Class 9 Social Science Geography Chapter 2:  Physical Features of India

1. Short Notes for Revision

Introduction to Physical Features

• Varied Landforms: India showcases all major physical features—mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands—reflecting diverse terrain from rugged hills to flat expanses.
• Geological Diversity: Peninsular Plateau is ancient and stable (igneous/metamorphic rocks); Himalayas and Northern Plains are young (unstable zone with youthful topography, alluvial deposits).
• Major Divisions: Six key physiographic units: (1) Himalayan Mountains, (2) Northern Plains, (3) Peninsular Plateau, (4) Indian Desert, (5) Coastal Plains, (6) Islands.

The Himalayan Mountains

• Overview: Young fold mountains, stretch 2,400 km west-east from Indus to Brahmaputra; width 400 km (Kashmir) to 150 km (Arunachal); arc-shaped barrier.
• Longitudinal Divisions:
  • Himadri (Great/Inner Himalayas): Northernmost, continuous, avg. height 6,000 m, granite core, perpetual snow, glaciers; peaks like Everest (8,848 m, Nepal), Kanchenjunga (8,598 m, India).
  • Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): South of Himadri, rugged, 3,700–4,500 m, 50 km wide; compressed rocks; ranges: Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Mahabharat; valleys: Kashmir, Kangra, Kullu.
  • Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas): Southernmost, 900–1,100 m, 10–50 km wide; unconsolidated sediments; Duns (e.g., Dehra Dun) between Himachal and Shiwaliks.
• Regional Divisions: Demarcated by rivers—Punjab/Kashmir-Himachal (Indus-Satluj), Kumaon (Satluj-Kali), Nepal (Kali-Teesta), Assam (Teesta-Dihang).
• Eastern Extension (Purvachal): Beyond Dihang gorge, bends south; sandstone hills—Patkai, Naga, Manipur, Mizo Hills; dense forests, parallel ranges/valleys.

The Northern Plains

• Formation: Alluvial deposits from Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra rivers; 7 lakh sq km, 2,400 km long, 240–320 km broad; fertile, densely populated, agricultural hub.
• Sections: Punjab Plains (Indus tributaries, doabs, mostly in Pakistan); Ganga Plain (Ghaggar-Teesta, Haryana-Delhi-UP-Bihar-Jharkhand-WB); Brahmaputra Plain (Assam).
• Relief Features:
  • Bhabar: 8–16 km wide gravel belt parallel to Shiwaliks; streams disappear.
  • Terai: Swampy, marshy south of Bhabar; cleared forests for agriculture (e.g., Dudhwa National Park).
  • Bhangar: Older alluvium, terrace-like, calcareous kankar deposits.
  • Khadar: Newer floodplains, annually renewed, highly fertile.
• Key Terms: Doab (land between two rivers, e.g., Punjab= five waters); Distributaries (silt-deposited channels); Majuli (largest riverine island, Brahmaputra).

The Peninsular Plateau

• Overview: Ancient tableland from Gondwana drift; crystalline/igneous/metamorphic rocks; broad/shallow valleys, rounded hills; black soil (Deccan Trap) from volcanic denudation.
• Divisions:
  • Central Highlands: North of Narmada, Malwa Plateau; bounded by Vindhyan (S), Aravali (NW), Satpura (S); rivers flow SW-NE (Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken); extensions: Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand; Chotanagpur Plateau (east, Damodar river).
  • Deccan Plateau: Triangular, south of Narmada; higher west, slopes east; northern base: Satpura; eastern extensions: Mahadev, Kaimur, Maikal; NE extension: Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong, North Cachar Hills (Garo, Khasi, Jaintia Hills).
• Ghats:
  • Western Ghats: Continuous, parallel to west coast, 900–1,600 m; passes: Thal, Bhor, Pal; orographic rainfall; peaks: Anai Mudi (2,695 m), Doda Betta (2,637 m).
  • Eastern Ghats: Discontinuous, irregular, 600 m avg.; dissected by rivers; highest: Mahendragiri (1,501 m); SE: Shevroy, Javadi Hills; hill stations: Ooty, Kodaikanal.

The Indian Desert

• Location: West of Aravali; undulating sandy plains, sand dunes (barchans—crescent-shaped; longitudinal dunes near Indo-Pak border).
• Climate: Arid, <150 mm rainfall; low vegetation; seasonal streams (e.g., Luni River); visit Jaisalmer for barchans.

The Coastal Plains

• Western Coast: Narrow, between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea; sections: Konkan (Mumbai-Goa), Kannad (central), Malabar (south).
• Eastern Coast: Wide, level; Northern Circar (north), Coromandel Coast (south); deltas: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri; Chilika Lake (largest saltwater lake, Odisha).

The Islands

• Lakshadweep: Coral islands off Kerala (Malabar Coast); 32 sq km; earlier Laccadive-Minico y-Amindivi; HQ: Kavaratti; diverse flora/fauna; Pitti Island bird sanctuary.
• Andaman & Nicobar: Bay of Bengal chain; elevated submarine mountains; divided: Andaman (north), Nicobar (south); equatorial climate, thick forests; strategic importance; Barren Island (active volcano); rich biodiversity.

Significance of Features

• Complementary roles: Mountains (water/forests), Plains (granaries/civilizations), Plateau (minerals/industry), Coasts/Islands (fishing/ports); immense development potential.

2. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is not a major physiographic division of India? A) Himalayan Mountains B) Northern Plains C) Deccan Plateau D) Central Plains
2. The Himalayas are primarily: A) Block mountains B) Fold mountains C) Residual mountains D) Volcanic mountains
3. The northernmost range of the Himalayas, known as Himadri, has an average height of: A) 3,700 m B) 6,000 m C) 900 m D) 1,600 m
4. Which valley is famous in the Himachal range? A) Dehra Dun B) Kashmir Valley C) Majuli D) Bundelkhand
5. The Shiwaliks are composed of: A) Granite rocks B) Igneous rocks C) Unconsolidated sediments D) Alluvial soil
6. The Purvachal hills include: A) Patkai and Naga Hills B) Aravali and Vindhyan C) Garo and Khasi D) Satpura and Mahadev
7. The Northern Plains are formed by deposits from: A) Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra B) Narmada, Tapi, Godavari C) Luni and Chambal D) Krishna and Kaveri
8. Which region of the Northern Plains is known for doabs? A) Ganga Plain B) Brahmaputra Plain C) Punjab Plains D) Terai
9. Bhabar is characterized by: A) Swampy marshes B) Disappearing streams in gravel C) Floodplains D) Kankar deposits
10. The Peninsular Plateau is primarily composed of: A) Alluvial rocks B) Crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks C) Sedimentary rocks D) Volcanic ash
11. The Central Highlands are bounded by which range in the northwest? A) Satpura B) Aravali C) Vindhyan D) Mahadev
12. The Deccan Plateau slopes: A) Northwards B) Eastwards C) Westwards D) Southwards
13. Which pass is associated with the Western Ghats? A) Nathu La B) Thal Ghat C) Shipki La D) Bomdila
14. The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is: A) Anai Mudi B) Mahendragiri C) Doda Betta D) Kanchenjunga
15. The Indian Desert receives rainfall less than: A) 500 mm B) 150 mm C) 1,000 mm D) 250 mm
16. Barchans are: A) Longitudinal dunes B) Crescent-shaped sand dunes C) Riverine islands D) Coral reefs
17. The Konkan Coast lies between: A) Mumbai and Goa B) Goa and Kerala C) Mahanadi and Godavari D) Godavari and Krishna
18. Chilika Lake is located on the: A) Western Coast B) Eastern Coast C) Lakshadweep D) Andaman
19. Lakshadweep Islands are of: A) Volcanic origin B) Coral origin C) Submarine mountain origin D) Sedimentary origin
20. Which island group has India’s only active volcano? A) Lakshadweep B) Andaman and Nicobar C) Maldives D) Sri Lanka

Answer Key: 1-D, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-C, 6-A, 7-A, 8-C, 9-B, 10-B, 11-B, 12-B, 13-B, 14-B, 15-B, 16-B, 17-A, 18-B, 19-B, 20-B

3. Very Short Answer Type Questions (VSAQs)

1. Name the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas from north to south. Answer: Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks.
2. What is the average height of the Himadri range? Answer: 6,000 metres.
3. Which river marks the easternmost boundary of the Himalayas? Answer: Brahmaputra (Dihang gorge).
4. Define ‘Doab’. Answer: Land between two rivers, from ‘do’ (two) and ‘ab’ (water).
5. What is Bhabar? Answer: Narrow gravel belt (8-16 km) where streams disappear.
6. Name the two types of alluvium in the Northern Plains. Answer: Bhangar (older) and Khadar (newer).
7. Which ancient landmass formed the Peninsular Plateau? Answer: Gondwana land.
8. Name the triangular landmass south of Narmada River. Answer: Deccan Plateau.
9. What is the origin of black soil in the Deccan Trap? Answer: Denudation of volcanic igneous rocks.
10. Name the three sections of the Western Coastal Plain. Answer: Konkan, Kannad, Malabar.

4. Short Answer Type Questions (SAQs)

1. Why are the Himalayas considered a youthful topography? Answer: They feature high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers due to recent geological formation as fold mountains in an unstable zone. This contrasts with the stable, ancient Peninsular Plateau.
2. Distinguish between Himadri and Himachal ranges briefly. Answer: Himadri is the northernmost continuous range with lofty peaks over 6,000 m and perpetual snow, while Himachal is rugged, 3,700–4,500 m high, with compressed rocks and famous valleys like Kashmir.
3. Explain the formation of the Northern Plains. Answer: Formed by alluvial deposits from Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers over millions of years in a vast basin at Himalayan foothills, creating fertile soil ideal for agriculture across 7 lakh sq km.
4. What are the relief features of the Northern Plains? Answer: Includes Bhabar (gravelly, streams vanish), Terai (swampy, forested), Bhangar (older alluvium with kankar), and Khadar (newer, fertile floodplains renewed annually).
5. Describe the Central Highlands. Answer: Lies north of Narmada, includes Malwa Plateau; bounded by Aravali (NW) and Vindhyan/Satpura (S); rivers like Chambal flow southwest to northeast; extensions include Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand.
6. How do Western Ghats differ from Eastern Ghats? Answer: Western Ghats are continuous, higher (900–1,600 m), cause orographic rainfall, with passes like Thal Ghat; Eastern Ghats are discontinuous, lower (600 m), dissected by rivers, highest peak Mahendragiri.
7. Why is the Indian Desert arid? Answer: Located west of Aravali, it receives less than 150 mm rainfall annually, features sand dunes like barchans, and has seasonal streams like Luni that disappear into sand due to low vegetation.
8. Highlight the features of Lakshadweep Islands. Answer: Small coral islands (32 sq km) off Kerala coast; named in 1973 from Laccadive-Amindivi-Minico y; administrative HQ at Kavaratti; rich in flora/fauna, with Pitti Island as a bird sanctuary.

5. Long Answer Type Questions (LAQs)

1. Describe the major physiographic divisions of India and their geological significance. India’s landscape is a mosaic of six divisions, each with unique geology. The Himalayan Mountains, young fold ranges, form an unstable northern barrier with youthful features like high peaks and glaciers. Northern Plains, alluvial and fertile, resulted from river deposits at Himalayan foothills, supporting dense populations. The ancient Peninsular Plateau, from Gondwana, offers stable igneous/metamorphic rocks rich in minerals, divided into Central Highlands and Deccan. The Indian Desert’s sandy dunes highlight aridity west of Aravalis. Coastal Plains flank the peninsula, with western narrow strips and eastern wide deltas aiding ports. Islands like Lakshadweep (coral) and Andaman-Nicobar (submarine) add biodiversity. Together, they balance water, food, and resources for development.
2. Explain the structure and regional divisions of the Himalayas. Stretching 2,400 km as an arc, the Himalayas have three longitudinal ranges: Himadri (loftiest, 6,000 m, snow-bound), Himachal (rugged valleys, 3,700–4,500 m), and Shiwaliks (sediment-filled, 900–1,100 m with Duns). Regionally, Punjab/Kashmir-Himachal (Indus-Satluj), Kumaon (Satluj-Kali), Nepal (Kali-Teesta), and Assam (Teesta-Dihang) are river-demarcated. Eastern Purvachal bends south beyond Dihang, comprising Patkai-Naga-Manipur-Mizo Hills of sandstone. This diversity influences climate, rivers, and biodiversity, acting as a climatic divide and water tower for India.
3. Discuss the Northern Plains as the granary of India. Spanning 7 lakh sq km, the Northern Plains owe their fertility to Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra alluvium, forming Punjab (doab-dominated), Ganga (Haryana-UP-Bihar-WB), and Brahmaputra sections. Relief varies: Bhabar-Terai (gravel-swampy), Bhangar-Khadar (older-newer soils). Gentle slopes create distributaries and islands like Majuli. Dense population and favorable climate make it agriculturally productive, birthplace of civilizations, though floods challenge sustainability—yet irrigation like canals ensures food security.
4. Compare the Peninsular Plateau with the Himalayan region in terms of relief and resources. The Peninsular Plateau’s stable, ancient tableland contrasts Himalayas’ dynamic youth. Plateau features rounded hills, shallow valleys, black Deccan soils for cotton; Central Highlands (Malwa) and Deccan (triangular, east-sloping) host minerals like coal in Chotanagpur. Ghats border it—Western continuous for rain, Eastern discontinuous for deltas. Himalayas offer lofty peaks, deep gorges for hydro-power/forests but seismic risks. Plateau drives industry via iron ore/bauxite; Himalayas water/rain shadow effects. This complementarity fuels India’s growth.
5. Elaborate on the coastal plains and islands, highlighting their economic role. Western Coastal Plains (Konkan-Kannad-Malabar) are narrow, ghats-backed for ports like Mumbai; Eastern (Northern Circar-Cormandel) wide with deltas (Godavari-Kaveri) and Chilika Lake for fishing. Islands: Lakshadweep’s corals support tourism/sanctuaries; Andaman-Nicobar’s forests/volcano (Barren) aid strategy/biodiversity. Economically, coasts enable trade (7,500 km coastline), ports, fisheries; islands boost eco-tourism, naval bases. Monsoon influences and deltas enrich aquaculture, but cyclones demand resilient development.

6. Source-Based / Case-Based Assessment Questions

Source Extract (from Page 5-6 of NCERT Textbook): “The northern plain has been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems, namely—the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra along with their tributaries. This plain is formed of alluvial soil. The deposition of alluvium in a vast basin lying at the foothills of the Himalaya over millions of years, formed this fertile plain… The rivers, after descending from the mountains deposit pebbles in a narrow belt of about 8 to 16 km in width lying parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks. It is known as bhabar… South of this belt, the streams and rivers re-emerge and create a wet, swampy and marshy region known as terai.”

1. What is the primary soil type in the Northern Plains? (Factual Recall) Answer: Alluvial soil.
2. Name the three major rivers contributing to the plain’s formation. (Factual Recall) Answer: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra.
3. Why do streams disappear in the Bhabar belt? (Concept Explanation) Answer: Due to deposition of pebbles and gravel in the porous 8-16 km wide belt parallel to Shiwaliks.
4. Describe the Terai region briefly. (Application) Answer: A wet, swampy, marshy area south of Bhabar where streams re-emerge; once thickly forested, now cleared for agriculture.
5. How has human activity altered the Terai? (Analytical) Answer: Forests cleared post-partition for farming and migrant settlement, reducing wildlife but boosting food production.
6. Why is this plain agriculturally productive? (Critical Thinking) Answer: Fertile alluvial soil, adequate water from rivers, and favorable climate support intensive cropping, making it India’s granary despite flood risks.

Answer Key: (As above; questions build from recall to analysis for holistic understanding.)

7. Solved Exercise-End Questions (NCERT Solutions)

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

(i) A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as (a) Coast (b) Island (c) Peninsula (d) None of the above Answer: (c) Peninsula (The Peninsular Plateau is bounded by Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.)

(ii) Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called (a) Himachal (b) Uttarakhand (c) Purvachal (d) None of the above Answer: (c) Purvachal (These include Patkai, Naga, Manipur, and Mizo Hills.)

(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as (a) Coromandel (b) Konkan (c) Kannad (d) Northern Circar Answer: (c) Kannad (Central stretch of Western Coast; southern is Malabar.)

(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is (a) Anai Mudi (b) Kanchenjunga (c) Mahendragiri (d) Khasi Answer: (c) Mahendragiri (1,501 m; Anai Mudi is in Western Ghats.)

2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) What is the bhabar? Answer: Bhabar is a narrow 8-16 km wide belt of pebbles and gravel parallel to Shiwaliks where rivers deposit sediments and streams disappear due to porous soil.

(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south. Answer: Himadri (Great Himalayas), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas).

(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges? Answer: Malwa Plateau (part of Central Highlands, north of Narmada).

(iv) Name the island group of India having coral origin. Answer: Lakshadweep (small coral islands off Kerala coast).

3. Distinguish between

(i) Bhangar and Khadar Answer: Bhangar is the older alluvium above floodplains, forming terrace-like features with kankar deposits; Khadar is newer, younger floodplain deposits renewed annually, highly fertile for intensive agriculture.

(ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats Answer: Western Ghats are continuous, higher (900–1,600 m), parallel to the coast, causing orographic rainfall with passes like Thal Ghat; Eastern Ghats are discontinuous, lower (600 m), irregular, dissected by rivers draining to Bay of Bengal, with highest peak Mahendragiri.

4. Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.

Answer: Major divisions: (1) Himalayan Mountains, (2) Northern Plains, (3) Peninsular Plateau, (4) Indian Desert, (5) Coastal Plains, (6) Islands. Himalayan relief is youthful and rugged—high peaks (e.g., Everest), deep valleys, fast rivers due to recent folding in unstable zone. Peninsular Plateau relief is stable and ancient—tableland with rounded hills, shallow valleys, gentle slopes from Gondwana drift, composed of igneous/metamorphic rocks.

5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.

Answer: Formed by Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra alluvium over millions of years, spanning 7 lakh sq km (2,400 km long, 240–320 km broad). Sections: Punjab (doabs, Indus tributaries), Ganga (Haryana-UP-Bihar-WB), Brahmaputra (Assam). Relief: Bhabar (gravelly), Terai (marshy), Bhangar (older soil), Khadar (fertile floodplains). Densely populated, agriculturally rich due to fertile soil, water, climate; features distributaries, islands like Majuli; granary but prone to floods.

6. Write short notes on the following.

(i) The Indian Desert Answer: Lies west of Aravali; undulating sandy plains with dunes (barchans crescent-shaped, longitudinal near border); <150 mm rain, arid climate, low vegetation; Luni River seasonal; Jaisalmer showcases barchans.

(ii) The Central Highlands Answer: North of Narmada, includes Malwa Plateau; bounded Aravali (NW), Vindhyan/Satpura (S); SW-NE river flow (Chambal etc.); wider west, narrower east; extensions Bundelkhand-Baghelkhand; Chotanagpur further east (Damodar).

(iii) The Island groups of India Answer: Lakshadweep: Coral, 32 sq km off Kerala, HQ Kavaratti, Pitti sanctuary. Andaman-Nicobar: Submarine mountains in Bay of Bengal, Andaman (north)-Nicobar (south); equatorial forests, strategic; Barren Island volcano; biodiversity hotspots.

Map Skills

On an outline map of India show the following. (i) Mountain and hill ranges – the Karakoram, the Zaskar, the Patkai Bum, the Jaintia, the Vindhya range, the Aravali, and the Cardamom hills. Answer: (Students mark: Karakoram/Zaskar in north; Patkai Bum/Jaintia in NE; Vindhya central; Aravali NW; Cardamom south.)

(ii) Peaks – K2, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and the Anai Mudi. Answer: (K2 in Karakoram; Kanchenjunga in Sikkim; Nanga Parbat in Kashmir; Anai Mudi in Western Ghats, Kerala-TN.)

(iii) Plateaus, Chotanagpur and Malwa Answer: (Chotanagpur east, Jharkhand; Malwa central, MP.)

(iv) The Indian Desert, Western Ghats, Lakshadweep Islands Answer: (Desert in Rajasthan; Western Ghats along west coast; Lakshadweep SW Arabian Sea.)

Project/Activity

Locate the peaks, passes, ranges, plateaus, hills, and duns hidden in the puzzle. Try to find where these features are located. You may start your search horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Answer: (This is a word-search activity; e.g., peaks like Everest in puzzle grid; passes like Nathu La; ranges like Pir Panjal; plateaus like Deccan; hills like Garo; duns like Dehra Dun. Students solve grid and map locations for reinforcement.)