WBBSE Class 10 Geography Solutions Chapter 5.2 Physiography of India

Detailed explanations in West Bengal Board Class 10 Geography Book Solutions Chapter 5.2 Physiography of India offer valuable context and analysis.

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5.2 Question Answer – Physiography of India

Answer in short : 2 Marks

Question 1.
What is the east west extention of the Himalaya.
Answer:
The Himalayas extent from Nanga Parbat in Jammu Kashmir in the West to the Namcha Barwa of Arunachal Pradesh in the east.

Question 2.
Name some famous peaks of the Himalayas.
Answer:
Mt. Everest ( 8,848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,598 m) Dhaulagiri (8,172 m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Annapurna (8,076 m), Nandadevi (7,817 m) etc.

Question 3.
What are ‘doons’?
Answer:
Broad longitudinal valleys lying between the main Himalayas and the Shiwalik range formed by deposition of materials brought down by Himalayan rivers, are called ‘doons’. Eg- Dehradun.

Question 4.
What is the Deccan Trap?
Answer:
The Deccan plateau which is composed of sheets of lava forming basalt rocks descends from west to east like stairs step by step, near the Maharashtra plateau. This region is called the Deccan Trap. [Trap = ‘Steps’ in Swedish]

Question 5.
What is the Rann of Kachch ?
Answer:
The western coastal region spreading through the Kutch peninsula of Gujarat is a low marshy land full of salt deposition due to submergence into the adjacent sea. This region is known as the Rann of Kutch. The northern part is known as the Greater Rann and the southern part is known as the Lesser or Smaller Rann. A few hillocks and isolated rocks can be seen in the Rann of Kutch.

Question 6.
Write a short note on the Western Himalaya.
Answer:
The Western Himalaya lie to the extreme west of the chain of the Himalayan mountains. They are further subdivided into – (i) The North Kashmir Himalaya. (ii) The South Kashmir Himalaya, (iii) The Himachal Himalaya, (iv) The Uttaranchal Himalaya. The Kashmir Himalaya is further divided into the Ladakh range, Zanskar range and the Pir Panjal range. Ladakh is the highest plateau of the world, that lies within these ranges. The important mountain passes present here are – Zojila pass between Srinagar and Leh, and Shipki-la on the Indo-China border.

Question 7.
Write the extent of the northern plains of India.
Answer:

The northern plains of India lie to the south of the Himalayas. It extends from the eastern Rajasthan plains in the west to the Brahmaputra valley in the east for a distance of about 2,500 km. They are 145-480 km broad. They are also known as The Great Northern Plains.

Question 8.
Describe the Punjab-Haryana Plains of the Indus basin.
Answer:
The Punjab-Haryana Plains of the Indus basin are drained by the tributaries of river Indus, i.e. Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. These are flat plains with an average elevation of 200-240 m. These fertile plains include the Bari Doab (between Ravi and Beas rivers) and Bisht Doab (between Beas and Sutlej rivers)

Question 9.
What is Khadar?
Answer:
The lowlands formed in the lower course of the river Ganga and its tributaries, by the deposition of detritus of new alluvium in the river beds and adjacent areas is called Khadar.

Question 10.
What is Bhangar?
Answer:
The uplands formed on the western side of the Ganga plains due to deposition of older alluvium which are coarse and grannular, is known as Bhangar.

Question 11.
What is Malnad?
Answer:
The Western part of the Karnataka plateau which is 320 km long and 35 km wide, is highly dissected and have deeply cut valleys. This region is known as the Malnad.

Question 12.
What is Maidan?
Answer:
The eastern part of the karnataka plateau is formed of rolling plains with low granite hills. This region is known as the Maidan.

Question 13.
Name the important passes in the Western Ghats.
Answer:
The important passes in the Western Ghats are: Thal Ghat, Bhor Ghat and Pal Ghat.

Question 14.
Describe the Eastern Ghats.
Answer:
The Eastern Ghats form the eastern edge of the Deccan Plateau. They are lower in height than the Western Ghats. The Mahendragiri (1,501 m) in Odisha is the highest peak of these hills. The Eastern Ghats have been highly eroded by rivers flowing towards the Bay of Bengal and have been lowered to plains.

Question 15.
Classify the Western Coastal Plains.
Answer:
The Western Coastal Plain is divided into several parts – it is known as the Konkan Coast in Maharashtra, the Karnataka Coast in Karnataka and the Malabar Coast in Kerala. The Gujarat plain is the broadest part of the western coastal plains.

Question 16.
Write about the islands of India.
Answer:
There are two major groups of islands in India. (a) The Andaman and Nicobar Islands : They are located in the Bay of Bengal. They are a group of 324 islands. Saddle Peak (750 m) in North Andaman is the highest peak in this region. Barren island is the only active volcano of India. (b) Lakshadweep : This is a group of islands in the Arabian sea, mainly made up of coral depositions.

Question 17.
Why is India called a miniature edition of the world ?
Answer:
India is a large continent with a great variety in topography. Almost all kinds of relief regions are found here. Numerous type of climates are also found here. There is a great variety of cultural traits as well. Thus, it is rightly called a miniature edition of the world.

Question 18.
Where is the Ladakh plateau located?
Answer:
The Ladakh plateau lies to the North-East of the Ladakh range (between the rivers Indus and Sayak). This is the highest plateau of India.

Question 19.
How can the Himalaya be divided according to its breadth ?
Answer:
The Himalaya is divided according to its breadth from south to north(i) Siwalik (ii) Himachal (iii) Himadri (iv) Tethys.

Question 20.
What is the Siwalik?
Answer:
The Siwalik is the southernmost range of the Himalaya. This is made up of smaller mountains running from west to east. It is 2400 km long and 10-15 km wide.

Question 21.
How is the Himalaya classified along its length ?
Answer:
Along its length, the Himalaya is classified as – (i) Western Himalaya (ii) Central Himalaya (iii) Eastern Himalaya.

Question 22.
Write a short note on the Kashmir valley.
Answer:
The Kashmir Valley lies in Kashmir. It is 150 km long, 80 km wide and covers an area of 4,865 sq . km. This valley comprises great snow clad mountains, the Dal and Wular lakes and tremendous scenic beauty. The valley has depositions of materials brought down by river and glacial erosion. These silt depositions are locally known as Karewa, and are famous for saffron cultivation. The river Jhelum flows through the Karewa.

Question 23.
What do you mean by the Syntaxial bend of the Himalaya ?
Answer:
The chain of Himalayan mountains run East-West in general. But they seem to take bends drastically at the western and eastern corners and turn southwards. These bends are known as the Syntaxial bends. The western syntaxial bend lies near the deep gorge created by river Indus near the Nanga Parvat. The eastern syntaxial bend lies in Arunachal Pradesh, where the mountains take a hair-pin turn after crossing the river Brahmaputra.

Question 24.
Write a short note on the Meghalaya plateau.
Answer:
The Meghalaya plateau comprises the Garo, Khasi, Jayantia and Mikir hilly regions of Meghalaya. It is also known as the Shillong plateau. It is actually a part of the Chotanagpur plateau. In historic times, a huge portion of the huge plateau region subsided and resulted in the formation of the dissected plateau of Meghalaya.

Question 25.
What is a ‘Dhrian’?
Answer:
In Rajasthan, the moving sand dunes of the Thar desert are called ‘Dhrians’.

Question 26.
What is a ‘Dhand’?
Answer:
In Rajasthan, in the Thar desert, the huge and deep hollows or depressions created by deflation of sand by wind, are called ‘Dhands’. These are also called the dry lakes.

Question 27.
What is a ‘Thali’?
Answer:
In the Thar desert in Rajasthan, the fixed or immobile sand dunes are called ‘Thalis’.

Question 28.
What is a Kayal ?
Answer:
In the Malabar coast, due to numerous earth movements, land has been submerged and raised above sea level for a number of times. This has led to the formation of several low-lying regions that remain submerged in sea water. These are called backwaters, lagoons or Kayals. The Vembanad Kayal is the largest Kayal in India.

Question 29.
What is the ‘Bagri’ ?
Answer:
‘Bagri’ is the dead part of the delta of river Ganga, where no silt deposition is currently taking place. It comprises the districts of Nadia and Murshidabad (except Kandi sub-division).

Question 30.
What is ‘Diyara’?
Answer:
‘Diyara’ is the region of new silt deposition in the district of Malda. This is a part of the Ganga delta. It lies in the southern part of the river Kalindi in Malda.

Question 31.
Name some glaciers of the Karakoram range.
Answer:
Some important glaciers of the Karakoram range are – Siachen, Baltora, Rimo etc. Siachen is the longest glacier of India. (76 km.)

Question 32.
How far does the Himalayan range stretch from west to east ?
Answer:
The Himalayan range stretches from Nanga Parvat in Kashmir in the west to Namcha Barwa in Arunachal Pradesh in the east.

Question 33.
Where is the Ladakh range situated ?
Answer:
The Ladakh range is situated between the Indus and Sayak rivers in Kashmir. It is 350 km long, 150 km wide and about 5,300 m in height in average.

Question 34.
Name two famous valleys in Himachal Pradesh.
Answer:
Two famous valleys in Himachal Pradesh are – Kullu Valley and Kangra Valley. Question 35. Which part of the Himalayan range is known as the Eastem Himalayas?
Answer: The stretch of the Himalayan mountains lying between the Singalila range in Nepal to the Namcha Barwa peak in Arunachal Pradesh is known as the Eastern Himalayas.

Question 36.
Which part of the Himalayan range is known as the Western Himalayas?
Answer:
The stretch of the Himalayan mountains lying between the Nanga Parvat in Kashmir in the west to the river Kali in Nepal in the east, is known as the Western Himalayas.

Question 37.
What is the Tethys Himalaya ?
Answer:
The northernmost range of the Himalaya is known as the Tethys Himalaya.

Question 38.
What is the Himadri Himalaya?
Answer:
The second range of the Himalaya from north to south is known as the Himadri Himalaya. It is the highest of all the ranges and houses the series of the tallest peaks of the world. It lies between the Tethys Himalaya in the north and the Himachal Himalaya in the south.

Question 39.
Name some famous valleys lying in the Siwalik region.
Answer: Some famous valleys lying in the Siwalik region are – Dehradun, Chaukhamba, Patali etc. These narrow valleys are also known as ‘doons’.

Question 40.
Name the ranges that lie north of the Kashmir valley.
Answer:
The Himadri and the Zanskar range lies to the north of the Kashmir Valley.

Question 41.
Name some famous peaks of the Himadri range.
Answer:
Some famous peaks of the Himadri Himalaya are – Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhabalgiri, Nanda Devi, Makalu etc.

Question 42.
Name the mountain passes that connect Sikkim and Tibet.
Answer:
The mountain passes that connect Sikkim and Tibet are Nathu-La and JelepLa. [La means pass]

Question 43.
Which pass connects Leh with Srinagar?
Answer:
Leh is connected to Srinagar by the zojila pass.

Question 44.
Which is the highest mountain pass of the world ?
Answer:
The highest mountain pass of the world is Karakoram pass. It helps to connect Kashmir with China.

Question 45.
Name some famous peaks of the Karakoram range.
Answer:
Some famous peaks of the Karakoram range are – Godwin Austin or K₂(8,611 m), Hidden Peak (8,068 m), Broad Peak (8,047 m), Gaserbrum peak (8,035 m) etc.

Question 46.
Name some famous lakes in the Kumaon Himalaya.
Answer:
Some famous lakes in the Kumaon Himalaya are – Bhimtal, Sattal, Nainital etc.

Question 47.
Where is the Kangra Valley situated ?
Answer:
The Kangra Valley is situated between the Siwalik and Dhawladhar ranges.

Question 48.
Classify the northern plain of India.
Answer:
The northern plain can be classified as – (i) Rajasthan plains or Marusthali (ii) Punjab plains (iii) Ganga plains (iv) Brahmaputra plains.

Question 49.
What do you mean by the ‘Purvachal’?
Answer:
The Himalayan range in the eastern part gets lowered and takes a hair-pin bend and spread southwand. They divide into several lower ranges that spread through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. This hilly region in North-Eastern India is known as the ‘Purvachal’.

Question 50.
What is ‘Rohi’ of the Rajasthan plains?
Answer:
In the Rajasthan plains, small and narrow flood plains created by small streams flowing down the western slopes of the Aravalli range, are called ‘Rohi’.

Question 51.
What is a ‘Doab’?
Answer:
The small narrow stretch of land washed by rivers on both sides is called a ‘Doab’. It is a highly fertile long stretch of land created by silt deposition by the rivers on either side.

Question 52.
What is Bhabar?
Answer:
Bhabar is the region formed at the foothills of the Siwalik range stretching from river Indus in the west to river Teesta in the east. The region is composed of pebbles, rock fragments, coarse sand, mud particles etc. brought down by the numerous rivers.

Question 53.
Name two block mountains of India.
Answer:
i. Satpura range
ii. Vindhya range.

Question 54.
Name two residual mountains of India.
Answer:
i. Aravalli range
ii. The Eastern ghats.

Question 55.
Name two gaps present in the Western ghats.
Answer:
i. Thal ghat near Nasik
ii. Bhor ghat near Pune.

Question 56.
Why is the western coast of India more broken compared to the eastern coast?
Answer:
The western coastal plains have been formed by continuous submergence and emergence of the Western Ghats due to numerous earth movements. Hence, they are broken. But the eastern coast has been formed by deposition of silt brought down by several rivers. Thus, they are not so broken or interrupted.

Answer in brief : 3 Marks

Question 1.
Write a short note on the Karakoram range.
Answer:
The Karakoram range is bounded on the north-east by the Tibetan plateau, on the north by the Pamir plateau and on the south by rivers Indus, Gilgit and Shyok. These are very high mountains. Godwin Austin (8,611 m) is the highest peak of Karakoram. It is also known as the K₂ (King of Karakoram). It is India’s highest and the world’s second highest peak. Baltoro (60 km long), Siachen (90 km long, longest in India) etc. are some major glaciers of the Karakoram.

Question 2.
Describe the Eastern Himalaya.
Answer:
The Eastern Himalaya lie in north of West Bengal, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in India, and in Bhutan. These are comparatively lower than the Western and Central Himalaya. Mt. Kanchenjunga is the highest peak of this region and the third highest peak of the world. An important mountain pass ‘Nathula’ lies between India and Tibet.

The north-eastem region of India, comparising of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Negaland and Tripura, also form a part of the Eastern Himalayas. Low hills like Garo, Khasi, Lushai, Patkai, Jayantia, etc. make 2 / 3 of the hilly region, intersected by valleys and plains. Important rivers like Brahmaputra and Barak flow through this region.

Question 3.
Describe the Siwalik range.
Answer:
The southernmost range of the Himalayas, stretching from west to east are known as the Siwalik. They form the foothills of the Himalayan range. The mountains are 600-1500 m high, with a width ranging from 15-50 km. They form a chain of low lying hills, that do not form a continuous chain. They enclose broad longitudinal valleys between the mountains, which are known as Doabs. The foothills of the Siwaliks are known as the Terai. The Siwalik range almost vanishes in the Eastern Himalayas due to heavy rates of erosion.

Question 4.
Describe the Plains of Rajasthan.
Answer:
The areas of the north-west, west and south-west of the Aravalli are known as the western plains of Rajasthan. The region is marked by various types of erosional features. The plain is basically stony and slopy from the foothills of the Aravallis to the north-west. Rivers Banas, Mahi and their numerous tributaries drain the region. The deeply dissected area of chappan region in the southeastern part is locally called ‘Bagar’. Southern and south-eastern Rajasthan is mostly a plateau.

Question 5.
Describe the Western Ghats.
Answer:
The Western Ghats or the Sahyadris have an average height of 1200 m and run almost parallel to the west coast for about 1600 km. The Nilgiri, Cardamom and Annamalai hills are parts of the Western Ghats. Anaimudi (2,695 m) of Annamalai is the highest peak of this region. The Dodabeta (2,637 m) is the highest peak of Niligiri hills. Important passes in the Western Ghats are Thal Ghat, Pal Ghat and Bhor Ghat. The Jog falls (250 m) is the highest waterfalls of India, located in the Sahyadri, on the river Sharavati.

Question 6.
Write a short note on the Kathiawar Peninsula.
Answer:
The Kathiawar peninsula lie in the western part of Gujarat surrounded by the Arabian sea on three sides. Traditionally it is known as Saurashtra. Its central part is an elevated.highland with hills. The Girnar and Gir hills are most prominent. Gorakhnath (1,117 m) is the highest peak of Girnar hills.

Question 7.
Write a short note on the Eastern Coastal Plains.
Answer:
The eastern coastal plains extend from the mouth of river Hugli to Kanya Kumari. It has an average width of 120 km. These are known as the Uttar Sarkars north of the delta of the Godavari river, and the Coromondal coast to the south of the delta.

Question 8.
Describe the Himachal Himalaya.
Answer:
The Himachal Himalaya lie north of the Siwalik range and south of the Himadri Himalaya. It is about 60-80 km wide and cover an area of 5,600 sq. km. The average height of the peaks is 3,500-4,500 m. The main ranges of this region are – Pir Panjal, Dhawladhar, Nagtibba, Mussurie, Mohabharat, Darjeeling etc. There are many famous valleys in this region, eg- Kashmir Valley, Kullu Valley, Kangra Valley etc. The main mountain passes present here are – Rotang, Nathula, Pir Panjal, Bidil, Banihal etc.

Question 9.
Describe the Himadri Himalaya.
Answer:
The Himadri Himalaya is the highest of the Himalayan mountain system, lying south of the Tethys Himalaya. Average height of the peaks is above 6,100 m. There are 9 peaks in this region whose height exceeds 8,000 m. The most important peaks of this region are – Mt. Everest (8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8,598 m), Makalu (8,481 m), Dhabalgiri (8,172 m), Nanga Parvat (8,126 m), Nanda Devi (7,817 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Badrinath (7,138 m), Trishul (7,120 m), Gauri Shankar (7,032 m) etc.
The region is mostly covered with permanent snow throughout the year.

Question 10.
Describe the Tethys Himalaya.
Answer:
The Tethys Himalaya is the northernmost part of the Himalayan mountain range. It mostly lie in Tibet, hence, it is also called the Tibet Himalaya. The Tethys Himalaya stretches over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India. It was created about 12-7 crore years ago due to severe earth movements. Average height of this region is 3,500 m. The main mountain ranges of this region are the Ladakh range and the Karakoram range. The famous peaks of this region are – Godwin Austin or K₂, Gaserbrum I and II, Broad Peak, Hidden Peak etc. K₂ is the highest mountain peak of India.

Question 11.
Name the important mountain passes of the Himalayas and give their locations.
Answer:

Mountain Passes	Location and connecting places
1. Jawahar or Banihal	Connects Jammu and Kashmir
2. Zoji la and Burji la	Connects Leh and Srinagar
3. Masar	Connects Leh and Tibet
4. Khardung La	Between Indus valley and Nabra valley
5. Lipu pass, Mana pass and Niti pass	Connects different parts of Uttarakhand and Tibet.
6. Rotang, Barlacha and Shipki la pass	Between Kullu and Lahut Spiti valleys
7. Nathu la, Jelep la	Connects Sikkim and Tibet
8. Ann and Tungu	Situated in Assam
9. Dom la, Thag La, Kay La, Tullang La	Connects different parts of Arunachal Pradesh with Tibet.

Question 12.
What is a ‘doon’?
Answer:
The valleys lying in the Siwalik range are called ‘doons’. The Siwalik range has been formed much later than the Himadri and Himachal Himalaya. During the formation of the Siwalik, the rivers that were flowing from the higher Himalayan ranges got interrupted and blocked, thus forming lakes and depositing pebbles, sand, silt etc. Later, the rivers eroded and made their ways through the Siwalik range as well. Thus, the waters of the lakes were removed.The depositions left back formed the ‘doons’.

Question 13.
Name some springs of the Himalayan mountains.
Answer:
(i) Hot springs : (a) Bhernag, Anantnag in Kashmir, (b) Gauri Kund in Kumaon range, (c) Tatapani in Simla etc.
(ii) Cold springs : (a) Sahastradhara in Dehradun, (b) Kempty falls in Mussoorie.

Question 14.
Name some important lakes of the Himalayan range.
Answer:
The important lakes of the Himalayan region are:

1. Dal and Wular in Kashmir
2. Nainital, Sattal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal etc. in Kumaon.
3. Vasuki tal, Chorabar tal near Kedarnath.
4. Roopkund, Nag kund, Devi kund near Nanda Ghunti peak.
5. Hem kund in Bhunjar valley
6. Suram kund near Nanda Devi
7. Pangon lake near China border (world’s highest salt water lake)

Question 15.
Name some important glaciers of the Himalayan range.
Answer:

1. Siachen -76 km (Spread over area)
2. Baltaro -60 km             “
3. Biyafo – 60 km              “
4. Hispar – 62 km              “
5. Gangotri -39 km           “
6. Zemu -26 km                “
7. Milam -39 km               “

Answer in details : 5 Marks

Question 1.
Describe the physiographic divisions of the Himalaya.
Answer:
The Himalaya is not a single continuous chain of mountains, but a series of parallel ranges. This can be divided into three main ranges that run parallel to each other. These are :

(a) The Greater Himalaya or the Himadri : It is the highest part of the Himalaya. The average elevation of the Himadri is 6000 m, and is permanently covered with snow. Mount Everest (8,848 m), the highest peak of the world is located here. There are some other peaks such as Kanchenjunga (8,598 m, world’s 3rd highest), Dhaulagiri ( 8,172 m), Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Annapurna (8,076 m), Nandadevi (7,817 m) etc. Glaciers like Gangotri, yamunotri etc. originate in the Himadri.

(b) The Lesser Himalaya or the Himachal : It is a massive mountainous tract about 75 km wide and lies south of Himadri. It has an average elevation of 4,500 m. This mountain belt is highly dissected. Many of the hill stations, such as Simla, Nainital, Mussoorie, Darjeeling etc. are situated in this belt.

(c) The Outer Himalaya or Siwalik : It is the southernmost range of the Himalaya. It forms the foothills of the Himalayan range. It is 600-1500 m high with a width ranging from 15-50 km. It is a chain of low-lying hills. It is not a continuous range. There are broad longitudinal valleys in the siwalik, known as Doons. Foothills of Siwalik are known as Terai.

Question 2.
What are the importances of the Himalaya to India ?
ans.
The Himalayas have a lot of importance in India :

1. Climatic influence : The Himalaya prevents the cold winds from central Asia from entering India. It also prevents the moisture-laden monsoon winds from escaping from the land.
2. Rainfall: The Himalaya stope the monsoon winds from escaping the Indian landmass. The monsoon winds hit against the great mountain wall and cause orographic rainfall in the Indian plains.
3. Birth place of rivers : The orographic rainfall and snow-melt water give rise to numerous rivers.
4. Natural barrier : The Himalayas form a natural boundary on the north and protect the country from foreign invasions.
5. Fertile soil : The eroded materials from the mountains are deposited in the plains to make them fertile.
6. Source of irrigation, navigation and hydel power: The Himalayan rivers provide water for irrigation, navigation and hydel power generation.
7. Forest products : The Himalayan forests provide plenty of forest resources.
8. Flora and Fauna : The Himalayan forests are rich in numerous species of animals and natural vegetation.
9. Others : The Himalaya is an abode of tourists, storehouse of minerals, source of various fruits etc.

Question 3.
What is the importance of the peninsular plateau of India.
Answer:
The importance of the peninsular plateau of India are :

1. The Deccan plateau is mostly comprised black cotton soil, or regur. This region is best for the cultivation of cotton in India.
2. About 60% of the peninsular plateau is used for cultivation of jowar, bajra, wheat and rice.
3. The region is rich in mineral resources like coal, iron ore, manganese, limestone, chromite etc. which serve as raw materials for various industries.
4. Industries like cotton textile, sugar, edible oil, paper, engineering have prospered in this region.

Question 4.
Discuss the importance of the physiographic divisions of India.
Answer:
The importance or significance of the physiographic divisions of India are:

1. The variety of landforms and physical features make India a unique country.
2. The presence of mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts etc. significantly control the climate, social life and economic activities of people.
3. People on the mountains lead a tough life. Their economy mostly stands on tourism, fruit orchards, timber collection etc.
4. The people on plain lands practice agriculture, industrial activities etc.
5. Presence of mountains help in occurrence of numerous rivers that bring down a significant amount of silt.
6. The desert in the west gets heated excessively during summer, creating a low pressure cell, that attracts the monsoon winds.
7. The plateau region is a store-house of minerals with mine related occupations.

Question 5.
Discuss the importance of the Himalaya in controlling climate of India.
Answer:
The Himalaya stretches from west to east for about 2,500 km along the northern boundary of India. It has a very big influence on the climate of the country.

1. The existence of the Himalayas prevent the severely cold polar winds coming from Siberia to enter the mainland. Thus, the country is saved from the chilling colds.
2. The Himalayan mountains indirectly influence the onset of the monsoon winds.
3. The South-West monsoons cause orographic rainfall after colliding with the southern slopes of the Himalayan mountains.
4. Although located in the sub-tropical region, the altitude of the Himalayan range and its adjacent areas help to keep the climate cool and of temperate type.
5. The seasons of the country are mostly controlled by the Himalayas directly or indirectly.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) : 1 Mark

Question 1.
Which of the following regions has the oldest rocks?
(A) Himalaya
(B) Aravalli
(C) Indo-Gangetic Plain
(D) Siwalik
Answer:
(B) Aravalli

Question 2.
Jojila pass is in :
(A) Kashmir
(B) Himachal Pradesh
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) None of these
Answer:
(A) Kashmir

Question 3.
The Himalaya in approximately – kilometre long.
(A) 2000
(B) 2500
(C) 3000
(D) 1500
Answer:
(B) 2500

Question 4.
The Himalaya is approximately broad _________ kilometer.
(A) 150 to 400
(B) 200 to 400
(C) 150 to 300
(D) 250 to 500
Answer:
(A) 150 to 400

Question 5.
The highest peak, Mount Everest is :
(A) 290.28 feet
(B) 285.28 feet
(C) 273.28 feet
(D) 269.84 feet
Answer:
(A) 290.28 feet

Question 6.
The Himalaya consists of _________ main parallel ranges from north to south
(A) two
(B) three
(C) four
(D) five
Answer:
(B) three

Question 7.
Sajhyadri ranges refer to :
(A) Siwalik
(B) Eastern Ghats
(C) Western Ghats
(D) Satpura Range
Answer:
(C) Western Ghats

Question 8.
Banihal pass is in :
(A) Punjab Himalaya
(B) Kumaun Himalaya
(C) Kashmir Himalaya
(D) Assam Himalaya
Answer:
(C) Kashmir Himalaya

Question 9.
Lahul and Spiti are located in :
(A) Kashmir Himalaya
(B) The Naga Hills
(C) The Assam Himalaya
(D) The Punjab Himalaya
Answer:
(D) The Punjab Himalaya

Question 10.
Nanda Devi lies in :
(A) Kumaun Himalaya
(B) Kashmir Himalaya
(C) Naga Hills
(D) Himachal Himalaya
Answer:
(A) Kumaun Himalaya

Question 11.
The plains of North India have the length of :
(A) 2500 km.
(B) 2300 km.
(C) 2400 km.
(D) 2250 km.
Answer:
(D) 2250 km.

Question 12.
Pir Panjal range is in :
(A) The Greater Himalaya
(B) The Middle Himalaya
(C) Siwalik
(D) Sikkim Himalaya
Answer:
(A) The Greater Himalaya

Question 13.
The average height of Siwalik is :
(A) 1500 to 2000 metre
(B) 1000 to 1500 metre
(C) 700 to 1000 metre
(D) None of these
Answer:
(A) 1500 to 2000 metre

Question 14.
Kashmir Himalaya is famous for its :
(A) Scenic beauty
(B) Dal Lake
(C) Glaciers
(D) Poverty
Answer:
(C) Glaciers

Question 15.
The Karewas of Kashmir refers to :
(A) The alluvial fans
(B) The ravines caused by gully erosion
(C) Glacial deposits
(D) Broad river terraces
Answer:
(C) Glacial deposits

Question 16.
Extensive and thick lava sheets occur in :
(A) Meghalaya
(B) Chotanagpur Plateau
(C) Western Deccan Plateau
(D) Nilgiri Hill
Answer:
(C) Western Deccan Plateau

Question 17.
Natravathi rises in the mountain range of :
(A) Western Ghat
(B) Satpura Range
(C) Eastern Ghat
(D) Aravalli Range
Answer:
(A) Western Ghat

Question 18.
Western Coastal plains of India are :
(A) Flat
(B) Round
(C) Level
(D) None of these
Answer:
(A) Flat

Question 19.
How much percentage land area of India is covered by mountains?
(A) 10.7
(B) 12.7
(C) 9.7
(D) 11.7
Answer:
(A) 10.7

Question 20.
The area of Ganga plain is :
(A) 3,57,000 sq. km.
(B) 3,20,000 sq.km.
(C) 3,50,000 sq.km.
(D) 3,40,000 sq.km.
Answer:
(A) 3,57,000 sq. km.

Question 21.
The Great plain has been subjected to …. throughout its period of existence.
(A) the denudation processes
(B) the degradational processes
(C) the aggradational processes
(D) the weathering processes
Answer:
(C) the aggradational processes

Question 22.
The Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills were formed in the same age as the :
(A) Himalaya
(B) Siwalik range
(C) Malwa plateau
(D) Himachal range
Answer:
(C) Malwa plateau

Question 23.
The vigorous glacial action of the Himalayan rivers in the past is proved by :
(A) the awe-inspiring gorges
(B) the sedimentary beds of the Kashmir valley
(C) the hanging valleys at lower altitudes
(D) the frequent shifts in the courses of the rivers
Answer:
(C) the hanging valleys at lower altitudes

Question 24.
Palghat is a mountain pass of :
(A) Eastern Ghat
(B) Satpura
(C) Western Ghat
(D) Maikal Range
Answer:
(C) Western Ghat

Question 25.
The name of the desert of Rajasthan is :
(A) Bagar
(B) Rohi
(C) Hamada
(D) Marusthali
Answer:
(D) Marusthali

Question 26.
What is the most important geographic use of the Himalayas to India?
(A) Prevention of invasions
(B) Valuable source of timber
(C) They prevent the monsoons from crossing to the north and also serve as a reservoir of water from which our perennial rivers flow
(D) They protect India from the icy cold north winds
Answer:
(C) They prevent the monsoons from crossing to the north and also serve as a reservoir of water from which our perennial rivers flow

Question 27.
Which of the following mountains are the oldest according to geological history?
(A) Nilgiri
(B) Satpura Range
(C) Vindhya
(D) Aravalli
Answer:
(D) Aravalli

Question 28.
Where mainly in India would you find denuded rocks ?
(A) Himalayan region
(B) Peninsular Plateau
(C) Valleys
(D) Everywhere
Answer:
(B) Peninsular Plateau

Question 29.
The average height of the Himalaya is :
(A) 5850 metre
(B) 9050 metre
(C) 4800 metre
(D) 5000 metre
Answer:
(A) 5850 metre

Question 30.
India’s coastline is long to the extent of :
(A) 1400 mile
(B) 1000 mile
(C) 3500 mile
(D) 5100 mile
Answer:
(C) 3500 mile

Question 31.
The west coast of India is :
(A) Levelled
(B) Low lying
(C) Very well indented
(D) None of these
Answer:
(C) Very well indented

Question 32.
The Lakshadwees islands are located in :
(A) Bay of Bengal
(B) Arabian Sea
(C) Indian Ocean
(D) Persian Gulf
Answer:
(B) Arabian Sea

Question 33.
Purvanchal refers to the :
(A) Mountain ranges on the eastern borders or India
(B) Eastern Ghats
(C) Chotanagpur Plateau
(D) Assam Himalayas
Answer:
(A) Mountain ranges on the eastern borders or India

Question 34.
The Himalayan ranges consist of
(A) A single range with peaks exceeding 8000 metres
(B) Three parallel ranges with intervening longitudinal valleys
(C) Two parallel ranges with a plateau in between
(D) Four parallel ranges
Answer:
(B) Three parallel ranges with intervening longitudinal valleys

Question 35.
Highest peak of Deccan plateau of Southern India is :
(A) Dodabeta
(B) Patkoi
(C) Anaimudi
(D) Gurushikhar
Answer:
(C) Anaimudi

Question 36.
Name the coast where the lagoons are locally known as Kayal :
(A) Malabar
(B) Konkan
(C) Coromandel
(D) Karnataka
Answer:
(A) Malabar

Question 37.
Highest peak of Aravalli Hills :
(A) Dodabeta
(B) Gurushikhar
(C) Dhupgarh
(D) Amar Kantak
Answer:
(B) Gurushikhar

Question 38.
Highest peak of Satpura hills :
(A) Dhupgarh
(B) Anaimudi
(C) Sadal Peak
(D) Nanga Pahar
Answer:
(A) Dhupgarh

Question 39.
The main difference between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats is in the matter of :
(A) continuity
(B) proximity to coast
(C) ending in Nilgiri
(D)height
Answer:
(A) continuity

Question 40.
The region on the southern side of the Siwalik is called the :
(A) Dunes
(B) Bhabhar
(C) Terai
(D) Khadar
Answer:
(B) Bhabhar

Question 41.
The Nilgiri is part of the :
(A) Eastern Ghats
(B) Western Ghats
(C) Vindhyachal
(D) Tamil Nadu Hills
Answer:
(B) Western Ghats

Question 42.
Which of the following is characterised by excessive dampness with a thick growth forest and a variety of wildlife ?
(A) Bhabhar
(B) Bhangar
(C) Terai
(D) Khadar
Answer:
(C) Terai

Question 43.
Match the following

Answer:

Question 44.
Lakshadweep island is of :
(A) Coral origin
(B) Volcanic origin
(C) Tectonic origin
(D) Alluvial origin
Answer:
(A) Coral origin

Question 45.
India has total land frontier of :
(A) 10000 mile
(B) 12000 mile
(C) 9425 mile
(D) 7000 mile
Answer:
(C) 9425 mile

Question 46.
The average elevation of Vindhya mountain is :
(A) 500 metre
(B) 200 metre
(C) 400 metre
(D) 300 metre
Answer:
(D) 300 metre

Question 47.
The Ganga-Indus Plain widens :
(A) from east to west
(B) from west to east
(C) at the middle
(D) nowhere
Answer:
(A) from east to west

Question 48.
The Peninsular Plateau of India extends up to :
(A) Mizo hills
(B) Himachal Himalayas
(C) Assam valley
(D) Meghalaya hills
Answer:
(D) Meghalaya hills

Question 49.
What is the most important characteristic of the islands (Indian) located in the Arabian Sea?
(A) They are all very small in size
(B) They are all of coral origin
(C) They have a very dry climate
(D) They are extended parts of the mainland
Answer:
(B) They are all of coral origin

Question 50.
What do the basalt layers of the Dcccan indicate?
(A) The influence of weathering
(B) The immense erosional activity of the rivers
(C) Huge volcanic eruptions in the distant past
(D) All the above
Answer:
(C) Huge volcanic eruptions in the distant past

Question 51.
Highest peak of Anaimalai range :
(A) Anaimudi
(B) Amarkantak
(C) Kalsubai
(D) Mahendragiri
Answer:
(A) Anaimudi

Question 52.
The coast of Tamil Nadu is known as :
(A) Malabar
(B) Konkan
(C) Andhra coast
(D) Coromandel
Answer:
(D) Coromandel

Question 53.
The coast of Kerala is known as :
(A) Uttar Sarkar
(B) Coromondel
(C) Malabar
(D) Konkan coast
Answer:
(C) Malabar

Question 54.
Highest plateau of India is :
(A) Deccan Plateau
(B) Ladakh
(C) Meghalaya
(D) Malab Plateau
Answer:
(B) Ladakh

Question 55.
Which of the following ranges separates the Kashmir valley from the Indus valley?
(A) Siwalik range
(B) Pir Panjal range
(C) Dhauladhar range
(D) Great Himalayan range
Answer:
(D) Great Himalayan range

Question 56.
Which of the following ranges act as a natural barries between India and Tibet?
(A) Jelep La
(B) Kalimpong
(C) Lipu Lekh
(D) Himalayas
Answer:
(D) Himalayas

Question 57.
______ is known as the Queen of the Himalayas.
(A) Dhawlagiri
(B) Kanchanjunga
(C) Nandadevi
(D) K₂
Answer:
(B) Kanchanjunga

Question 58.
The Garo, Khasi and Jayantia hills were formed in the same age as the :
(A) Himalayas
(B) Siwaliks
(C) Malwa Plateau
(D) Himachal
Answer:
(C) Malwa Plateau

Question 59.
________ is considered as the remnant of the Gondwanaland.
(A) The gangetic plain
(B) The Himalayas
(C) The Deccan plateau
(D) The Punjab Plains
Answer:
(C) The Deccan plateau

Question 60.
The largest plateau of india is :
(A) Betwa plateau
(B) Deccan plateau
(C) Malwa plateau
(D) Chotanagpur plateau
Answer:
(B) Deccan plateau

Question 61.
Mt. Abu, a small hilly block is separated from the Aravalli range by :
(A) Malwa plateau
(B) Guru-Sikhar valley
(C) Narmada valley
(D) Banas valley
Answer:
(D) Banas valley

Question 62.
Bhabar and Terai belts are wellformed in :
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Bihar
(C) West Bengal
(D) Assam
Answer:
(A) Uttar Pradesh

Fill in the blanks : 1 Mark

1. Himalayas owe its origin in the _______ Epoch.
2. According to geological history, the oldest mountain is Aravalli, and the youngest is _______.
3. _______ is the highest peak of the Naga Range.
4. The length of the Himalayas between Indus gorge and Brahmaputra gorge is _______ km.
5. Nokrek is the highest peak of the _______ hills.
6. The Malwa plateau is a _______ plateau.
7. The North-Indian plains extend for _______ km between the mouth of the Ganga and the Indus.
8. The total length of India’s coastline is about _______ km.
9. The _______ range forms the water divide between Narmada and Tapti rivers.
10. The Himalayas run in the East-West direction along the entire northern boundary of India for _______ km.
11. The lesser or middle Himalayas have an average elevation of about _______ m.
12. Aravalli hills are located in the _______ of the Malwa plateau.
Answer:
1. Oligocene
2. Himalayas
3. Saramati
4. 2400 km
5. Garo
6. Piedmont
7. 3200
8. 7500
9. Satpura
10. 2400
11. 3500-5000 m
12. North-West

State True or False : 1 Mark

1. Malabar coast is a part of Eastern coast of India. [ ]
2. Dehradun valley, Udhampur valley, chaukhamba valley, etc. are located in the Siwaliks. [ ]
3. Nagtibba is the most important range of the lesser Himalayas. [ ]
4. The Siachen glacier is located in Nubra valley. [ ]
5. Zanskar and PIr Panjal ranges are located in Himachal Pradesh [ ]
6. Aravalli range is an example of block mountains. [ ]
7. Andhra Pradesh has the largest coast line in India [ ]
Answer:
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. True

Match the following : 1 Mark

List I	List II
A. Zojila pass	i. Sikkim
B. Bara Lacha La pass	ii. Uttar Pradesh
C. Niti pass	iii. Himachal Pradesh
D. Jelep la pass	iv. Kashmir

Answer:

List I	List II
A. Zojila pass	iv. Kashmir
B. Bara Lacha La pass	iii. Himachal Pradesh
C. Niti pass	i. Sikkim
D. Jelep la pass	ii. Uttar Pradesh

Answer in few words : 1 Mark

Question 1.
Which is the highest peak of India ?
Answer:
Godwin Austin or K₂(8,611 m)

Question 2.
Where is the highest peak of India located ?
Answer:
In the Karakoram range.

Question 3.
Where does the largest glacier of India lie?
Answer:
Largest glacier of India, Siachen (90 m) lies in the Karakoram range.

Question 4.
What is the other name of the greater Himalaya ?
Answer:
The Himadri.

Question 5.
What is the other name of the outer Himalayas?
Answer:
The Siwalik.

Question 6.
Name the regional divisions of the Himalayas.
Answer:

• Western Himalaya
• Central Himalaya
• Eastern Himalaya.

Question 7.
Which rivers drain the plains of Rajasthan ?
Answer:
River Banas, Mahi and their numerous tributaries.

Question 8.
Name the highest peak of the Satpura range.
Answer:
Dhupgarh (1,350 m)

Question 9.
Name the another identity of the Western Ghats.
Answer:
Sahyadris.

Question 10.
Which is the highest peak of the Deccan plateau ?
Answer:
Anaimudi (2,695m) of Annamalai hills.

Question 11.
Which is the highest peak of the Nilgiri hills ?
Answer:
Dodabeta (2,637 m)

Question 12.
Name the highest waterfalls of India.
Answer:
The Jog Falls (250 m) on the river Sharavathi.

Question 13.
Which is the highest peak of the Eastern Ghats ?
Answer:
Mahendragiri (1,501 m)

Question 14.
Name the oldest mountain range of India.
Answer:
Aravalli range.

Question 15.
Which state of India is known as the ‘Land of five mountains’?
Answer:
Tripura.

Question 16.
Name the highest peak of the Aravalli range.
Answer:
Gurushikhar.

Question 17.
Name the lava plateau of India.
Answer:
The Deccan plateau, the Malwa plateau.

Question 18.
Name a dead volcano present in India.
Answer:
Narkondam of the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Question 19.
Which is the easternmost mountain range of India ?
Answer:
Namchabarwa.

Question 20.
Which pass connects Kashmir Valley to Leh ?
Answer:
The Zojila Pass.