Chapter - 2: Physical Features of India
I. Multiple Choice Questions
1. 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) Peninsula2. 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) Purvachal3. The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as:(a) Coromandel (b) Konkan (c) Kannad (d) Northern Circar
Answer:
(c) Kannad4. The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is:(a) Anai Mudi (b) Kanchenjunga (c) Mahendragiri (d) Khasi
Answer:
(c) Mahendragiri II. Short Answer Questions
1. What is the bhabar?Answer: The bhabar is a narrow belt of land at the foothills of the Himalayas, running parallel to the Shiwaliks. It is composed of coarse alluvial deposits and lies just above the terai region. The streams disappear into this zone due to the porous soil.
2. Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.Answer: The three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south are:
- The Greater Himalayas or Himadri
- The Lesser Himalayas or Himachal
- The Shiwaliks
Answer: The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges.
4. Name the island group of India having coral origin.Answer: The Lakshadweep Islands are the island group of India having coral origin.
III. Distinguish Between
1. Bhangar and Khadar:| Bhangar | Khadar |
|---|
| Older alluvial soil | Newer alluvial soil |
| Found in the higher areas | Found in the floodplains |
| Less fertile due to the presence of calcareous deposits (kankar) | More fertile and suitable for intensive agriculture |
2. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats:| Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
|---|
| Continuous range running parallel to the western coast | Discontinuous range along the eastern coast |
| Higher in elevation, with an average height of 900-600 meters | Lower in elevation, with an average height of 600 meters |
| Receives heavy rainfall and has dense forests | Receives less rainfall and has more open and deciduous forests |
IV. Long Answer Questions
1. Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.Answer: The major physiographic divisions of India are:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
Contrast between Himalayan Region and Peninsular Plateau:
| Himalayan Region | Peninsular Plateau |
|---|
| Consists of young fold mountains | An ancient landmass formed from stable and rigid rocks |
| Rugged and high mountain peaks, deep valleys, and gorges | Broad and flat-topped hills, plateaus, and valleys |
| Contains three parallel ranges: Himadri (Greater Himalayas), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) | Bounded by the Western and Eastern Ghats with a central part comprising Deccan and Chotanagpur plateaus |
2. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.Answer: The Northern Plains of India are formed by the alluvial deposits brought by the rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. These plains are extensive and highly fertile, making them agriculturally productive. The plains are divided into three sections:
- Punjab Plains: Formed by the Indus and its tributaries.
- Ganga Plains: Spread across Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- Brahmaputra Plains: Located in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
The plains have a rich soil cover, adequate water supply, and favorable climate, supporting a large population and intensive agriculture.
3. Write short notes on the following:(i) The Indian Desert:Answer: The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, lies to the west of the Aravali range. It is characterized by arid conditions, scanty rainfall (below 150 mm per year), and extreme temperatures. The landscape features sand dunes, sparse vegetation, and saline lakes. The Luni is the only significant river in this region.
(ii) The Central Highlands:Answer: The Central Highlands are part of the Peninsular Plateau and lie to the north of the Narmada River. This region includes the Malwa Plateau, the Vindhyan range, and the Chotanagpur Plateau. It is characterized by hilly terrain, rich mineral resources, and diverse flora and fauna. The rivers Chambal, Betwa, and Son drain this area.
(iii) The Island groups of India:Answer: India has two major island groups:
- Lakshadweep Islands: Located in the Arabian Sea, these islands are of coral origin and are known for their stunning lagoons and reefs.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Located in the Bay of Bengal, these islands are of volcanic origin and are characterized by dense forests, diverse wildlife, and indigenous tribes. The Andaman group has more islands, and the Nicobar group is located further south.
