| Abstract: | The fit and configuration of India and Southeast Asia vis-à-vis Australia—Antarctica are critically analysed together with the evolutionary history of the Himalaya. Peninsular India, Himalaya, Tibet and Southeast Asia appear to be tied up with the development of Paleozoic-Mesozoic peripheral “Gondwanide” and Mesozoic-Cenozoic Alpine-Himalayan-Indonesian orogenic belts. Southeast Asia and Tibet are usually included within Cathaysia-Laurasia. The extent of the Tethys, separating Gondwanaland from the latter, thus appears to be much narrower than commonly believed. An alternative Gondwanaland reconstruction is proposed, placing India amidst a proto-Indian Ocean adjacent to Africa, but separated from Antarctica-Australia. |
