Physical Features of India Class 9 Social Science

QWhat are the major physical features (physiographic divisions) of India in this chapter?

The chapter groups India’s physical features into six physiographic divisions: (1) The Himalayan Mountains, (2) The Northern Plains, (3) The Peninsular Plateau, (4) The Indian Desert, (5) The Coastal Plains, and (6) The Islands. Together, these show that India contains almost all major landforms found on Earth—mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands. Each division differs in origin, rock type, relief, and usefulness. For example, mountains are key for water and forests, plains support intensive agriculture, plateaus hold minerals, and coasts and islands support fishing and port activities.

QWhy does India show great physical variation according to the chapter?

India shows great physical variation because it includes nearly all major landforms—high mountains, extensive plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands—within one country. The variation is also geological: the Peninsular Plateau is one of the most ancient and stable landmasses, while the Himalayas and Northern Plains are the most recent landforms. The Himalayan region is described as an unstable zone with youthful topography, whereas the Northern Plains are formed by alluvial deposits and the plateau is made of old igneous and metamorphic rocks. This mix creates different terrains, soils, and resources.

QWhich landforms are the most recent, and which is the most ancient in India?

The chapter states that the Himalayas and the Northern Plains are the most recent landforms in India. In contrast, the Peninsular Plateau is one of the most ancient landmasses on Earth’s surface and was considered among the most stable land blocks. This difference matters because the young Himalayas have high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, showing “youthful” topography and geological instability. The Northern Plains are recent because they were built by long-term deposition of alluvium by major river systems. The plateau, being old, has rounded hills and broad valleys.

QWhat makes the Himalayan region a geologically ‘unstable zone’?

From the viewpoint of geology, the Himalayan mountains form an unstable zone because the entire Himalayan mountain system represents a very youthful topography. The chapter highlights features such as high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, which indicate active relief and ongoing change. The Himalayas are also described as geologically young and structurally fold mountains. Their folds, particularly in the Great Himalayas, are asymmetrical, and the region includes steep terrain and glaciers. These characteristics contrast with the Peninsular Plateau, which is presented as a stable, ancient land block.

QWhat is the overall extent and shape of the Himalayas in India?

The Himalayas stretch along India’s northern borders and run in a west–east direction from the Indus to the Brahmaputra. They form an arc covering about 2,400 km. Their width varies significantly—from about 400 km in Kashmir to around 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh. The chapter notes that altitudinal variations are greater in the eastern half than in the western half. The Himalayas are among the loftiest and most rugged mountain barriers in the world. Their arc-like shape and varying width strongly influence regional relief and river valleys across the northern part of the country.

QWhat are the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas and their order from north to south?

The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges in longitudinal extent. From north to south, these are: (1) the Great or Inner Himalayas called Himadri, (2) the Himachal or Lesser Himalaya, and (3) the outermost Shiwaliks. Valleys lie between these ranges. The Himadri is the most continuous and contains the loftiest peaks and many glaciers. The Himachal is rugged and made of highly compressed and altered rocks and includes famous valleys and hill stations. The Shiwaliks are lower and formed from unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers.

QWhat are the key features of the Himadri (Great or Inner Himalayas)?

The Himadri, also called the Great or Inner Himalayas, is the northern-most Himalayan range and the most continuous one. It contains the loftiest peaks, with an average height of about 6,000 metres, and includes all prominent Himalayan peaks. The folds here are asymmetrical, and the core is composed of granite. The chapter states that the Himadri is perennially snowbound, and many glaciers descend from this range. These characteristics explain why it is a major zone for high-altitude snow and ice, and a key source area for water through glaciers.

QWhich highest peaks of the Himalayas are mentioned in the chapter?

The chapter lists several highest peaks of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest (Nepal, 8,848 metres), Kanchenjunga (India, 8,598 metres), and Makalu (Nepal, 8,481 metres), among others. These examples are used to show the great height and ruggedness of the Himalayan mountain system. The Himadri range, in particular, is described as containing the loftiest peaks with an average height of around 6,000 metres and includes all prominent Himalayan peaks. Such peak heights highlight the Himalayas’ role as a major mountain barrier.

QWhat is the Himachal (Lesser Himalaya) and what are its main characteristics?

The Himachal, or Lesser Himalaya, lies south of the Himadri and forms a very rugged mountain system. The ranges are mainly composed of highly compressed and altered rocks. The altitude generally varies between 3,700 and 4,500 metres, and the average width is about 50 km. The chapter mentions Pir Panjal as the longest and most important range, along with the prominent Dhaula Dhar and Mahabharat ranges. This region also contains well-known valleys such as the Kashmir valley, Kangra, and Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh, many famous for hill stations.

QWhat are the Shiwaliks and how were they formed?

The Shiwaliks are the outermost range of the Himalayas. They extend across a width of about 10–50 km and have an altitude ranging roughly from 900 to 1,100 metres. The chapter explains that these ranges are composed of unconsolidated sediments brought down by rivers from the main Himalayan ranges located farther north. Because the material is unconsolidated, the Shiwaliks differ from the higher ranges that contain older, more compressed rock. Their position and formation also relate to the development of longitudinal valleys (Duns) between the Shiwaliks and the Lesser Himalaya.

QWhat are Duns, and can you name examples mentioned in the chapter?

Duns are longitudinal valleys that lie between the Lesser Himalaya (Himachal) and the Shiwaliks. The chapter describes them as valleys formed in the space between these two Himalayan ranges. Examples of well-known Duns given are Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, and Patli Dun. These valleys are important physical features because they show how Himalayan relief is not only made of high ridges but also includes significant valley regions. Understanding Duns helps students recognize the layered structure of the Himalayan system and the way parallel ranges create distinct landscapes.

QHow are the Himalayas divided regionally from west to east in the chapter?

Besides the longitudinal divisions (Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks), the chapter divides the Himalayas regionally from west to east using river valleys as boundaries. The part between the Indus and Satluj is traditionally called the Punjab Himalaya, and regionally it is also referred to as Kashmir Himalaya and Himachal Himalaya from west to east. The section between Satluj and Kali rivers is known as the Kumaon Himalayas. The Kali and Teesta rivers demarcate the Nepal Himalayas, and the region between Teesta and Dihang rivers is called the Assam Himalayas.

QWhat is the Purvachal (Eastern hills and mountains) and where is it located?

The Purvachal, or the Eastern hills and mountains, form where the Himalayas bend sharply to the south beyond the Dihang gorge. The chapter states that these hills spread along the eastern boundary of India and run through the north-eastern states. They are mostly composed of strong sandstones, which are sedimentary rocks, and they are covered with dense forests. The Purvachal generally runs as parallel ranges and valleys. The chapter includes the Patkai hills, Naga hills, Manipur hills, and Mizo hills as parts of this eastern hill system.

QWhich hills are included in the Purvachal according to the chapter?

The chapter explains that the Purvachal (Eastern hills and mountains) comprises several hill ranges running through India’s north-eastern states. Specifically, it lists the Patkai hills, the Naga hills, the Manipur hills, and the Mizo hills. These hills are described as being mostly made of strong sandstones (sedimentary rocks) and are covered with dense forests. They mainly run as parallel ranges and valleys. Learning these names helps in map-based questions and in understanding how the Himalayan system continues and changes direction near the eastern boundary of India.

QHow were the Northern Plains formed, and which river systems are responsible?

The Northern Plains were formed by the interplay of three major river systems: the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra, along with their tributaries. The chapter states that these plains are built from alluvial soil deposited in a vast basin at the foothills of the Himalayas over millions of years. Because the rivers from the northern mountains perform extensive depositional work, a large, fertile plain developed. The Northern Plains cover about 7 lakh sq. km, are roughly 2,400 km long, and about 240–320 km broad, making them a major and densely populated physiographic division.

QWhy are the Northern Plains densely populated and agriculturally productive?

The chapter links the Northern Plains’ dense population to their favourable physical conditions. They have a rich soil cover of alluvium, adequate water supply from major rivers and their tributaries, and a favourable climate, making the region agriculturally productive. The plains are extensive in size—about 7 lakh sq. km—and stretch roughly 2,400 km in length, supporting large settlements. The rivers continuously deposit fertile materials, especially in floodplains where newer alluvium forms. Because farming can be intensive and productive, the region has historically attracted population and remains a crucial “granary” area.

QWhat is a ‘Doab’ and how is the word explained in the chapter?

A ‘Doab’ refers to the land area between two rivers. The chapter explains the word by breaking it into two parts: ‘do’ meaning two and ‘ab’ meaning water. This shows that a doab is a region associated with two water bodies (rivers). The chapter also gives a similar word origin for ‘Punjab’—‘Punj’ meaning five and ‘ab’ meaning water—connecting the name to the five-river region. Understanding these terms helps students interpret geographical naming and relate river systems to regional divisions in the Northern Plains.

QHow is the Northern Plain divided into three broad sections?

The chapter divides the Northern Plain into three broad sections based on river systems and regional extent. The western part is called the Punjab Plains, formed by the Indus and its tributaries, and a larger part of it lies in Pakistan. The Ganga plain extends between the Ghaggar and Teesta rivers and spreads across parts of Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, partly Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The third major section relates to the Brahmaputra plain formed by the Brahmaputra system. This broad division helps connect rivers with the structure and spread of the plains.

QWhat are bhabar and terai, and how do they form?

Bhabar is a narrow belt (about 8 to 16 km wide) lying parallel to the slopes of the Shiwaliks where rivers, after descending from the mountains, deposit pebbles. The chapter states that in the bhabar belt, all the streams disappear. South of bhabar, the rivers and streams re-emerge and create a wet, swampy, marshy region called terai. The terai was once thickly forested and rich in wildlife, but forests have been cleared for agriculture and for settling migrants from Pakistan after partition. These zones show how river deposits shape land and drainage.

QWhat are bhangar and khadar, and what is the role of kankar?

Bhangar refers to the largest part of the northern plain made of older alluvium. It lies above the floodplains and often shows a terrace-like feature. The chapter notes that bhangar soil contains calcareous deposits called kankar. In contrast, khadar is formed by newer, younger alluvial deposits in the floodplains. Khadar is renewed almost every year by floods, which makes it very fertile and ideal for intensive agriculture. Comparing bhangar and khadar helps students understand how age of alluvium affects soil characteristics and farming potential within the Northern Plains.

QWhat is the Peninsular Plateau made of, and how did it form according to the chapter?

The Peninsular Plateau is described as a tableland composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. The chapter states it was formed due to the breaking and drifting of Gondwana land, making it part of the oldest landmass. Because of its age and stability, the plateau typically has broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills rather than very sharp relief. It is divided into two broad divisions: the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau. This geological background explains why the plateau is considered stable compared to the young, unstable Himalayan zone.

QWhat are the Central Highlands, and which rivers drain this region?

The Central Highlands are the part of the Peninsular Plateau lying north of the Narmada river and covering a major area of the Malwa plateau. The chapter states that the Vindhyan range is bounded by the Satpura range to the south and the Aravalis to the northwest, and it merges with the sandy and rocky desert of Rajasthan. Rivers draining this region include the Chambal, the Sind, the Betwa, and the Ken. These rivers generally flow from southwest to northeast, indicating the slope of the land. The Central Highlands are wider in the west and narrower in the east.

QWhat is the Deccan Plateau and what are its key relief features mentioned?

The Deccan Plateau is a triangular landmass lying south of the Narmada river. It is flanked by the Satpura range in the north, and its eastern extensions include the Mahadev, Kaimur hills, and Maikal range. The chapter notes that the Deccan Plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards. The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats form its western and eastern edges. An extension is also visible in the northeast, locally known as the Meghalaya Plateau, Karbi-Anglong Plateau, and North Cachar Hills. These features help explain drainage direction, relief differences, and regional landscape variety.

QHow do the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats differ as described in the chapter?

The chapter distinguishes the Western and Eastern Ghats by continuity, height, and river dissection. The Western Ghats lie parallel to the western coast and are continuous, being crossed only through passes. They are higher than the Eastern Ghats, with average elevation around 900–1600 metres. The Eastern Ghats stretch from the Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiris, but they are discontinuous and dissected by rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal. The highest peaks mentioned are Anai Mudi (2,695 metres) and Doda Betta (2,637 metres) in the Western Ghats, while Mahendragiri (1,501 metres) is the highest in the Eastern Ghats.

QWhat is orographic rainfall and how are the Western Ghats linked to it in this chapter?

The chapter explains that the Western Ghats cause orographic rain. This happens because the Western Ghats face rain-bearing moist winds, forcing the winds to rise along the western slopes. As the air rises, it cools and leads to rainfall on the windward side. The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast and are comparatively high and continuous, which strengthens this effect. This idea is important for understanding why some regions near the Western Ghats receive significant rainfall and how relief features influence climate patterns, water availability, and vegetation distribution along the western side of the Peninsular Plateau.

QWhat is the Deccan Trap and why is it important for black soil formation?

The Deccan Trap is described as a distinct feature of the Peninsular Plateau and is known for its black soil region. The chapter states that it is of volcanic origin, meaning the rocks are igneous. Over time, these rocks have denuded (worn down), contributing to the formation of black soil. This connects rock type and geological history with soil development. Understanding the Deccan Trap helps students see how past volcanic activity shaped parts of the Deccan Plateau and created soils that influence agriculture. It also reinforces the chapter’s theme that physical features complement and enrich India’s natural resources.

QWhat are the main characteristics of the Indian Desert described in the chapter?

The Indian Desert lies towards the western margins of the Aravali Hills. The chapter describes it as an undulating sandy plain covered with sand dunes. It receives very low rainfall—below 150 mm per year—resulting in an arid climate and low vegetation cover. Streams may appear during the rainy season, but they do not reach the sea. These features explain why the region has limited surface water and sparse plant life. Recognizing the desert’s location relative to the Aravalis and its climate conditions helps students answer map and concept questions about Indian physiographic divisions.

QHow are the Coastal Plains of India divided on the western and eastern coasts?

The coastal plains are narrow strips along the Peninsular Plateau—on the west by the Arabian Sea and on the east by the Bay of Bengal. The western coast lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea and has three sections: the Konkan (Mumbai–Goa) in the north, the Kannad Plain in the central part, and the Malabar coast in the south. The eastern coastal plains along the Bay of Bengal are wider and more level. They are divided into the Northern Circar in the north and the Coromandel Coast in the south. Large rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri form extensive deltas along the eastern coast.

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