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
(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
(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa, is referred to as:
(a) Coromandel
(c) Kannad
(b) Konkan
(d) Northern Circar
Answer: (c) Kannad
(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is:
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Answer: (c) Mahendragiri
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is the bhabar?
Answer:
The bhabar is a narrow belt, about 8 to 16 km wide, found at the foothills of the Shiwaliks. It consists of pebbles and stones deposited by the rivers, and in this region, streams disappear underground due to the porous soil.
(ii) 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 Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri)
- The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)
- The Shiwaliks
(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
Answer:
The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges.
(iv) Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Answer:
The Lakshadweep Islands are the island group of India that have a coral origin.
3. Distinguish between
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
Answer:
- Bhangar: It is the older alluvium found above the floodplain. It is less fertile and often contains calcareous deposits called ‘kankar.’
- Khadar: It is the newer alluvium deposited annually by rivers. It is more fertile and ideal for agriculture.
(ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Answer:
- Western Ghats: They are higher, continuous, and located along the western coast. They cause orographic rainfall and have an average height of 900–1600 meters.
- Eastern Ghats: They are lower, discontinuous, and irregular, running along the eastern coast. They have an average height of around 600 meters and are dissected by rivers.
4. 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
- Himalayan Region: It is geologically young and unstable. It consists of high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers. The altitude varies greatly, and the region has snow-covered peaks.
- Peninsular Plateau: It is an ancient and stable landmass composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The terrain has gently rising hills and broad valleys, and it is much older compared to the Himalayas.
5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.
Answer:
The Northern Plains of India are formed by the deposition of alluvial soil from the three major river systems – the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra. The plains are agriculturally productive due to fertile soil, a favorable climate, and adequate water supply. They cover an area of 7 lakh sq km and are densely populated.
6. Write short notes on the following.
(i) The Indian Desert
Answer:
The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is located in the western part of India, near the Aravali Hills. It is an arid region with very low rainfall (less than 150 mm per year) and is covered with sand dunes. The only large river is the Luni, and streams appear only during the rainy season.
(ii) The Central Highlands
Answer:
The Central Highlands form the northern part of the Peninsular Plateau and lie between the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges. It includes the Malwa Plateau, which slopes towards the northeast. The rivers like Chambal and Betwa drain this region.
(iii) The Island groups of India
Answer:
India has two major groups of islands:
- Lakshadweep Islands: Located in the Arabian Sea, these islands are coral in origin and cover a small area of 32 sq km.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Located in the Bay of Bengal, these islands are larger and more scattered. They have a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and are of strategic importance to India.