Write short notes on the following:

1. The Indian Desert

2. The Central Highlands

3. The Island groups of India.

1. The Indian Desert: The Indian Deserts lie toward the western borders of the Aravalli Hills. This landform is formed by undulant sandy plains covered with sand dunes. It receives scanty rainfall of about 15 cms annually and thus, this region is not fit to live in. It is arid land and without vegetation cover. Luni is only river flown in this region and that too is categorized as an inland drainage.

2. The Central Highlands: The Central Highlands lies to the north of the Narmada and cover a major part of the Malwa Plateau. Vindhya and Aravalli forms the edges in south and north respectively. Chambal, Sind, Betwa and Ken rivers are the major rivers flown in this region from southwest to northeast. The Central Highlands are wider in the west and become narrower in the east. Bundeldkhand, Baghelkhand, Chhotanagpur plateau are at its eastward extensions. The Deccan Plateau is separated by Narmada and lies to the south of this region.

3. The Island groups of India: There are total 247 island groups in India, out of which 204 lie in the Bay of Bengal and 43 lie in the Arabian Sea. The island groups located in the Bay of Bengal are collectively called The Andaman and Nicobar group of islands and the group situated in the Arabian Sea is known as The Lakshadweep islands. The total area of Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands is 8249 sq. kms and the area of Lakshadweep islands is 32 sq. kms. Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprises of hard volcanic rocks. Lakshadweep islands are formed by the corals. The southernmost point of India is located in the Nicobar Islands and is known as the Indira point, named after India’s first female Prime Minister, Ms. Indira Gandhi. After 2004 Tsunami, the Indira point got submerged into the water. In Lakshadweep islands, there is a bird sanctuary is settled in Pitli Islands.