Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Physical Geography of Maharashtra Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026

Module 1: Geographical Framework of Maharashtra

• 1 Historical Evolution and Formation of Maharashtra State –
• Political reorganization and territorial development.
• 2 Location, Extent and Boundaries –
• Latitudinal–longitudinal position, spatial setting and strategic significance.
• 3 Regional and Administrative Divisions –
• Physiographic regions and administrative structure.
• 4 Significance of Geographical Position –
• Role in physical development, economic activities and regional connectivity.

Module 2: Geological Structure, Physiography and Climate of Maharashtra

• 1 Geological Evolution and Structure –
• Deccan Traps, major rock formations and tectonic background.
• 2 Major Physiographic Divisions –
• Konkan Coast, Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau and Satpura Ranges: origin and characteristics.
• 3 Climatic Characteristics –
• Southwest Monsoon mechanism, seasonal variations and temperature patterns.
• 4 Rainfall Distribution and Climatic Regions –
• Spatial patterns, variability and agro-climatic zones.

Module 3: Water Resources, Drainage Pattern and Soils of Maharashtra

• 1 Water Resources: Lakes and Surface Water –
• Natural and artificial lakes, reservoirs, tanks, spatial distribution and regional importance.
• 2 Drainage Pattern and its Characteristics –
• West-flowing and east-flowing rivers, drainage types, river regimes and basin features.
• 3 Major Soil Types –
• Distribution and characteristics of Black, Red, Lateritic and Alluvial soils.
• 4 Soil Degradation and Conservation Measures –
• Soil erosion, land degradation and conservation practices.

Module 4: Natural Vegetation, Wildlife and Biodiversity of Maharashtra

• 1 Forest Types and Distribution –
• Tropical evergreen, deciduous, thorn and coastal vegetation.
• 2 Wildlife Distribution and Protected Areas –
• Major National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• 3 Biodiversity of the Western Ghats and Deccan Region –
• Endemism and ecological significance.
• 4 Conservation Policies and Environmental Sustainability –
• Protected area network and sustainable resource management.

Textbooks

• 1 Amrute, V. (2008). Mulānchā Chitramay Maharashtra (Children’s Atlas of Maharashtra). Manan Prakashan, Mumbai.
• 2 Deshpande, C. D. (1971). Geography of Maharashtra. National Book Trust, New Delhi.
• 3 Diddee, J., & Jog, S. (2002). Geography of Maharashtra. Rawat Publications, Jaipur.
• 4 Jethe, A., Thakare, L., et al. (2020). Geography of Maharashtra (Physical). Nirali Prakashan, Pune.
• 5 Khateeb, K. A. (2022). Maharashtrāchā Bhugol. K’Sagar Publications, Pune.
• 6 Patil, S. (2022). Geography of Maharashtra. Prashant Publications, Jalgaon.
• 7 Savadi, A. B. (2020). Maharashtrāchā Bhugol. Nirali Prakashan, Pune.
• 8 Thorāt, A. M., Doke, A. S., Sonawane, A. E., & More, J. C. (2021). Maharashtrāchā Bhugol – I. Nirali Prakashan, Pune.

Reference Books

• 1 Arunachalam, B. (1967). Maharashtra: A Study in Physical and Regional Setting. A.R. Sheth & Co., Mumbai.
• 2 Bhamare, S. M. (2013). Geography of Maharashtra. Prashant Publications, Jalgaon.
• 3 Dasatane, S. (1992). Glimpses of Maharashtra. Dasatane Ramchandra & Co., Pune.
• 4 Deshpande, C. D. (1948). Western India: A Regional Interpretation. Students Own Book Depot, Dharwar.
• 5 Dikshit, K. R. (1986). Maharashtra in Maps. Maharashtra State Board for Literature and Culture, Mumbai.
• 6 Gadgil, G., & Deshpande, A. (1988). Maharashtra: Problems, Potentials and Prospects. Somaiya Publications, Mumbai.
• 7 Karve, I. (1975). Maharashtra: Land and Its People. Maharashtra State Gazetteers, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai.
• 8 More, J., Dhanwate, K., et al. (2021). Geography of Maharashtra (Human). Nirali Prakashan, Pune.
• 9 Pathak, A. S., & Kulkarni, A. (2009). Maharashtra: Land and Its People. Maharashtra State Gazetteers, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai.
• 10 Sarang, S. (1997). Maharashtrāchā Bhugol. Vidya Prakashan, Nagpur.
• 11 Savadi, A. B. (2012). The Mega State Maharashtra. Nirali Prakashan, Pune.
• 12 Savadi, A. B. (2020). Maharashtra Advanced Atlas. Nirali Prakashan, Pune.
• 13 Singh, R. L. (2012). India: A Regional Geography. National Geographical Society of India, Varanasi. External,