Q10. The Karakoram region is known as:

  • A) Roof of the World
  • B) Roof of the World
  • C) Roof of the World
  • D) Roof of the World

Q11. The world's second highest peak, K2, is located in which range?

  • A) Greater Himalayas
  • B) Karakoram
  • C) Pir Panjal
  • D) Zanskar

Q12. Aharbal Waterfall is also known as:

  • A) Angel Falls
  • B) Niagara Waterfall of Kashmir
  • C) Victoria Falls
  • D) Jog Falls

Q13. Gulmarg was originally called:

  • A) Sonamarg
  • B) Gaurimarg
  • C) Pahalgam
  • D) Yusmarg

Q14. The Sind Valley extends from Ganderbal to:

  • A) Pir Panjal
  • B) Zoji-La Pass
  • C) Razdan Pass
  • D) Banihal Pass

Q15. The highest mountain peak of the Greater Himalayas in this region is:

  • A) Kolahoi Peak
  • B) Nanga Parbat
  • C) K2
  • D) Mount Everest

10. Summary: Physiography of J&K at a Glance

Physical Division Key Features
Outer Plains Andarwah/Bajwat; 325-350 m; Chenab, Tawi, Ravi depositions
Shivaliks 600-1220 m; Kandi; Duns; Gujjars (Doodhia-Gujars)
Middle Himalayas 1820-3600 m; Pir Panjal (longest); Trikuta; Vaishno Devi; Salal, Dul-Hasti, Baglihar
Valley of Kashmir Bowl-shaped basin; Jhelum; Karewas; Saffron; Liddar, Sind, Lolab Valleys
Greater Himalayas 4500-6100 m; Nanga Parbat; Zoji La, Razdan Pass; Amarnath; Zanskar
Ladakh Region 3600-4600 m; Cold desert; Drass (-40°C); Indus; Karakoram (roof of the world); K2
Key Takeaways for JKSSB & UPSC

  • Andarwah/Bajwat: Outer Plains of Jammu
  • Kandi: Rolling slopes between Ravi and Chenab
  • Karewas: Lacustrine deposits; elevated table-land; saffron cultivation
  • Duns: Longitudinal valleys (Udhampur, Kotli)
  • Pir Panjal: Longest and westernmost range of Lesser Himalayas
  • Trikuta: Vaishno Devi cave is located on its peak
  • Jhelum: Originates from Verinag
  • Drass: Coldest place (-40°C)
  • Karakoram: Roof of the world; K2 (Godwin Austin)
  • Aharbal: Niagara Waterfall of Kashmir
  • Gulmarg: Originally Gaurimarg; highest green golf course
  • Salal, Dul-Hasti, Baglihar: Hydel power projects in Middle Himalayas
High-Yield Interactive UPSC & JKSSB Quiz (Physiography of J&K)

Q1. The outer plain of Jammu and Kashmir is locally known as:

Correct Answer: B. The outer plain of Jammu and Kashmir is locally known as Andarwah or Bajwat and is a part of the Great Plains of India.

Q2. Karewas are:

Correct Answer: B. Karewas are lacustrine deposits. The term Karewa means "Elevated table-land" and they are locally known as 'Vudr' or 'Wudar'.

Q3. The longest and westernmost range of the Lesser Himalayas is:

Correct Answer: B. Pir Panjal is the longest and the westernmost range of the Lesser Himalayas / Middle Himalayas.

Q4. The Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is situated on which mountain?

Correct Answer: B. The Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji is situated on a peak of Trikuta mountain, which is a branch of the Lesser Himalayas.

Q5. The river Jhelum originates from:

Correct Answer: B. The river Jhelum originates from Verinag and terminates in Baramulla from where it enters Pakistan.

Q6. The coldest place in Jammu & Kashmir where temperature falls below -40°C is:

Correct Answer: B. Drass is the coldest place where the temperature during winters falls below -40°C.

Q7. The Karakoram region is known as:

Correct Answer: B. The Karakoram region is aptly named the "roof of the world." K2 or Godwin Austin is the world's second highest peak in this range.

Q8. Aharbal Waterfall is also known as:

Correct Answer: B. Aharbal Waterfall is also known as the Niagara Waterfall of Kashmir. It is located on the Veshu River in the Kulgam district.

Q9. Gulmarg was originally called:

Correct Answer: B. Gulmarg was originally called 'Gaurimarg' by shepherds. Its present name was given in the 16th century by Sultan Yusuf Shah.

Q10. The Sind Valley extends from Ganderbal to:

Correct Answer: B. The Sind Valley extends from Ganderbal to the Zoji-La Pass, covering a distance of about 100 km. Sonamarg is a beautiful meadow in this valley.

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