Eastern Ghats

Eastern Ghats: The Eastern Ghats, a majestic mountain range beautifies the eastern coast of India with a span of over 1750 km from Tamil Nadu to Odisha. This ancient mountain holds cultural, economic, and geographical significance. The eastern ghats travel across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana before ending in Tamil Nadu in the south.

Let's look into the Biodiversity and geology of the eastern ghats below.

Eastern Ghats: Overview

Here's an overview table on the Eastern Ghats:

Eastern Ghats Map

Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats, also known as Purva Ghat in Hindi, are a discontinuous range of mountains along the eastern coast of India. Here's an overview of the Eastern Ghats:

1. Location: The Eastern Ghats stretch along the eastern coast of India, running parallel to the Bay of Bengal. They extend from the northern state of Odisha, through Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu in the south.
2. Length: The Eastern Ghats span approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,100 miles) from north to south.
3. Terrain: Unlike the continuous Western Ghats on the western coast, the Eastern Ghats are characterized by a series of discontinuous hills, plateaus, and low-lying plains. They are generally lower in elevation compared to the Western Ghats.
4. Biodiversity: The Eastern Ghats are rich in biodiversity, with diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to dry deciduous woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands. They are home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.
5. Rivers: Several major rivers originate or flow through the Eastern Ghats, including the Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, and Kaveri. These rivers play a crucial role in supporting agriculture, providing water for irrigation, and sustaining local ecosystems.
6. Hill Ranges: The Eastern Ghats comprise various hill ranges and plateaus, including the Nallamala Hills, Shevaroy Hills, Palakkad Gap, and Mahendragiri. These hills are interspersed with fertile valleys and river basins.

Eastern Ghat Biodiversity

The Eastern Ghats have different kinds of plants, some plants are unique and only found in the Eastern Ghats, and some plants are used for making medicines. The area of Eastern Ghats contains forests, grasslands, and lots of trees. Different species like elephants, tigers, a big cow(gaur), birds, frogs, lizards, snakes, and butterflies are commonly seen in Eastern Ghats. People living in eastern ghats generally use plants for their medicine and they are aware of the plants like which is helpful and which is dangerous. People who have lived in the Eastern Ghats for a long time have special stories and traditions related to the plants and animals there.

States of Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats span across several states in eastern and southern India. These states include:

1. Odisha
2. Andhra Pradesh
3. Telangana
4. Karnataka
5. Tamil Nadu

The Eastern Ghats traverse through these states, contributing to the diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and cultures of the region.

Eastern Ghats Geology

• The eastern ghats are a range of a lot of old mountains that were formed billions of years ago
• Eastern Ghats are mainly composed of charnockite, Granite gneiss, Khondalite, Granite, and Quartzite.
• The rocks present in the Eastern Ghat are sedimentary and metamorphic.
• Iron ore, Limestone, Bauxite, and Manganese are found in Eastern Ghats.
• The soil of Eastern Ghats is well-compatible for farming.

Eastern Ghats States

The Eastern Ghats span across several states in eastern and southern India. These states include:

1. Odisha
2. Andhra Pradesh
3. Telangana
4. Karnataka
5. Tamil Nadu

The Eastern Ghats traverse through these states, contributing to the diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and cultures of the region.

Eastern Ghats Rivers

Here's a table listing some of the major rivers that originate or flow through the Eastern Ghats:

Highest Peak of Eastern Ghats

The highest peak of the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri, also known as Mahendragiri Peak. Here are some details about this prominent peak:

1. Location: Mahendragiri is located in the Paralakhemundi subdivision of the Gajapati district in the state of Odisha, India. It is situated in the southern part of the Eastern Ghats range.
2. Elevation: The elevation of Mahendragiri is approximately 1,501 meters (4,925 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point in the Eastern Ghats.
3. Terrain: The peak is characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests, and rocky outcrops. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and plains.
4. Biodiversity: The area surrounding Mahendragiri is rich in biodiversity, with diverse flora and fauna. The forests are home to various species of plants, mammals, birds, and reptiles.
5. Cultural Significance: Mahendragiri holds cultural significance in Hindu mythology and folklore. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Parshurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The peak is also associated with various legends and religious rituals.
6. Trekking: Mahendragiri is a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The trek to the summit offers an exhilarating experience, with opportunities to explore the natural beauty and wilderness of the Eastern Ghats.
7. Accessibility: While Mahendragiri is accessible by road, reaching the summit may require trekking through forested trails and rugged terrain. The nearest town is Paralakhemundi, which serves as a base for treks to the peak.

Ghats Meaning

The term "ghats" is determined from the Sanskrit word "ghat" which implies an arrangement of steps driving down to a body of water, especially a waterway. Within the setting of India, it refers to the soak, rough slopes or hills that flank the edges of certain streams, especially within the Indian subcontinent. These riverbanks can be found in different parts of the nation and are frequently of social, biological, and financial centrality.

Relevant Facts about the Eastern Ghats

• Eastern Ghats is expanded over 1,750 kilometers from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
• The Eastern Ghats are a range of mountains along the eastern coast of India. They are older and more stable compared to the Western Ghats.
• The Eastern Ghats are made up of a variety of rock formations, including charnockite, granite gneiss, khondalite, granite, and quartzite.
• The Eastern Ghats are home to several indigenous communities whose culture is deeply connected to the natural landscape.
• Historical and Social Legacy of Eastern Ghats includes a wealthy history and legacy which can be seen in antiquated sanctuaries, rock-cut caves and fortifications.
• Eastern Ghats are generally lower in elevation than the Western Ghats, with an average elevation of about 2,000 feet (600 meters) and peaks reaching up to 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
• The Eastern Ghats play an important role in regulating the flow of water in the region. They are the source of many rivers, including the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.

Difference between Western Ghats & Eastern Ghats

Conclusion

The Eastern Ghats stand as an essential and cultural landscape in the Indian subcontinent having diverse flora and fauna in its dense forest and many rivers pass through eastern Ghats. Despite this, it faces many challenges including deforestation (cutting down tress), habitat loss, and pressure of development. To protect these ghats as a human being we should create awareness of aforestation , and start campaign for the development of eastern ghat.