Summary of "Complete Indian Geography Through Maps for UPSC Prelims 2025 | One Shot Marathon by Sudarshan Gurjar"

This extensive video session is a comprehensive, map-based revision of Indian Geography tailored for UPSC Prelims 2025 aspirants. The instructor, Sudarshan Gurjar, uses detailed hand-drawn maps and mnemonic devices to cover the entire physical geography of India, including mountain ranges, passes, river systems, plateaus, and soil regions. The session is interactive, with frequent practice prompts and encouragement for active participation.

Main Ideas and Concepts Covered:

1. Introduction and Methodology

Emphasis on map-based learning and revision.
Use of handmade maps and practice sheets.
Encouragement to actively practice by drawing and commenting.
Focus on exam-oriented facts and keywords.
Session designed for both new learners and revision for advanced students.
Coverage planned from Himalayas to Peninsular India, including North-East and river systems.

2. Himalayan Mountain System

Formation explained via plate tectonics:
- India was part of Gondwanaland.
- Movement northwards during the Cretaceous period (~70-80 million years ago).
- Collision with Eurasian plate led to formation of Himalayas.
- Tethys Sea existed before Himalayas formed; sediments from this sea formed the mountains.
Four divisions of Himalayas to remember:
- Trans Himalaya (includes Karakoram, Ladakh, Zanskar, Kailash ranges)
- Great Himalaya (includes Nanga Parbat, Kamet, Nanda Devi, etc.)
- Lesser Himalaya (includes Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Shivalik ranges)
- Outer Himalaya or Shivalik Hills
Important peaks and ranges in each division with mnemonics and sequence:
- Trans Himalaya: Karakoram (K2, Rakaposhi), Ladakh Range, Zanskar Range, Kailash Range.
- Great Himalaya: Nanga Parbat, Kamet, Monkey Tail, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Trishul.
- Lesser Himalaya: Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Nag Tibba, Mussoorie, Kumaon.
North-East Himalayas: Arunachal Pradesh (Kangto, Namcha Barwa), Sikkim (Kanchenjunga), Nepal (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Everest, Makalu).
Meghalaya hills: Garo, Khasi, Jaintia with Malda Fault separating them from Peninsular India.

3. Mountain Passes

Important passes in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh region:
- Banihal Pass, Pir Panjal, Zojila, Burjila, Photola, Khardung La.
Other passes on Indo-China border:
- Mintaka, Aghal, Karam, Lanakla, Changla, Imisala, Umling La (highest motorable road).
Passes in Himachal and Uttarakhand:
- Rohtang, Baralacha, Kunzum, Mana, Neeti, Lumpiya, Lipu.
Passes in North-East:
- Nathu La, Jelep La, Tuju Pass, Bomdila, Sela, Bumla, Yongyab, Deepu.

4. Peninsular Mountains and Plateaus

Rajasthan: Aravalli Range (oldest mountains), highest peak Guru Shikhar.
Gujarat: Mandav Hills, Barda Hills, Girnar Hills.
Madhya Pradesh: Vindhya Range (including Kaimur), Satpura Range (Maikal, Mahadev, Dhoopgarh - highest peak), Rajpipla hills.
Maharashtra: Gavilgarh, Ajanta, Satmala, Kalsubai (highest peak in Maharashtra), Harishchandra, Balaghat, Mahabaleshwar.
Karnataka: Baba Budan Hills, Kudremukh, Mullayanagiri (highest peak in Karnataka), Brahmagiri, Biligiri Rangan.
Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Nilgiri Hills (Doddabetta peak), Annamalai Hills (Anaimudi peak - highest in South India), Cardamom Hills, Agasthya Malai.
Tamil Nadu hills: Javadi, Gingee, Shevaroy, Panchamalai, Sirumalai, Palani, Varushan.
Andhra Pradesh: Nallamala, Palakonda, Veligonda, Arakonda, Seshachalam, Tirumala Hills.
Jharkhand: Parasnath Hills (highest peak).
Odisha: Garhjat Hills, Malayagiri, Mahendragiri, Deori Munda, Nayagarh, Tikadpara.
Chhattisgarh: Bailadila (iron mines), Ram