Physical Features of India — Class 9 Social Science NCERT Solutions (Free)
Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science chapter "Physical Features of India" — 6 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE board exam preparation.
TL;DR: Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science chapter "Physical Features of India" — 6 important questions with detailed answers for CB…
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NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science — Physical Features of India. Step-by-step answers to all 6 textbook questions from this chapter, written for CBSE board preparation and free to use.
Physical Features of India — All 6 Questions Solved
Q1. What are the major physical features and landforms of India?
Major features include: (1) The Himalayas—mountain range in the north providing water and monsoon moderation, (2) Indo-Gangetic Plain—fertile alluvial plain supporting agriculture and dense population, (3) The Deccan Plateau—elevated region in south and central India, (4) Coastal Plains—along Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, (5) Major rivers: Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, Deccan rivers. These features create diverse climate and agricultural zones.
Q2. What is the significance of the Himalayas and how do they influence India?
The Himalayas: (1) Provide water through major river systems supplying agriculture, (2) Modify monsoon patterns bringing rainfall to northern India, (3) Create a natural boundary protecting India from cold arctic winds, (4) Provide tourism and mineral resources, (5) House important religious sites like Kailash and Manasarovar, (6) Create diverse ecosystems from temperate forests to alpine meadows. The Himalayas are crucial for India's climate, water, and culture.
Q3. What is the Indo-Gangetic Plain and why is it important?
The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a vast alluvial plain formed by the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra rivers. It is: (1) Extremely fertile with rich alluvial soil ideal for agriculture, (2) Home to the majority of India's population due to favorable conditions, (3) Site of major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata, (4) Center of political and economic power, (5) Historically a focus of empires and rulers. The plain has been the seat of Indian civilization.
Q4. What is the Deccan Plateau and what are its characteristics?
The Deccan Plateau is an elevated triangular region in south and central India between the Eastern and Western Ghats. Characteristics: (1) Composed of ancient rocks and volcanic formations, (2) Has semi-arid to dry climate, (3) Major rivers like Godavari and Krishna flow through it, (4) Rich in mineral resources and soil suitable for specific crops, (5) Less densely populated than northern plains. It has different culture and history from northern India.
Q5. What role do Indian rivers play in economy and society?
Rivers are crucial for: (1) Agriculture through irrigation systems and monsoon flooding, (2) Transportation historically and currently, (3) Hydroelectric power generation, (4) Drinking water supply to millions, (5) Religious significance in Hinduism with rivers as sacred, (6) Biodiversity and ecosystem support. Rivers have been central to Indian civilization, settlements, and agricultural prosperity.
Q6. How does India's climate relate to its physical features?
Physical features determine climate: (1) Himalayas block cold arctic winds from the north, (2) Mountain ranges influence monsoon patterns and rainfall distribution, (3) Proximity to oceans moderates coastal climate, (4) Plateau elevation creates cooler regions, (5) Tropical location south of Tropic of Cancer determines temperature. The interaction of geography and atmospheric circulation creates India's diverse climate zones.
Physical Features of India — Practice MCQs with Answers
Attempt these 20 multiple-choice questions after working through the solutions above. Each carries the correct option and the reasoning behind it, so a wrong answer tells you which idea to revisit.
MCQ 1. Which of the following is NOT one of the major parallel ranges of the Himalayas?
- A. Himadri
- B. Himachal
- C. Shiwaliks
- D. Purvanchal
Answer: D. Purvanchal — Purvanchal refers to the eastern hills of India, not one of the three main parallel ranges (Greater, Lesser, Outer) of the Himalayan arc.
MCQ 2. The Northern Plains of India are formed by the interplay of which three major river systems?
- A. Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra
- B. Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
- C. Satluj, Ganga, Yamuna
- D. Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi
Answer: B. Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra — The Northern Plains are primarily formed by the depositional work of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems and their numerous tributaries.
MCQ 3. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats?
- A. Western Ghats are continuous while Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and dissected by rivers.
- B. Western Ghats cause orographic rainfall by blocking monsoon winds, while Eastern Ghats receive rainfall from receding monsoons.
- C. The average elevation of the Western Ghats is higher than that of the Eastern Ghats.
- D. The highest peaks of the Eastern Ghats are generally higher than those of the Western Ghats.
Answer: D. The highest peaks of the Eastern Ghats are generally higher than those of the Western Ghats. — The highest peaks in Peninsular India, such as Anamudi and Dodda Betta, are located in the Western Ghats, making the statement that Eastern Ghats' peaks are higher incorrect.
MCQ 4. What is the most prominent feature of the Indian Desert (Thar Desert)?
- A. Dense forests and fertile plains
- B. High mountain peaks and glaciers
- C. Arid climate with low vegetation cover and sand dunes
- D. Extensive network of perennial rivers
Answer: C. Arid climate with low vegetation cover and sand dunes — The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is characterized by its arid climate, very low rainfall, sparse vegetation, and numerous sand dunes.
MCQ 5. The northern part of the Western Coastal Plain is known as the:
- A. Malabar Coast
- B. Konkan Coast
- C. Coromandel Coast
- D. Northern Circar
Answer: B. Konkan Coast — The Western Coastal Plain is divided into three sections: the Konkan Coast in the north, the Kannad Plain in the central part, and the Malabar Coast in the south.
MCQ 6. The Lakshadweep islands are primarily composed of:
- A. Volcanic rocks
- B. Metamorphic rocks
- C. Alluvial deposits
- D. Coral deposits
Answer: D. Coral deposits — Lakshadweep is an archipelago of coral islands located in the Arabian Sea, formed from the accumulation and growth of coral polyps.
MCQ 7. Which mountain range lies to the North of the Himadri (Greater Himalayas)?
- A. Pir Panjal
- B. Karakoram Range
- C. Dhauladhar
- D. Shiwaliks
Answer: B. Karakoram Range — The Karakoram Range is part of the Trans-Himalayan system, located further north than the Greater Himalayas (Himadri) in the northernmost part of India.
MCQ 8. Which of these rivers does NOT flow into the Bay of Bengal, and is instead associated with the Central Highlands and flows westwards?
- A. Mahanadi
- B. Godavari
- C. Tapi
- D. Krishna
Answer: C. Tapi — Mahanadi, Godavari, and Krishna are major east-flowing peninsular rivers emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Tapi (along with Narmada) flows westwards into the Arabian Sea.
MCQ 9. What does the term 'Doab' refer to in the context of the Northern Plains?
- A. A fertile plain formed by a single river
- B. The land between two rivers
- C. A deltaic region at a river mouth
- D. A high-altitude plateau
Answer: B. The land between two rivers — 'Doab' is a Persian term derived from 'do' (two) and 'ab' (water or river), specifically referring to the fertile land situated between two confluent rivers.
MCQ 10. Arrange the following Himalayan peaks from west to east: 1. Nanga Parbat 2. Kanchenjunga 3. Nanda Devi 4. Mount Everest
- A. 1, 3, 4, 2
- B. 3, 1, 4, 2
- C. 1, 4, 3, 2
- D. 3, 4, 1, 2
Answer: A. 1, 3, 4, 2 — The correct west-to-east order of these prominent Himalayan peaks is Nanga Parbat (Kashmir), Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand), Mount Everest (Nepal), and Kanchenjunga (Sikkim/Nepal).
MCQ 11. The black soil region of the Peninsular Plateau is known as the Deccan Trap. What is the origin of this region's rock type?
- A. Sedimentary deposits
- B. Metamorphic transformations
- C. Volcanic eruptions
- D. Glacial erosion
Answer: C. Volcanic eruptions — The Deccan Traps are a large igneous province formed by massive basaltic lava flows from volcanic eruptions that occurred during the late Cretaceous period, giving rise to the characteristic black soil.
MCQ 12. In the Assam Himalayas, the Shiwaliks are locally known as:
- A. Jammu Hills
- B. Dafla Hills
- C. Pir Panjal
- D. Dhaula Dhar
Answer: B. Dafla Hills — The Shiwaliks, or Outer Himalayas, are known by various local names across different regions; in the Assam Himalayas, they are referred to as Dafla, Miri, Abor, and Mishmi hills.
MCQ 13. Which coastal plain is known for its extensive development of lagoons and 'backwaters' (locally called Kayals)?
- A. Konkan Coast
- B. Coromandel Coast
- C. Malabar Coast
- D. Northern Circar
Answer: C. Malabar Coast — The Malabar Coast, the southern part of the Western Coastal Plain, is renowned for its distinctive backwaters and lagoons (Kayals), which are significant for tourism and inland navigation.
MCQ 14. Which among the following is considered the oldest fold mountain range in India?
- A. Himalayas
- B. Western Ghats
- C. Aravalli Range
- D. Satpura Range
Answer: C. Aravalli Range — The Aravalli Range is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, much older than the Himalayas, Western Ghats, or Satpura Range, and is now highly eroded.
MCQ 15. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are believed to be an elevated portion of:
- A. Submerged continental shelf
- B. An underwater volcanic mountain range
- C. Coral reefs
- D. Alluvial fan deposits
Answer: B. An underwater volcanic mountain range — The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are essentially an elevated part of a submerged mountain range, an extension of the Arakan Yoma mountain chain of Myanmar, often associated with volcanic activity.
MCQ 16. The largest part of the Northern Plain is formed of older alluvium, lying above the flood plains of the rivers and presenting a terrace-like feature. This part is known as:
- A. Bhabar
- B. Terai
- C. Bhangar
- D. Khadar
Answer: C. Bhangar — The Bhangar is the older alluvial plain, found above the floodplains and exhibiting a terrace-like morphology. It is generally less fertile than the newer alluvial soil of the Khadar.
MCQ 17. Which physiographic division of India is generally described as a tableland composed of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks?
- A. The Himalayan Mountains
- B. The Northern Plains
- C. The Peninsular Plateau
- D. The Indian Desert
Answer: C. The Peninsular Plateau — The Peninsular Plateau is a stable block composed of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, often described as a tableland due to its elevated, flat-topped appearance.
MCQ 18. The part of the Himalayas lying between the Satluj and Kali rivers is known as the:
- A. Punjab Himalayas
- B. Kumaon Himalayas
- C. Nepal Himalayas
- D. Assam Himalayas
Answer: B. Kumaon Himalayas — The Himalayas are regionally divided by river valleys. The section lying between the Satluj and Kali rivers is historically referred to as the Kumaon Himalayas.
MCQ 19. Which of the following is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats?
- A. Anamudi
- B. Dodda Betta
- C. Mahendragiri
- D. Kanchenjunga
Answer: C. Mahendragiri — Mahendragiri, with an elevation of about 1501 meters, is generally considered the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats. Anamudi and Dodda Betta are in the Western Ghats, and Kanchenjunga is a Himalayan peak.
MCQ 20. Which is the only large river in the Indian Desert (Thar Desert) region?
- A. Ganga
- B. Yamuna
- C. Luni
- D. Chambal
Answer: C. Luni — The Luni River is the only significant river in the Thar Desert. It is an inland drainage river, flowing for some distance before disappearing into the sands without reaching the sea.
How to Use These Solutions
Attempt each question yourself first and only then compare with the worked answer. Marks in the CBSE board exam are awarded for the METHOD as much as the final result, so reproduce the steps rather than memorising the last line. Where a solution states a law, a formula or a definition, learn that wording — examiners look for it.
Related practice for this chapter: chapter MCQs, previous-year questions, revision notes and sample papers.