Subcontinent

Subcontinent is a term used in geography and cultural contexts to refer to a large landmass that forms a distinct part of a continent but is separated by geography, climate, and cultural-historical factors. It is not a formal geological term.

The most widely cited example is the Indian subcontinent, which comprises the lands of the modern states of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Himalayan regions of Nepal and Bhutan, and often includes Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Some scholars also include Afghanistan in discussions of the region. The term emphasizes political, historical, linguistic, and ecological commonalities rather than strict geographic boundaries.

Geologically, the Indian subcontinent originated on the Indian Plate, which broke away from Africa and Gondwana and collided with the Eurasian Plate around 50 million years ago, forming the Himalayas. This tectonic history contributes to its distinct topography, climate patterns, and river systems, including the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra basins. The region experiences a monsoon climate with pronounced seasonal rainfall.

Historically and culturally, the subcontinent is the cradle of ancient civilizations, such as the Indus Valley Civilization, and has diverse linguistic families, religions, and cuisines. In contemporary usage, the term emphasizes a regional identity within South Asia rather than a strict continental boundary.