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

Q1. Name the different major physiographic divisions of India. Write a note on any one of the physiographic divisions of India. (Important)

Fig: Physiographic divisions of India

Ans: The major physiographic divisions of India include:

• The Himalayan Mountains
• The Northern Plains
• The Peninsular Plateau
• The Indian Desert
• The Coastal Plains
• The Islands

The Coastal Plains are narrow strips of land located on either side of the Peninsular Plateau. They are divided into:

• Western Coastal Plain: Stretches along the Arabian Sea. Surrounded by the Western Ghats to the east.
  • Regions include:
    • Konkan (Mumbai to Goa)
    • Kannad (central stretch)
    • Malabar Coast (southern part)
• Eastern Coastal Plain:
  • Wider and more level, running along the Bay of Bengal. Eastern Ghats rise to the west.
  • Regions include: Northern Circar (northern part), Coromandel Coast (southern part)

Q2. Where are the Western and the Eastern Ghats situated? Write a small note on each.

Fig: Western and Eastern ghats of India

Ans: The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are located in the Peninsular Plateau region of India.

• Western Ghats:
  • Form the western edge of the Deccan Plateau.
  • Run parallel to the western coast.
  • Continuous and can only be crossed through passes such as Thal, Bhor, and Pal Ghats.
  • Average elevation ranges from 900 to 1600 metres.
  • Highest peaks include Anai Mudi (2,695 metres) and Doda Betta (2,637 metres).
• Eastern Ghats:
  • Mark the eastern edge of the Deccan Plateau.
  • Stretch from the Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiri Hills.
  • Average elevation is lower, around 600 metres.
  • Mahendragiri (1,501 metres) is the highest peak.

Q3. What is the Great Himalaya? Write two characteristics of it.

Ans: The northernmost range of the Himalayas is called the Great Himalaya, also known as the Inner Himalayas or Himadri.

• Highest Peaks: It is the most continuous range, featuring the highest peaks, with an average height of 6,000 metres. This range includes all the prominent Himalayan peaks.
• Geological Features: The folds of the Great Himalaya are asymmetrical, and its core is made of granite rock. This range is always snowbound and contains numerous glaciers.

Q4. Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhya range? Write a brief note on this plateau.

Ans: The Malwa Plateau is located between the Aravali hills and the Vindhya range, with the Aravali to the west and the Vindhya to the south. This plateau is primarily situated in Madhya Pradesh and is characterised by:

• Extensive lava flows that form its foundation.
• Rolling plains interspersed with flat-topped hills.
• Ravines, particularly near the Chambal Valley in the east.

The northern part of the plateau, lying above the Narmada river, is known as the Central Highlands.

Q5. What do you understand by 'duns'? Where are they situated in our country? 

Ans: Duns are longitudinal valleys located between the Lesser Himalaya and the Shivaliks.

Q6. Describe 'Bhabar' and 'Terai'.

Ans: Bhabar is a region characterised by a formation of pebbles located at the base of the mountains in the Himalayan area. It is known for:

• Being a narrow belt, about 8 to 16 km wide, parallel to the Shiwaliks.
• Streams disappearing into the ground within this region.

Terai is the area south of Bhabar, notable for:

• Being a sloping land at the foothills of the Nepal Himalayas.
• Receiving heavy rainfall, leading to a lush, swampy environment.
• Once being densely forested, now largely cleared for agriculture.

Q7. Name any three divisions of Himalayas on the basis of regions from West to East and also write one main feature of each.

Ans: The Himalayas are divided into three main regions from west to east, separated by river valleys:

• Punjab Himalayas: This region lies between the Indus and Sutlej rivers. It is also referred to as the Kashmir Himachal Himalaya from west to east.
• Kumaon Himalayas: This area is located between the Sutlej and Kali rivers.
• Assam Himalayas: This region is defined by the Kali and Teesta rivers, with the area between the Teesta and Dihang rivers known as the Assam Himalayas.

Q8. Why are the Himalayas called young fold mountains?

Ans: The Himalayas are considered young fold mountains for several reasons:

• They are geologically young, having formed relatively recently in Earth's history.
• These mountains were uplifted from the Tethys Sea during the Tertiary period.
• Their landscape features high peaks, deep valleys, and fast-flowing rivers, indicating a youthful topography.
• Overall, the Himalayas represent one of the most rugged and dynamic mountain ranges in the world.

Fig: The Himalayan mountain

Q9. The relief of India displays a great physical variation. Explain.

Ans: India's landscape is marked by significant physical variation, featuring a diverse range of landforms:

• Mountains: The Himalayas are young, fold mountains that stretch across the northern border, showcasing high peaks and deep valleys.
• Plains: The northern plains are formed from alluvial deposits, making them fertile and ideal for agriculture.
• Plateaus: The Peninsular Plateau consists of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, characterised by gently rising hills.
• Deserts: The Indian Desert, located in the west, features arid conditions.
• Islands: India includes various islands, which experience a tropical climate and rich biodiversity.

This varied geography has been shaped by geological processes over time, including weathering, erosion, and deposition.