Why Is India Called a Subcontinent? Here's the Real Reason

Sep 11, 2025, 15:39 IST

India is often called a subcontinent due to its vast size, diverse geography, and distinct cultural identity. Surrounded by natural boundaries like the Himalayas and oceans, it stands apart from the rest of Asia. The region encompasses not only India but also neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. This article explores why India earns the title of a subcontinent, looking at its physical features, historical significance, and the reasons that make it more than just a country.

India is a large and diverse country in South Asia. It is known for its rich culture, long history, and vibrant traditions. Geographically, India has everything—high mountains, wide plains, deep rivers, deserts, forests, and a long coastline. The Himalayas lie to the north, while the Indian Ocean borders the south. India's landmass is huge and stands apart from the rest of Asia. India is not just a country. It is also called a subcontinent. But why is that? What makes India different from other countries? 

The term "subcontinent" is used to describe a large, distinct, and separated region within a continent. India fits that description perfectly. In this article, we'll take a look at the reasons behind this name. We'll explore India's geography, history, and unique features that make it more than just a country—it's a subcontinent in its own right.

What Is a Subcontinent?

Indian subcontinent | Map, Countries, Population, & History | Britannica

Source: Britannica

A subcontinent is a large, distinct landmass that is part of a bigger continent but is often separated by major geographical features like mountain ranges or seas.

Key Features of a Subcontinent

Subcontinents often stand out from the rest of their continent due to a few key factors:

  • Geographical Boundaries: They are typically bordered by natural barriers such as high mountains, plateaus, or coastlines, which create a clear separation.
  • Distinct Geology: In some cases, a subcontinent may lie on its own separate tectonic plate, which has a different geological origin from the main continent.
  • Cultural and Political Identity: The countries within a subcontinent often share historical, cultural, and political ties that make them a recognisable region.

Examples of a Subcontinent

A notable example is the Indian Subcontinent. This region, which includes countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, is clearly separated from the rest of Asia by the massive Himalayas in the north. 

The Indian Subcontinent also sits on its own tectonic plate, the Indian Plate, which is slowly pushing into the Eurasian Plate, a process that continues to raise the Himalayas. Other examples sometimes considered subcontinents include the Arabian Peninsula and the Alaska Peninsula.

Why Is India Considered a Subcontinent?

India Country Profile - National Geographic Kids | National Geographic Kids

India is considered a subcontinent due to its distinctive and self-contained nature, which is a result of both geography and geology. The main reasons are:

1. Geographical Separation

India is a large, triangular peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. To the north, the massive Himalayan mountain range acts as a colossal natural barrier, separating the region from the rest of Asia. This isolation has enabled the development of a unique ecosystem and culture. 

2. Geological History

Geologically, the Indian subcontinent is situated on its own tectonic plate, known as the Indian Plate. Millions of years ago, this plate broke off from the supercontinent Gondwana and drifted north, eventually colliding with the Eurasian Plate. This collision is what formed the Himalayas and gave the landmass its distinct geological identity.

3. Cultural Diversity

The sheer size of the Indian subcontinent has fostered a remarkable diversity of cultures, languages, and religions. This variety, comparable to that of a whole continent, includes a wide range of climates, landscapes, and ethnic groups that have developed in relative isolation due to the geographical barriers. The region is home to hundreds of languages and is the birthplace of major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

List of Countries which are Considered a Subcontinent

India - Wikipedia

The term 'subcontinent' is most commonly used to refer to the Indian subcontinent, which includes seven countries in South Asia that are geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of the Asian continent.

Country

Notes

India

The largest country by area and population

Pakistan

Northwest of India, formerly part of British India

Bangladesh

East of India, formerly East Pakistan

Nepal

Landlocked, north of India, in the Himalayas

Bhutan

Landlocked, north of India, mountainous

Sri Lanka

An island nation south of India

Maldives

An island nation in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India

The Indian subcontinent is separated from the rest of Asia by the Himalayan mountain range and shares deep cultural, linguistic, and historical ties among its countries.

Sometimes, regions like the Arabian Peninsula and Australia are also called subcontinents due to their distinct features, but in most common usage, "subcontinent" refers to South Asia.

Kriti Barua
Kriti Barua

Executive Content Writer

Kriti Barua is a professional content writer who has four years of experience in creating engaging and informative articles for various industries. She started her career as a creative writer intern at Wordloom Ventures and quickly developed a passion for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers.

Currently working as a content writer for the GK section of Jagran New Media, she continues to hone her skills in writing and strives to deliver high-quality content that educates and entertains readers.
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