NCERT Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I: Chapter 3 — Climates of India
This chapter, "Climates of India," from NCERT's Class 7 Social Science textbook "Exploring Society: India and Beyond Part-I," delves into the diverse climatic conditions of India. It begins by differentiating between 'weather,' which refers to hourly or daily atmospheric conditions, and 'climate,' the long-term pattern of weather in a region over decades. The chapter explains that seasons, like spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and winter, occur due to the Earth's revolution around the Sun and are linked to both weather and climate. It highlights India's unique 'rainy season' or monsoon, alongside the four global seasons. Traditionally, India divides the year into six ritus (seasons), each associated with specific festivals, underscoring the cultural significance of climate. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for comprehending India's economy, society, and preparing for natural disasters.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — Climates of India |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 427 |
Learning outcomes
- Differentiate between weather and climate.
- Understand the concept of seasons and their relation to Earth's revolution.
- Identify the traditional Indian division of the year into six ritus.
- Recognize the importance of climate for economy, culture, and disaster preparedness.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Weather | The atmospheric conditions experienced hour by hour or day by day. |
| Climate | The pattern of weather an area experiences over a long period, at least several decades. |
| Seasons | Periods of the year characterized by specific weather patterns, occurring cyclically. |
| Monsoon | The rainy season in India, characterized by specific wind patterns bringing rainfall. |
| Ritus | The traditional Indian division of the year into six seasons. |
| Vasanta | Spring season in the traditional Indian calendar. |
| Grīṣhma | Summer season in the traditional Indian calendar. |
| Varṣhā | Rainy season in the traditional Indian calendar. |
| Śharad | Autumn season in the traditional Indian calendar. |
| Hemanta | Pre-winter season in the traditional Indian calendar. |
| Śhiśhir | Winter season in the traditional Indian calendar. |
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Practice questions
- What is the difference between weather and climate? Answer: Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions (hourly/daily), while climate is the long-term pattern of weather over decades.
- What causes seasons to occur? Answer: Seasons occur as the Earth revolves around the Sun.
- How many seasons are traditionally recognized in India? Answer: Traditionally, India divides the year into six seasons or ritus.
- Name the six traditional Indian seasons (ritus). Answer: The six ritus are Vasanta (spring), Grīṣhma (summer), Varṣhā (rainy season), Śharad (autumn), Hemanta (pre-winter), and Śhiśhir (winter).
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between weather and climate?
Weather describes the atmospheric conditions over a short period (hours/days), while climate describes the average weather patterns over a long period (decades).
Why do seasons change?
Seasons change because the Earth revolves around the Sun, and different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
What are the four main seasons recognized globally?
The four main seasons are spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
What is unique about India's seasons?
India experiences the four global seasons along with a distinct 'rainy season' or monsoon, which is a significant part of its climate.
How does India traditionally divide its year?
Traditionally, India divides the year into six seasons, known as ritus.
What are some examples of festivals associated with Indian seasons?
Festivals like Vasanta Panchami (associated with spring) and Sharad Purnima (associated with autumn) are linked to the traditional ritu cycle.
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NCERT Class 7 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I — Chapter 3 — Climates of India. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.