Introduction
The Purvanchal Mountains, also referred to as the Eastern Hills, are the easternmost extension of the Himalayan range, curving around to the northeast of India. These hills extend across several northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and parts of Assam. Unlike the high peaks and snow-covered summits of the central Himalayas, the Purvanchal ranges are characterized by moderate elevations, dense forests, and significant biodiversity.
- Location: Extends across northeastern India, with parts in Myanmar.
- States Covered: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam.
- Length: Approximately 850 kilometers.
Major Ranges within the Purvanchal Mountains
The Purvanchal region consists of several sub-ranges and hills, each with distinct characteristics and ecological significance. These major ranges include the Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Mizo Hills, and Manipur Hills.
A. Patkai Hills
The Patkai Hills lie on the India-Myanmar border, forming a natural boundary between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on the Indian side and Myanmar. The range is known for its rugged terrain, steep hillsides, and dense forest cover.
- Location: Lies between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, extending into Myanmar.
- Elevation: Peaks average around 2,000 to 3,000 meters.
- Notable Peaks: Mount Saramati (3,826 meters), the highest peak in the range.
Key Features:
- The Patkai Hills are heavily forested and experience high rainfall, creating a lush landscape with evergreen forests and diverse plant life.
- Known for their rich biodiversity, the Patkai Hills host numerous species, including elephants, tigers, and hornbills.
Ecological Significance:
- The high rainfall and dense vegetation make the Patkai Hills a crucial watershed area, contributing to the Brahmaputra and Chindwin rivers.
- The dense forests help in maintaining the region’s ecological balance and serve as a habitat for endangered species.
B. Naga Hills
The Naga Hills stretch across Nagaland and parts of northwestern Myanmar, named after the Naga ethnic groups who inhabit the region. This range forms the watershed between the Brahmaputra and the Chindwin River systems, both of which are significant for the Northeast Indian hydrological landscape.
- Location: Primarily in Nagaland, extending into Myanmar.
- Elevation: Peaks range from 1,200 to 3,800 meters.
- Notable Peaks: Mount Saramati, shared with the Patkai Hills, is the highest point in the Naga Hills at 3,826 meters.
Key Features:
- The Naga Hills feature several important passes, which historically served as trade routes between India and Myanmar.
- The range is home to rich biodiversity, especially unique bird species such as the Blyth’s tragopan and the rare Naga tree pie.
Cultural Significance:
- The Naga Hills are home to various Naga tribes, each with distinct cultural practices, festivals, and lifestyles. This cultural diversity contributes to the ethnic mosaic of Northeast India.
- The Naga Hills hold strategic importance due to their proximity to the India-Myanmar border and are part of India’s Act East Policy, aimed at strengthening relations with Southeast Asia.
C. Manipur Hills
The Manipur Hills form a southern extension of the Naga Hills and cover much of Manipur, with low-lying valleys that are crucial for agriculture and human settlement. These hills are known for their cultural diversity, with several ethnic groups residing in the region.
- Location: Primarily in Manipur, bordering Nagaland and Myanmar.
- Elevation: The average elevation is between 1,200 to 2,500 meters.
- Notable Valleys: The Manipur River Valley, which includes the famous Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.
Key Features:
- The Manipur Hills have a unique topography with a mix of hilly terrains and low-lying valleys. These valleys serve as agricultural hubs for rice and other crops.
- The range is also characterized by dense tropical forests and seasonal rivers, contributing to the region’s agrarian economy.
Ecological Significance:
- Manipur’s Loktak Lake, located in these hills, is ecologically important, home to floating islands (phumdis) and the endangered Sangai deer, a species found only in this region.
- The forests and wetlands of the Manipur Hills support rich biodiversity, including rare bird species and medicinal plants.
Cultural Importance:
- The Manipur Hills are home to multiple ethnic groups, including the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki tribes, each with unique cultural heritage, traditions, and languages.
- This region is known for its cultural festivals, such as the Lai Haraoba and the Sangai Festival, showcasing Manipur’s rich artistic traditions.
D. Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills)
The Mizo Hills, also known as the Lushai Hills, lie in the state of Mizoram and extend into the neighboring states of Manipur and Tripura. This range is characterized by high rainfall, dense forests, and a hilly terrain that makes agriculture challenging but supports a rich variety of flora and fauna.
- Location: Primarily in Mizoram, extending into Manipur and Tripura.
- Elevation: Peaks average around 1,000 to 2,000 meters.
- Notable Peaks: Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) at 2,157 meters, the highest peak in Mizoram.
Key Features:
- Known for their lush greenery, the Mizo Hills receive high rainfall and are covered with tropical and subtropical forests.
- Shifting cultivation, or jhum farming, is widely practiced in this region, with farmers moving to new fields every few years.
Ecological Significance:
- The region’s forests support a variety of wildlife, including elephants, gibbons, and the rare clouded leopard.
- Phawngpui National Park, located in the Mizo Hills, is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity, attracting tourists and environmental researchers.
Cultural Significance:
- Mizoram’s cultural heritage is largely shaped by the Mizo tribes, who have unique traditions, music, and dance forms. The Chapchar Kut, a traditional harvest festival, is a significant cultural event celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Environmental and Ecological Significance
The Purvanchal Mountains, with their dense forests and high rainfall, play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of Northeast India.
- Watershed Function: The Purvanchal ranges act as watersheds for several rivers that flow into the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, supporting agriculture and water availability.
- Biodiversity: These ranges are home to unique wildlife species, including elephants, clouded leopards, red pandas, and numerous bird species, making the region a priority for conservation.
- Climate Regulation: The forests in the Purvanchal ranges help regulate climate patterns, prevent soil erosion, and serve as carbon sinks, which are essential for combating climate change.
Socio-Political and Strategic Importance
The Purvanchal ranges are strategically important due to their proximity to India’s international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
- Border Security: These mountains form a natural boundary, and their difficult terrain provides a strategic defense advantage.
- Act East Policy: As part of India’s Act East Policy, the Purvanchal region is crucial for establishing connectivity with Southeast Asia, fostering trade, and improving infrastructure.
- Cultural Diversity: The region’s ethnic diversity and unique cultural heritage contribute to India’s cultural landscape. The presence of various tribal communities has shaped the socio-political dynamics of Northeast India, often necessitating special governance and developmental approaches.
Conclusion
The Purvanchal Mountains form an integral part of India’s northeastern landscape, impacting the region’s geography, ecology, culture, and security. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Purvanchal ranges is essential, as they play a vital role in India’s physical geography, biodiversity, and strategic interests. These ranges exemplify the challenges and opportunities in integrating conservation, cultural preservation, and strategic development in a sensitive and diverse region.
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