CBSE Class 11 India Physical Environment NCERT Solutions Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography

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This chapter delves into the intricate Structure and Physiography of India, providing students with a detailed understanding of the country's diverse landforms. The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 India Physical Environment, Chapter 2, cover key geographical features, including the formation of the Himalayas, the characteristics of various plains and plateaus, and the unique aspects of India's island groups. Students will learn about specific geological formations like the Karewa formation and important water bodies separating islands. The solutions also explain the reasons behind geographical phenomena, such as the absence of deltas on the western coast and the location of cold deserts. These solutions are designed to clarify complex concepts, offer step-by-step explanations for geographical inquiries, and aid students in their exam preparation by reinforcing their knowledge of India's physical environment.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectIndia Physical Environment
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 2

Chapter summary

Chapter 2, 'Structure and Physiography,' of the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 India Physical Environment, focuses on the major landforms of India. It covers the formation and characteristics of the Himalayas, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the coastal plains, and the islands. The solutions address specific geographical features, geological formations, and the reasons behind certain physiographic characteristics. This chapter is crucial for understanding the physical basis of India's geography and its diverse landscapes.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the geographical location of specific landforms and geological formations in India.
  • Differentiate between the island groups of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
  • Explain the reasons for the absence of deltas on the western coastal plains.
  • Locate and describe cold desert regions in India.
  • Understand the significance of specific channels and peaks in India's physiography.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Structure and Physiography of India
  • Himalayan Mountains
  • Northern Plains
  • Peninsular Plateau
  • Coastal Plains
  • Island Groups of India
  • Karewa Formation
  • Loktak Lake
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Lakshadweep Islands
  • Western Coastal Plain Deltas
  • Cold Deserts of India

Important topics

  • Major Physiographic Divisions of India
  • Formation and characteristics of the Himalayas
  • Comparison of Island Groups
  • Reasons for physiographic features (e.g., lack of deltas)
  • Cold Desert regions

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1(i)

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below: In which part of the Himalayas do we find the Karewa formation?
  1. North-eastern Himalayas
  2. Himachal-Uttarakhand Himalayas
  3. Eastern Himalayas
  4. Kashmir Himalayas
Solution: The correct option is (iv) Kashmir Himalayas. Karewa formations are a series of four elevated, riverine terraces of glacial and non-glacial origin, found in the Kashmir Valley. These formations are known for their rich deposits of alluvial and glacial sediments.

Question 1(ii)

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below: In which of the following states is Loktak lake situated?
  1. Kerala
  2. Uttarakhand
  3. Manipur
  4. Rajasthan
Solution: The correct option is (iii) Manipur. Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is located in Manipur. It is famous for its floating islands, known as 'phumdis'.

Question 1(iii)

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below: Which one of the water bodies separates the Andaman from the Nicobar?
  1. 11° Channel
  2. Gulf of Mannar
  3. 10° Channel
  4. Andaman Sea
Solution: The correct option is (iii) 10° Channel. The 10° Channel is a strait that separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It is approximately 150 km wide.

Question 1(iv)

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below: On which of the following hill ranges is the 'Dodabeta' peak situated?
  1. Nilgiri hills
  2. Anaimalai hills
  3. Cardamom hills
  4. Nallamala hills
Solution: The correct option is (i) Nilgiri hills. Dodabeta is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats mountain range in Tamil Nadu. It stands at an elevation of 2,637 meters.

Question 2(i)

Answer the following questions in about 30 words: If a person is to travel to Lakshadweep, from which coastal plain does he prefer and why?
Solution: To travel to Lakshadweep, one would prefer the Malabar Coast of the western coastal plain. This is because Lakshadweep islands are located at the shortest distance (280-480 km) from the Kerala coast, making it the most convenient departure point.

Question 2(ii)

Answer the following questions in about 30 words: Where in India will you find a cold desert? Name some important ranges of this region.
Solution: A cold desert region is found in the north-eastern part of the Kashmir Himalayas, situated between the Greater Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges. Important ranges in this region include the Ladakh, Karakoram, Zaskar, and Pir Panjal ranges.

Question 2(iii)

Answer the following questions in about 30 words: Why is the western coastal plain devoid of any delta?
Solution: The western coastal plain is largely devoid of deltas because the rivers flowing through it have very steep gradients. This causes them to flow rapidly, carrying sediments directly into the Arabian Sea without allowing for the deposition required to form deltas.

Question 3(i)

Answer the following questions in not more than 125 words: Make a comparison of the island groups of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Solution: India has two major island groups: Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Lakshadweep consists of numerous small coral islands, formed from the fragmentation of the Alldabra-Chagos ridge. These islands are generally low-lying and are situated off the Kerala coast. In contrast, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to be the extensions of the submerged mountain range. They are larger, more numerous, and have a more rugged topography, with some volcanic islands. The Andaman Islands are separated from the Nicobar Islands by the 10° Channel.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the locations of geographical features like Karewa formations or Loktak lake.
  • Incorrectly identifying the water bodies separating island groups.
  • Failing to provide adequate reasons for physiographic characteristics, such as the lack of deltas.
  • Misidentifying the ranges associated with cold desert regions.

Revision tips

  • Use a map of India to locate all the mentioned geographical features and regions.
  • Focus on understanding the 'why' behind geographical phenomena, not just the 'what'.
  • Compare and contrast different geographical units, like island groups, as instructed.
  • Review the specific terminology used for geological formations and landforms.

Practice MCQs

Q1. The Karewa formation, known for its alluvial and glacial deposits, is primarily found in which part of the Himalayas?

Q2. Loktak Lake, a significant natural water body, is situated in which Indian state?

Q3. Which channel separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands?

Q4. The peak 'Dodabeta', the highest peak in the Western Ghats, is located on which hill range?

Q5. Why is the western coastal plain of India largely devoid of deltas?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography for Class 11 India Physical Environment?

This chapter focuses on the diverse landforms of India, including the Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains, and Island groups, explaining their formation and characteristics.

Where are the Karewa formations found in India?

Karewa formations are found in the Kashmir Himalayas, characterized by their alluvial and glacial deposits.

Why do rivers on the western coast of India not form deltas?

The rivers on the western coast have a very steep slope, causing them to flow rapidly and preventing the deposition of sediments necessary for delta formation.

What is the significance of the 10° Channel?

The 10° Channel is a significant geographical feature that separates the Andaman Islands from the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to exercise questions, clarify complex geographical concepts, and reinforce understanding of India's physical environment, aiding in effective revision.

Important links

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