The Deccan Plateau is a vast, triangular highland covering much of central and southern India, separated from the northern plains by the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges. Formed millions of years ago by massive volcanic eruptions, it created thick basalt layers known as the Deccan Traps. The plateau is flanked by the Western Ghats to the west and the Eastern Ghats to the east, which affect local climate and rainfall. Rich in minerals and fertile black soil, it is traversed by major rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.