SST ( Geography ) for Class 9 ( Contemporary India – | ) Worksheet Solutions

Q.1. What was India’s population on March 2001?(Census 2001)

1028 million.

Q.2. How would you summarize the problems faced by the poor population of India?

In spite of much considerable achievements, the health situation is a matter of major concern for India. The consumption of calories per capita is much below the recommended levels. A large percentage of our population is afflicted by malnutrition.

The availability of safe drinking water and basic sanitation amenities are to be availed to only one third of the rural population.

Q.3. Describe of distribution of Population in India?

• India’s population as on March 2001 stood at 1,028 million which accounts for 16.7% of world’s population.
• These 1.02 billion people are unevenly distributed over our country’s vast areas of 3.28 million sq km.
• The 2001 census data reveals that Uttar Pradesh with the population size of 166 million people is the most populous state of India.
• On the other hand the Himalayan state Sikkim has a population of just about 0.5 million and Lakshadweep has only 60 thousand people.
• Almost half of India’s population lives in just five states. These are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
• Rajasthan the biggest state in terms of Area has only 5.5 percent of the total population of India.

Q.4. What is the density of population in India?(Census 2001)

324 persons per sq km.

Q.5. Why the Northern Indian Plain is thickly populated? Mention the two states of Northern Plains with high population density.

Suitability of soils for agriculture: The northern plain and the delta regions have fertile soils are the most suitable for agriculture. The northern plain and the delta regions have fertile soils. As such, these areas are very thickly populated.

Climatic conditions: Areas of Northern Plains receives heavy rainfall. It is over about 400 cm of rainfall annually.

Economic activity: Agriculture and animal rearing can be done throughout the year.

Plains terrain allows better means of transportation through road and railways and water ways. West Bengal, Bihar Uttar Pradesh are the most populous states of this region.

Q.6. Should India feel proud of its size and total population? Give reason.

• Yes, India should feel proud of its size and total population.
• The composition of young generation is strength of India. Tomorrow it will became a assets for a country.
• They have more efficiency of work and willpower.
• By providing them technical skill or proper training they can be converted into qualitative population of our country.
• The children of our country should also be given proper education so that they will also be become an asset of the country.
• The senior citizens have experience, young generation can learn a lot from them.
• From a large size of population, we can find out the good human resources.

Q.7. Which is least densely populated state of India?

Arunachal Pradesh.

Q.8. Why is the population vital element of study?

The people are important to develop the economy and society. The people make and use resources and are themselves resources with varying quality.
Hence population is the pivotal element in social studies. It the point of reference from which all other elements are absorbed and from which they derived significance and meaning.
Resources, calamities and disasters are all meaningful only in relation to human beings.

Q.9. Why is the rate of population growth in India declining since 1981? Give reasons.

• Awareness spread by media and newspaper was also responsible for the decline in the growth rate of population.
• Spread of education to the girl child was also a reason. Due to it women also become aware about the drawbacks and expenditure of large family.
• Women also start working in the different field of life and now they realized that giving birth to more children is also harmful for health.
• Now, People are literate and they are aware about the family planning programmes.
• Literacy rate was also very high.
• Early marriage of girls and boys was banned now and age of marriage was fixed by the government.

Q.10. What is the density of population of West Bengal?

904 Persons per sq Km.

Q.11. What is human resource? What is its importance?

The people are important to develop the economy and society. The make resources.

Coal is but a piece of rock, until people were able to invent technology to obtain it and makes it a resource. So the people are human resources who convert the natural resources with the help of technology more valuable resources.

It is the human resource who convert the natural resources with the help of technology more valuable resources. That’s they are important for an economy. If Japan is developed country that is due to its developed human resource.

Q.12. What are the features of population Change?

• Population change is the difference of birth rate and death rate and addition of migration in a particular area.
• Population change in any change that may result due to migration, death rate, birth rate and change in an age composition and sex ratio.
• Even when there is no population growth, there may be a population change.
• Internal migration brings about a change in population of a country.
• In given population, if there is a change in the sex ratio, it will be considered a population change.

Q.13. What is percentage of children in Indian population?

34.4%.

Q.14. Uttar Pradesh is most populated state of India. Give reasons.

• The most fertile soil alluvial soil is fund here. Agriculture is very good so people want to live here.
• The climatic conditions are very helpful to live here.
• The rivers flowing here are good source of irrigation, navigation and electricity.
• Due to plains transport network is easy to develop.
• Agriculture provides raw material to the industries.

Q.15. Write a short note on National Population Policy.

Recognizing that the planning of families would improve individual health and welfare, the Government of India initiated the comprehensive Family Planning Program in 1952.

The Family Welfare Program has sought to promote responsible and planned parenthood on a voluntary basis.

The national population policy 2000 is a culmination of years of planned efforts.

The NPP 2000 provides a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age, reducing infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births.

Achieving universal immunization of children against all vaccine preventable diseases, promoting delayed marriage for girls, and making family welfare a people centered program.

Q.16. What is the ratio of females per thousand males in Kerala?

1058 females per thousand males.

Q.17. What are the factors responsible for the uneven population distribution of India?

• Moderate temperate zones are highly populated areas.
• Industrial developed regions are also densely populated as compared to other areas because more employment opportunities attract the people to migrate the industrial regions.
• Physiographic is an important factor for the uneven distribution of population.
• Mountains, plateau and desert are sparsely populated where as Plaines are highly populated.

Q.18. Write short note on the Adolescent Population of India. What are the problems faced by adolescent population.

The significant feature of the Indian population is the size of its adolescent population. It constitutes 1/5 of the total population of India. Adolescents are grouped in the age group of 10-19 years. They are the most important resource for the feature.

Nutritional requirements of adolescents are higher than those of normal child over adult.

Poor nutrition can lead to deficiency and stunted growth. But in India the diet available to adolescent is inadequate in all nutrients.

A large number of adolescent girls suffer from anemia. Their problems have so far not received adequate attention in the processes of development.

The adolescent girls have to be sensitized to the problems they confronted. Their awareness can be improved through the spread of literacy and education among them.

Q.19. What is the average life of India according to 2001 census?

64.6 years.

Q.20. What is birth rate and death rate?

Birth rate is a number of live births for every 1000 persons in a year. The high birthrate is responsible for increase in population.

Death rate is a number of deaths per thousand persons in a year. The death rate can be controlled by providing good medical facilities.

Q.1. Which famous animal is found in the tidal forest?

Royal Bengal Tiger.

Q.2. Distinguish between reforestation and Afforestation.

Reforestation:
(i) It is practiced in areas where forests have been destroyed
(ii) Two saplings are planted to replace every fallen tree.
(iii)  It is practiced to avoid the evils of shifting agriculture.
Afforestation:
(i) New forests are planted in the new areas.
(ii) One sapling is planted to get one tree.
(iii) It is practiced to bring more area under forests.

Q.3. Describe the factors responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India.

Land: The nature of land influences the type of vegetation. The fertile land is generally devoted to agriculture. The undulating and rough terrains are the areas where grassland and woodlands develops and give shelter to a variety of wildlife.
Soil: different types of soils provide basis for different types of vegetation. The sandy soils the desert support cactus and thorny bushes while wet, marshy, deltaic soils support mangroves and deltaic vegetation. The hill slopes with some depth of soil have conical trees.
Temperature: on the slopes of the Himalayas and the hills of the peninsula above the height of 915 meters, the fall in temperature affects the types of vegetation and its growth and it changes it from tropical to sub-tropical temperate and alpine vegetations.
Photoperiod: The variation in duration of sunlight at different places is due to differences in latitude, altitude, season and duration of the day. Due to longer duration of sunlight, trees grow faster in summer.
Precipitation: Areas of heavy rainfall have more dense vegetation as compared to other areas of less rainfall.

Q.4. In which regions the mangrove forests found?

Mangrove forests are found in the delta region of Ganga, the Mahanadi, and the Krishna.

Q.5. How far it is correct to say that Rann of kachchh is one of the extraordinary sights of India? Explain.

Some of the wetlands of India are popular with migratory birds, during winter, birds,such as Siberian Crane come in large number. One such place favourable with birds is the Rann of Kachchh. At this place where the desert merges with the sea, flamingo with their brilliant, pink plumage, come in thousands to built nest mounds from the salty mud and raise their young ones. Due to this reason environmentalists consider this place an extraordinary sight in the country. It is also a rich natural heritage of our country.

Q.6. Can you name the forest which is found in the areas of Western Ghats and Island Groups of India? And write their any four features.

• Tropical Rain Forests are found in the Western Ghats and the Island Groups of India. These are also found in the upper parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu. Following are the feature of these forests
• The areas having more than 200cm of rainfall with a short dry season are the most suitable for such forests.
• The trees reach great height up to 60 meters or even above. The areas has luxuriant vegetation including trees of all kinds of shrubs and creepers giving it a multilayered structure as the region remains warm and wet throughout the year.
• These trees appear green all the year round as there is no definite time to shed their leaves.
• Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona are important commercial trees in this forest.

Q.7. Which is the Largest Mammal on the land?

Elephant.

Q.8. Write down the features of Tropical Rain forests of India.

• These forests are restricted to torrential rainfall areas of Western Ghats and the island group of Lakshadweep and Nicobar, upper parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu.
• The areas having more than 200cm of rainfall with a short dry season are the most suitable for such forests.
• The trees reach great heights up to 60 meters or even above. This area has luxuriant vegetation including tree of all kinds, shrubs and creepers giving it a multi-layered structure as the region remains warm and wet throughout the year.
• These trees appear green all the year round as there is no definite time for trees to shed their leaves. Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and cinchona are important commercial trees in these forests.

Q.9. How many Biosphere reserves have been set up in India?

Fourteen Biosphere Reserves.

Q.10. What do you know about migratory birds?

• Some of the wetlands of India are popular with migratory birds.
• During winters, birds, such as Siberian Crane come in large numbers.
• One such place favourable with birds is the Rann of Kuchchh.
• At a place where the desert merges with the sea, flamingo with their brilliant, pink plumage, come in thousands to build nest mounds from the salty mud and rise their young ones.

Q.11. Write down the features of the Thorn Forests and Scrubs of India.

• The natural vegetation like thorny trees and bushes are to be found in the regions having less than 70 cm rainfall.
• Such type of vegetation grows in the north-western part of country including semi-arid areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, utter Pradesh and Haryana.
• Acacias, plams, euphorbias and cacti are the main plant species of this region.
• Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil in order to get moisture. The stems are succulent to conserve water. To minimize evaporation, leaves are mostly thick and small. These forests give way to thorn forests and scrubs in dry area.

Q.12. To which vegetation does rubber belong to?

Tropical Evergreen Vegetation.

Q.13. How has the photoperiod influence the vegetation cover of India?

he variation in duration of sunlight at different place is due to differences in latitude, altitude, seasons and duration of the day. Due to longer duration of sunlight, trees grow faster in summer.

Q.14. ‘India is one of the twelve mega diversity country of the world’. Explain.

Our country is one of the twelve mega bio-diversity countries of the world.

With about 47000 plant species India occupies tenth place in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. There are about 15000 flowering plants in India which account for 6% in the world’s total number of flowering plants. The country has many non-flowering plants such as ferns, algae and fungi. India also has approximately 90000 species of animals as well as rich variety of fish in its fresh and marine waters.

Q.15. In which state is the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve located?

Uttrakhand.

Q.16. How has the soil influence the vegetation cover of India?

• The soils also vary over spaces. Different types of soils provide basis for different types of vegetation. The sandy soil of the desert support cactus and thorny bushes.
• While wet, marshy, deltaic soil support mangroves and deltaic vegetation
• The hill slopes with some depth of soil have conical tree.

Q.17. Elephants are found in the hot and wet forests which states?

Assam and Karnataka.

Q.18. Why do we need to conserve the fauna?

We need to conserve fauna because they make surrounding beautiful and clean.
Forests are very helpful to bring rainfall and source of oxygen. We need to conserve forests to maintain our ecosystem. Forests should be conserving to maintain the diversity of plants.

Q.19. Write down the features of mangrove forests.

• The mangrove tidal forests are found in the areas of coasts influenced by tides. Mud and silt get accumulated on such coasts.
• Dense mangroves are the common varieties with roots of the plant submerged under water.
• The deltas of the Ganga, the Mahanadi, the Krishna, the Godavari and the Kaveri are covered by such vegetation.
• In the Ganga­-Brahmaputra delta, sundari trees are found, which provide durable hard timber.
• alm, coconut, krora, agar, also grow in some parts of the delta.
• Royal Bengal Tiger is a famous animal in these forests. Turtles, crocodiles, gharials and snakes are also found in these forests.

Q.20. Name three medicinal plants found in India and write one feature of each.

Sarpagandha: It is used to treat blood pressure. It is found only in India.
Jamun: The juice from ripe fruit is used to prepare vinegar which is carminative and diuretic and has digestive properties.
Arjun: The fresh juice of leaves id a cure for earache. It is also used to regulate blood pressure.

Q.1. What kind of climate is found in India?

Monsoon type.

Q.2. Which is the most remarkable feature of the cold weather season over northern plains?

• The most remarkable feature of the cold weather season over the northern plains is the inflow of cyclonic disturbances from the west and northwest.
• The low pressure systems originate over the Mediterranean Sea and western Asia moving in India along with the westerly flow.
• They causes the much needed winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains.
• Though the total amount of winter rainfall in known as ‘mahawat, it is very helpful for the cultivation of Rabi crops.

Q.3. What ideas justify that how temperature varies from place to place and season to season in our country?

• The variation of temperature occasionally touches 50°C in some part of Rajasthan Desert.
• It reaches around 20°C in Pahalagam in Jammu and Kashmir.
• On winter night’s temperature at Drass in Jammu and Kashmir may be as low as -45°C.
• On the other hand, Trivavathapuram may touch the temperature of 22°C.
• The coastal areas experiences less contrasts in temperature conditions. There are many seasonal contrasts existing in the interior of the country.

Q.4. In which state houses are built on stilts?

Assam.

Q.5. Will you interpret the climatic conditions, as the monsoon retreat?

(i) The temperature rises and sky becomes clearer as the monsoon retreat.
(ii) The days are warmer while the nights are cooler and pleasant.
(iii) The land is still moist.
(iv) The weather becomes oppressive during the day owing to the conditions of hightemperature and humidity.

Q.6. Which parts of India receive heavy rainfall, moderate rainfall, low rainfall and scanty rainfall?

Areas of Heavy Rainfall: Assam, the Ganga Delta, the Western Ghats, Western Coastal areas and Mountainous regions of Himachal etc receives high rainfall.
Areas of Moderate Rainfall: Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhotanagpur Plateau, West Bengal, Bihar, Eastern UP, North-eastern Punjab, eastern parts of Tamil Nadu and Eastern slopes of Western Ghats.
Areas of low rainfall: The Deccan Plateau, western UP, South-eastern parts of Punjab, Eastern Rajasthan and some part of Kashmir.
Areas of Scanty Rainfall: Western Rajasthan, Kachchh, South-eastern parts Haryana and north-eastern Kashmir.

Q.7. What is extreme climate?

It means very hot during summers and very cold during winters.

Q.8. What does the word ‘Monsoon’ imply?

(i) The word ‘monsoon’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘mausim’ which literally means season.
(ii) Monsoon refers to the seasonal reversal in the wind direction during a year.
(iii) The climate of India is the monsoon type.
(iv) Such type of climate is found mainly in the south and Southeast Asia.

Q.9. How do Jet Streams influence the climate of India?

• The westerly flow dominates the upper air circulation. These Jet Streams are known as Subtropical westerly Jet Streams.
• Jet streams are located approximately over 27°-30° North latitude.
• These Jet streams blow south of the Himalayas’ over India throughout the year except in summer.
• The north and Northwest parts of the country experience the western cyclonic disturbances which are brought in by this westerly flow.
• In summer the subtropical westerly Jet streams moves north of the Himalayas with the apparent movement of the sun.
• The tropical easterly Jet Streams flows over peninsular India, approximately over 14° north during the summer months.

Q.10. From where the western cyclonic disturbance originate in winter?

from the Mediterranean Sea.

Q.11. What are the factors which affect the climate of an area?

(i) Latitude
(ii) Altitude
(iii) Pressure and wind system
(iv) Distance from the sea
(v) Ocean currents

(vi) Relief features.

Q.12. Evaluate spread of monsoon over the Indian sub-continent from Kerala to Jammu and Kashmir.

• The monsoon arrives at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula generally by the first week of June.
• Subsequently, it proceeds into two branches, Arabian Sea Branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
• The Arabian Sea branch reaches Mumbai about ten days later on approximately the 10th of June. The Bay of Bengal Branch also arrives in Assam in the first week of June.
• By mid June the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon arrives over Saurashtra, kuchchh and the central part of the country.
• The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal branches of the monsoon merge over the north western part of the Ganga plains.
• By the first week of July, western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Eastern Rajasthan experience the monsoon

Q.13. What is Southern Oscillation?

It is a periodic change in pressure conditions.

Q.14. How does the latitude affect the climate of an area?

• India’s climate has characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climate due to the tropic of cancer which passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of Kuchchh in the west to Mizoram in the east.
• Almost half of the country, lying south of the Tropic of Cancer belongs to the Tropical area.
• All the remaining area, north of tropic lies in the sub-tropics.

Q.15. What are the features of hot weather season in India?

• There is hot weather season from March to May in India.
• The temperature recording taken during march- May at different latitudes clearly shows the influence of the shifting of the heat belt.
• The Highest temperature is about 30° C in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh in April. In May, the temperature commonly reaches at 45° C in the north western parts of the country.
• Due to the moderating influence of the oceans, the temperature remains lower in peninsular India.
• The Temperature rises and air pressure falls in the northern part of the country during summer month.
• At the end of May, an elongated low pressure area develops in the region extending from the Thar Desert in the north-west to Patna and Chota Nagpur plateau in the east and south-east.
• ‘Loo’ is the most striking feature of the hot weather season

Q.16. What is the weather conditions of an area for a long period of time called?

Climate.

Q.17. India lies in which climatic region? Explain.

• There are many climatic regions in the world.
• India’s climate has characterized of Tropical as well as subtropical climates due to the tropic of cancer.
• This passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of Kachchh in the west to Mizoram in the east.
• Almost half of the country, lying south of the Tropic of Cancer belongs to the tropical area. All the remaining area lying north of the tropic of cancer belongs to the sub tropical area.

Q.18. How far it is correct to say that both the pressure and the wind conditions over India are unique? What information would you use to support your answer?

Both the pressure and wind conditions over India are unique. The North of Himalayas has high pressure during winter season. Cold dry winds blow towards the low pressure areas over the oceans to the south. The low pressure area develops over interior Asia as well as over northwestern India in summer season. This causes a complete reversal of the direction of winds during summer. Air blows from the high-pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean which crosses the equator in the south-easterly direction. It turns right towards the low pressure areas over the Indian subcontinent. These winds are called the southern monsoon winds. These winds blow over the warm oceans gathering moisture and bring widespread rainfall over the mainland of India 

Q.19. Give two examples of precipitation.

Rain and Snowfall.

Q.20. “Transition period from hot rainy season to dry winter conditions linked with the occurrence of cyclonic depression over Andaman Sea.” Explain.

The October –November months form a transition period from hot rainy season to dry winter conditions. The temperature rises and sky become clear as the monsoon retreat. By early November the conditions of the low pressure over north western India get transformed to the Bay of Bengal. This shift is linked with the occurrence of cyclonic depressions which originate over Andaman Sea. These cyclones cause heavy and wide spread rain crossing the eastern coasts of India. Sometimes these tropical cyclones caused destruction.

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: In which of the following states is the Wular lake located?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Punjab
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
Ans:  (d)

Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, is situated in the Kashmir Valley.

Q2: Which one of the following lakes is a salt water lake?
(a) Sambhar
(b) Dal
(c) Wular
(d) Gobind Sagar
Ans:  (a)

Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is India’s largest inland saltwater lake, used for salt production.

Q3: Which one amongst the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
 (a) Mahanadi
(b) Tungabhadra
(c) Krishna
(d) Tapi
Ans:  (d)

The Tapi River flows in a rift valley between the Satpura and Vindhya ranges.

Q4: What is the meaning of drainage?
(a) The river system of a particular area
(b) The topography of a particular area
(c) Both A and B
(d) None of these
Ans: (a)

“Drainage” refers to the pattern formed by rivers and their tributaries in an area.

Q5: Which river has the world’s largest drainage basin?
(a) Ganga
(b) Indus
(c) Thomas
(d) Amazon
Ans: (d) 

The Amazon River in South America has the world’s largest drainage basin.

Q6: How many major Peninsular rivers are there?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 3
Ans: (c) 

Most of the major rivers of the Peninsula, such as the Mahanadi, the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri flow eastwards and drain into the Bay of Bengal.

Q7: What is the world’s largest and fastest growing delta called?
(a) Sunderban River Delta
(b) Kaveri River Delta
(c) Godavari River Delta
(d) Krishna River Delta
Ans: (a) 

Formed by the Ganga-Brahmaputra system, the Sunderban Delta is the world’s largest and most fertile delta.

Q8: What is the area drained by a single river system called?
(a) Drainage
(b) Drainage basin
(c) Water divide
(d) None of these
Ans: (b) 

A drainage basin is the land area from which a river and its tributaries collect water.

Q9: Which of the following is not a group of Indian rivers?
(a) Himalayan rivers
(b) Peninsular rivers
(c) Both A and B
(d) None of these
Ans: (d) 

Indian rivers are grouped into two main categories: Himalayan and Peninsular. So none of the given options is “not a group.”

Q10: Which river system is known as Dakshin Ganga?
(a) The Narmada Basin
(b) The Mahanadi Basin
(c) The Godavari Basin
(d) The Kaveri Basin
Ans: (c) 

The Godavari River, the largest river of the Peninsular plateau, is often called the “Dakshin Ganga” (Ganga of the South) because of its size, length, and the extensive area it drains, similar to the Ganga in northern India.

Fill in the Blanks

(i) The area drained by a single river system is called a ___________.
Ans: The area drained by a single river system is called a drainage basin.

(ii) The world’s largest drainage basin is of the ___________________.
Ans: The world’s largest drainage basin is of the Amazon river.

(iii) Most of the Himalayan rivers are ____________________.
Ans: Most of the Himalayan rivers are perennial.

(iv) A river along with its tributaries may be called a ________________.
Ans: A river along with its tributaries may be called a river system.

(v) The Brahmaputra rises in _________ east of Mansarowar lake very close to the sources of the Indus and the Satluj.
Ans: The Brahmaputra rises in Tibet east of Mansarowar lake very close to the sources of the Indus and the Satluj.

(vi) The ________ pattern develops when streams flow in different directions from a central peak or dome like structure.
Ans: The radial pattern develops when streams flow in different directions from a central peak or dome like structure.

(vii) The activities of Ganga Action Plan (GAP) phase-I, initiated in ______, were declared closed on 31st March _________.
Ans: The activities of Ganga Action Plan (GAP) phase-I, initiated in 1985, were declared closed on 31st March 2000.

(viii) Brahmaputra is known as ________________ in Tibet and _____________ in Bangladesh.
Ans: Brahmaputra is known as the Tsang Po in Tibet and Jamuna in Bangladesh.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: Name the biggest waterfall in India.
Ans: Kunchikal waterfall

Q2: Which river of India is known as Meghna?
Ans: Ganga River

Q3: Zaskar and Nubra are important tributaries of which river?
Ans: River Indus

Q4: Where did Ganga river named as ‘Meghna’?
Ans: Bangladesh

Q5: Which is the largest peninsular river in India?
Ans: The Godavari is the largest Peninsular river.

Q6: What does NRCP stand for?
Ans: NRCP stands for National River Conservation Plan.

Q7: Which is the world’s largest and fastest growing delta?
Ans: The Sundarban Delta is the world’s largest and fastest growing delta.

Q8: What is the total length of Indus river?
Ans: The total length of Indus river is 2900km.

Q9: Which is the largest tributary of river Ganga?
Ans: The Yamuna river is the largest tributary of river Ganga.

Q10: What is called river system?
Ans: A river along with its tributaries is called a river system.

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called as
(a) Himachal
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Purvachal
(d) none of the above
Ans: (c)

Q2: The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Ans: (c)

• The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri, standing at an elevation of 1,501 metres.
• It is located in the state of Odisha.
• Other notable peaks in the Eastern Ghats include Arma Konda and Javadi Hills.

Q3: A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as
(a) Coast
(b) Island
(c) Peninsula
(d) none of the above
Ans: (c)

• A landmass surrounded by sea on three sides is called a peninsula.
• Examples of peninsulas include the Indian Peninsula and the Florida Peninsula.
• In contrast, an island is completely surrounded by water, while a coast refers to the land along the edge of the sea.

Q4: The northern most range of the Himalayas is known as
(a) Himadri
(b) lesser Himalaya
(c) Shivalik
(d) None of the above.
Ans: (a)
The northernmost range of the Himalayas is called the Himadri. This range is known for:

• Being the highest among the Himalayan ranges.
• Containing the tallest peaks, including Mount Everest.
• Its continuous stretch across northern India.

Q5: Majuli is a riverine island located in the river
(a) Ganga
(b) Brahmaputra
(c) Yamuna
(d) Kaveri
Ans: (b) 

• Majuli is located in the Brahmaputra River.
• It is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world.
• The island is formed due to the river’s depositional work in its lower course.

Q6: The soil containing calcareous deposits is locally known as
(a) Bhangar
(b) Khadar
(c) Bhabar
(d) Kankar
Ans: (d)
The soil that contains calcareous deposits is known as Kankar. Here are some key points:

• Kankar is a type of soil found in certain regions.
• It is characterised by the presence of calcium carbonate.
• This soil is often associated with older alluvial deposits.

Q7: Barchans are found in
(a) desert regions
(b) plains
(c) plateaus
(d) hilly regions
Ans: (a)

• Barchans are typically found in desert regions.
• These are crescent-shaped sand dunes.
• They form in areas with limited vegetation and low moisture.

Q8: Lake Chilika lies in the state of
(a) Jharkhand
(b) Telangana
(c) Odisha
(d) Tamil Nadu
Ans: (c)  

Q9: Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called as
(a) Himachal
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Purvachal
(d) none of the above
Ans: (c)

Q10: The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Ans: (c)
The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is:

• Mahendragiri at 1,501 metres.
• It is located in the state of Odisha.
• The Eastern Ghats are lower in elevation compared to the Western Ghats.

Fill in the Blank

Q1: The most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres is known as the ________ .
Ans: The most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres is known as the Himadri

The Himadri, also known as the Greater Himalayas, contains the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.

Q2: The part lying between Teesta and Dihang rivers is the ________ .
Ans: The part lying between Teesta and Dihang rivers is the Assam Himalayas

The Assam Himalayas are characterized by their unique geographical features and biodiversity, situated in the northeastern part of India.

Q3: The hills of Purvachal or the Eastern hills are composed of ________ .
Ans: The hills of Purvachal or the Eastern hills are composed of Sedimentary rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of mineral and organic particles, which is typical of the geological composition of the Purvachal hills.

Q4: The largest delta in the world is ________ .
Ans: The largest delta in the world is Sunderban Delta

The Sunderban Delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and mangrove forests.

Q5: The flow of rivers, the Chambal, the Sindh, the Betwa and the Ken, is from ________ .
Ans: The flow of rivers, the Chambal, the Sindh, the Betwa and the Ken, is from outhwest to northeast.

These rivers originate in the Vindhya and Satpura ranges and flow towards the northeast, contributing to the river systems in northern India.

Very Short Answer Questions

Q1: What are Duns?
Ans: The longitudinal valley lying between lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks are known as Duns. Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun are some of the  well-known Duns.

Q2: Why does India have diversity in its relief? State any two reasons for it.
Reasons for diversity in relief:
Ans: Reasons for diversity in relief:

• Different geological periods: India has experienced various geological eras, leading to a wide range of landforms.
• Different geological processes: Processes such as weathering, erosion, and deposition have shaped the landscape over time.

Q3: Which river has the largest inhabited riverine island in the world?
Ans: Majuli, in the Brahmaputra River is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world.

Q4: Write a short note on Aravali hills
Ans: The Aravali Hills are located on the western and northwestern edges of the Peninsular Plateau. Key features include:

• They are highly eroded hills, appearing as broken formations.
• The range extends from Gujarat to Delhi.
• They run in a southwest-northeast direction.

Q5: What are the features of Khadar? 
Ans: Features:
(i) The newer, younger deposits of the flood plains are called khadar.
(ii) They are renewed almost every year and so are fertile, thus, ideal for intensive agriculture

Q6: Which is the highest peak in Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats?
Ans: The highest peaks in Western Ghats include the Anai Mudi (2,695metres) and the Doda Betta (2,637 metres). Mahendragiri (1,501 metres) is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.

Q7: What do you mean by the ‘Theory of Plate Tectonics’?
Ans: The Theory of Plate Tectonics explains that the Earth’s crust is made up of seven major plates and several minor ones. Key points include:

• The movement of these plates causes stress to build up.
• This stress can lead to geological events such as folding, faulting, and volcanic activity.
• These processes shape the landscape and influence seismic activity.

Q8: What are the two parts of the eastern coastal plains?
Ans: The eastern coastal plain is situated between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. It is divided into two main parts:

• The northern section is called the Northern Circar.
• The southern section is known as the Coromandel Coast.

Q9: What is the Deccan Trap?
Ans: The Deccan Trap is a significant area of black soil found in the peninsular plateau of India. Key features include:

• It is of volcanic origin, meaning the rocks are igneous.
• Over time, these rocks have eroded, leading to the formation of the black soil.

Q10: Which continents of today were part of the Gondwana land?
Ans: The Gondwana land included India, Australia, South Africa, South America and Antarctica as one single land mass.

Q11: Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
Ans: The Himalayas are divided into three main ranges:

• Great Himalayas (or Himadri) – the northernmost range, featuring the highest peaks.
• Lesser Himalayas (or Himachal) – located south of the Great Himalayas, known for its rugged terrain.
• Shiwaliks – the outermost range, characterised by lower hills and valleys.

Q12: Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Ans: The Lakshadweep Islands are the group of islands in India that have a coral origin. They are located close to the Malabar coast of Kerala and consist of small coral islands.

• Previously known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive.
• Renamed Lakshadweep in 1973.
• Cover a small area of 32 sq km.
• Kavaratti Island serves as the administrative headquarters.
• Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• Pitti Island, which is uninhabited, features a bird sanctuary.

Q13: What are tectonic plates?
Ans: The Earth’s crust is made up of seven major and several minor sections known as tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid layer beneath them and constantly move, shaping the planet’s surface.

• There are seven major tectonic plates.
• They include both large and small plates.
• Tectonic plates are responsible for geological activities like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Q14: What is the bhabar?
Ans: The bhabar is a region formed by rivers descending from the mountains. Key features include:

• It consists of a narrow belt, approximately 8 to 16 km wide.
• This belt lies parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks.
• All streams in this area typically disappear.
• To the south of the bhabar, rivers and streams re-emerge, creating a wet, swampy region known as terai.

Q15: Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
Ans: The Malwa plateau is located between the Aravali and Vindhyan ranges.

Short Answer Questions

Q1: Write a short note on Deccan Plateau.
Ans: The Deccan Plateau is a triangular landmass located south of the Narmada River. Key features include:

• The Satpura Range borders its northern base.
• Eastern extensions include the Mahadev, Kaimur Hills, and Maikal Range.
• The plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently towards the east.
• In the northeast, it extends into the Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong Plateau, and North Cachar Hills.
• It is separated from the Chotanagpur Plateau by a fault.
• Prominent hill ranges include the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills.
• The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats define the western and eastern edges of the plateau, respectively.

Q2: Describe the river systems of the Northern Plains.
Ans: The Northern Plains of India are shaped by three major river systems:

• Brahmaputra: Located in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• Ganga: Extends between the Ghaggar and Teesta rivers, covering Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, parts of Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Its tributaries include the Yamuna, Gomati, Ghaghara, Son, Gandak, and Kosi.
• Indus: A significant portion lies in Pakistan, with tributaries such as the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj, all originating in the Himalayas.

The Northern Plains are primarily composed of alluvial soil, making them highly fertile. They are approximately 2400 km long and 240 to 320 km wide, supporting dense populations and extensive agriculture. These plains can be divided into:

• Bhabar: A narrow belt where rivers deposit pebbles.
• Terai: A wet, marshy region south of the bhabar, rich in wildlife.
• Bhangar: Older alluvium with calcareous deposits.
• Khadar: Newer, fertile floodplain deposits ideal for agriculture.

Q3: Why are the Himalayas called as young mountains?
Ans: The Himalayas are considered young mountains because they were formed relatively recently in the Earth’s history. This formation occurred due to:

• Compression: The collision of tectonic plates caused the ocean sediments to fold and uplift.
• Uplift: The mountains are still rising, indicating ongoing geological activity.
• Youthful topography: The region features high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers.

These characteristics contribute to their classification as young fold mountains.

Q4: Write a short note on ‘coral polyps’.
Ans: Coral polyps are short-lived microscopic organisms, which live in colonies. They flourish in shallow, mud-free and warm waters. They secrete hard rock like substance. The coral secretion and their skeletons from coral deposits in the form of reefs.

They are mainly of three kinds—barrier reef, fringing reef and atolls. The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is a good example of the first kind of coral reefs. Atolls are circular or horse shoe-shaped coral reefs.

Q5: What do you mean Great Himalayas? Write its two characteristics.
Ans: The northern most range of the Himalayas is known as the Great or Inner Himalayas or the Himadri.
(a) It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6000 metres. It contains all prominent Himalayan peaks.
(b) Its folds are asymmetrical in nature and its core is composed of granite rock. It is perennially snow bound, and several glaciers descend from this range.

Long Answer Question

Q1: What is the significance of the Northern Plains?
Ans: The significance of the Northern Plain are :

This plain is made up of the alluvial soil brought down by the rivers. This soil is very soft and fertile. Major crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses, oil seeds, etc. are grown here. This plain is the ‘food bowl’ of India.
The land of this plain is soft, levelled and flat. Therefore, wells, tubewells and canals can be dug for irrigation. Due to proper irrigation, it is the largest producer of foodgrains in india.
This plain gets sufficient rainfall. There are many rivers, streams and lakes. There is also rich vegetation. These factors affect the climate. The climate of the Northern Plains is very cold in winter and very hot in summer.

This is one of the most thickly populated plain of the world. The most thickly populated states of India, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, lie in this plain.

Q2: How do different physiographic regions of India complement each other?
Ans: A detailed account of the different physiographic units highlights the unique features of each region :
(a) Each region complements the other and makes the country richer in its natural resources.
(b) The mountains are the major source of water and forest wealth.
(c) The Northern Plains are the granaries of the country. They provided the base for early civilizations.
(d) The plateau is a storehouse of minerals, which has played a crucial role in the industrialization of the country.
(e) The coastal region and island groups provide sites for fishing and port activities. Thus, the diverse physical features of the land have immense future possibilities of development.

Q3: Write in detail about the Himalayan mountains.
Ans: The Himalaya mountains lie between the Indus river and the Brahmaputra river which covers a distance of about 2,400 kilometres. They consist of three parallel ranges-the Himadri, the Himachal and the Shiwaliks from north to south. The Himadri or the Great Himalayas is the highest of all with an average height of more than 6,000 metres above sea level. It contains some of the world’s highest peaks, such as Mt. Everest in Nepal (8,848 metres high, the highest peak in the world), Kanchanjunga, Nanga Parbat, Nanda Devi, Dhaulagiri, Makalu and Annapurna. Kanchenjunga (8,598 metres) in Sikkim is the highest peak of the Himalayas in India.

To the south of the Himadri is the Himachal, also called the Middle or Lesser Himalayas. The range is mainly composed of highly compressed and altered rocks. The altitude varies between 3,600 and 4,500 metres and the average width is of 50 km. Many important hill stations such as Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Mussourie, Nainital and Darjeeling are situated in the Himachal range.

The southern-most range, which is rather discontinuous, is the Shiwalik. The extend over a width of 10-50 km and have an altitude varying between 900 and 1100 metres. There are a number of broad longitudinal valleys called duns, especially in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is situated in one such valley. There are many passes like the Shipki La, Nathu La and the Bomdi La in the Himalayas.

Q4: What is the significance of Himalayas?
Ans: The significance of Himalayas is as follows :
(a) The Himalayas stand like a mighty mountain wall in the north of India. They ‘ separate the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia.
(b) They have vast snowfields and glaciers which are the source of numerous perennial rivers. These rivers provide water for irrigation, navigation and generation of hydel power.
(c) The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier. They protect the Northern Plains from freezing cold winds. They also stop and deflect the rain-bearing winds.
(d) The forests in the Himalayas provide a suitable habitat for wildlife. They also have many wildlife sanctuaries.
(e) The Himalayas also have many beautiful hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital and Darjeeling, which attract tourists.

Q5: Which part of the Himalayas is known as Purvachal? Write a short note on the Purvachal Himalayas.
Ans: The eastern hills and mountains of the Himalayas running along the eastern boundary of India are known as Purvachal. They are in the northeastern states of India.
The Brahmaputra marks the eastern-most boundary of the Himalayas. Beyond the Dihang gorge, the Himalayas bend sharply to the south and spread along the eastern boundary of India. They are known as the Purvachal or the Eastern hills and mountains. These hills running trough the north-eastern states are mostly composed of strong sandstones, which are sedimentary rocks. Covered with dense forests, they mostly run as parallel ranges and valleys. The Purvachal comprises the Patkai hills, the Naga hills, the Manipur hills and the Mizo hills.

Q.1. Fill in the blanks.
(i) The ‘Indira Point’ got submerged under the sea water in _____ during the Tsunami.

The ‘Indira Point’ got submerged under the sea water in 2004 during the Tsunami.
Indira Point, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was submerged during the devastating Tsunami that occurred in December 2004.

(ii) __________ is the southern-most latitude of India.

8°4’N is the southern-most latitude of India.
The latitude 8° 04’N marks the southernmost point of the Indian mainland, which is located in the Indian Ocean.

(iii) The main land of India extends between latitudes ______ and ______ and longitudes ______ and ______.

 The main land of India extends between latitudes 8°4’N and 37°6’N and longitudes 68°7’E and 97°25’E.
India’s mainland stretches from 8° 04’N to 37° 06’N in latitude and from 68° 07’E to 97° 25’E in longitude, covering a vast geographical area.

(iv) To the southeast and southwest of the mainland, lie the ______________ and the ______________ in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea respectively.

To the southeast and southwest of the mainland, lie the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshadweep islands in Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea respectively. 
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal, while the Lakshadweep Islands are situated in the Arabian Sea, both forming important parts of India’s maritime territory.

(v) The ______________________ divides the country into almost two equal parts.

The Tropic of Cancer (23° 30’N) divides the country into almost two equal parts.
The Tropic of Cancer runs through India and is significant as it divides the country into northern and southern regions.

Q.2. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Orissa
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Tripura

Correct Answer is (b)

(ii) The easternmost longitude of India is
(a) 97° 25′ E
(b) 68° 7′ E
(c) 77° 6′ E
(d) 82° 32′ E

Correct Answer is (a)

(iii) Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim have common frontiers with
(a) China
(b) Bhutan
(c) Nepal
(d) Myanmar

Correct Answer is (c)

(iv) If you intend to visit Kavarati during your summer vacations, which one of the following Union Territories of India you will be going to
(a) Puducherry
(b) Lakshadweep
(c) Andaman and Nicobar
(d) Diu and Daman

Correct Answer is (b)

(v) My friend hails from a country which does not share land boundary with India. Identify the country.
(a) Bhutan
(b) Tajikistan
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Nepal

Correct Answer is (b)

Q.3. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea.

Lakshadweep islands lies in the Arabian Sea.

(ii) Name the countries which are larger than India.

Russia, Canada, USA, China, Brazil and Australia are the countries that are larger than India.

(iii) Which island group of India lies to its south-east?

The Andaman and Nicobar islands lie to the south-east of India.

(iv) Which island countries are our southern neighbours?

Our southern neighbours across the sea consist of the two island countries, namely Sri Lanka and Maldives.

(v) What is the land boundary of India?

India has a land boundary of about 15,200 km.

(vi) What is the western most longitude of India?

The western most longitude of India is 68°7’E in Gujarat.

(vii) If you intend to visit Lakshadweep during your winter vacations, which water body would you have to cross?

Arabian Sea

(viii) Which states do not have an international border or lie on the coast?

The states do not share an international boundary or lie on the cost are Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh.

(ix) Area-wise which is the smallest and which is the largest state?

Largest State – Rajasthan (342,239 Sq km) & Smallest State – Goa (3,702 Sq km)

(x) What is the length of Indian coastline?

The total length of the coast line of the mainland including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep is 7,516.6 km.