CBSE Class 9 Social Science: Physical Features of India NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter delves into the diverse physical features of India, a crucial topic for Class 9 Social Science students. The NCERT Solutions provide detailed explanations and answers to key questions, covering the formation and characteristics of major landforms. Students will learn about the tectonic plate theory, the origins of the Himalayas, the different physiographic divisions of India including the Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands. These solutions break down complex geographical concepts into understandable steps, aiding students in grasping the geographical landscape of India. They are designed to help students prepare effectively for their exams by offering clear, concise, and accurate answers to all questions from the textbook. Mastering these concepts is essential for understanding India's geography and its impact on various aspects of life.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectSocial Science
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterGeography (Contemporary India – I) - Physical Features of India

Chapter summary

This chapter focuses on the physical geography of India, exploring its major landforms. The NCERT Solutions cover the formation of these features through plate tectonics, the division of the Himalayas, and the characteristics of the Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands. It provides answers to questions distinguishing between various geographical terms and landforms, ensuring students understand the unique geological makeup of India.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the theory of plate tectonics and its role in shaping India's physical features.
  • Identify and differentiate the major physiographic divisions of India.
  • Explain the formation and characteristics of the Himalayas.
  • Describe the features of the Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.
  • Distinguish between converging and diverging tectonic plates.
  • Define terms like Bhabar, Peninsula, and coral islands.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Plate Tectonics
  • Formation of Himalayas
  • Major Divisions of Himalayas (Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks)
  • Northern Plains
  • Peninsular Plateau
  • Indian Desert
  • Coastal Plains (Konkan, Kannad, Coromandel, Northern Circar)
  • Islands (Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar)
  • Gondwana Land
  • Converging and Diverging Plates
  • Bhabar
  • Bhangar and Khadar

Important topics

  • Plate Tectonics and Landform Formation
  • Major Physiographic Divisions of India
  • The Himalayas: Structure and Divisions
  • Peninsular Plateau Characteristics
  • Coastal Plains and Islands

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
  1. A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as
    1. Coast
    2. Peninsula
    3. Island
    4. None of the above
  2. Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called as
    1. Himachal
    2. Purvachal
    3. Uttarakhand
    4. None of the above
  3. The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as
    1. Coromandel
    2. Konkan
    3. Kannad
    4. Northern Circar
  4. The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
    1. Anai Mudi
    2. Mahendragiri
    3. Kanchenjunga
    4. Nanda Devi
Solution:

Here are the correct answers to the multiple-choice questions:

  1. The correct answer is (b) Peninsula. A peninsula is a piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides but is connected to the mainland.
  2. The correct answer is (b) Purvachal. These are the eastern extensions of the Himalayas that form the boundary with Myanmar.
  3. The correct answer is (c) Kannad. The western coastal strip south of Goa is known as the Kannad Plain, while the stretch north of Goa is the Konkan coast.
  4. The correct answer is (b) Mahendragiri. While Anai Mudi is the highest peak in the entire South India (Western Ghats), Mahendragiri is the highest peak specifically in the Eastern Ghats.

Question 2

Answer the following questions briefly:
  1. What are tectonic plates?
  2. Which continents of today were parts of the Gondwana land?
  3. What is bhabar?
  4. Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
  5. Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
  6. Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Solution:
  1. Tectonic plates are large, rigid fragments of the Earth's lithosphere (the crust and upper mantle) that move slowly over the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. These movements are driven by convection currents within the Earth's mantle. The seven major tectonic plates are the Pacific, North American, Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, Antarctic, and South American plates.
  2. The ancient supercontinent, Gondwana land, included the landmasses that now form South America, Africa (including Madagascar), India, Australia, and Antarctica. These continents were once joined together in the Southern Hemisphere.
  3. Bhabar is a narrow, porous, and stony plain located at the foothills of the Shiwaliks. It is formed by the deposition of pebbles and coarse sediments by the numerous streams that descend from the mountains. This region is characterized by streams disappearing underground.
  4. The three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south are:
    1. Himadri (Great Himalayas): The northernmost and highest range, containing the loftiest peaks.
    2. Himachal (Lesser Himalayas): The middle range, known for its picturesque hill stations and lower altitudes compared to Himadri.
    3. Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas): The southernmost and youngest range, forming the foothills and composed of unconsolidated sediments.
  5. The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali mountain range in the northwest and the Vindhyan range in the south. This region is part of the larger Central Highlands of India.
  6. The Lakshadweep Islands group is of coral origin. These islands are formed from the accumulation of coral polyps over time, creating atolls and reefs.

Question 3

Distinguish between:
  1. Converging and diverging tectonic plates.
  2. Bhangar and Khadar
  3. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
Solution:
  1. Converging Tectonic Plates: These are tectonic plates that move towards each other. When plates converge, they can collide, leading to the formation of mountains, volcanic activity, or earthquakes. One plate may slide beneath the other (subduction). Diverging Tectonic Plates: These are tectonic plates that move away from each other. As they separate, magma from the Earth's mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new crust, often at mid-ocean ridges.
  2. Bhangar: Bhangar refers to the older alluvial soil found in the floodplains of rivers. It is generally found in the higher reaches of the river valleys and is less fertile than Khadar. It often contains calcareous deposits known as 'kankars'. Khadar: Khadar is the newer, younger alluvial soil deposited by rivers in their lower floodplains. It is more fertile and is renewed almost every year by the fresh silt brought by the floods, making it ideal for agriculture.
  3. Western Ghats:
    • They form a continuous mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India, from Gujarat to Kanyakumari.
    • They are relatively higher and steeper on the western side, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
    • Their average elevation is about 900-1600 meters.
    • They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for their rich biodiversity.
    • The passes across the Western Ghats are fewer and more significant (e.g., Thal Ghat, Bhor Ghat).
    Eastern Ghats:
    • They form a chain of detached, uneven hills running parallel to the eastern coast of India, from Odisha to Tamil Nadu.
    • They are broken and dissected by rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
    • Their average elevation is lower, around 300-600 meters.
    • The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri.
    • They are less continuous and have more gaps compared to the Western Ghats.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the names and locations of different Himalayan ranges.
  • Incorrectly differentiating between Bhangar and Khadar.
  • Misidentifying the highest peaks or specific regions within the Ghats.
  • Confusing coastal plains like Konkan with Coromandel.

Revision tips

  • Draw a map of India and label all the major physical features discussed.
  • Create flashcards for key geographical terms and their definitions.
  • Practice distinguishing between similar landforms like the Western and Eastern Ghats.
  • Review the answers to the 'briefly answer' questions to reinforce factual knowledge.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What is the term for a landmass surrounded by sea on three sides?

Q2. The mountain ranges forming India's boundary with Myanmar in the east are collectively known as:

Q3. Which of the following is NOT a major division of the Himalayas from north to south?

Q4. The narrow belt of plain lying along the foothills of the Shiwaliks, covered with pebbles, is called:

Q5. Which island group of India is known for its coral origin?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main physical features of India discussed in this chapter?

This chapter covers the Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and the Islands of India, explaining their formation and characteristics.

How does the theory of plate tectonics explain India's physical features?

The theory explains that the Indian landmass was part of the Gondwana land and its movement due to tectonic plate shifts led to the formation of the Himalayas and other major landforms.

What is the difference between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats?

The Western Ghats are a continuous range, higher and steeper, while the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous, lower, and dissected by rivers. The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is Mahendragiri.

What are the three main divisions of the Himalayas from north to south?

The three main divisions are the Himadri (Great Himalayas) in the north, the Himachal (Lesser Himalayas) in the middle, and the Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) in the south.

How can these NCERT Solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to textbook questions, helping students understand complex geographical concepts and revise effectively for their exams.

What is the significance of Gondwana land in the context of India's physical features?

Gondwana land was a supercontinent that included the Indian subcontinent. Its breakup and the subsequent drift of the Indian plate led to its collision with the Eurasian plate, forming the Himalayas.

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