NCERT Class 11 Geography India Physical Environment: Chapter 2 — Structure and Physiography
This chapter, "Structure and Physiography," from NCERT's Class 11 Geography textbook, "India Physical Environment," delves into the geological history and landforms of India. It explains how endogenic and exogenic forces have shaped the Earth over millions of years, referencing the movement of the Indian plate. The chapter introduces the three broad geological divisions of India: the Peninsular Block, the Himalayas and other mountains, and the Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain. It provides details about the Peninsular Block, describing its composition of ancient gneisses and granites and its geological stability since the Cambrian period, with exceptions like submerged coastal areas and fault lines. This foundational understanding is crucial for comprehending the diverse physical geography of the Indian subcontinent within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | India Physical Environment |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Structure and Physiography |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 519 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the geological evolution of India.
- Identify the major geological divisions of India.
- Describe the characteristics of the Peninsular Block.
- Explain the role of endogenic and exogenic forces in shaping landforms.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Endogenic forces | Forces originating from within the Earth that cause changes in the surface. |
| Exogenic forces | Forces originating from outside the Earth's surface, like weathering and erosion. |
| Plate Tectonics | The theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle. |
| Gneisses | A type of metamorphic rock characterized by distinct bands of minerals. |
| Granites | A common type of intrusive igneous rock, often used in construction. |
| Cambrian period | A geological period from about 541 to 485.4 million years ago, known for the diversification of life. |
| Tectonic activity | Processes related to the deformation of the Earth's crust, such as faulting and folding. |
| Block faulting | A process where large blocks of rock are uplifted or downthrown along faults. |
| Rift valleys | Valleys formed by the sinking of land between parallel faults. |
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Practice questions
- What are the two main types of forces that shape the Earth's landforms? Answer: Endogenic and exogenic forces.
- Name the three broad geological divisions of India. Answer: The Peninsular Block, the Himalayas and other Mountains, and the Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain.
- What is the Peninsular Block primarily composed of? Answer: Ancient gneisses and granites.
- According to the text, has the Indian plate stopped moving northwards? Answer: No, the northward movement of the Indian plate is still continuing.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The Earth is estimated to be approximately how old?
Explanation: The text states that current estimation shows the Earth is approximately 4600 million years old.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT one of the broad geological divisions of India mentioned?
Explanation: The Deccan Plateau is part of the Peninsular Block, not a separate major geological division listed in the text.
Q3. The northern boundary of the Peninsular Block runs along the western flank of which mountain range near Delhi?
Explanation: The text mentions the northern boundary runs along the western flank of the Aravali Range near Delhi.
Q4. The Peninsular Block has been standing like a rigid block since which geological period?
Explanation: The text states that since the Cambrian period, the Peninsula has been standing like a rigid block.
Q5. Which fault separates the northeastern parts of the Peninsular Block from the Chotanagpur plateau?
Explanation: The northeastern parts are separated by the Malda fault in West Bengal from the Chotanagpur plateau.
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary forces that have shaped the Earth's landforms?
The Earth's landforms have been shaped primarily by endogenic (internal) and exogenic (external) forces acting over very long periods.
What are the three main geological divisions of India?
India can be broadly divided into three geological divisions: the Peninsular Block, the Himalayas and other Mountains, and the Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra Plain.
What is the Peninsular Block made of?
The Peninsular Block is essentially formed by a complex of very ancient gneisses and granites.
Has the Indian plate's northward movement stopped?
No, the northward movement of the Indian plate is still continuing and has significant consequences on the physical environment of the Indian subcontinent.
What is the significance of the Cambrian period in relation to the Peninsular Block?
Since the Cambrian period, the Peninsula has been standing like a rigid block, with minor exceptions due to submergence or tectonic activity.
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NCERT Class 11 Geography — India Physical Environment — Chapter 2 — Structure and Physiography. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.