Class 9 Geography Chapter 1 Question Answers - Contemporary India - I

Q1: “The land of India displays great physical variations”.Justify the Statement. 
Ans: The land of India exhibits significant physical variationsacross its regions:

• The Himalayas: These mountains are vital sources of water and forest resources.
• The Northern Plains: Known for their fertile land, they support early civilisations and intensive agriculture.
• The Plateau: Rich in minerals, it has been crucial for the country's industrialisation.
• The Coastal Plains: These areas are important for fishing and port activities.

Each of these regions contributes uniquely to India's diverse geography and resources.

Q2: Describe the Formation of the Northern Plains?
Ans: The Northern Plainsof India were formed through a combination of geological processes:

• The uplift of the Himalayas from the Tethys Sea created a large basin in the northern region.
• Over centuries, this basin filled with sediments deposited by rivers flowing from the northern mountains and the Peninsular Plateau.
• This led to the creation of a flat land rich in alluvial deposits, resulting in the fertile Northern Plains.

The plains cover an area of approximately 7 lakh sq. km, stretching about 2400 km in length and 240 to 320 km in width.

Q3: Mention any four features of Peninsular Plateau.
Ans: The Peninsular Plateau has several distinct features:

• Old Rocks: It consists of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.
• Geological Formation: Formed from the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land, making it one of the oldest landmasses.
• Topography: Characterised by broad, shallow valleys and rounded hills.
• Divisions: It is divided into two main parts: the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.

Q4: What are the features of Western Ghats?
Ans: Features of the Western Ghats:

• Located on the west coast of India.
• Narrow and unbroken range.
• Highest peak is Anai Mudi.
• Source of major rivers like Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri.
• Continuous range crossed only through passes.

Q5: Explain the formation of Himalayas.
Ans: The Himalayas were formed through a process called continental collision. This occurred when the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate, leading to the following key points:

• The collision began around 50 million years ago and continues today.
• This process caused the land to fold and uplift, creating the mountain range.
• The Himalayas are primarily composed of sedimentary rocks that were pushed upwards.
• They stretch approximately 2,400 kilometres from west to east.
• The range includes several parallel ranges, with the Great Himalayas being the highest.
• These mountains are home to some of the world's tallest peaks, including Mount Everest.

In summary, the formation of the Himalayas is a result of tectonic activity that continues to shape this majestic mountain range.

Q6: Name any three features of Central Highlands?
Ans: Features of Central Highlands:

• The Vindhyan Range is located to the south of the Central Highlands, while the Aravalis are to the northwest.
• The Central Highlands are narrower in the east and wider in the west.
• The Chota Nagpur Plateau is the eastern extension of this region, drained by the Damodar River.

Q7: Name any three features of Coastal Plains.
Ans: Features of Coastal Plains:

• The Western coast is a narrow plain located between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, divided into three sections.
• The northern section is known as Konkan, the central part is called Kannad, and the southern section is referred to as Malabar.
• Lake Chilika is the largest saltwater lake in India and an important feature along the eastern coast.

Q8: Name any four features of Lakshadweep Islands.
Ans: Features of the Lakshadweep Islands:

• The Lakshadweep Islands consist of a group of small coral islands.
• Previously known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive, they were renamed Lakshadweep in 1973.
• This island group covers a small area of 32 sq km.
• Pitti Island is uninhabited and features a bird sanctuary.

Q9: Describe how the northern plains of India were formed.
Ans: The northern plainsof India were formed through a combination of geological processes:

• The uplift of the Himalayas from the Tethys Sea created a large basin.
• This basin gradually filled with sediments deposited by rivers flowing from the Himalayas and the peninsular plateau.
• Over time, these deposits formed a flat expanse of alluvial soil, resulting in the fertile northern plains.

The plains cover an area of approximately 7 lakh square kilometres and are vital for agriculture due to their rich soil and water supply.

Q10: Describe physical variations that the land of India displays.
Ans: The land of India showcases a remarkable variety of physical features, including:

• Mountains: The Himalayas are young, fold mountains that stretch across the northern border, featuring high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers.
• Plains: The Northern Plains are formed from alluvial deposits, making them fertile and densely populated.
• Plateaus: The Peninsular Plateau consists of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, characterised by gently rising hills and wide valleys.
• Deserts: The Great Indian Desert is an undulating sandy plain, known for its sand dunes.
• Coastal Plains: These plains border the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east, featuring rich biodiversity.
• Islands: India has two main groups of islands: the Lakshadweep Islands and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which have unique ecosystems.

Each of these features contributes to India's diverse geography and rich natural resources.

Q11: Give some prominent features of the Himalayan mountains.
Ans: The Himalayas are a young and rugged mountain range located along the northern borders of India. Here are some of their key features:

• They stretch approximately 2,400 km from west to east, with varying widths.
• The average height of the peaks in the Great Himalayas is around 6,000 metres.
• The Himalayas consist of three main ranges: the Great Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Shiwaliks.
• They are home to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
• The region features deep valleys and fast-flowing rivers, contributing to its youthful topography.

Q12: What are the features of the Great or Inner Himalayas or the Himadri?
Ans: The northernmost range of the Himalayas is known as the Great Himalayas or Himadri. Its features include:

• The most continuous range, featuring the highest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres. It includes all the prominent Himalayan peaks.
• The folds of the Great Himalayas are asymmetrical in nature, with a core primarily made of granite.
• This range is perennially snowbound, and numerous glaciers descend from it.

Q13: What is known as Himachal or lesser Himalaya? Mention some of the features of this mountain system.
Ans: The mountain range located south of the Himadri is referred to as the Himachal or lesser Himalaya. Key features of this mountain system include:

• The ranges are primarily made up of highly compressed and altered rocks.
• Altitude ranges from 3,700 to 4,500 metres, with an average width of 50 km.
• The Pir Panjal range is the longest and most significant range, alongside the Dhaula Dhar and Mahabharat ranges.
• This region encompasses the famous Kashmir Valley, as well as the Kangra and Kullu Valleys in Himachal Pradesh, known for their hill stations.

Q14: Mention some of the features of the Shivalik Hills.
Ans: The Shivalik Hills is a mountain range that forms part of the outer Himalayas. Here are some key features of this range:

• The Shivalik Hills extend approximately 2,400 km, starting near the Indus River and ending close to the Brahmaputra, with a 90 km gap between the Teesta and Raidak rivers in Assam.
• They vary in width from 10 to 50 km and have an average elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 m.
• The hills are primarily made up of unconsolidated sediments that have been deposited by rivers flowing from the main Himalayan ranges to the north.
• The valleys in this region are covered with thick layers of gravel and alluvium.
• Longitudinal valleys between the Lesser Himalaya and the Shivalik are known as Duns, with notable examples including Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, and Patli Dun.

Q15: Into which three sections is the northern plain divided? Describe them briefly.
Ans: The northern plain is divided into three main sections:

• The Punjab Plains: This region is located in the western part of the northern plain. It is formed by the Indus River and its tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Beas, Ravi, and Satluj. Most of this plain is situated in Pakistan and is characterised by the presence of doabs.
• The Ganga Plains: This section stretches between the Ghaggar and Teesta rivers. It covers several states in North India, including Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, parts of Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
• The Brahmaputra Plains: Located in the eastern part of the northern plain, this area is primarily found in Assam.

Q16: Which group of islands is located in the Arabian Sea? Give features of these islands.
Ans: The Lakshadweep Islands group is situated in the Arabian Sea and consists of several notable features:

• Composition: The group comprises 36 islands, previously known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive, before being renamed Lakshadweep in 1973.
• Location: These islands are located near the Malabar coast of Kerala and are primarily small coral islands.
• Area: The total area of Lakshadweep is approximately 32 sq km, with Kavaratti serving as the administrative headquarters.
• Diversity: The islands boast a rich variety of flora and fauna. Notably, Pitti Island, which is uninhabited, features a bird sanctuary.

Q17: How are coral reefs formed? Give examples.
Ans: Coral reefs are formed by marine invertebrates known as coral polyps, which live in large colonies. These organisms thrive in:

• Shallow, warm waters free of mud.
• They secrete a hard substance called calcium carbonate.
• Their secretions and skeletons accumulate to create coral deposits.

There are three main types of coral reefs:

• Barrier reefs
• Fringing reefs
• Atolls

A notable example is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which is the largest living structure on Earth and can even be seen from space. Atolls are typically circular or horse-shoe shaped coral formations.

Q18: Write a brief note on the Deccan Trap.
Ans: The Deccan Traprefers to a significant geological feature in India, primarily known for its black soil. Here are some key points:

• The Deccan Traps are a vast igneous province located on the Deccan Plateau in west-central India.
• It is one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, consisting of multiple layers of solidified flood basalt.
• The thickness of these layers exceeds 2,000 metres, covering an area of approximately 500,000 km².
• The total volume of the Deccan Traps is around 512,000 km³.

Q19: What is the peninsular plateau? Describe it highlighting its features.
Ans: The peninsular plateau is a tableland. It is composed of the old crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is considered the oldest landmass as it was formed due to the drifting of the Gondwana land. The plateau consists of broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills.
The peninsular plateau can be divided into two regions:

(i) The Central Highlands
(ii) The Deccan Plateau
(i) The Central Highlands:

• Located north of the Narmada river, this area includes a significant part of the Malwa plateau.
• It is bordered by the Vindhya range to the south and the Aravalis to the northwest, merging into the sandy and rocky desert of Rajasthan to the west.
• The rivers in this region, including the Chambal, Sind, Betwa, and Ken, flow from southwest to northeast, indicating the slope.
• The Central Highlands are wider in the west and narrower in the east.
• The eastern section is known as the Chotanagpur plateau, through which the Damodar river flows.

(ii) The Deccan Plateau:

• This triangular landmass lies south of the Narmada river, with the Godavari river and its tributaries draining most of its northern part.
• The Satpura range forms its northern base, while the Mahadev, Kaimur hills, and Maikal range extend to the east.
• The Deccan Plateau is higher in the west and gently slopes eastwards.
• The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats define its western and eastern boundaries, respectively. The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast and are continuous, accessible only through passes.
• A notable feature of the peninsular plateau is the black soil area known as the Deccan Trap, which is of volcanic origin.

Q20: Explain the main features of the Deccan plateau.
Ans: The Deccan Plateau is a significant geographical feature in India, characterised by its unique structure and composition.

• Triangular Landmass: The plateau is shaped like a triangle and is located south of the Narmada River.
• Drainage: Most of the northern area is drained by the Godavari River and its tributaries, which originate in the Western Ghats and flow east towards the Bay of Bengal.
• Surrounding Ranges: The northern base is flanked by the Satpura Range, while the Mahadev, Kaimur Hills, and Maikal Range extend to the east.
• Elevation: The plateau is higher in the west and gradually slopes down towards the east.
• Ghats: The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats define the western and eastern boundaries, respectively. The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast and are continuous, with only a few passes for crossing.
• Soil Type: A notable feature of the plateau is the black soil region known as the Deccan Trap, which is of volcanic origin.

Q21: Compare Western and Eastern Himalayas.
Ans: Comparison of Western and Eastern Himalayas

• Height: The Western Himalayas are generally higher than the Eastern Himalayas.
• Precipitation: The Eastern Himalayas receive significantly more rainfall, resulting in greater greenery.
• Geographical Spread: The Western Himalayas cover states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. In contrast, the Eastern Himalayas span states such as West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Hill Stations: Popular hill stations in the Western Himalayas include Shimla, Kullu Manali, and Srinagar. The Eastern Himalayas are known for Darjeeling and Shillong.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes and landslides are more frequent in the Eastern Himalayas compared to the Western Himalayas.
• Main Rivers: The Indus and Satluj rivers flow through the Western Himalayas, draining into the Arabian Sea. The Brahmaputra is the primary river of the Eastern Himalayas, flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Q22: Describe the division of the Himalayas on the basis of regions from west to east.
Ans: The Himalayas are divided into distinct regions from west to east, primarily based on river valleys:

• Punjab Himalaya: This region lies between the Indus and Satluj rivers. It is also known as Kashmir in the west and Himachal Himalaya in the east.
• Kumaon Himalayas: Located between the Satluj and Kali rivers, this area is known for its scenic beauty.
• Nepal Himalayas: This section is defined by the Kali and Teesta rivers.
• Assam Himalayas: Found between the Teesta and Dihang rivers, this region is rich in biodiversity.
• Purvachal: The easternmost part of the Himalayas, marked by the Brahmaputra river. Beyond the Dihang gorge, the mountains curve southward and are referred to as the Purvachal or the Eastern hills and mountains. This area includes the Patkai, Naga, Manipur, and Mizo hills.

Q23: Describe the longitudinal divisions of the Himalayas.
Ans: The Himalayas are divided into three main longitudinal ranges:

• Great Himalayas (Himadri)
  • It is the highest range, with peaks averaging 6,000 metres.
  • Contains all significant Himalayan peaks.
  • The folds are asymmetrical, primarily composed of granite.
  • This range is covered in snow year-round, with numerous glaciers.
• Himachal (Lesser Himalayas)
  • Composed of highly compressed and altered rocks.
  • Altitude ranges from 3,700 to 4,500 metres, with an average width of 50 km.
  • The Pir Panjal range is the longest and most significant.
  • Includes famous valleys like Kashmir, Kangra, and Kullu, known for their hill stations.
• Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas)
  • This range stretches approximately 2,400 km from the Indus to the Brahmaputra.
  • Width varies from 10 to 50 km, with an elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 m.
  • Composed of unconsolidated sediments from rivers flowing from the higher ranges.
  • Valleys here, known as Duns, include Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, and Patli Dun.

In addition to these divisions, the Himalayas are also categorised regionally based on river valleys:

• The section between the Indus and Satluj rivers is called the Punjab Himalaya.
• The area between the Satluj and Kali rivers is known as the Kumaon Himalayas.
• The Kali and Teesta rivers mark the boundary of the Nepal Himalayas.
• Beyond the Dihang gorge, the Himalayas bend southward, forming the Purvachal or Eastern hills.