Definition: The Deccan Plateau refers to an area of southern India. It can refer to India south of the east-west flowing Narmada River. The word Deccan comes from the Sanskrit Dakshina, which means 'south'. The area is bounded on the east and west by two ghats 'river landing stairs' which are mountain ranges that run parallel to the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. The main rivers of the Deccan Plateau are the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The Deccan Plateau is relatively arid.
In history, the Mauryan [see Ashoka] and Gupta Dynasties fought over the mineral wealth of the area of the Deccan Plateau.
Source: Deccan. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved June 5, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9029688
Alternate Spellings: Dakshina
