To present a geographical analysis of monsoon in general and the ndian monsoon in particular is a irksome task. This is simply because of its uncertainty of its origin, nature, behaviour and mechanism. Although a good number of attempts have been made to explain the characters of the monsoon, still it is difficult to arrive at a consensus finding till the date. This attempt is however, to highlight the various facets of the ndian monsoon which had has exercised a profound influence on ndian life, economy and its culture.

The word, 'monsoon' derives from Arabic mausim, is understood by geographers - as a 'season of rains' occurring between the months of June to September carried by a series of forced cyclonic maritime winds from tropical oceans to the ndian landmasses. It is very popularly known as the S.W.Monsoon or the ndian Summer Monsoon. The 'Pre-monsoon', the 'burst' of monsoon, the play of monsoon and finally the 'retreat' of monsoon are very interesting features. Because of these special characteristics the ndian monsoon differs with the monsoon of the other regions of the world including the monsoons of China, ndo-China, Manchuria and Japan. Actually, the ndian monsoon is the result of a complex - interplay of the three sets of situational factors, i.e. the strong insolation (March to May), the Himalayas and the Northern plains and the penetration of the Peninsular ndia into the ndian ocean. It is better to say that what ndia is to-day is due to the monsoon and what monsoon is, it is due to the ndia. Both are the cause of each other, interlinked and coexistent. It is the Himalayan wall which acts as a formidable barrier between the south and the Central Asia, that generates a region of intensely high temperature and low pressure during onset of summer in and about North-Western portion of the country and creates a situation to attract the South-East Trade Winds to this region. The S.E. Trade Winds coming to the Northern Hemisphere deflects towards the ndian landmasses as "SW Monsoon" and branches off into two streams of, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal and almost invades the country through-out.

The author observes the ndian monsoon as a monster of undependable character, when happy it comes instantly earlier with heavy and continuous rains, causes havoc of floods - a misery to standing crops and lives. When angry it comes late, gives scanty rains and returns earlier. This causes drought and famine, again devastating impact on lives. Very occasionally a normal monsoon prevails. But after all, the monsoon in ndia is a natural system of life very much required for the survival of ndians and their art, culture and civilization.