Physical Features of India

Geography • Class 9 Social Science • NCERT • CBSE

India's physical features are divided into six major divisions: the Himalayan Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands. Each region has distinct characteristics and economic importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the six physical divisions of India?
(1) Himalayan Mountains — youngest fold mountains, 3 parallel ranges, in the north. (2) Northern Plains — fertile alluvial plains formed by Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra river systems. (3) Peninsular Plateau — oldest, stable, triangular, south of Vindhyas. (4) Indian Desert (Thar) — arid, western Rajasthan. (5) Coastal Plains — western (narrower) and eastern (wider). (6) Islands — Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea) and Andaman & Nicobar (Bay of Bengal).
Why is the Northern Plain significant for India?
The Northern Plain is India's most important agricultural region because: (1) Very fertile alluvial soil deposited by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers. (2) Flat terrain easy to cultivate with modern machinery. (3) Perennial rivers provide irrigation. (4) Dense population and major industrial cities. It produces most of India's wheat and rice and is called India's 'food bowl'.
What are the differences between the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats?
Western Ghats: Continuous range; higher (average 900-1600m); receive heavy rainfall (western face); rivers flow east; parallel to western coast. Eastern Ghats: Discontinuous; lower (average 600m); cut by rivers into separate hills; parallel to eastern coast. The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot.

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