Final answer:
The Indian subcontinent is separated and surrounded by the Himalayas to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the east, the Arabian Sea to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south, with the Hindu Kush also providing a barrier to the northwest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographical features that separate and surround the Indian subcontinent include both physical and marine boundaries. The Himalayas serve as a mountainous barrier to the north, separating it from East Asia. To the east is the Bay of Bengal, an extensive marine boundary that further defines the region's perimeter.
Along the west, the Arabian Sea marks another marine boundary, while the Indian Ocean to the south completes the enclosure of the subcontinent. Additionally, the Hindu Kush mountains in the northwest provide a rugged separation from Afghanistan and, in conjunction with the Himalayas, contribute to the subcontinent's distinct geographic identity. Together, these features delineate the Indian subcontinent and influence the climate, culture, and history of the area.