Class 4 Exam  >  Class 4 Notes  >  Social Studies for Class 4  >  Chapter Notes: The Northern Mountains

The Northern Mountains Class 4 Notes SST

The Himalayas stand tall in the north and north-eastern parts of India, holding the title of the world's highest mountain range. They derive their name from "Him" meaning ice and "alaya" meaning place of, signifying their snowy peaks.

The Northern Mountains

The Himalayan Mountains form the northern mountain region of India. They are the highest mountain ranges in the world. Some prominent features are highest peaks, deep valleys & gorges, glaciers etc.

Three Parallel Ranges of the Northern MountainsThree Parallel Ranges of the Northern Mountains

The Three Mountain RangesThe Three Mountain Ranges

(i) Himadri or Greater Himalaya
Greater HimalayasGreater Himalayas

  • The Great Himalayas are the highest and northernmost range among the three parallel ranges. The Greater Himalaya is way up in the north. 
  • They consist of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest and K2.
  • They are  the tallest of the three mountain ranges. The climate of the area is snowy all year round and the region consists of glaciers.
  • Many big rivers like the Indus, Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra start from these glaciers.

(ii) The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal or Lower Himalayas) 

  • Situated to the north of the Shiwalik Range, the Lesser Himalayas are higher in altitude.
  • They include prominent mountain ranges such as the Dhauladhar Range and the Pir Panjal Range. These mountains have lots of trees like pine, fir, and deodar.
     Deodar, Pine, Fir Trees Deodar, Pine, Fir Trees
  • You'll find famous places like Shimla, Nainital, and Darjeeling here. They're called hill stations because they're high up in the mountains and people like to go there for vacations.

(iii) The Shiwalik Range or Outer Himalayas
Shiwalik HillsShiwalik Hills

  • The Outer Himalaya is even lower than the Middle Himalaya. It's covered with wild forests. There are many wild animals living in these forests.
  • The Shiwalik is the southernmost range of the Himalayas. The other ranges have been formed much earlier. 
  • The average height of the Shiwalik ranges is about 600 meters only. There are some broad valleys in between the Himachal and the Siwalik ranges which are known by the name “duns”. Dehradun is one of them. 
  • The Siwalik ranges are home for a wide variety of wildlife. Very limited farming is done by people living in these areas. The farming is done on steps which is known as terrace farming.

Life in the Region

Ladakh 

  1. Situated in the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, Ladakh is known for its farming practices.
    Karakoram RangesKarakoram Ranges
  2. Due to the scarcity of flat land, farmers practice terrace farming on the slopes, cultivating crops such as rice, maize, barley, and potatoes. Some engage in sheep rearing and wood carving.
    Sheep Rearing(left) & Wood Carving(right)Sheep Rearing(left) & Wood Carving(right)
  3. The region is famous for its apple orchards and saffron cultivation. Traditional attire includes long woolen kurtas called phirans and salwars. 
  4. During winters, people use kangris to keep warm and drink kahwa, a special tea. Tourist attractions include Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Amarnath.


Himachal Pradesh 

  1. Famous for its apple orchards, Himachal Pradesh sees men wearing embroidered caps called Kullu caps, while women wear scarves called dhazu. 
  2. The region hosts the popular Kullu Dussehra festival and attracts tourists to places like Shimla, Dalhousie, and Manali.

Uttarakhand 

Lychees and PlumsLychees and Plums

  1. Known for basmati rice, lychees, and plums, Uttarakhand is also recognized for weaving woolen shawls, scarves, and rugs.
  2. Tourists flock to Mussoorie, Nainital, and Haridwar for their scenic beauty and cultural significance.


Sikkim 

Bakhu: Sikkim`s Traditional DressBakhu: Sikkim's Traditional Dress

  1. Famous for oranges, cardamom, and orchids, Sikkim sees men and women wearing a loose gown called bakhu, along with colorful jewelry made from beads. 
  2. Gangtok and Pelling are popular tourist destinations.

Purvachal Hill Ranges

Purvanchal RangesPurvanchal Ranges

Located in the northeast, the Purvachal Hill Ranges, also known as the Northeastern Hills, are covered with thick forests.

Arunachal Pradesh 

  1. Famous for fruit orchards and orchids, Arunachal Pradesh is also known for wood carving, carpet weaving, and bamboo and cane products.
    Itanagar And Tawang RangesItanagar And Tawang Ranges
  2. Itanagar, Ziro, and Tawang are popular tourist spots.


Nagaland 

  1. Apart from farming and weaving, wood carving and pottery are significant occupations in Nagaland.
    The Northern Mountains Class 4 Notes SST
  2. The Nagas wear shawls with distinctive designs, representing their tribal identity. Kohima and Dimapur are notable tourist destinations.


Manipur 

  1. Fruits like lychee, chestnut, walnut, papaya, and passion fruit are grown in Manipur, where craftsmen produce bamboo, cane, and leather articles.
     Manipuri danceManipuri dance
  2. The Manipuri dance is renowned, and places like Imphal and Ukhrul attract tourists.

Mizoram 

  1. Traditional farming in Mizoram has been replaced with fruit and rose cultivation, with some people involved in silk production. 
  2. Chapchar Kut, celebrated in March, is an important festival.
    Chapchar KutChapchar Kut


Tripura 

  1. Jute, rubber, and bamboo are grown in Tripura, with bamboo being used for handicrafts.

  2. The state is known for its Bangla and Kokborok-speaking populace, and places like Agartala and Unakoti are tourist hotspots.
    UnakotiUnakoti


Meghalaya 

  1. Home to the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia tribes, Meghalaya is known for the Strawberry Festival. 
  2. The languages widely spoken are Khasi and Garo, and tourists are drawn to places like Shillong and Cherrapunji for their natural beauty.

The Northern Mountains Class 4 Notes SST

Important Key Points

  • The high mountain peaks lie in the Himadri ranges. 

The Northern MountainsThe Northern Mountains

  • Mount Everest in Nepal is the world's highest mountain peak
  • The highest mountain peak within Indian territory is Kanchenjunga. The other important mountain peaks in India are Dhaulagiri and Nanda Devi. 
  • The world's second-highest peak K2 is situated in Jammu and Kashmir. It is part of the Karakoram Range.
    Question for Chapter Notes: The Northern Mountains
    Try yourself:Which among the following is the highest range of the Himalayas?
    View Solution
  • The high peaks remain covered with snow all over the year. There is no vegetation or animal habitation over there. But high peaks have always challenged mountaineers.

Mountaineering & it's Hazards?

  • On May 29, 1953, two mountaineers, Tenzing Norgay of India and Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, climbed the highest mountain top–Everest.
    Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norway and Junko TabeiEdmund Hillary, Tenzing Norway and Junko Tabei
  •  In 1984, Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest.

Bachendri PalBachendri Pal

Hazards of Mountaineering

  1. Mountaineers need protection from severe cold and frost. But there is limit to how much baggage can be taken up. 
  2. So the clothing has to be quilted and light. The air up on the mountains is rare. Breathing becomes difficult due to lack of oxygen.
  3. Mountaineers carry oxygen cylinders with them for use beyond a certain height. 
  4. The glare of the sun's reflection from ice can seriously damage the eyes.  As such, mountaineers have to wear special glasses. 

The Northern Mountains Class 4 Notes SST

Special clothing of Mountaineers

Helpful High Peaks

  • Besides posing a challenge to mountaineers, the high peaks are useful in many more ways. Huge blocks of ice from these mountain tops flow down as rivers of ice. They are known as Glaciers. 
  • As these glaciers move into warmer regions, the snow melts. Rivers like the Ganga and the Yamuna originate from the glaciers Gangotri and Yamunotri. During the summer months, these rivers do not get dry.
    Gangotri Glacier
    Gangotri Glacier
  • The melting snow feeds them with water. Melting snow also keeps other rivers like the Satluj and the Brahmaputra full of water during the summer months.

Importance of Himalayas

  • The Himalayas have been a boon to us in many ways. They protect us from the very cold winds that blow in the north. 
  • But for the Himalayas, northern parts of India would have been a barren cold dry desert. The rivers originating from the Glaciers bring along with them soft rocks. As the bits roll down, they are transformed into fertile soil. 
  • Every year, as the rivers flood, the fertile soil is laid upon the river banks.
  • The Himalayas were at one time our sentries in the north. But that is no longer true. There are gaps called Passes within the high mountain ranges. 

Important Fact:

In 327 B.C. Alexander came all the way from Greece and entered India through the Khyber Pass. This pass joins Afghanistan to what is now Pakistan. In 1962, the Chinese forces attacked India using the Nathula (means pass) joining Sikkim to Tibet.

Keep in Mind!

  • The Himalayas are the world's mightiest mountain ranges.
  • The Himalayas stretch between J and K, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Along the way, Himalayas run through Nepal.
  • Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain peak (8,848 m)
  • Kanchenjunga (8,585 m) in Sikkim (India) is the second highest peak.
  • Tenzing Norgay was the first Indian to have climbed Everest. Bachendri Pal was the first Indian woman to have climbed Everest. Santosh Yadav climbed Everest twice which is a world record.
  • Himadri, Himachal and Siwalik are three mountain ranges of the Himalayas.
  • The Himalayas protect us from cold winds blowing in the north. The Glaciers keep the rivers flowing during summers. The beautiful valleys, fertile plains, varieties of wildlife and rich forest produce are all gifts from the Himalayas.
  • There is need for saving the Himalayan forests and wildlife.

Question for Chapter Notes: The Northern Mountains
Try yourself:Which of the following best describes the importance of the Himalayas?
View Solution

The document The Northern Mountains Class 4 Notes SST is a part of the Class 4 Course Social Studies for Class 4.
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FAQs on The Northern Mountains Class 4 Notes SST

1. What are the main features of the Northern Mountains?
Ans.The Northern Mountains are characterized by their tall peaks, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems. They include famous ranges like the Himalayas, which are known for their majestic beauty and unique wildlife.
2. How does life in the Northern Mountains differ from life in other regions?
Ans.Life in the Northern Mountains is often influenced by the harsh climate and rugged terrain. People rely on agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism for their livelihood. The lifestyle is adapted to the environment, with traditional practices and customs.
3. What are the common hazards faced in mountaineering?
Ans.Common hazards in mountaineering include altitude sickness, avalanches, extreme weather conditions, and difficult terrain. Climbers must be well-prepared and aware of these dangers to ensure their safety during expeditions.
4. Why are the Himalayas important to the environment and culture?
Ans.The Himalayas play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, providing water to rivers, and supporting diverse flora and fauna. Culturally, they are significant to many communities, serving as sacred sites and influencing local traditions and lifestyles.
5. What precautions should be taken when trekking in the Northern Mountains?
Ans.When trekking in the Northern Mountains, it is important to acclimatize to altitude, carry the right gear, stay hydrated, and be aware of weather conditions. Trekking with a guide and following established trails can also enhance safety.
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