Geological Evolution of the Indian Subcontinent

India’s geology records 3.2+ billion years of Earth history, from ancient cratons to active orogeny. Its present shape results from supercontinent cycles, plate drift, collision, and subsequent erosion–deposition. Understanding this evolution explains Himalayas, rivers, soils, minerals, earthquakes, and hence India’s environment and economy.

Evolutionary Stages

Precambrian Foundation: Indian Shield

  • Ancient cratons like Dharwar, Bundelkhand, Singhbhum, Aravalli form the stable Peninsular Shield.
  • Composed mainly of gneiss, schists, greenstones, rich in iron, manganese, gold and other minerals.
  • Extremely old rocks created a rigid basement, resisting later deformation compared to younger northern regions.

Gondwana Supercontinent Phase

  • India was part of Gondwana with Africa, Antarctica, ....
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Geography Of India