NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Geography Contemporary India Chapter – 2 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF INDIA
Q. 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:-
✅ Correct Answer: (c) Peninsula
Explanation 🌍
A peninsula is a landmass that is surrounded by water on three sides while remaining connected to a larger land area on the fourth side. Examples include India, the Arabian Peninsula, and Florida (USA).
📌 Other options explained:
- Coast 🏖️ → The edge of land next to a sea or ocean, not necessarily surrounded by water on three sides.
- Island 🏝️ → A landmass completely surrounded by water.
- None of the above ❌ → Incorrect, because “Peninsula” is the right term.
Hope this helps! 😊 Let me know if you need more CBSE concepts clarified! 📚✨
(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:-
✅ Correct Answer: (c) Purvachal
Explanation 🏔️
The Purvachal Hills refer to a group of mountain ranges in the northeastern part of India that form a natural boundary with Myanmar. They include ranges like:
- Patkai Hills 🌿
- Naga Hills 🏞️
- Manipur Hills 🏕️
- Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills) 🌄
📌 Other options explained:
- Himachal ❌ → Incorrect; Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India known for the Himalayan ranges, but it does not form a boundary with Myanmar.
- Uttarakhand ❌ → Incorrect; Another northern state, home to parts of the Himalayas, but unrelated to the eastern boundary.
- None of the above ❌ → Incorrect, because “Purvachal” is the correct answer.
(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as
(a) Coromandel
(b) Konkan
(c) Kannad
(d) Northern Circar
Answer:-
✅ Correct Answer: (c) Kannad Coast
Explanation 🌊
The Kannad Coast refers to the southern part of the western coastal strip, lying south of Goa. It extends through Karnataka and Kerala, forming a significant portion of India’s western coastline.
📌 Other options explained:
- Coromandel Coast ❌ → Incorrect; it refers to the southeastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal.
- Konkan Coast ❌ → Incorrect; it lies north of Goa, covering Maharashtra and Goa’s coastal regions.
- Northern Circar ❌ → Incorrect; it is the eastern coastal region along Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Answer:-
✅ Correct Answer: (c) Mahendragiri
Explanation ⛰️
Mahendragiri is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats, standing at an elevation of approximately 1,501 meters. It is located in the Gajapati district of Odisha and holds historical and mythological significance, often associated with the Mahabharata.
📌 Other options explained:
- Anai Mudi ❌ → Incorrect; it is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, located in Kerala.
- Kanchenjunga ❌ → Incorrect; it is the highest peak in India, but belongs to the Himalayas, not the Eastern Ghats.
- Khasi Hills ❌ → Incorrect; it refers to a plateau region in Meghalaya, part of the Shillong Plateau, not a peak in the Eastern Ghats.
Q. 2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is the bhabar?
(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
(iv) Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Answer:-
✅ Brief Answers for Class 9 CBSE Students:
(i) What is the bhabar?
🟢 Bhabar is a narrow belt of coarse sediments along the foothills of the Himalayas, formed due to the deposition of rocks and pebbles by Himalayan rivers. It is highly porous, allowing water to disappear underground.
(ii) Three Major Divisions of the Himalayas (North to South):
1️⃣ Himadri (Greater Himalayas) – The highest range, includes peaks like Mt. Everest & Kanchenjunga. 🏔️
2️⃣ Himachal (Lesser Himalayas) – Home to famous hill stations and valleys like Kullu, Kangra, and Kashmir. 🌄
3️⃣ Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas) – The lowest range, includes Dun valleys like Dehradun. 🌿
(iii) Plateau between Aravali & Vindhyan Ranges:
🟢 Malwa Plateau – Located in Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan, formed by lava deposits. It has black soil, making it ideal for agriculture. 🌾
(iv) Island Group with Coral Origin:
🟢 Lakshadweep Islands – These are coral atolls and reefs, located in the Arabian Sea. The islands are small but rich in biodiversity. 🏝️🐠
Q. 3. Distinguish between
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
(ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Answer:-
✅ Differences for Class 9 CBSE Students:
(i) Bhangar vs. Khadar
| Feature | Bhangar 🌿 | Khadar 🌾 |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Older alluvial soil | Newer alluvial soil |
| Fertility | Less fertile | More fertile |
| Location | Found at higher levels, away from rivers | Found near riverbanks, frequently renewed |
| Composition | Contains kankar (lime nodules) | Rich in fine silt |
| Crop Suitability | Less suitable for crops | Ideal for agriculture |
(ii) Western Ghats vs. Eastern Ghats
| Feature | Western Ghats ⛰️ | Eastern Ghats 🏔️ |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Runs along the western coast | Runs along the eastern coast |
| Elevation | Higher (Average 900–1600 m) | Lower (Average 600 m) |
| Continuity | Continuous range with few gaps | Discontinuous range, broken by rivers |
| River System | Rivers originate here & flow east | Rivers cut through hills, flow east |
| Rainfall | High (Supports evergreen forests) | Moderate (Supports deciduous forests) |
Q. 4. Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.
Answer:-
✅ Major Physiographic Divisions of India 🌏
India is divided into six major physiographic regions, each with unique landforms:
1️⃣ The Himalayan Mountains 🏔️ – The highest and youngest fold mountain range in the world.
2️⃣ The Northern Plains 🌾 – Fertile alluvial plains formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.
3️⃣ The Peninsular Plateau ⛰️ – An ancient landmass made of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
4️⃣ The Indian Desert 🏜️ – The arid region covering Rajasthan, known for sand dunes and extreme climate.
5️⃣ The Coastal Plains 🌊 – Low-lying plains along the eastern and western coasts of India.
6️⃣ The Islands 🏝️ – Includes Lakshadweep (coral origin) and Andaman & Nicobar (volcanic origin).
✅ Contrast: Himalayan Region vs. Peninsular Plateau
| Feature | Himalayan Region 🏔️ | Peninsular Plateau ⛰️ |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Young fold mountains (formed by plate collision) | Ancient landmass (formed by volcanic activity & erosion) |
| Elevation | Very high peaks (Mt. Everest – 8,848 m) | Moderate elevation (highest peak Anai Mudi – 2,695 m) |
| Composition | Sedimentary rocks | Igneous & metamorphic rocks |
| Terrain | Rugged terrain, deep valleys, snow-covered peaks | Undulating plateau with broad valleys and rolling hills |
| Drainage | Rivers originate here, flow swiftly & cut deep valleys | Rivers are older, flow slowly, forming broad basins |
| Seismic Activity | Highly active (frequent earthquakes) | Relatively stable |
📌 Exam Tips to Secure Full Marks ✨
✅ Present the physiographic divisions with proper headings & keywords.
✅ Use examples for better understanding (Himalayas – Kanchenjunga, Plateau – Deccan Plateau).
✅ In the contrast table, ensure clear distinctions.
✅ Write neatly & highlight key points for quick recall.
Q. 5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.
Answer:-
✅ The Northern Plains of India 🌾🌍
The Northern Plains of India are extensive alluvial plains, formed by the deposits of three major river systems—the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. These plains are highly fertile, making them the agricultural heartland of India.
Formation & Features 🏞️
🔹 The plains were formed by the deposition of alluvium over millions of years.
🔹 They extend over approximately 7 lakh square kilometers.
🔹 The average elevation ranges between 150 to 300 meters.
🔹 Divided into various fertile belts, supporting dense human settlements.
Divisions of the Northern Plains 🗺️
India’s Northern Plains are classified into four regions based on terrain and fertility:
1️⃣ Bhabar 🌿 – A narrow, porous belt along the foothills of the Himalayas; rivers disappear underground here.
2️⃣ Terai 🌳 – Marshy, waterlogged land with dense vegetation, located south of Bhabar.
3️⃣ Bhangar 🏜️ – Older alluvial soil, found at higher elevations with kankar (lime nodules).
4️⃣ Khadar 🌾 – New alluvial soil deposited by rivers annually; most fertile and ideal for agriculture.
Importance of the Northern Plains 🚜
✅ Agricultural Hub – Rich, fertile soil supports cultivation of wheat, rice, sugarcane, pulses, and oilseeds.
✅ Dense Population – Home to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna, and Chandigarh.
✅ River Systems – Provides water for irrigation, transport, and hydroelectric power.
✅ Economic Significance – Supports industries, trade, and commerce, making it vital for India’s economy.
📌 Exam Tips to Secure Full Marks 🎯✨
✔ Write systematically – Begin with definition, followed by formation, divisions, and importance.
✔ Use examples – Mention major cities, rivers, and crops cultivated here.
✔ Underline keywords – Helps the examiner quickly grasp important points.
✔ Neat diagrams – A labeled map showing river systems & divisions will add extra marks! 🗺️
Q. 6. Write short notes on the following.
(i) The Indian Desert
(ii) The Central Highlands
(iii) The Island groups of India
Answer:-
(i) The Indian Desert 🏜️
The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is located in Rajasthan. It is characterized by:
🔹 Extreme climate – Hot summers and cold winters 🌞❄️
🔹 Low rainfall – Less than 150 mm per year, making it arid ☁️
🔹 Sand dunes – Formed by winds shaping the loose sands 🌬️🏜️
🔹 Vegetation – Sparse, includes cactus, kikar, and babool 🌵
(ii) The Central Highlands ⛰️
The Central Highlands form the northern part of the Peninsular Plateau, lying to the north of the Narmada River. Key features include:
🔹 Major Plateaus – Includes Malwa Plateau & Bundelkhand Plateau 🌏
🔹 Old Igneous Rocks – Formed from volcanic activity 🔥
🔹 Rivers – Chambal, Betwa, and Ken flow through this region 🌊
🔹 Fertility – Supports agriculture, growing wheat, pulses, and oilseeds 🌾
(iii) The Island Groups of India 🏝️
India has two major island groups:
🟢 Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea) 🌊
✔ Coral atolls and reefs 🐠
✔ Small islands with limited vegetation 🌿
✔ Headquarters: Kavaratti 📍
🟢 Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal) 🌊
✔ Volcanic origin 🌋
✔ Dense forests with rich biodiversity 🌳
✔ Indira Point – The southernmost tip of India 🇮🇳
📌 Exam Tips to Secure Full Marks 🎯✨
✅ Use concise points with proper headings.
✅ Underline key terms (like rivers, plateaus, islands).
✅ Neat diagrams – A labeled map for islands adds extra marks!
✅ Keep answers structured for clarity.