1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
(i) A landmass bounded by the sea on three sides is referred to as
(c) Peninsula
(ii) Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called
(c) Purvachal
(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as
(c) Kannad
(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(c) Mahendragiri
2. Answer the following questions briefly:
(i) What is the bhabar?
Ans: The bhabar is a region located parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks, about 8 to 16 km wide. Rivers descending from the mountains deposit pebbles here, forming a narrow belt. The region is dry and has a rough texture, with streams that disappear into the ground.
(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
Ans: The Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri)
Himachal or Lesser Himalaya
Outer Himalayas or Shiwaliks
(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhya ranges?
Ans: The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges.
(iv) Name the island group of India having a coral origin.
Ans: The Lakshadweep Islands have a coral origin.
3. Distinguish between:
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
Bhangar:Lies above the flood plains of rivers.
Composed of older alluvium (old soil) and forms the largest part of the northern plains.
Khadar:A newer deposit formed by annual flooding.
It is renewed every year and consists of younger alluvium.
(ii) The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats:Located parallel to the western coast.
Continuous, with passes for crossing.
Average elevation of 900–1600 meters.
Causes orographic rainfall by lifting moist winds.
Height increases from north to south.
Eastern Ghats:Located parallel to the eastern coast.
Discontinuous and irregular.
Dissected by rivers flowing to the Bay of Bengal.
Average elevation of 600 meters.
4. Major physiographic divisions of India:
Ans: 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 the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular Plateau:
The Himalayan region is geologically young, characterized by high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers. It represents an unstable zone with active tectonic movements.
The Peninsular Plateau, in contrast, is one of the oldest landmasses, composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. It features gently rising hills, wide valleys, and is geologically stable compared to the Himalayas.
5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India:
Ans: The Northern Plains of India are formed by the alluvial deposits brought by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems. This fertile plain extends over about 7 lakh square kilometers, from Punjab to Bengal. It is divided into four regions:
Bhabar: A narrow belt where rivers deposit pebbles.
Terai: A wet, marshy area south of Bhabar where streams re-emerge.
Doab: Land between two rivers, particularly in the western part.
Ganga Plains: Extends from the Ghaggar to the Teesta rivers.
The Northern Plains are crucial for agriculture due to their rich soil and adequate water supply.
6. Write short notes on the following:
(i) The Indian Desert
The Indian Desert lies on the western margins of the Aravali Hills. It consists of sandy plains covered with sand dunes and experiences very low rainfall (below 150 mm per year). The region has an arid climate with little vegetation, and streams appear only during the rainy season before disappearing into the sand.
(ii) The Central Highlands
The Central Highlands are located north of the Narmada River and mainly consist of the Malwa Plateau. It is wider in the west and narrows as it extends eastward, where it is known as Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. The Chotanagpur Plateau is part of the eastern extension.
(iii) The Island Groups of India
Lakshadweep Islands: Composed of small coral islands, it covers 32 sq km. The administrative headquarters is Kavaratti Island. The islands are rich in biodiversity, including a bird sanctuary on Pitti Island.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: An elongated chain of islands in the Bay of Bengal, divided into the Andaman (north) and Nicobar (south). These islands have a tropical climate and dense forests, and are strategically important for India.