CBSE Class 9 Social Science Chapter 14 Drainage NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter provides NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science, focusing on Chapter 14: Drainage. It covers essential concepts like water divides, various drainage patterns including dendritic and trellis, and the formation of river basins. The solutions detail the origins and courses of major Indian rivers such as the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Narmada, and Tapi, along with prominent lakes like Wular and Sambhar. It also touches upon the economic significance of rivers and lakes. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the geographical features and hydrological systems of India, aiding in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and answers to key questions.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectSocial Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 14

Chapter summary

Chapter 14, 'Drainage,' for Class 9 Social Science, delves into India's river systems and water bodies. The NCERT Solutions cover the definition and examples of water divides, describe different drainage patterns like dendritic and radial, and identify major river basins. It also explains the sources and characteristics of prominent rivers and lakes, including their economic importance. This chapter is crucial for understanding the physical geography of India and the role of water in shaping the landscape and supporting life.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concept of a water divide and identify examples.
  • Recognize and differentiate between various drainage patterns.
  • Identify the origin and course of major Indian rivers.
  • Locate important lakes in India and classify them.
  • Explain the significance of river basins.
  • Appreciate the economic benefits derived from rivers and lakes.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Drainage Systems of India
  • Water Divide
  • Drainage Patterns
  • Dendritic Drainage
  • Radial Drainage
  • Trellis Drainage
  • River Basins
  • Indus River System
  • Ganga River System
  • Brahmaputra River System
  • Peninsular Rivers
  • Lakes of India

Important topics

  • Water Divide Concept
  • Major River Systems (Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra)
  • Peninsular Rivers (Narmada, Tapi, Godavari)
  • Types of Drainage Patterns
  • Formation and Significance of Lakes
  • Economic Benefits of Rivers and Lakes

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
  1. Which one of the following describes the drainage patterns resembling the branches of a tree?
  1. Radial
  2. Dendritic
  3. Centrifugal
  4. Trellis
Solution: The drainage pattern that resembles the branches of a tree is known as the dendritic pattern. This occurs when the river channel follows the slope of the terrain, with tributaries joining the main river at acute angles, much like the branches of a tree spreading out. Therefore, the correct option is (b) Dendritic.

Question 1

  1. In which of the following states is the Wular lake located?
  1. Rajasthan
  2. Uttar Pradesh
  3. Punjab
  4. Jammu and Kashmir
Solution: The Wular lake is a large freshwater lake situated in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India and is fed by the Jhelum River. Thus, the correct state is (d) Jammu and Kashmir.

Question 1

  1. The river Narmada has its source at
  1. Satpura
  2. Brahmagiri
  3. Amarkantak
  4. Slopes of the Western Ghats
Solution: The river Narmada originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. This plateau is part of the Vindhya Range. The river flows westwards through a rift valley and eventually drains into the Arabian Sea. Therefore, the correct source is (c) Amarkantak.

Question 1

  1. Which one of the following lakes is a salt water lake?
  1. Sambhar
  2. Dal
  3. Wular
  4. Gobind Sagar
Solution: Among the given options, the Sambhar lake is a salt-water lake. It is located in Rajasthan and is the largest inland salt lake in India. Dal Lake and Wular Lake in Jammu and Kashmir are freshwater lakes, and Gobind Sagar is a man-made reservoir.

Question 1

  1. Which one of the following is the longest river of the Peninsular India?
  1. Narmada
  2. Krishna
  3. Godavari
  4. Mahanadi
Solution: The Godavari River is the longest river in Peninsular India. It originates in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and flows eastwards across the Deccan Plateau, draining into the Bay of Bengal. It is also known as the 'Dakshin Ganga' (Ganga of the South). The correct option is (c) Godavari.

Question 1

  1. Which one amongst the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
  1. Mahanadi
  2. Tungabhadra
  3. Krishna
  4. Tapi
Solution: The Tapi river flows through a rift valley. Along with the Narmada, it is one of the two major Peninsular rivers that flow westwards through a rift valley, a narrow depression between steep rock walls. The Tapi drains into the Arabian Sea. Therefore, the correct option is (d) Tapi.

Question 2

  1. What is meant by a water divide? Give an example.
Solution: A water divide refers to any elevated landform, such as an upland or a mountain range, that separates two adjacent drainage basins. It prevents water from flowing from one basin to another. A classic example of a water divide in India is the Western Ghats, which separates the drainage basins of the rivers flowing into the Arabian Sea from those flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Question 2

  1. Which is the largest river basin in India?
Solution: The Ganga river basin is the largest river basin in India. It covers a vast area and is drained by the Ganga River and its numerous tributaries, supporting a large population and diverse ecosystems.

Question 2

  1. Where do the rivers Indus and Ganga have their origin?
Solution: The Indus River originates in the northern slopes of the Kailash Range in Tibet, near the Mansarovar Lake. The Ganga River originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, located in the state of Uttarakhand.

Question 2

  1. Name the two headstreams of the Ganga. Where do they meet to form the Ganga?
Solution: The two principal headstreams of the Ganga River are the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi. These two rivers meet at a place called Devprayag in Uttarakhand, after which they flow together as the Ganga River.

Question 2

  1. Why does the Brahmaputra in its Tibetan part have less silt, despite a longer course?
Solution: In its Tibetan part, the Brahmaputra River, known locally as Tsangpo, flows through a dry and cold region. It receives very little rainfall and has a relatively low volume of water, which limits its capacity to carry significant amounts of silt. However, after entering India and receiving substantial rainfall, its volume increases dramatically, enabling it to carry a much larger load of silt.

Question 2

  1. Which two Peninsular rivers flow through trough?
Solution: The two prominent Peninsular rivers that flow through troughs are the Narmada and the Tapi. These rivers carve their paths through rift valleys, which are essentially troughs formed by tectonic activity. They flow westwards and drain into the Arabian Sea, forming estuaries rather than deltas.

Question 2

  1. State some economic benefits of rivers and lakes.
Solution: Rivers and lakes offer numerous economic benefits. They are vital sources of freshwater for domestic consumption, agriculture (irrigation), and industries. Rivers are crucial for generating hydroelectric power through dams. They also support fisheries, provide routes for inland navigation and transportation, and are important for tourism and recreational activities, contributing significantly to the economy.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing different types of drainage patterns.
  • Incorrectly identifying the origin or course of rivers.
  • Misplacing the location of specific lakes.
  • Not clearly defining or providing examples for a water divide.

Revision tips

  • Draw diagrams to visualize different drainage patterns.
  • Create a map of India and mark the origin and mouth of major rivers.
  • Use mnemonics to remember the names of lakes and their locations.
  • Focus on understanding the 'why' behind river characteristics, like silt content in Brahmaputra.
  • Review the economic uses of rivers and lakes to connect geography with daily life.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which drainage pattern resembles the branches of a tree?

Q2. The Wular lake, a freshwater lake, is located in which Indian state?

Q3. From where does the river Narmada originate?

Q4. Which of the following is a salt-water lake in India?

Q5. Which is the longest river of Peninsular India?

Q6. Which two rivers are known to flow through a rift valley?

Q7. What is a water divide?

Frequently asked questions

What is a water divide and what is an example?

A water divide is any upland or mountain that separates two adjoining drainage basins. The Western Ghats serve as a prominent example of a water divide in India.

Which are the two headstreams of the Ganga River?

The two main headstreams of the Ganga River are the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi. They converge at Devprayag to form the Ganga.

Why does the Brahmaputra carry less silt in Tibet compared to India?

In Tibet, the Brahmaputra (known as Tsangpo) has a smaller volume of water and receives less rainfall, thus carrying less silt. Upon entering India, it is fed by heavy rains, increasing its water and silt load.

Which Indian rivers flow through a rift valley?

The Narmada and Tapi are the two major Peninsular rivers that flow through rift valleys and form estuaries before meeting the sea.

What is the economic importance of rivers and lakes?

Rivers and lakes are economically important as they provide water for irrigation and domestic use, generate hydroelectric power, support fisheries, facilitate navigation, and are crucial for tourism and recreation.

Which is the longest river in Peninsular India?

The Godavari River is the longest river in Peninsular India.

Where is the Wular Lake located?

The Wular Lake, a significant freshwater lake, is located in Jammu and Kashmir.

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