Deccan

views updated May 29 2018

Deccan Plateau in central India, s of the River Narmada. It has been a region of conflict since early times. In attempting to conquer it in the 17th century, Aurangzeb fatally weakened the Mogul dynasty. In the late 18th century, the British defeated the French here. On its e and w edges, the Deccan rises to the Ghats. The plateau is covered with rich volcanic soils. Cotton, cereal, coffee, and tea are grown.