In India, red soil is normally found concentrated in which broad regions of the country?

Introduction / Context:
Different types of soils are distributed across India according to climate, parent rock and topography. Red soil is one of the important soil types and is commonly mentioned in Indian geography. This question asks you to identify the broad regions where red soil is normally found, which is essential for understanding patterns of agriculture and vegetation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The soil type in focus is red soil. • We need to identify which regions of India are normally associated with this soil. • The options mention eastern, southern and Deccan Plateau regions as well as the northern plains.

Concept / Approach:
Red soils in India generally develop on crystalline igneous rocks in hot, semi arid to sub humid climates. They are widely spread over parts of the Deccan Plateau, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and parts of Maharashtra, as well as in some areas of eastern India such as Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Thus, the typical description is that red soils are found in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau and adjoining regions. This matches the option that combines both eastern and southern Deccan areas.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that red soil gets its colour from iron oxides present in the parent material. Step 2: Remember that red soil is common in peninsular India, especially the Deccan Plateau, where ancient crystalline rocks are widespread. Step 3: Identify key states where red soil occurs, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, parts of Maharashtra, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Step 4: Note that these areas lie broadly in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau and nearby plateaus, not strictly in the northern plains. Step 5: Compare the options and select the one that correctly captures this distribution, which is the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau.

Verification / Alternative check:
Soil distribution maps in geography textbooks typically shade red soil over large areas of southern and eastern peninsular India. In contrast, the northern plains along the Ganga and its tributaries are shaded for alluvial soils, not red soils. Regional descriptions also mention red and black soils in the Deccan Plateau. Seeing these patterns on a map confirms that red soil is concentrated in the eastern and southern Deccan regions rather than confined to a single cardinal direction or the northern plains.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Eastern region of India only: Red soil is not limited to eastern India; it also appears widely in southern peninsular states. Southern region of India only: This ignores the presence of red soil in eastern plateau states such as Odisha and parts of Chhattisgarh. Northern plains of India: These areas are dominated by fertile alluvial soil, not by red soil. None of these: Incorrect because one of the provided options accurately describes the distribution of red soil.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners over simplify and think of red soil as a purely southern soil, ignoring its spread into eastern plateau regions. Others may confuse red soil regions with black soil areas of Maharashtra and central India, or with the alluvial soil of the northern plains. To avoid confusion, it helps to remember a simple rule: red soil is mainly found in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau and adjoining peninsular states, whereas alluvial soil dominates the northern plains.

Final Answer:
Red soil in India is normally found in the eastern and southern parts of the Deccan Plateau.