This post Physical Features of India Class 9 introduces you to the physical features of India in detail, its unique landforms, and their importance for the country’s development and well-being through notes & Ncert solutions. We will discuss the major mountain ranges, plateaus, plains, deserts, rivers, and coasts of India, At the end of the chapter, you will know more about India’s natural beauty. we assure you the given notes & the solutions will assist the students in understanding Chapter 2 Geography easily.
Physical Features of India Class 9 Notes
Location
India is a vast country with diverse physical features- mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, and coastal areas. The physical features of India are formed by tectonic movements, erosion, and weathering over millions of years.
What is Plate Movement & Gondwana Land?
The movement of large pieces of the Earth’s lithosphere is known as tectonic plates. These plates move slowly over millions of years due to the convection currents in the mantle.
This played a significant role in the formation of the Earth’s landmasses as the formation and breakup of Gondwana Land.
The Earth’s landmass was a supercontinent that existed around 550 million years ago called Pangea. The southern part was known as Gondwana Land & the northern part was Angara Land. The Gondwana Land was broken into smaller landmasses due to the tectonic plates, these smaller landmasses drifted apart to form the continents.
What Are the Major Physical Features of India Class 9?
India has six main physical features -the Himalayan Mountain, The Northern Plain, The Peninsular Plateau, The Indian Desert, and the Coastal Plains. Each feature has a unique ecosystem, history, and culture, making India a land of great diversity and natural beauty. Let’s discuss them in detail:
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayan Mountains stretch 2,500 km from the river Indus in the west to the Brahmaputra in the East. Its width is 400 km in the west to 150 km in the east. The Himalayan is divided into several parallel mountain ranges that run from west to east. These ranges are separated from each other by deep valleys and rivers. Some of the major parallel ranges of the Himalayas are:
Shiwalik Range:
- This is known as the Outer Himalayas.
- This is located in the southernmost part of the Himalayas.
- This runs parallel to the main range.
- This is composed of soft sedimentary rocks.
Himachal Range:
- This is known as the lesser Himalayas.
- This is located north of the Shiwalik Range.
- This runs parallel to the Great Himalayas.
- This is composed of crystalline rocks.
- This is known for its lush green valleys, forests, and hill stations.
- The most important ranges are the Pir Pranjal, the Dhaula Dhar & the Mahabharat.
Himadri Range:
This is known as the Great or Inner Himalayas.
This is the highest and most prominent range of the Himalayas.
This runs parallel to the Lesser Himalayas and
This includes some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.
What is the Division of the Himalayas based on Regions from West to East?
The Division of Himalayas based on Regions from West to East has been by the river valley.
Kashmir & Himachal Himalayas
This region is located in the western part of the Himalayas lying between the Indus & Satluj rivers.
Kumaon Himalayas
This region is located in the central part of the Himalayas lying between the Satluj & Kali rivers.
Nepal Himalayas
This region is located in the central part of the Himalayas lying between the Kali & Teesta rivers.
Assam Himalayas
This region is located in the eastern part of the Himalayas lying between the Teesta & Dihang rivers.
Each of these regions of the Himalayas has its unique geography, climate, culture, and history, making the Himalayas a beautiful place to attract tourists.
What Do You Know About The Northern Plain?
- The Northern Plain is a large alluvial plain located in northern India.
- It is formed by the sedimentary deposits of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers.
- It is the most fertile region in the world.
- It is also known as the Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Plain.
- It spreads over an area of around 700,000 square kilometres.
- It is ideal for agriculture due to its rich alluvial soil.
- It is a densely populated area.
The Northern Plain is divided into three sections:
i)The Punjab Plain
ii)The Ganga plain
iii)The Brahmaputra Plain
i)The Punjab Plain
- It is located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.
- It is formed by the Indus River and its tributaries Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas & the Satluj.
- It is spread over the states of Punjab and Haryana as well as a large part of Pakistan.
ii)The Ganga plain
- The Ganges River and its tributaries form it.
- It covers the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal in India.
- It extends between the Ghaggar & Teesta rivers.
iii)The Brahmaputra Plain
- It is located in northeastern India( in the state of Assam) and Bangladesh.
- It is formed by the sedimentary deposits of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries.
- It spreads over an area of around 135,000 square kilometres.
How Are The Northern Plains Divided According To The Variations in Relief Features?
The Northern plains are divided into four regions based on variations in physical features.
i)The Bhabar-It is located at the foothill of the Himalayas and is composed of boulders and pebbles.
ii)The Terai– It lies south of the Bhabar and is marked by marshy forests and grasslands.
iii)The Bhangar– It is the old alluvial terrace that lies above the floodplains of the rivers. It is composed of sand and gravel.
iv)The Khadar- It is the new alluvial plain & is identified by its fertile soil.
The Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau of India is an elevated land that covers much of central and southern India. It is roughly triangular and is composed of a series of high, flat-topped ridges and hills. It is made up of the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana and ancient rocks. It is rich in minerals such as iron, manganese, coal, and bauxite.
The Peninsular Plateau of India can be broadly divided into two main divisions:
- Central Highlands: These are located in the north-central part of the plateau and include the Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand Plateau, Chota Nagpur Plateau, and Vindhya Range. The important rivers of these regions are the Narmada, Tapti, and Mahanadi.
- Deccan Plateau: It is located in the southern part of the Peninsular Plateau in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. It is known for its high and flat-topped plateaus, including the Satpura, Sahyadri, and Nilgiri ranges. The important rivers are the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery. The Deccan Plateau is bordered by the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats mountain ranges.
The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats
| Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
| These are located Along the western coast of India, from Gujarat to Kerala | These are located Along the eastern coast of India, from Odisha to Tamil Nadu |
| Anamudi (2,695 m) is the highest peak. | Mahendragiri (1,501 m) is the highest peak. |
| These are the origins of many major rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery. | These are the origins of shorter rivers, which flow into the Bay of Bengal. |
| These receive more rainfall than the Deccan Plateau to the west and are cooler and more humid. | These receive more rainfall than the Deccan Plateau to the west and is cooler and more humid. |
| Their average height is 900–1600 meters. | Their average height is 600 meters. |
The Indian Desert
- The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert,
- It is a large arid region.
- It is located in northwest India.
- It is bounded by the Aravalli Range to the east, the Indus River to the west, and the Rann of Kutch to the south.
- It has a harsh climate with low vegetation cover.
- The monsoon season from June to September brings some rainfall to the desert
The Coastal Plains
A Coastal Plain is a narrow strip of land that lies along the coast, bordering the sea or ocean. The Coastal Plains of India lie along the eastern and western coasts of the country, bordering the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean.
The Western Coastal Plains:
These run along the Arabian Sea from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south.
These are divided into three sections:
The Konkan Coast -It extends from Mumbai in Maharashtra to Goa.
The Kannad Coast extends from Goa to Kochi.
The Malabar Coast- It extends from Goa to the southernmost tip of India in Kerala.
The Eastern Coastal Plains:
These run along the Bay of Bengal from Tamil Nadu in the south to West Bengal in the north.
They are divided into two parts:
The Northern Circars Coast extends from West Bengal to Andhra Pradesh.
The Coromandel Coast extends from Andhra Pradesh to Kanyakumari. The main rivers are the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery Rivers which formed the delta on this coast.
The Islands
Islands are pieces of land that are surrounded by water on all sides. They can be found in oceans, seas, rivers, or lakes. The islands of India are divided into 2 broad categories:
1) The Andaman & Nicobar Islands
2) Lakshadweep Islands:
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands
These are located in the Bay of Bengal & popular tourist destinations.
Lakshadweep Islands
These are located on the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea, they are known for their beautiful beaches and coral reefs.
Importance of Physical Features of India Class 9
The diverse physical features of India are very important for development due to the following reasons:
1. The mountainous regions are the major sources of water and forest wealth and provide opportunities for adventure tourism.
2. The northern plains are one of the most fertile regions in the country and are known as the granaries of India.
3. The plateau region is a storehouse of minerals, which has played a crucial role in the industrialization of India.
4. The coastal regions and island groups provide sites for fishing and port activities & opportunities for adventure tourism and ecological conservation.
Physical Features of India Class 9 NCERT Solutions
Exercise
Physical Features of India Class 9 Questions and Answers
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) A landmass bounded by the sea on three sides is referred to as
(a) Coast
(b) Island
(c) Peninsula
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Peninsula
(ii) Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called
(a) Himachal
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Purvachal
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) Purvachal
(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as
(a) Coromandel
(b) Konkan
(c) Kannada
(d) Northern Circar
Answer: (b) Konkan
(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Answer: (c) Mahendragiri
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is the Bhabar?
Answer: Bhabar is a narrow belt of land that runs parallel to the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India. It is recognized by rocky and porous soil and is rich in boulders and pebbles. The Bhabar region is an important source of groundwater, but the Bhabar region is not suitable for agriculture. It helps to prevent floods in the northern plains of India.
(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
Answer: The three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south are:
i) The Great Himalayas or Inner Himalayas
ii) The Lesser Himalayas or Middle Himalayas
iii) The Shiwalik Himalayas or outer Himalayas
(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhya ranges?
Answer: The Malwa plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhya ranges.
(iv) Name the island group of India having a coral origin.
Answer: Lakshadweep Islands
3. Distinguish between
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
| Bhangar | Khadar |
| It is an older alluvial terrace along the river. | It is a newer floodplain deposit. |
| It is not very fertile and not suitable for intensive agriculture. | It is highly fertile and suitable for intensive agriculture. |
| Example: Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh | Example: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal |
(ii) Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats
Answer:
| Western Ghats | Eastern Ghats |
| These are located Along the western coast of India, from Gujarat to Kerala | These are located Along the eastern coast of India, from Odisha to Tamil Nadu |
| Anamudi (2,695 m) is the highest peak. | Mahendragiri (1,501 m) is the highest peak. |
| These are the origins of many major rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery. | These are the origins of shorter rivers, which flow into the Bay of Bengal. |
| These receive more rainfall than the Deccan Plateau to the west and are cooler and more humid. | These receive more rainfall than the Deccan Plateau to the west and are cooler and more humid. |
| Their average height is 900–1600 meters.  | Their average height is 600 meters. |
4. What are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.
Answer:
Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular plateau.
| The Peninsular Plateau | The Himalayan Region |
| It is old & well-dissected. | The relief feature shows the young age of the Himalayas. |
| It is an ancient crystalline tableland. | These are young new fold mountains. |
| These have been formed as a horst. | These have been formed due to folding by different earth movements. |
| The highest peak is Anaimudi. | The highest peak is Mount Everest. |
| It is triangular in shape. | These mountains extend in an arc. |
5. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.
Answer: The Northern Plain is a large alluvial plain in northern India. It is formed by the sedimentary deposits of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra rivers. It is the most fertile region in the world. It is also known as the Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra Plain. It spreads over an area of around 700,000 square kilometres. It is ideal for agriculture due to its rich alluvial soil. It is a densely populated area.
The Northern Plain is divided into three sections:
i)The Punjab Plain
- It is located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent.
- It is formed by the Indus River and its tributaries Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas & the Satluj.
- It is spread over the states of Punjab and Haryana as well as a large part of Pakistan.
ii)The Ganga plain
- The Ganges River and its tributaries form it.
- It covers the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal in India.
- It extends between the Ghaggar & Teesta rivers.
iii)The Brahmaputra Plain
- It is located in northeastern India( in the state of Assam) and Bangladesh.
- It is formed by the sedimentary deposits of the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries.
- It spreads over an area of around 135,000 square kilometres.
Write short notes on the following.
(i) The Indian Desert
Answer: Location: The Indian Desert is known as the Thar Desert. It is a large arid region. It is located in the northwestern part of India. It is one of the world’s most densely populated deserts. It is surrounded by the Aravalli Range in the east and the Indus River in the west.
Climate & Vegetation: The desert has extreme climatic conditions, with very high temperatures during the day and cold nights. The average annual rainfall in the desert is less than 250mm, and the vegetation is sparse such as thorny shrubs and xerophytic trees.
Wildlife: The Indian Desert is home to diverse fauna, including the Indian Gazelle, desert fox, and a variety of reptiles and birds.
People: There are several tribal communities in the desert such as the Bhils and the Rabaris, who are nomads.
(ii) The Central Highlands
Answer: The Central Highlands is a vast mountainous region located in central India. It covers the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha. It has a series of plateaus and hills, with an average height of about 1,000 meters above sea level.
It has unique flora and fauna. Wild animals like the tiger, leopard, and several species of deer and antelope are found in this region. The plateau is also an important agricultural region, known for its production of wheat, rice, and soybeans.
The important rivers of this region are the Narmada, Tapti, and Mahanadi, which provide water for irrigation and hydropower generation. The Central Highlands is also rich in mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite.
(iii) The Island groups of India
There are two main islands in India.
Lakshadweep: It is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea. It covers a small area of 32 sq km. These are known for their beautiful coral reefs and clear blue waters. Kavaratti Island is the capital of these islands. These are also home to a unique culture, with a mix of Arab, Indian, and African influences.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and dense forests. The islands are home to several indigenous tribes who have lived in isolation for thousands of years. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also important locations for the Indian Navy.
Map Skills | Physical Features of India Class 9
An outline map of India shows the following.
i. Mountain and hill ranges – the Karakoram, the Zaskar, the Patkai Bum, the Jaintia, the Vindhya range, the Aravali, and the Cardamom hills.
ii. Peaks – K2, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and the Anai Mudi.
iii. Plateaus, Chotanagpur, and Malwa
iv. The Indian Desert, Western Ghats, Lakshadweep Islands
Answer:
Project / Activity
locate the peaks, passes, ranges, plateaus, hills, and dunes hidden in the puzzle. Try to find where these features are located. You may start your search horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Answer:
FAQs
1. What do you mean by physical feature?
Physical features of a country to the natural geographic and environmental features like mountains, hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, oceans, temperature, precipitation, forests, grasslands, deserts, and soil type.
2. What are coral polyps?
Coral polyps are small, sac-like marine animals. They flourish in shallow, mud-free and warm waters. They are mainly of three kinds: Barrier reefs, Fringing reefs, and Atolls. The Great Barrier Reef of Australia was the first kind of coral reef.
3. What are the physical features of India Class 9?
The physical features of Earth contain such as mountains, plateaus, plains, oceans, and rivers, as well as its internal features such as the core, mantle, and crust.
4. What are the physiographic divisions of India Class 9?
The physiographic divisions of The great Himalayas, the northern plains, the peninsular plateau, the coastal plains, the Indian desert, and the Islands.
5. What is the importance of the physical features of India class 9?
The physiographic divisions of India are important for several reasons:
Each of them has unique natural resources, such as minerals, forests, and water resources.
They have shaped India’s history and culture in different ways.
They have different transportation and communication challenges, such as building roads and bridges in mountainous regions or ports along the coastal plains.
Conclusion
The Physical Features of India Class 9 provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of geographical features of India. By studying and practising these notes & Solution, students can enhance their knowledge, improve their problem-solving skills, and perform better in their exams. You can access them by visiting Freehomeworkhelp.in the website. If you have any other queries about the Physical Features of India Class 9 and NCERT important questions, feel free to reach us so that we can revert to you at the earliest possible.