Major Physical Divisions of India : Islands of India

Major Physical Divisions of India

1. The Himalayan Mountains

2. The Northern Plains

3. The Peninsular Plateau

4. The Indian Desert

5. The Coastal Plains

6. The Islands

Islands of India

Lakshadweep Islands

• Lakshadweep group of islands are situated in the Arabian Sea 
• It is a group of 36 islands. But 4 islands are most important, which includes:

1.   Amini 
2.   Kavaratti 
3.  Minicoy
4.  Agatti

Structure

• These islands are part of Reunion Vulcanism. The base of the islands is provided by volcanic lava.
• The entire Lakshadweep islands are made up of Coral Deposits.

Some Important Channel

Population

• The population of these islands is 68000 with a Muslim majority. But Minicoy has a Christian majority.
• The entire indigenous population of the islands is Scheduled tribe, but tribes aren’t named.
• The majority of people speak Malayalam.

Political system

• These islands were earlier known as Lacadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands. The name Lakshadweep was adopted in 1973
• Lakshadweep Islands is a UT under the administered control of Lt. Governor.
• Kavaratti is the administrative capital of Lakshadweep.
• It is under the jurisdiction of Kerla High Court

Other Important Islands

• Sriharikota Island
• It is located in Andhra Pradesh between the Bay of Bengal and Pulicat Lake.
• Sriharikota is one of ISRO’s satellite launching stations.
• Wheeler Island / Abdul Kalam Island
•  It is located off the coast of Odisha.
•  It serves as a missile testing site.
•  Pamban Island
• It is situated in the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka .
• This island is covered with white sand.
• Majauli Island
• It is located in Assam.
• It is a riverine island situated in the Brahmaputra River. It is the largest riverine island in the world.
• The island is under severe ecological threat due to extensive soil erosion of its banks.
• It is home to Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture.
•  Diu Island
•  It is located on the coast of Kathiawar.
•  It is famous for the historical Diu Fort (built by the Portuguese) and beautiful beaches.
• Note: Daman is not an island.
•  Sagar Island
• It is located in the Ganga Delta in the Bay of Bengal.
•  It is an important place for Hindu pilgrimage.
•  Phumdis / Floating Islands
• They are located in Manipur on Loktak Lake.
• It is part of Keibul Lamjao National Park.
•  It is famous for Sangai (breed of Deer).