In the present study, we have demarcated five zones within the Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP): (1) Kutch, (2) Western Ghats, (3) Central Son–Narmada, (4) Eastern Son–Narmada and (5) South- Eastern Deccan (SE DVP) to evaluate spatial geochemical variations within the DVP possibly controlled by different eruption loci. True OIB-type unmixed trace element and isotopic signatures are demon strated by both alkali and tholeiitic basalts from Kutch and a small proportion from Western Ghats. However, large number of tholeiitic basaltic samples from both the zones and Central Son–Narmada zone illustrate sub-continental lithosphere mantle (SCLM) signatures. The Eastern Son–Narmada and SE DVP zones of the DVP show evolved compositions, but are dominantly derived from sub-lithospheric sources. The plume–lithosphere interaction is represented by mixing and/or assimilation and fractional crystallisation (AFC) of plume-derived melts with the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM)- derived melts, sediments preserved in the SCLM, lower crustal (TTG-type) and upper crustal (granitic) components. We argue that melts from the Archaean sediments preserved in the SCLM, represented by calc-alkaline lamprophyres, are the most suited components that interacted with the plume-derived as well as SCLM peridotite-derived melts. Few Kutch zone basalts require granitic components, while some proportion of Western Ghats zone basalts require TTG-type assimilate to explain their isotopic characteristics. Mixing and/or AFC between the plume-derived and sediment-derived melts and SCLM peridotite-derived and sediment-derived melts played fundamental roles in the observed geochemical heterogeneity of the Deccan basalts. We demonstrate that original sub-lithosphere melts may display apparent SCLM signatures by ${\sim}$10% mixing and/or ${\sim}$20% AFC of lamprophyre source melts and entire Deccan data considered in the present study can be explained by 20% mixing and/or 50% AFC of plumederived melts with calc-alkaline lamprophyre as an assimilate.

$\bf{Highlights}$

$\bullet$ The melts generated from the Archaean sediments preserved in the SCLM, represented by calc-alkaline lamprophyres, are most likely the components that interacted with the plume-derived as well as SCLM-derived partial melts during the formation of DVP.

$\bullet$ Mixing and/or AFC of calc-alkaline lamprophyres, TTGs and granites by plume-derived melts and SCLM peridotite-derived melts explain total geochemical spread of the Deccan basalts.

$\bullet$ Approximately, 10% mixing and/or ~20% AFC of Archean calc-alkaline lamprophyre melts can make original sub-lithosphere melts display apparent SCLM signatures.

$\bullet$ The basalts from the western side of DVP have undergone higher levels of assimilation compared to those from the eastern side.