Keywords To Remember
Geographical Keywords and Definitions
- Peninsula
A landmass surrounded by water on three sides.
Example: India is a peninsula. - Strait
A narrow water passage connecting two larger bodies of water.
Example: Palk Strait separates India and Sri Lanka. - Estuary
A wide mouth of a river where it meets the sea without forming a delta.
Example: Narmada River forms an estuary. - Delta
A triangular landform created by the deposition of sediment at the mouth of a river.
Example: The Sundarbans Delta formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra. - Tributary
A river or stream that flows into a larger river.
Example: Yamuna is a tributary of the Ganga. - Glacier
A slow-moving mass of ice formed by the accumulation of snow.
Example: Siachen Glacier in Karakoram range. - Latitude
Imaginary horizontal lines that measure distance north or south of the Equator.
Example: Tropic of Cancer at 23½°N. - Longitude
Imaginary vertical lines that measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
Example: 82°30’E is India’s Standard Meridian. - Archipelago
A group or chain of islands.
Example: Andaman and Nicobar Islands. - Coral Polyps
Tiny marine organisms that build coral reefs in warm, shallow seas.
Example: Lakshadweep islands are formed by coral polyps.
Physical Geography Terms
- Mountain Range
A series of connected mountains.
Example: Himalayas, Aravallis. - Valley
A low area between hills or mountains, often with a river.
Example: Dehradun in the Shivalik range. - Highland
An area of high or mountainous land.
Example: Central Highlands of India. - Plain
A large area of flat or gently rolling land.
Example: The Northern Plains of India. - Plateau
A flat-topped elevated landform.
Example: Deccan Plateau. - Coastal Plain
A flat, low-lying land near the ocean.
Example: Eastern Coastal Plain. - Desert
A dry, barren area with little rainfall.
Example: Thar Desert.
Location and Mapping Terms
- Equator
The imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
India lies north of the Equator. - Prime Meridian
The zero degree longitude line, used as the reference for measuring longitude.
India lies east of the Prime Meridian. - Standard Time
The official time of a country or region based on a specific meridian.
India follows Indian Standard Time (IST) based on 82°30′ E. - Tropic of Cancer
An important latitude at 23½°N that passes through the middle of India.
Environmental and Cultural Terms
- Vegetation
All the plant life in a particular region.
Example: Cactus and Acacia in desert regions. - Deltaic Region
An area where rivers deposit silt at their mouths forming deltas.
Example: Sundarbans. - Island
A piece of land surrounded by water.
Example: Lakshadweep Islands. - Sub-continent
A large, distinct part of a continent.
Example: India and its neighbours form the Indian subcontinent. - Union Territory
An administrative division in India governed directly by the Central Government.
Example: Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. - State
A region within a country that has its own government.
Example: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu. - Democracy
A form of government in which power is held by the people, usually through elected representatives.
India is the world’s largest democracy. - Cultural Diversity
The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society.
India has rich cultural diversity. - Unity in Diversity
The idea that diverse cultures and traditions coexist harmoniously.
This is a strength of India.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- The southernmost tip of the mainland of India is-
(a) Kanyakumari
(b) Indira Point
(c) Palk Strait
(d) Barren island
Answer – (a) Kanyakumari
- Which of the following is the largest glacier in India?
(a) Pindari
(b) Baltoro
(c) Siachin
(d) Gangotri
Answer – (c) Siachin
- Which is the highest range of the Himalayas?
(a) Himadri
(b) Zaskar
(c) Himachal
(d)Shivalik
Answer – (a) Himadri
- The Thar desert lies to the west of-
(a) Vindhya hills
(b) Nilgiri hills
(c)Aravalli hills
(d) Satpura hills
Answer – (c)Aravalli hills
- Which river flows westwards into the Arabian sea?
(a) Kaveri
(b) Narmada
(c) Mahanadi
(d) Godavari
Answer – (b) Narmada
B. Fill in the blanks.
- The area lying in the north of Tropic of Cancer is called ___________.
Answer – Sub-tropical India.
- An ocean named after India is the ___________.
Answer – Indian Ocean.
- Indira Point is located at ___________latitude.
Answer – 6°45′ N
- ___________is the second highest peak of the world and lies in the Karakoram range.
Answer – K2
- ___________is the major tributary of Indus river.
Answer – Satluj
C. Match the following:
- The highest peak of the Himalayas Yamuna
- The longest tributary of River Ganga Indira Point
- Southernmost tip of Indian Territory Shivalik
- Coastal strip along the Tamil Nadu Mount Everest
- Range famous for ‘duns’ Coromandel
Answer –
Column A | Column B | Answer |
1. The highest peak of the Himalayas | Mount Everest | 1 – Mount Everest |
2. The longest tributary of River Ganga | Yamuna | 2 – Yamuna |
3. Southernmost tip of Indian Territory | Indira Point | 3 – Indira Point |
4. Coastal strip along the Tamil Nadu | Coromandel | 4 – Coromandel |
5. Range famous for ‘duns’ | Shivalik | 5 – Shivalik |
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- What is the area and size of India in respect to the world?
Answer – India covers an area of 3.28 million square kilometres and is the seventh largest country in the world.
- Which countries form Indian sub-continent? Why is it called so?
Answer – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan form the Indian sub-continent because they lie on a distinct landmass separated by natural barriers like mountains from the rest of Asia.
- What is the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India?
Answer – India lies between 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N latitudes and 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E longitudes.
- Name the three major rivers which form the Great Northern Plains of India.
Answer – Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.
- Name the newly formed 29th state of India. When was it formed?
Answer – Telangana is the 29th state, formed on June 2, 2014.
E. Answer the following questions.
- State any four main features of the Himalayan mountains.
Answer – They are young fold mountains.
They extend about 2500 km.
They have three parallel ranges: Himadri, Himachal, and Shivalik.
They contain the highest peaks like Mount Everest and K2.
- Where is Sundarban delta? How is it formed? What makes it special in the world?
Answer – It is in West Bengal, formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. It is the largest delta in the world and home to Royal Bengal Tigers.
- Describe the Peninsular plateau of India.
Answer – The Peninsular plateau is a triangular landmass, divided into Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau. It is rich in minerals and has rivers like Narmada and Tapi flowing westward.
- How do the Eastern coastal plains differ from the Western coastal plains?
Answer – Eastern coastal plains are broader and have deltas, while western coastal plains are narrow, uneven, and rocky with estuaries.
- Distinguish between Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands.
Answer – Andaman and Nicobar: In the Bay of Bengal, volcanic origin, larger and numerous.
Lakshadweep: In the Arabian Sea, formed by coral polyps, small and flat.
Value Based Question
The Indian Ocean provides major sea links connecting the Middle East, Africa and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. The most important trade routes of the world pass through this region. It carries a heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oil-field of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. India is one of very few countries in the world to have developed the technology to extract minerals from the deep sea bed. Fishing is of great importance to the bordering countries for domestic consumption and export.
In which five ways is the strategic location of India at the head of Indian Ocean important for us?
Answer – Facilitates international trade between East and West.
Rich in marine resources and fisheries.
Enables easy access to oil and gas transport routes.
Enhances naval strength and defense positioning.
Helps in economic growth through ports and shipping industries.
Map Skill
On the outline map of India, locale and label the following:
(a) Rivers — Ganga, Kaveri and Tapi.
Answer – Ganga (northern plains)
Kaveri (Tamil Nadu)
Tapi (Madhya Pradesh to Gujarat)
(b) Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep,
Answer – Andaman & Nicobar (Bay of Bengal)
Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea)
(c) Standard Meridian of India, Tropic of cancer,
Answer – Standard Meridian (82°30’E)
Tropic of Cancer (23½°N)
(d) Mountains — The Karakoram range, Aravalli and Western Ghats,
Answer – Karakoram Range (Jammu & Kashmir)
Aravalli (Rajasthan)
Western Ghats (Western coast)
Something To Do
- Use modelling clay, Plaster of Paris (POP), beads, paper, etc,, to make a physical map of India on ground or on a board showing physical features like mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, plateaus, plains, etc. Preferably this exercise may be done In a group under the guidance of your teacher or the craft-teacher,
Answer – Use clay or POP to make India’s model showing mountains, plains, rivers, and plateaus. Colour-code regions and label key features.
- On a chart paper, prepare a physical map of India showing various relief features using different colours.
Answer – Draw an outline of India and use different colours to represent the physical features (brown for mountains, green for plains, yellow for desert, etc.).
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks with Answers
- India shares its longest international boundary with __________.
Answer – Bangladesh - The __________ range is also known as the Greater Himalayas.
Answer – Himadri - The Indian Standard Time is calculated from __________ longitude.
Answer – 82°30′ E - __________ is the only active volcano in India.
Answer – Barren Island - The southern plateau region is rich in __________ resources.
Answer – Mineral - __________ is known as the ‘Roof of the World’.
Answer – Pamir Knot - The western coast of India is divided into __________ and __________.
Answer – Konkan, Malabar - The Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta is also called the __________ Delta.
Answer – Sundarban - The Vindhya and Satpura ranges lie to the north and south of the __________ Plateau.
Answer – Narmada - The Himalayas are an example of __________ mountains.
Answer – Fold
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers
- Which plateau lies between the Western and Eastern Ghats?
(a) Malwa Plateau
(b) Deccan Plateau
(c) Chotanagpur Plateau
(d) Tibetan Plateau
Answer – (b) Deccan Plateau - The Standard Meridian of India passes through:
(a) Allahabad
(b) Delhi
(c) Ahmedabad
(d) Kanpur
Answer – (a) Allahabad - Which of the following rivers does not form a delta?
(a) Ganga
(b) Godavari
(c) Narmada
(d) Mahanadi
Answer – (c) Narmada - Which of these rivers flows from east to west?
(a) Mahanadi
(b) Krishna
(c) Narmada
(d) Kaveri
Answer – (c) Narmada - Which physical feature of India is rich in alluvial soil?
(a) The Thar Desert
(b) The Peninsular Plateau
(c) The Northern Plains
(d) Western Ghats
Answer – (c) The Northern Plains
True or False with Answers
- The Himalayas are older than the Peninsular Plateau.
Answer – False
- The Andaman Islands are of volcanic origin.
Answer – True
- The Ganga is the longest river in India.
Answer – True
- Mount K2 lies in the Himachal range.
Answer – False
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through Rajasthan.
Answer – True
Short Questions and Answers
- What is a delta?
A delta is a landform formed at the mouth of a river, where it deposits sediments into the sea, forming a fan-shaped area. - Name any two rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea.
Narmada and Tapi. - Why is the Northern Plains densely populated?
Because of fertile soil, flat terrain, and availability of water which support agriculture. - What is the significance of the Standard Meridian of India?
It helps maintain a standard time across the country. - What are ‘duns’?
Duns are longitudinal valleys found between the Shivalik and Himachal ranges.
Competency-Based Questions (Assertion & Reason)
Question 1:
Assertion (A): The Northern Plains of India are agriculturally very productive.
Reason (R): These plains have fertile alluvial soil and good water supply.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation.
(c) A is true, R is false.
(d) A is false, R is true.
Answer: (a)
Question 2:
Assertion (A): Western Ghats are less continuous than Eastern Ghats.
Reason (R): Western Ghats are more dissected by rivers.
Answer: (b)
Question 3:
Assertion (A): The Peninsular Plateau is an old landmass.
Reason (R): It was part of the Gondwana landmass.
Answer: (a)
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Questions
- Why do rivers in the Northern Plains form large deltas, while those in the Peninsular region do not?
Answer – Because rivers in the Northern Plains are slow, carry more sediments, and have gentle slopes, whereas Peninsular rivers are faster with steep gradients and less sediment. - Why does India have multiple climates despite being a tropical country?
Answer – Due to its vast latitudinal extent, varied altitudes, presence of mountains, and differential heating of land and water bodies. - How do the Himalayas protect India?
Answer – They act as a natural barrier against cold winds from Central Asia and prevent monsoon winds from escaping, causing heavy rainfall in India.
Long Answer Questions (40–50 words)
- Describe the three main Himalayan ranges and their features.
Answer – The Himalayas consist of the Himadri (Greater Himalayas) with highest peaks, the Himachal (Middle Himalayas) with hill stations and valleys, and the Shivalik (Outer Himalayas), which are the youngest and contain duns or longitudinal valleys. - Explain the importance of rivers in the Indian economy.
Answer – Rivers support agriculture, supply drinking and industrial water, generate hydroelectricity, and serve as inland transport routes. They also help in fishing and provide livelihoods to millions of people. - What are the main features of the Peninsular Plateau?
Answer – It is a tableland composed of old crystalline rocks, rich in minerals, with black and red soils, and has important rivers like Narmada and Godavari. It is divided into Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- India is also known as __________.
Answer: Bharat - The __________ of Cancer passes through the middle of India.
Answer: Tropic - The southernmost tip of mainland India is __________.
Answer: Kanyakumari - India’s Standard Meridian is __________ E longitude.
Answer: 82°30′ - The __________ glacier is the largest in India.
Answer: Siachen - The __________ Plains are formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Answer: Northern - The __________ Plateau is a triangular landmass south of the Great Plains.
Answer: Peninsular - The __________ Desert covers a large part of Rajasthan.
Answer: Thar - The __________ Islands are located in the Arabian Sea.
Answer: Lakshadweep - India shares its northern border with __________.
Answer: China - The __________ Strait separates India from Sri Lanka.
Answer: Palk - The __________ Range is the northernmost Himalayan range.
Answer: Great Himalayas - The __________ River is the longest tributary of the Ganga.
Answer: Yamuna - The __________ Coast is the southern part of the Western Coastal Plain.
Answer: Malabar - India has __________ States and 7 Union Territories.
Answer: 29
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- Which country ranks seventh in area globally?
a) China
b) India
c) Brazil
d) Russia
Answer: b) India - Which ocean lies to the south of India?
a) Pacific
b) Atlantic
c) Indian
d) Arctic
Answer: c) Indian - What is the northernmost Himalayan range called?
a) Shivalik
b) Himachal
c) Great Himalayas
d) Purvanchal
Answer: c) Great Himalayas - Which is the largest state in India by area?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Rajasthan
c) Maharashtra
d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: b) Rajasthan - Which river forms the Sundarbans delta?
a) Godavari
b) Ganga
c) Krishna
d) Narmada
Answer: b) Ganga - What is the southernmost point of India?
a) Kanyakumari
b) Indira Point
c) Lakshadweep
d) Port Blair
Answer: b) Indira Point - Which country shares its border with India in the north-west?
a) Nepal
b) Pakistan
c) Myanmar
d) Bhutan
Answer: b) Pakistan - What is the name of India’s youngest state?
a) Telangana
b) Jharkhand
c) Chhattisgarh
d) Uttarakhand
Answer: a) Telangana - Which plain is known as the Coromandel Coast?
a) Western Coastal
b) Northern Plains
c) Eastern Coastal
d) Deccan Plateau
Answer: c) Eastern Coastal - What is the time difference between Indian Standard Time and GMT?
a) 4 hours
b) 5 hours
c) 5½ hours
d) 6 hours
Answer: c) 5½ hours
True/False Questions and Answers
- India is the most populous country in the world.
Answer: False (It is the second most populous after China.) - The Tropic of Cancer divides India into two equal parts.
Answer: True - The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Arabian Sea.
Answer: False (They are in the Bay of Bengal.) - The Northern Plains are densely populated due to fertile soil.
Answer: True - The Thar Desert is located in Gujarat.
Answer: False (It is in Rajasthan.) - Mount Everest lies in the Karakoram range.
Answer: False (It is in the Great Himalayas.) - The Suez Canal reduced the distance between India and Europe.
Answer: True - The Deccan Plateau is rich in minerals.
Answer: True - Lakshadweep Islands are formed by volcanic activity.
Answer: False (They are formed by coral polyps.) - India has 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
Answer: False (29 States and 7 Union Territories.)
Short Questions and Answers
- What is the area of India?
Answer: 3.28 million square kilometers - Name two countries larger than India.
Answer: Russia and Canada - What is the Indian sub-continent?
Answer: A geographical unit including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. - What is the Standard Meridian of India?
Answer: 82°30′ E longitude - Name the highest peak in India.
Answer: K2 (in the Karakoram range) - What is the largest glacier in India?
Answer: Siachen - Name one river that forms the Northern Plains.
Answer: Ganga - What is the southernmost tip of mainland India?
Answer: Kanyakumari - What is a peninsula?
Answer: A landmass surrounded by water on three sides. - Name one neighbor of India in the north-east.
Answer: Myanmar
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion: India lies in the Northern Hemisphere.
Reason: It is located north of the Equator, with the Tropic of Cancer passing through it.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Northern Plains are densely populated.
Reason: Fertile soil and abundant water from rivers support agriculture and settlement.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: India has a central location in the Indian Ocean.
Reason: It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: The Thar Desert has scanty vegetation.
Reason: It receives little rainfall and has high temperatures.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion. - Assertion: India’s landforms are complementary to each other.
Reason: Mountains provide water, plains support agriculture, and plateaus are mineral-rich.
Answer: Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason explains the assertion.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Why is India called a sub-continent?
Answer: India is a sub-continent due to its distinct geographical and cultural identity, separated from Asia by the Himalayas. It includes diverse landforms, climates, and cultures, forming a unique unit with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. - How does the Himalayan range benefit India?
Answer: The Himalayas act as a natural barrier, protecting India from invasions and cold winds. They are a source of major rivers like the Ganga, supporting agriculture and settlements in the Northern Plains, and provide resources like water and timber. - Why are the Northern Plains agriculturally productive?
Answer: The Northern Plains, formed by river-deposited fertile silt, have ideal conditions for agriculture. Abundant water from the Ganga and Brahmaputra, flat terrain, and favorable climate support extensive farming, making them India’s food grain hub. - How does India’s location influence its trade?
Answer: India’s central position in the Indian Ocean, with access to the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, facilitates trade with West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The Suez Canal shortens routes to Europe, enhancing India’s historical and modern trade networks. - Why is India’s cultural diversity unique despite regional differences?
Answer: India’s cultural diversity, with varied languages, religions, and traditions, is unified by shared values like tolerance and brotherhood. Common festivals, historical heritage, and democratic principles foster unity, making India’s diversity a cohesive national identity.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Describe India’s geographical location.
Answer: India lies in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, north of the Equator, with the Tropic of Cancer dividing it. Bounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal, it extends from 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N and 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E. - Explain the significance of the Northern Plains.
Answer: The Northern Plains, formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, are fertile and flat, ideal for agriculture. They support dense populations and produce most of India’s food grains, contributing significantly to the economy and sustaining major cities and settlements. - How do India’s landforms complement each other?
Answer: India’s landforms—Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, and Coastal Plains—are complementary. Mountains supply water, plains support agriculture, plateaus provide minerals, and coasts facilitate trade, creating a balanced ecosystem that sustains diverse economic and human activities across the country. - Discuss India’s neighbors and their geographical relations.
Answer: India borders Pakistan and Afghanistan (north-west), China, Nepal, Bhutan (north), Bangladesh, Myanmar (east), and Sri Lanka, Maldives (south). The Palk Strait separates Sri Lanka, while the Himalayas and seas define natural boundaries, influencing trade, culture, and geopolitical ties. - Why is India considered a land of unity in diversity?
Answer: India’s diverse languages, religions, and traditions coexist with shared values of tolerance and brotherhood. Common festivals, democratic governance, and historical heritage foster unity, making India a unique nation where regional diversities strengthen national identity despite cultural differences.