Question

How is the Indian sub-continent separated from the rest of Asia?

Answer 1

Hint: The northern part of the Indian subcontinent is the part which is attached to the rest of the continent. Since the rest of the subcontinent is a peninsula, the features which separate the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia must be on the northern side. The same barrier is also responsible for the weather and climate patterns of the subcontinent.

Complete answer:
> The Indian subcontinent is the peninsular region in South-central Asia. As it is a peninsula, it is bound on three sides by water bodies. The northern part of the subcontinent is connected to the rest of the continental landmass. This extended line where it is connected to the rest of Asia is where one of the great mountain ranges of the world is situated. Thus, the Himalayas, also called the Himalayan range, forms a barrier separating the subcontinent from Asia.
> The Himalayas are a continuous range of young fold mountains. These fold mountains were formed when the Indian tectonic plate subducted under the Eurasian plate. When two plates are pushed against each other, it usually results in the layers of the crust in between getting pushed upwards forming such raised peaks. This is where they get the name 'fold mountains' from, because the crust folds up. The Himalayas are young fold mountains, which mean they were formed fairly recently in Earth's history.
> The Himalayas are a continuous range spanning 2,400 kms in a west-northwest to east-southeast arc. It extends from the Nanga Parbat in the west till the Namcha Barwa in the east. It consists of three separate parallel ranges, and has some of the highest peaks in the world.

Note:
-The Himalayas are not just a physical division, but also culturally significant because it kept the subcontinent relatively isolated throughout the ages leading to many unique traditions and customs.
-The Himalayas were also an important factor why the subcontinent had lush vegetation, numerous perennial and seasonal rivers, and advantageous natural features. Compared to it, the Tibetan plateau on the other side of the ranges is an arid, harsh place.
-The Himalayas also were a natural barrier that kept invading tribes from central Asia away from the subcontinent.