Class 9 Geography Chapter 2: Physical Features of India
(Based on NCERT Textbook Link)
1. Introduction
- India’s physical features are the result of tectonic plate movements, erosion, and depositional activities over millions of years.
- Major physiographic divisions:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
2. The Himalayan Mountains
Formation:
- Formed by the collision of the Indo-Australian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
- Young, fold mountains with rugged relief and high peaks (e.g., Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga).
Divisions:
- Himadri (Greater Himalayas):
- Highest range (avg. height: 6,000 m).
- Contains major peaks like Mt. Everest, Nanda Devi.
- Glaciers like Gangotri, Siachen.
- Himachal (Lesser Himalayas):
- Height: 3,700–4,500 m.
- Famous valleys: Kashmir, Kangra, Kullu.
- Hill stations: Shimla, Mussoorie.
- Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas):
- Height: 900–1,100 m.
- Valleys called Duns (e.g., Dehradun, Patli Dun).
Regions:
- Punjab Himalayas (Indus-Satluj).
- Kumaon Himalayas (Satluj-Kali).
- Nepal Himalayas (Kali-Tista).
- Assam Himalayas (Tista-Dihang).
3. The Northern Plains
Formation:
- Formed by alluvial deposits from rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
- Fertile soil ideal for agriculture.
Divisions:
- Punjab Plains: Formed by Indus and tributaries.
- Ganga Plains: Extend from Delhi to Bengal.
- Brahmaputra Plains: Mainly in Assam.
Features:
- Bhabar: Pebble-rich zone at foothills.
- Terai: Marshy, dense forest region.
- Bhangar: Older alluvial soil.
- Khadar: Newer, fertile alluvial soil.
4. The Peninsular Plateau
Formation:
- Ancient, stable landmass formed from igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- Divided into Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau.
A. Central Highlands:
- Lies north of the Narmada River.
- Includes Malwa Plateau, Vindhyan Range, and Satpura Range.
B. Deccan Plateau:
- Bordered by the Western Ghats (Sahyadris) and Eastern Ghats.
- Western Ghats: Higher, continuous (Avg. height: 900–1,600 m).
- Eastern Ghats: Discontinuous, lower (Avg. height: 600 m).
- Rich in minerals like iron ore and bauxite.
5. The Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
- Located in western Rajasthan.
- Arid climate, low vegetation, and sandy soil.
- Luni River is the only seasonal river.
- Features sand dunes, barchans, and oases.
6. The Coastal Plains
A. Western Coastal Plains:
- Narrow, divided into Konkan (Mumbai–Goa), Kannada Plain, and Malabar Coast.
B. Eastern Coastal Plains:
- Wider, includes Northern Circar and Coromandel Coast.
- Major deltas: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri.
7. The Islands
A. Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
- Volcanic origin (Barren Island is active).
- Rich biodiversity and strategic location.
B. Lakshadweep Islands:
- Coral origin off Kerala’s coast.
- Key Atolls: Kavaratti, Minicoy.
8. Importance of India’s Physical Features
- Himalayas: Source of rivers, defense, tourism.
- Northern Plains: Breadbasket of India.
- Peninsular Plateau: Mineral wealth.
- Coastal Plains & Islands: Trade, fishing, tourism.
Key Terms
- Duns: Valleys between Shiwaliks and Lesser Himalayas.
- Doab: Land between two rivers (e.g., Punjab).
- Barchans: Crescent-shaped sand dunes in deserts.
Quick Revision Table
| Feature | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Himalayas | Young fold mountains, 3 parallel ranges |
| Northern Plains | Fertile alluvial soil, agricultural hub |
| Peninsular Plateau | Ancient rocks, rich in minerals |
| Thar Desert | Sandy soil, arid climate, Luni River |
| Coastal Plains | Western (narrow), Eastern (wide with deltas) |
| Islands | Andaman (volcanic), Lakshadweep (coral) |
Class 9 Geography Chapter 2: One-Liner Q&A
(Based on NCERT Textbook)
- What are the six major physiographic divisions of India?
The Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands. - How were the Himalayas formed?
By the collision of the Indo-Australian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. - Name the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas.
Himadri (Greater Himalayas), Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas). - Which is the highest peak in the Himalayas?
Mount Everest (8,848 meters). - What are “Duns”?
Valleys between the Shiwalik and Lesser Himalayas (e.g., Dehradun). - Which rivers form the Northern Plains?
Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus with their tributaries. - What is the difference between Bhangar and Khadar?
Bhangar: Older alluvial soil; Khadar: Newer, fertile alluvial soil. - Name the two divisions of the Peninsular Plateau.
Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau. - Which mountain ranges border the Deccan Plateau?
Western Ghats (Sahyadris) and Eastern Ghats. - What is the Thar Desert also known as?
The Great Indian Desert. - Which is the only seasonal river in the Thar Desert?
Luni River. - Name the two coastal plains of India.
Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains. - What are the three sections of the Western Coastal Plains?
Konkan, Kannada Plain, and Malabar Coast. - Which islands are of volcanic origin?
Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Barren Island is active). - What is the origin of the Lakshadweep Islands?
Coral reefs formed by tiny marine organisms. - Why are the Himalayas important?
Source of rivers, climate barrier, and biodiversity hotspot. - What is the Bhabar region?
Pebble-rich zone at the foothills of the Shiwaliks. - Which soil type dominates the Northern Plains?
Fertile alluvial soil. - Name the highest peak in the Western Ghats.
Anamudi (2,695 meters). - What is the main feature of the Eastern Ghats?
Discontinuous and lower than the Western Ghats.
Key Terms Recap:
- Doab: Land between two rivers (e.g., Punjab plains).
- Barchans: Crescent-shaped sand dunes in deserts.
- Terai: Marshy region south of the Bhabar.
For NCERT Diagrams: