Eastern Hills and Mountains

The Eastern Hills and Mountains are an integral part of the Himalayan mountain system, characterized by their north-south alignment and diverse physiographic features. This region is distinguished by its varied local names, distinctive landscapes, and rich tribal cultures.

Major Ranges and Local Names

• PatkaiBum:Situated in the northeastern part of India, along the border with Myanmar.It forms part of the northern boundary of the Eastern Hills.
• Naga Hills:Extending across the states of Nagaland and parts of Manipur.
• Manipur Hills:Situated in Manipur, to the south of the Naga Hills.
• Mizo or Lushai Hills:Found in the southern part of the Eastern Hills, primarily in Mizoram.Known for their rolling terrain and the soft, unconsolidated deposits that characterize the landscape.

Physiographic Features

• Barak River:Flows through Manipur and Mizoram.It is a tributary of the Meghna River.
• Loktak Lake: Situated in Manipur, it is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India, known for its floating phumdis (vegetation) and unique ecological habitat.
• Mizoram’s Molasses Basin: Refers to the soft, unconsolidated sedimentary deposits found in Mizoram.

Rivers and Their Tributaries

• Rivers in Nagaland: Most rivers in Nagaland are tributaries of the Brahmaputra River, contributing to the region’s drainage system and influencing its agricultural patterns.
• Rivers in Mizoram and Manipur:
  • Barak River: Major river in this region, a tributary of the Meghna River.
  • Chindwin River: In eastern Manipur, a tributary of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.

Tribal Groups and Culture

• • Naga Tribes: Inhabit the Naga Hills and are known for their distinct cultural traditions and festivals.
  • Mizo Tribes: Inhabit the Mizo Hills and are characterized by their unique cultural practices and traditional practices.
  • Manipuri Tribes: Include various ethnic groups in the Manipur Hills, with diverse cultural and traditional lifestyles.