Selina Textbook Solutions: India Climate, Natural Vegetation, Forests and Wildlife | Geography Class 8 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


India Climate, Natural Vegetation, Forests and Wildlife 
Exercises 
A. Fill in the blanks 
1. The state that first receives the monsoon rains : Kerala. 
2. A place that receives the heaviest rainfall in India and the world: Mawsynram 
3. Depression that causes winter rainfall in north-west India : Western disturbance. 
4. In mixed deciduous forests : Sal and Oak trees are found. 
B. Write true or false. Correct the false statements 
1. Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and on the leeward 
side of the Western Ghats. 
Answer. False. 
Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Punjab, and on the leeward side 
of the Western Ghats. 
2. Increase in height is responsible for the changing vegetation in the Himalayas. 
Answer. True. 
3. Thorn forests occupy the largest area in India. 
Answer. False. 
Tropical Monsoon deciduous forests occupy the largest area in India. 
4. Hogla is mainly found in the tidal forests. 
Answer. True. 
C. Give geographical reasons for each of the following : 
Question 1. 
South India is warmer than north India. 
Answer: 
South India is warmer than North India as it is close to the equator. It has equable 
climate throughout the year neither very hot nor very cold as it is close to the coast. The 
north India is far from the equator and is hot in summer and cold in winter (extreme 
climate) because it is away from the coast. 
Page 2


India Climate, Natural Vegetation, Forests and Wildlife 
Exercises 
A. Fill in the blanks 
1. The state that first receives the monsoon rains : Kerala. 
2. A place that receives the heaviest rainfall in India and the world: Mawsynram 
3. Depression that causes winter rainfall in north-west India : Western disturbance. 
4. In mixed deciduous forests : Sal and Oak trees are found. 
B. Write true or false. Correct the false statements 
1. Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and on the leeward 
side of the Western Ghats. 
Answer. False. 
Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Punjab, and on the leeward side 
of the Western Ghats. 
2. Increase in height is responsible for the changing vegetation in the Himalayas. 
Answer. True. 
3. Thorn forests occupy the largest area in India. 
Answer. False. 
Tropical Monsoon deciduous forests occupy the largest area in India. 
4. Hogla is mainly found in the tidal forests. 
Answer. True. 
C. Give geographical reasons for each of the following : 
Question 1. 
South India is warmer than north India. 
Answer: 
South India is warmer than North India as it is close to the equator. It has equable 
climate throughout the year neither very hot nor very cold as it is close to the coast. The 
north India is far from the equator and is hot in summer and cold in winter (extreme 
climate) because it is away from the coast. 
Question 2. 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches. 
Answer: 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches because of the peninsular shape 
of India. The Arabian Sea causes rainfall in the western part and the Bay of Bengal 
brings rainfall in north-eastern India. 
D. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
What type of climate does the Indian subcontinent have ? 
Answer: 
The Indian subcontinent has a tropical monsoon climate. The temperatures are high 
with monsoon laden summers. India has distinct wet and dry seasons. 
Question 2. 
State two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier. 
Answer: 
Two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier are: 
1. Himalayas prevent the cold winds of Central Asia from entering India. This 
prevents India from experiencing very cold winters. 
2. The Himalayas also prevent the rain-bearing monsoon winds from leaving the 
country, thus allowing the country to receive sufficient rainfall. 
Question 3. 
Why does India have a tropical monsoon climate ? 
Answer: 
India has a tropical monsoon climate due to the presence of the Himalayas which do not 
allow the cold winds of Asia to reach the temperate northern parts of India and trap the 
monsoon which bring rain to the whole of country. 
Question 4. 
Name two states of north India that receive rainfall in winter. What is the cause of winter 
rainfall in these states? 
Answer: 
States of North India that receive rainfall in winter are Punjab, Kashmir, Himacha 
Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. The western disturbances cause the winter rainfall 
in north-western parts of India. Western disturbances are cyclones or depressions 
originating from the Mediterranean 
region. 
 
Page 3


India Climate, Natural Vegetation, Forests and Wildlife 
Exercises 
A. Fill in the blanks 
1. The state that first receives the monsoon rains : Kerala. 
2. A place that receives the heaviest rainfall in India and the world: Mawsynram 
3. Depression that causes winter rainfall in north-west India : Western disturbance. 
4. In mixed deciduous forests : Sal and Oak trees are found. 
B. Write true or false. Correct the false statements 
1. Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and on the leeward 
side of the Western Ghats. 
Answer. False. 
Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Punjab, and on the leeward side 
of the Western Ghats. 
2. Increase in height is responsible for the changing vegetation in the Himalayas. 
Answer. True. 
3. Thorn forests occupy the largest area in India. 
Answer. False. 
Tropical Monsoon deciduous forests occupy the largest area in India. 
4. Hogla is mainly found in the tidal forests. 
Answer. True. 
C. Give geographical reasons for each of the following : 
Question 1. 
South India is warmer than north India. 
Answer: 
South India is warmer than North India as it is close to the equator. It has equable 
climate throughout the year neither very hot nor very cold as it is close to the coast. The 
north India is far from the equator and is hot in summer and cold in winter (extreme 
climate) because it is away from the coast. 
Question 2. 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches. 
Answer: 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches because of the peninsular shape 
of India. The Arabian Sea causes rainfall in the western part and the Bay of Bengal 
brings rainfall in north-eastern India. 
D. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
What type of climate does the Indian subcontinent have ? 
Answer: 
The Indian subcontinent has a tropical monsoon climate. The temperatures are high 
with monsoon laden summers. India has distinct wet and dry seasons. 
Question 2. 
State two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier. 
Answer: 
Two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier are: 
1. Himalayas prevent the cold winds of Central Asia from entering India. This 
prevents India from experiencing very cold winters. 
2. The Himalayas also prevent the rain-bearing monsoon winds from leaving the 
country, thus allowing the country to receive sufficient rainfall. 
Question 3. 
Why does India have a tropical monsoon climate ? 
Answer: 
India has a tropical monsoon climate due to the presence of the Himalayas which do not 
allow the cold winds of Asia to reach the temperate northern parts of India and trap the 
monsoon which bring rain to the whole of country. 
Question 4. 
Name two states of north India that receive rainfall in winter. What is the cause of winter 
rainfall in these states? 
Answer: 
States of North India that receive rainfall in winter are Punjab, Kashmir, Himacha 
Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. The western disturbances cause the winter rainfall 
in north-western parts of India. Western disturbances are cyclones or depressions 
originating from the Mediterranean 
region. 
 
Question 5. 
Where would you find the following in India: 
Asiatic lion, Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and red panda? 
Answer: 
• Asiatic lion is found only in the Gir forests of Gujarat. 
• Royal Bengal tiger in mainly found in the forests and foothills of the Himalayas and 
Sunderbans of the Ganga Delta. 
• One-horned rhinoceros is found in Assam and West Bengal. 
• Red panda is found in the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas. 
Question 6. 
Mention any three national parks in India. 
Answer: 
India’s national parks play an important role in conserving the country’s forests and 
wildlife. Some of the well-known national parks are mentioned below : 
1. Kaziranga National Park : It is located in Assam and gives protection to the one 
homed-rhinocerous. 
2. Ranthambore National Park : Located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, 
this park is dotted with banyan, dhok and mango trees and also has evergreen 
belts. It plays in important role in tiger protection in the country. 
3. Sundarbans National Park : It is located in West Bengal and is a major tiger 
reserve in the country. 
4. Bandhavgarh National Park : Located in Madhya Pradesh, this park is another 
safe haven for tigers. 
5. Kanha National Park : It is supposed to be the most well- maintained park in the 
country. It provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous work, The Jungle 
Book. 
Question 7. 
Mention any five biosphere reserves in India. 
Answer: 
Some important biosphere reserves in India are : 
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve located in Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills in South India. 
2. Gulf of Mannar Bisophere Reserve located between India and Sri Lanka, forming 
part of the Laccadive Sea. 
3. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal. 
4. Nanda Devi Biosphere in north-eastern Uttarakhand. 
5. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in the West Garo Hills in Meghalaya. 
6. Pachmari Biosphere Reserve in the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. 
7. Similipal Biosphere Reserve in north-eastern Odisha. 
8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve located in Chhattisgarh and Madhya 
Pradesh. 
Page 4


India Climate, Natural Vegetation, Forests and Wildlife 
Exercises 
A. Fill in the blanks 
1. The state that first receives the monsoon rains : Kerala. 
2. A place that receives the heaviest rainfall in India and the world: Mawsynram 
3. Depression that causes winter rainfall in north-west India : Western disturbance. 
4. In mixed deciduous forests : Sal and Oak trees are found. 
B. Write true or false. Correct the false statements 
1. Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and on the leeward 
side of the Western Ghats. 
Answer. False. 
Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Punjab, and on the leeward side 
of the Western Ghats. 
2. Increase in height is responsible for the changing vegetation in the Himalayas. 
Answer. True. 
3. Thorn forests occupy the largest area in India. 
Answer. False. 
Tropical Monsoon deciduous forests occupy the largest area in India. 
4. Hogla is mainly found in the tidal forests. 
Answer. True. 
C. Give geographical reasons for each of the following : 
Question 1. 
South India is warmer than north India. 
Answer: 
South India is warmer than North India as it is close to the equator. It has equable 
climate throughout the year neither very hot nor very cold as it is close to the coast. The 
north India is far from the equator and is hot in summer and cold in winter (extreme 
climate) because it is away from the coast. 
Question 2. 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches. 
Answer: 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches because of the peninsular shape 
of India. The Arabian Sea causes rainfall in the western part and the Bay of Bengal 
brings rainfall in north-eastern India. 
D. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
What type of climate does the Indian subcontinent have ? 
Answer: 
The Indian subcontinent has a tropical monsoon climate. The temperatures are high 
with monsoon laden summers. India has distinct wet and dry seasons. 
Question 2. 
State two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier. 
Answer: 
Two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier are: 
1. Himalayas prevent the cold winds of Central Asia from entering India. This 
prevents India from experiencing very cold winters. 
2. The Himalayas also prevent the rain-bearing monsoon winds from leaving the 
country, thus allowing the country to receive sufficient rainfall. 
Question 3. 
Why does India have a tropical monsoon climate ? 
Answer: 
India has a tropical monsoon climate due to the presence of the Himalayas which do not 
allow the cold winds of Asia to reach the temperate northern parts of India and trap the 
monsoon which bring rain to the whole of country. 
Question 4. 
Name two states of north India that receive rainfall in winter. What is the cause of winter 
rainfall in these states? 
Answer: 
States of North India that receive rainfall in winter are Punjab, Kashmir, Himacha 
Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. The western disturbances cause the winter rainfall 
in north-western parts of India. Western disturbances are cyclones or depressions 
originating from the Mediterranean 
region. 
 
Question 5. 
Where would you find the following in India: 
Asiatic lion, Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and red panda? 
Answer: 
• Asiatic lion is found only in the Gir forests of Gujarat. 
• Royal Bengal tiger in mainly found in the forests and foothills of the Himalayas and 
Sunderbans of the Ganga Delta. 
• One-horned rhinoceros is found in Assam and West Bengal. 
• Red panda is found in the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas. 
Question 6. 
Mention any three national parks in India. 
Answer: 
India’s national parks play an important role in conserving the country’s forests and 
wildlife. Some of the well-known national parks are mentioned below : 
1. Kaziranga National Park : It is located in Assam and gives protection to the one 
homed-rhinocerous. 
2. Ranthambore National Park : Located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, 
this park is dotted with banyan, dhok and mango trees and also has evergreen 
belts. It plays in important role in tiger protection in the country. 
3. Sundarbans National Park : It is located in West Bengal and is a major tiger 
reserve in the country. 
4. Bandhavgarh National Park : Located in Madhya Pradesh, this park is another 
safe haven for tigers. 
5. Kanha National Park : It is supposed to be the most well- maintained park in the 
country. It provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous work, The Jungle 
Book. 
Question 7. 
Mention any five biosphere reserves in India. 
Answer: 
Some important biosphere reserves in India are : 
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve located in Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills in South India. 
2. Gulf of Mannar Bisophere Reserve located between India and Sri Lanka, forming 
part of the Laccadive Sea. 
3. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal. 
4. Nanda Devi Biosphere in north-eastern Uttarakhand. 
5. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in the West Garo Hills in Meghalaya. 
6. Pachmari Biosphere Reserve in the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. 
7. Similipal Biosphere Reserve in north-eastern Odisha. 
8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve located in Chhattisgarh and Madhya 
Pradesh. 
9. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve located in Nicobar Islands. 
E. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs. 
Question 1. 
Describe the seasons experienced in India and also state the months and their duration. 
Answer: 
The tropical monsoon climate of India has three main seasons  
1. The Hot Dry Season — March to May 
2. The Hot Wet Season — June to October 
3. The Cool Dry Season — November to February 
1. The Hot Dry Season: The temperature starts to rise by March, reaching the highest 
in May in the desert region going above 48°C. Northern Plains are at about 35° to 40°C. 
The places at higher altitudes and coastal regions have moderate temperatures. The 
high temperature leads to local storms accompanied by convectional showers at times 
like loo in Rajasthan, Mango showers in Kerala, Kalbaisakhi in Assam and West 
Bengal. 
2. The Hot Wet Season Rainy Season : By June, the high temperature leads to the 
formation of a low pressure area and blowing of high pressure winds from the sea to the 
land occurs which brings rainfall to the land. These winds are called summer monsoons 
or the south-west monsoons that bring heavy rain along with thunder and lightning. 
Temperature decreases by 3°-6°C. Kerala is the first state to receive the rain. The 
south-west monsoons are divided into two branches— 
(a) The Arabian Sea Branch — It is stronger and causes heavy rain in the western 
ghats, moving to Deccan Plateau and the interiors of peninsular which gets hardly 50-60 
cm of rainfall. 
(b) The Bay of Bengal Branch — It brings heavy rain in the north-eastern India, then 
all over the Northern Plains (by taking turn along the Himalayas). By the time they reach 
north-west India, the wind becomes dry and hence very low rainfall is experienced in 
this region. 
By the end of September, India starts to cool again as the sun’s direct rays move 
towards the equator and the Tropic of Capricon. The air above land is cool (at high 
pressure) and air above water bodies is warmer (low pressure), so the winds reverse 
the direction and blow from the land to the sea. These winds are called retreating 
monsoons. Tamil Nadu receives less rainfall in summer and more rainfall in winters 
from the north-east monsoon. 
3. Cold Dry Season : The winter season begins from November and lasts till February. 
Temperatures are lower in north India and the interiors are dry. The average 
temperatures go below 10°C in north-west India and around 21°C in the plains. Some 
areas at high altitude as Shimla and Srinagar experience snowfall. South India remains 
warmer due to closeness to equator. Severe cold waves are common in Northern India. 
Page 5


India Climate, Natural Vegetation, Forests and Wildlife 
Exercises 
A. Fill in the blanks 
1. The state that first receives the monsoon rains : Kerala. 
2. A place that receives the heaviest rainfall in India and the world: Mawsynram 
3. Depression that causes winter rainfall in north-west India : Western disturbance. 
4. In mixed deciduous forests : Sal and Oak trees are found. 
B. Write true or false. Correct the false statements 
1. Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and on the leeward 
side of the Western Ghats. 
Answer. False. 
Babool and kikar trees are mainly found in Rajasthan, Punjab, and on the leeward side 
of the Western Ghats. 
2. Increase in height is responsible for the changing vegetation in the Himalayas. 
Answer. True. 
3. Thorn forests occupy the largest area in India. 
Answer. False. 
Tropical Monsoon deciduous forests occupy the largest area in India. 
4. Hogla is mainly found in the tidal forests. 
Answer. True. 
C. Give geographical reasons for each of the following : 
Question 1. 
South India is warmer than north India. 
Answer: 
South India is warmer than North India as it is close to the equator. It has equable 
climate throughout the year neither very hot nor very cold as it is close to the coast. The 
north India is far from the equator and is hot in summer and cold in winter (extreme 
climate) because it is away from the coast. 
Question 2. 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches. 
Answer: 
The south-west monsoon is divided into two branches because of the peninsular shape 
of India. The Arabian Sea causes rainfall in the western part and the Bay of Bengal 
brings rainfall in north-eastern India. 
D. Answer the following questions in brief 
Question 1. 
What type of climate does the Indian subcontinent have ? 
Answer: 
The Indian subcontinent has a tropical monsoon climate. The temperatures are high 
with monsoon laden summers. India has distinct wet and dry seasons. 
Question 2. 
State two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier. 
Answer: 
Two ways in which the Himalayas act as a climate barrier are: 
1. Himalayas prevent the cold winds of Central Asia from entering India. This 
prevents India from experiencing very cold winters. 
2. The Himalayas also prevent the rain-bearing monsoon winds from leaving the 
country, thus allowing the country to receive sufficient rainfall. 
Question 3. 
Why does India have a tropical monsoon climate ? 
Answer: 
India has a tropical monsoon climate due to the presence of the Himalayas which do not 
allow the cold winds of Asia to reach the temperate northern parts of India and trap the 
monsoon which bring rain to the whole of country. 
Question 4. 
Name two states of north India that receive rainfall in winter. What is the cause of winter 
rainfall in these states? 
Answer: 
States of North India that receive rainfall in winter are Punjab, Kashmir, Himacha 
Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh. The western disturbances cause the winter rainfall 
in north-western parts of India. Western disturbances are cyclones or depressions 
originating from the Mediterranean 
region. 
 
Question 5. 
Where would you find the following in India: 
Asiatic lion, Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and red panda? 
Answer: 
• Asiatic lion is found only in the Gir forests of Gujarat. 
• Royal Bengal tiger in mainly found in the forests and foothills of the Himalayas and 
Sunderbans of the Ganga Delta. 
• One-horned rhinoceros is found in Assam and West Bengal. 
• Red panda is found in the snow-covered mountains of the Himalayas. 
Question 6. 
Mention any three national parks in India. 
Answer: 
India’s national parks play an important role in conserving the country’s forests and 
wildlife. Some of the well-known national parks are mentioned below : 
1. Kaziranga National Park : It is located in Assam and gives protection to the one 
homed-rhinocerous. 
2. Ranthambore National Park : Located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, 
this park is dotted with banyan, dhok and mango trees and also has evergreen 
belts. It plays in important role in tiger protection in the country. 
3. Sundarbans National Park : It is located in West Bengal and is a major tiger 
reserve in the country. 
4. Bandhavgarh National Park : Located in Madhya Pradesh, this park is another 
safe haven for tigers. 
5. Kanha National Park : It is supposed to be the most well- maintained park in the 
country. It provided inspiration to Rudyard Kipling for his famous work, The Jungle 
Book. 
Question 7. 
Mention any five biosphere reserves in India. 
Answer: 
Some important biosphere reserves in India are : 
1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve located in Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills in South India. 
2. Gulf of Mannar Bisophere Reserve located between India and Sri Lanka, forming 
part of the Laccadive Sea. 
3. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve in West Bengal. 
4. Nanda Devi Biosphere in north-eastern Uttarakhand. 
5. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in the West Garo Hills in Meghalaya. 
6. Pachmari Biosphere Reserve in the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. 
7. Similipal Biosphere Reserve in north-eastern Odisha. 
8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve located in Chhattisgarh and Madhya 
Pradesh. 
9. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve located in Nicobar Islands. 
E. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs. 
Question 1. 
Describe the seasons experienced in India and also state the months and their duration. 
Answer: 
The tropical monsoon climate of India has three main seasons  
1. The Hot Dry Season — March to May 
2. The Hot Wet Season — June to October 
3. The Cool Dry Season — November to February 
1. The Hot Dry Season: The temperature starts to rise by March, reaching the highest 
in May in the desert region going above 48°C. Northern Plains are at about 35° to 40°C. 
The places at higher altitudes and coastal regions have moderate temperatures. The 
high temperature leads to local storms accompanied by convectional showers at times 
like loo in Rajasthan, Mango showers in Kerala, Kalbaisakhi in Assam and West 
Bengal. 
2. The Hot Wet Season Rainy Season : By June, the high temperature leads to the 
formation of a low pressure area and blowing of high pressure winds from the sea to the 
land occurs which brings rainfall to the land. These winds are called summer monsoons 
or the south-west monsoons that bring heavy rain along with thunder and lightning. 
Temperature decreases by 3°-6°C. Kerala is the first state to receive the rain. The 
south-west monsoons are divided into two branches— 
(a) The Arabian Sea Branch — It is stronger and causes heavy rain in the western 
ghats, moving to Deccan Plateau and the interiors of peninsular which gets hardly 50-60 
cm of rainfall. 
(b) The Bay of Bengal Branch — It brings heavy rain in the north-eastern India, then 
all over the Northern Plains (by taking turn along the Himalayas). By the time they reach 
north-west India, the wind becomes dry and hence very low rainfall is experienced in 
this region. 
By the end of September, India starts to cool again as the sun’s direct rays move 
towards the equator and the Tropic of Capricon. The air above land is cool (at high 
pressure) and air above water bodies is warmer (low pressure), so the winds reverse 
the direction and blow from the land to the sea. These winds are called retreating 
monsoons. Tamil Nadu receives less rainfall in summer and more rainfall in winters 
from the north-east monsoon. 
3. Cold Dry Season : The winter season begins from November and lasts till February. 
Temperatures are lower in north India and the interiors are dry. The average 
temperatures go below 10°C in north-west India and around 21°C in the plains. Some 
areas at high altitude as Shimla and Srinagar experience snowfall. South India remains 
warmer due to closeness to equator. Severe cold waves are common in Northern India. 
Rainfall is scanty all over India as winds blow from land towards the sea and hence are 
dry. The north-west India and the Coromandel Coast receive winter rainfall due to north 
east monsoons. Hence, Tamil Naidu receives winter rainfall. Western disturbances also 
bring cyclonic rainfall in the north west India states like Punjab, Kashmir Himachal 
Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh Winter rainfall is low but very important for rabi or 
winter crops such as wheat and barley. 
Question 2. 
Which winds bring rainfall to the Western Ghats ? Why is the Deccan Plateau relatively 
dry during the rainy season? Why do Punjab and Rajasthan get very little rainfall during 
the monsoons ? 
Answer: 
The moisture laden south-west monsoon winds from die Arabian Sea branch causes 
heavy rainfall to the windward side of the Western Ghats. 
The Deccan Plateau which lies on the leward side receives very little rainfall and hence 
remains relatively dry during ;he rainy reason. 
The Bay of Bengal Branch of the south-west monsoons brings heavy rainfall to the 
north-eastern region of India. The Himalayas prevent them from leaving India and divert 
these O west, through the Ganga Plains. The amount of rainfall received steadily 
decreases in the north- west direction and wind becomes dry. As a result, Punjab and 
Rajasthan get very little rainfall during monsoons. Punjab is the last state to receive the 
monsoon rains. 
Question 3. 
Explain the importance of monsoon. 
Answer: 
A good monsoon is important for the entire country for these reasons : 
1. A good monsoon brings economic prosperity for the whole country and boosts the 
Indian economy as agriculture contributes around 16 per cent of its total Gross 
domestic product (GDP). 
2. High temperature and heavy rainfall in the summer months are important for 
different types of kharif crops. The winter rain supplemented by irrigation is 
important for rabi crops. 
3. A normal rainfall is important for adequate agricultural production in order to 
maintain food prices. Food prices depend upon the agricultural output. In the 
absence of a good monsoon, the entire nation may be destabilized because of 
food inflation. 
4. Several dams, reservoirs, rivers and canals in India are rain- fed and depend upon 
the monsoon rains. 
5. Other economic activities like forestry and fishing are also influenced directly by 
the amount of rainfall. 
6. Monsoon rain gives us respite from the high and intolerable summer heat and 
brings back life to the living earth.