India: Size and Location

Q.1. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered as great
significance. Why?
Ans. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is of great
significance because:
1. Strategic Location: India is located in the centre of the eastern and
western halves of the world, making it easy to connect with countries in
both the east and the west.
2. Sea Routes: India is at the head of the Indian Ocean, which helps it
control and benefit from major sea routes that pass through it.
3. Trade and Commerce: India's location helps in easy trade with countries
of West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the western coast and with
Southeast Asia and East Asia from the eastern coast.
4. Cultural Exchange: The central location also helped in the exchange of
culture, ideas, and goods between India and other countries over
centuries.
5. Importance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): India can play an
important role in maintaining peace and cooperation in the Indian Ocean
region.
Q.2. What are Indan’s unique location feature?

Ans. India’s Unique Location Features:

1. Strategic Location in Asia:
o India is located in the southern part of Asia.
o It lies at the crossroads of East and West Asia, making it
important for trade and cultural exchange.
2. Central Position in the Indian Ocean:
o India is located at the head of the Indian Ocean, which helps it
control major sea routes and connect with Africa, Europe, and
Southeast Asia.
3. Long Coastline:
o India has a long coastline of about 7,516 km, which supports
trade, fishing, and transport.
4. East-West and North-South Extent:
o India stretches from 8°4′N to 37°6′N latitude and 68°7′E to
97°25′E longitude, showing great diversity in climate, culture, and
physical features.
5. Standard Meridian (82°30′E):
o To maintain a uniform time, India follows Indian Standard Time
(IST) based on 82°30′E longitude, passing through Mirzapur in
Uttar Pradesh.
6. Neighbouring Countries:
o India shares borders with 7 countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal,
Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan (at a narrow strip
called the Wakhan Corridor)
Q.3. Why 82030 east has been considered as the standard meridian of India? Give Region.

Ans. India has a wide east-west extent of about 2,933 km, so different places
experience different local times. To have one common time for the entire
country, a Standard Meridian is chosen. 82°30′ East longitude has been chosen
as the Standard Meridian of India because:
1. It passes almost through the center of India, from Mirzapur (in Uttar
 Pradesh).
2. It helps to maintain a uniform standard time (Indian Standard Time – IST)
across the country.
3. It is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Q.4. India has a large coastal line which has advantages. Explain?

Ans. India has a long coastline of about 7,516 kilometers along the Arabian Sea in the
west and the Bay of Bengal in the east. This long coastline provides several
advantages:
1. Helps in Trade:
o Many ports have been developed, which help in international and
domestic trade.
o It makes export and import of goods easier and cheaper.
2. Fishing Industry:
o The coastline provides a large area for fishing and supports
millions of fishermen and related industries.
3. Tourism Development:
o Beautiful beaches and coastal areas attract tourists, which helps in
earning foreign exchange and providing employment.
4. Naval and Defense Advantage:
o A long coastline helps India to protect its maritime borders and
maintain a strong naval presence in the Indian Ocean.
5. Cultural and Historical Importance:
o Coastal areas have been centres of trade and cultural exchange
since ancient times, linking India with other parts of the world.
Q.5. What is meant by Indian standard time? Why do we need a standard meridian in
Indai?
Ans. Indian Standard Time (IST) is the official time of India, which is calculated from
the 82°30′ East longitude, known as the Standard Meridian of India.
 IST is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
 It is the same throughout the country.
India has a wide east-west extent of about 2,933 km, so different places
experience different local times. To have one common time for the entire
country, a Standard Meridian is chosen. 82°30′ East longitude has been chosen
as the Standard Meridian of India because:
Q.6. Mention the longitude extent of India. Explain its significance?

Ans. Longitude Extent of India:

 The longitudinal extent of India is from 68°7′ East to 97°25′ East.
Significance of India’s Longitudinal Extent:
1. Time Difference:
o Due to this wide extent, there is a time difference of about 2 hours
between the easternmost and westernmost parts of India.
o Example: When it is 6:00 a.m. in Arunachal Pradesh, it is only 4:00 a.m.
in Gujarat (by local time).
2. Need for a Standard Time:
o To avoid confusion, Indian Standard Time (IST) is calculated from
82°30′ East, which lies near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.
o It helps maintain one common time across the country.
3. Geographical Diversity:
o The longitudinal spread contributes to the variation in climate, sunrise
and sunset times, and also affects daily life and activities across
 different regions.
Q.7. Describe location and size in 3 points each.

Ans. Location of India (3 Points):

1. Latitudinal and Longitudinal Extent:
o India lies between 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N latitudes and 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E
longitudes.
2. Position in Asia:
o India is located in South Asia, and it is the seventh-largest country in the
world.
3. Indian Ocean Region:
o India is situated at the head of the Indian Ocean, giving it a strategic
location for trade and maritime routes
Size of India (3 Points):
1.Area:
o India has a total area of about 3.28 million square kilometres, making it
the 7th largest country in the world.
2.Length and Breadth:
o The north-south extent is about 3,214 km, and the east-west extent is
about 2,933 km.
3.Land Borders:
o India shares land borders with 7 countries and has a long coastline of
7,516.6 km, including islands.
Q.8. India has had strong geographical historical links with its neighbours comment

Ans. India has had strong geographical and historical links with its neighbours.
Comment.
1. Geographical Links:
o India shares its land borders with 7 countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan, China,
Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
o Its long coastline also connects it with countries across the Indian Ocean,
such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
2. Historical Links:
o India has had trade and cultural relations with its neighbours for centuries.
o Ideas of religion (like Buddhism), art, architecture, and language spread
from India to nearby countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.
o India also received influences from Central Asia and West Asia, such as in
architecture (e.g., the Mughal style) and food.
o Many neighbouring countries share similar customs, festivals, and
languages with India, showing their deep historical connections
Q.9. Explain the importance of Indian location on Globe.
OR
India is said to enjoy a strategic position with reference to international trade
rule. In you view which feature provide a strategic advantages
Ans. India’s strategic position in international trade is mainly because of the following
features:
1. Central Location in the Indian Ocean:
India lies at the head of the Indian Ocean, which is a key route connecting
the East (Asia) with the West (Europe and Africa). This helps India control
and benefit from major sea trade routes.
2. Long Coastline:
India has a long coastline of about 7,516 km with many important ports like
Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kochi that facilitate international trade.
 3. Proximity to Important Shipping Lanes:
India is close to important shipping lanes like the Strait of Malacca, which is
one of the busiest sea routes in the world. This gives India an advantage in
monitoring and participating in global trade.
4. Neighbourhood with Emerging Markets:
India shares borders with countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, which
are growing markets, helping it engage in regional trade easily.
Q.10. Distinguish between local time and standard time?

Ans. Local Time Standard Time

The time based on the actual position A single, uniform time adopted for a
of the sun at a particular place. When larger region or country, based on a
the sun is exactly overhead (at the chosen Standard Meridian
local meridian), it is considered 12
noon at that place.
Varies from one place to another, Remains the same throughout the
even within the same country. country
If it is 12:00 noon (sun overhead) in Both Kolkata and Mumbai follow IST
Kolkata (≈88° E), then in Mumbai (time at 82°30′ E). So even if local
(≈72° E), the sun will be overhead (i.e., solar noon differs, clocks show the
local noon) about 64 minutes later. same “12:00 noon” in both places.

Q.11. What do know about India and its neighbours?

Ans. List of Neighbouring Countries

 West: Pakistan
 Northwest (via Wakhan Corridor): Afghanistan
 North and Northeast: China, Nepal, Bhutan
 East: Myanmar, Bangladesh
 Island Neighbour: Sri Lanka (to the south, across the Palk Strait)
India, as a country, shares its borders with several neighbouring countries. Let's
take a look at some key information about India and its neighbours:
Pakistan: Pakistan is situated to the northwest of India. The two countries have a
complex relationship due to historical and political reasons. They have had
conflicts and disputes over various issues, including the region of Jammu and
Kashmir.
China: China is located in the northeast of India. The border between India and
China has been a topic of contention, particularly in the regions of Aksai Chin and
Arunachal Pradesh. Both countries have had territorial disputes and occasional
tensions, although they also engage in trade and cultural exchanges.
Nepal: Nepal lies to the north of India. India and Nepal share a close and friendly
relationship due to their historical and cultural ties. People from both countries
can freely travel and work in each other's territories. Cooperation between the
two nations encompasses various sectors, including trade, tourism, and
development projects.
Bhutan: Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas,
and it shares its borders with India. India and Bhutan maintain a unique
relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation. They collaborate on a range
of areas, such as defense, trade, and hydropower projects.
Bangladesh: Bangladesh is situated to the east of India. The two countries have a
significant historical connection, as Bangladesh was formerly a part of Pakistan
until it gained independence in 1971, with support from India. India and
Bangladesh share cultural, economic, and political ties. Cooperation between
 them involves trade, security, connectivity, and development projects.
Myanmar (Burma): Myanmar shares its eastern border with India. The two
nations have historical, cultural, and economic ties. They cooperate on various
fronts, including trade, energy, and security. There are also cultural exchanges
and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is an island nation located off the southern coast of India.
India and Sri Lanka have a close relationship due to historical, cultural, and ethnic
ties. However, there have been occasional tensions and issues related to the
Tamil population in Sri Lanka. Both countries engage in cooperation in various
areas, such as trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Maldives : The Maldives is a group of islands located southwest of India in the
Indian Ocean. India and the Maldives share a cordial relationship. India has
played a role in assisting the Maldives in development projects and security
cooperation. There is also cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and
climate change.
These neighbouring countries have different relationships with India,
characterized by historical, political, and cultural factors. India aims to maintain
diplomatic relations and engage in bilateral and regional cooperation with its
neighbours for mutual benefit, peace, stability, and economic development in
the region.
Q.12. State any three features of Himalyan Mountains?

Ans. Here are three key features of the Himalayan Mountains:

1. Young Fold Mountains:
o The Himalayas are the youngest fold mountains in the world, formed by
the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
o Their ongoing uplift means they are still rising and subject to frequent
earthquakes.
2. Highest Peaks:
o This range contains the highest peaks on Earth, including Mount Everest
(8,848 m) and K2 (8,611 m).
o Many peaks exceed 7,000 m, making the Himalayas a major climatic barrier
and a distinct ecological zone.
3. Source of Major Rivers:
o The Himalayas are the water tower of Asia, giving rise to important rivers
like the Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries.
o These rivers are fed by snowmelt and glacial melt, providing water for
millions of people downstream.
Q.13. Name the coastal strip of peninsular pleatue. Describe any four features of it

Ans. The two coastal strip of peninsula pleatue are:

 Western Coastal Plain: This is a narrow coastal strip located between the
Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.
 Eastern Coastal Plain: This is a wider coastal plain situated between the Bay
of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats.
The features of it are:
 Alluvial Soils and Delta Formation
 Major peninsular rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
flow eastward and form extensive deltas on the Eastern Coastal Plain.
 These deltas are covered with rich alluvial soils, making them highly fertile for
paddy, sugarcane, and other crops.
 Beaches, Lagoons, and Backwaters
 The Western Coastal Plain features alternating rocky headlands and sandy
 beaches (e.g., Konkan and Malabar coasts) as well as the famous Kerala
backwaters (a network of lagoons, lakes, and canals running parallel to the
shore).
 The Eastern Coastal Plain has long, sandy shores with fewer rocky stretches,
and includes estuaries, mangrove swamps, and lagoons near river mouths
(e.g., Pulicat Lake).
 Important Ports and Harbours
 Both plains host major natural harbours:
o West Coast: Mumbai, Mangalore, Kochi
o East Coast: Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip
 These ports facilitate domestic and international trade, boost fishing, and
support coastal industries.
 Climatic and Vegetational Variation
 Receives heavy monsoon rains, especially on the west coast, leading to lush
tropical vegetation (e.g., coconut and cashew plantations).
 The east coast gets relatively less rainfall, with more mangrove forests in the
deltas.
 Economic Activities
 Apart from agriculture in the fertile deltas, the coastline supports:
o Fishing and aquaculture (marine and backwater fisheries)
o Shellfish and prawn culture in shallow lagoons
o Tourism (beaches, backwater cruises)
o Port-based industries (petrochemicals, shipbuilding)
Q.14. Give an account of 4 division of Himalayas from west to east along with
purvanchal hill.
Ans. The Himalayas are divided into four parts from west to east based on rivers and
geography. These are:
1. Punjab Himalayas
 Location: Between the Indus and Sutlej rivers.
 States/Regions: Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
 Features:
o Also called Kashmir or Himachal Himalayas.
o Includes important ranges like Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and parts of the
Greater Himalayas.
o Famous valleys: Kashmir Valley, Kangra Valley.
o Passes: Zoji La, Banihal.
2. Kumaon Himalayas
 Location: Between the Sutlej and Kali (Sharda) rivers.
 State: Uttarakhand.
 Features:
o Includes peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
o Famous hill stations: Nainital, Almora.
o Origin of the Ganga River.
3. Nepal Himalayas
 Location: Between the Kali (Sharda) and Tista rivers.
 Region: Covers most of Nepal.
 Features:
o Contains the world’s highest peaks: Mount Everest,
Kanchenjunga.
o Steep and rugged terrain.
o Important glaciers and rivers start here.
4. Assam Himalayas
  Location: Between the Tista and Dihang (Brahmaputra) rivers.
 States: Northern part of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
 Features:
o Lower in height compared to western Himalayas.
o Covered with dense forests and receives heavy rainfall.

5 Purvanchal Hills (Eastern Extension of Himalayas)

 Location: Beyond the Dihang River bend in the northeast.
 States: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura.
 Features:
o Made of fold mountains running mostly in north-south direction.
o Includes hills like:
 Patkai Hills
 Naga Hills
 Manipur Hills
 Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills)
Q.15. Describe the formation of peninsular plateau. Write its distinct feature

Ans. Formation of the Peninsular Plateau

 The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest and most stable landmass of India.
 It was formed millions of years ago during the Precambrian era.
 It is a result of the breaking and drifting of the ancient supercontinent
Gondwana.
 The plateau is made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks and has been
worn down over time by natural forces like wind, rain, and rivers.
 It has undergone several geological changes such as uplift, erosion, and
volcanic activity.
⭐ Distinct Features of the Peninsular Plateau
1. Ancient and Stable
o It is one of the oldest landforms on Earth and is geologically
stable.
2. Made of Hard Rocks
o Formed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks (like granite
and basalt).
3. Divided into Two Main Parts
o Central Highlands (north of the Narmada River)
o Deccan Plateau (south of the Narmada River)
4. Tilted Structure
o The plateau is tilted towards the east, so most rivers flow
eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
5. Rich in Minerals
o It contains rich deposits of minerals like iron ore, coal,
manganese, and mica.
6. Presence of Hill Ranges
o Includes hills like the Aravalli, Vindhya, Satpura, Western Ghats,
and Eastern Ghats.
Q.16. Describe any five feature of central Highland of India.

Ans. 1. Location
o The Central Highlands lie north of the Narmada River and extend
up to the south of the Indo-Gangetic plain.
2. Part of the Peninsular Plateau
o They are the northern part of the Peninsular Plateau and are older
 than the Himalayas.
3. Composed of Hard Rocks
o Made of igneous and metamorphic rocks, they are resistant to
erosion and have been formed by ancient geological processes.
4. Includes Important Plateaus and Ranges
o Includes Malwa Plateau in the west and Chotanagpur Plateau in
the east.
o Also has Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
5. Rich in Minerals
o The region, especially the Chotanagpur Plateau, is rich in minerals
like coal, iron ore, and mica.
Q.17. Describe any 5 features of western coastal plain

Ans. 1. Narrow and Straight

 The Western Coastal Plain is very narrow, ranging from 50 to 80 km in
width.
2. Extends from Gujarat to Kerala
 It stretches along the Arabian Sea coast, covering Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
3. Divided into Three Sections
 Konkan Coast – Maharashtra and Goa
 Kannad Coast – Karnataka
 Malabar Coast – Kerala
4. Features Natural Harbours and Backwaters
 It has many natural harbours like Mumbai and Marmagao, and
backwaters (called kayals) in Kerala which are used for inland navigation.
5. Narrow Continental Shelf
 The continental shelf along the western coast is narrow and drops off
quickly into the deep sea.
Q.18. Classify the Northern Plain on the basis of its feature

Ans. The Northern Plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of the rivers Indus,
Ganga, and Brahmaputra. Based on variations in elevation and relief, they are
divided into three main regions:
1. Bhabar
 Lies at the foothills of the Shiwalik range.
 Made up of pebbles and rocks.
 Narrow belt (8–16 km wide).
 Rivers disappear underground in this region.
2. Terai
 Lies south of the Bhabar region.
 It is a marshy and wet region as rivers re-emerge here.
 Covered with dense forests and swamps.
 Suitable for agriculture and wildlife.
3. Bhangar
 The older alluvial plain, lying above the floodplains.
 Contains calcareous deposits called Kankar.
 Not as fertile as the newer alluvium.
 Slightly elevated and uneven.
4. Khadar
 The newer alluvial plain, found close to riverbanks.
 Formed by fresh deposits every year due to flooding.
 Very fertile and ideal for intensive agriculture.
Q.19. Describe the 5 features of Decan Plateau

Ans. Features of the Deccan Plateau

1. Location and Shape
o The Deccan Plateau lies south of the Narmada River.
o It is triangular in shape, with the Satpura range in the north, Western
Ghats on the west, and Eastern Ghats on the east.
2. Oldest Landmass
o It is part of the ancient Peninsular Plateau and is one of the oldest
landforms of India, formed by volcanic activity.
3. Tilted Towards the East
o The plateau is gently sloping eastward, so most rivers (like Godavari,
Krishna, Kaveri) flow into the Bay of Bengal.
4. Rich in Minerals
o The Deccan Plateau is rich in minerals like iron ore, coal, manganese,
and mica, making it important for mining and industry.
5. Borders by Ghats
o Western Ghats: High, continuous, and cause heavy rainfall on the
west coast.
o Eastern Ghats: Lower, discontinuous, and more eroded.
Q.20. Give main Characteristic of the dimension of Greater Peninsular Plateau.

Ans. Main Characteristics of the Greater Peninsular Plateau

The Greater Peninsular Plateau is a large, ancient, and stable landmass in
southern India. It is a part of the Peninsular Plateau and has the following
features:
🔷 1. Old and Stable Landmass
 It is one of the oldest landforms of India, formed during the Precambrian
era.
 Made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
🔷 2. Triangular in Shape
 Bounded by:
o Satpura Range in the north,
o Western Ghats in the west,
o Eastern Ghats in the east.
 Broad base in the north and pointed tip in the south (towards the Indian
Ocean).
🔷 3. Divided into Two Main Parts
 Central Highlands – North of the Narmada River (includes Malwa Plateau
and Chotanagpur Plateau).
 Deccan Plateau – South of the Narmada River (includes parts of
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu).
🔷 4. Rich in Minerals
 Contains important mineral resources like coal, iron ore, manganese, and
bauxite.
🔷 5. Bounded by Ghats
 Western Ghats: Steep, continuous, cause orographic rainfall.
 Eastern Ghats: Lower, more eroded, and broken.
Q.21. Give main characteristic of the dimension of great Peninsular Plateau

Ans. The Great Peninsular Plateau is the largest and oldest physical division of India.
Below are its main characteristics:
1. Triangular Shape
  The plateau has a roughly triangular shape.
 Bounded by:
o Satpura and Vindhya ranges in the north,
o Western Ghats in the west,
o Eastern Ghats in the east.
2. Covers a Large Area
 It extends over southern India.
 It covers parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala.
3. Divided into Two Main Parts
 Central Highlands – North of the Narmada River.
 Deccan Plateau – South of the Narmada River.
4. Highlands and Hill Ranges
 Contains many hill ranges and plateaus such as the Aravalli Hills,
Chotanagpur Plateau, Mahadeo Hills, and Nilgiri Hills.
5. Tilted Towards the East
 The plateau is sloping eastwards, so most rivers like the Godavari,
Krishna, and Kaveri flow into the Bay of Benga
Q.22. What is the significance of Himalayas in India?

Ans. The Himalayas are one of the most important physical features of India. They
play a vital role in the country’s climate, rivers, defense, and natural resources.
1. Climatic Influence
 The Himalayas block the cold winds from Central Asia, keeping northern
India warmer in winter.
 They cause rainfall by stopping monsoon winds, leading to heavy rains on
the southern slopes.
2. Source of Rivers
 Major Indian rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Indus
originate from Himalayan glaciers.
 These rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectricity.
3. Natural Barrier
 The Himalayas form a strong natural wall that protects India from foreign
invasions.
 They separate the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia.
4. Supports Agriculture
 Rivers from the Himalayas deposit fertile alluvial soil in the Northern
Plains, making it one of the most productive farming areas in the world.
5. Rich in Forests and Wildlife
 The Himalayas are covered with dense forests and are home to many
species of animals and plants.
 Provide timber, medicinal plants, and fuel wood.
6. Tourism and Pilgrimage
 Popular for tourist destinations (like Shimla, Manali) and holy places (like
Amarnath, Kedarnath, Badrinath).
 Source of natural beauty and spiritual importance.

Q.23. “The relief of India displays great physical variation” Explain How

Ans. India’s physical features show a wide variety of landscapes, from towering
mountains to vast plains, plateaus, and coastal areas. This is why we say the
relief of India displays great physical variation. Here’s how:
1. Himalayan Mountain Ranges
  In the north, India has the young and towering Himalayas — the highest
mountain range in the world.
 These mountains are rugged, with steep slopes, deep valleys, and
glaciers.
2. Northern Plains
 South of the Himalayas lie the fertile and flat Northern Plains formed by
the alluvial deposits of rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.
 This area is vast and low-lying, ideal for agriculture.
3. Peninsular Plateau
 The ancient Peninsular Plateau covers a large part of southern India.
 It has undulating terrain, hills, and mountain ranges like the Vindhyas,
Satpuras, Western Ghats, and Eastern Ghats.
 The plateau is higher than the plains but not as rugged as the Himalayas.
4. Coastal Plains
 India has two coastal plains — the Western Coastal Plain (narrow and
steep) and the Eastern Coastal Plain (wide and flat).
 These plains vary in width and landscape, with lagoons, estuaries, and
beaches.
5. Deserts and Islands
 In the northwest, the Thar Desert presents an arid, sandy landscape.
 India also has island groups like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and
the Lakshadweep Islands with diverse landforms
Q.24. Classify the Northern Plains on the basis of the variation in the relief feature.
Write the characteristic each of any three of them?
Ans. The Northern Plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of rivers like the Indus,
Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
Based on the relief (height and shape of the land), the Northern Plains are
divided into four regions:
1. Bhabar
 Lies along the foothills of the Shiwaliks.
 Formed by deposition of pebbles and stones by mountain streams.
 Rivers disappear underground in this zone.
 Narrow belt, about 8 to 16 km wide.
2. Terai
 Lies south of the Bhabar region.
 A wet and marshy area where rivers re-emerge.
 Covered with dense forests and swamps.
 Very suitable for agriculture, especially paddy.
3. Bhangar
 The older alluvial part of the plain.
 Lies above the floodplains of the rivers.
 Has hard, rocky soil with lime nodules called kankar.
 Less fertile than Khadar.
4. Khadar
 Newer alluvium, found near riverbanks.
 Replenished annually by floods.
 Very fertile, ideal for agriculture.
Q.25. Describe how the Himalayas were formed.

Ans. The Himalayas are one of the youngest and tallest mountain ranges in the
world. Their formation is the result of plate tectonic movements that happened
millions of years ago.
Step-by-Step Formation:
1. Presence of the Tethys Sea
 Millions of years ago, there was a shallow sea called the Tethys Sea
o
between two large landmasses:
 The Indian Plate (to the south)
 The Eurasian Plate (to the north)
2. Movement of the Indian Plate
o The Indian Plate started moving northwards due to tectonic forces.
o It moved at a speed of about 15 cm per year towards the Eurasian
Plate.
3. Collision of Plates
o Around 50 million years ago, the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian
Plate.
o The ocean floor of the Tethys Sea was squeezed and pushed upwards.
4. Folding of Sediments
o The sediments from the Tethys Sea were compressed and folded due to
the collision.
o This folding created the fold mountains we now call the Himalayas.
5. Ongoing Process
o The Himalayas are still growing and rising, as the Indian Plate continues
to push against the Eurasian Plate.
o That is why this region is still prone to earthquakes.
Q.26. Why are Himalayas Called Young Fold Mountains?

Ans. The Himalayas are called the Young Fold Mountains because of the following
reasons:
1. Geologically Young
 The Himalayas were formed only about 50 million years ago, which is
recent in geological time.
 Compared to other mountain ranges like the Aravallis (which are over 2
billion years old), the Himalayas are much younger.
2. Formed by Folding
 The Himalayas were formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate and
the Eurasian Plate.
 The sediments in the Tethys Sea between these plates were folded and
uplifted, forming the mountain range.
 This is why they are called fold mountains.
3. Still Rising
 The Himalayas are still growing due to ongoing tectonic activity.
 Earthquakes in the region are a result of this continuous movement of
plates.
4. Steep and Rugged Peaks
 Unlike old mountains which are worn down by erosion, the Himalayas
have sharp, high, and rugged peaks (like Mount Everest), showing they
are young.
Indian Desert (Thar Desert)—Short Notes
 The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, lies in the
northwestern part of India, mainly in Rajasthan.
 It is a hot and dry region with sandy soil, sand dunes, and very little
vegetation.
 The climate is arid, with very low rainfall (less than 150 mm per year) and
high temperatures during the day.
 There are no permanent rivers, but seasonal streams appear during the
rainy season. The Luni River is the only large river in the region.
 Vegetation is mostly thorny bushes and grasses, adapted to dry
 conditions.
 Despite harsh conditions, animal husbandry, camel rearing, and tourism
are common economic activities.
Central Highlands – Short Notes
 The Central Highlands are the northern part of the Peninsular Plateau,
lying to the north of the Narmada River.
 They are bounded by:
o Vindhya Range in the south,
o Aravalli Hills in the northwest,
o Chotanagpur Plateau in the east.
 The region includes important plateaus like the Malwa Plateau (in the
west) and the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand Plateaus (in the east).
 The slope of the land is from southwest to northeast.
The Central Highlands are rich in minerals and suitable for agriculture, especially
where rivers like the Chambal, Betwa, and Son flow.
The Island group of India –Short Notes
India has two major island groups:
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
 Located in the Bay of Bengal.
 Consist of 572 islands.
 Andaman Islands are in the north; Nicobar Islands are in the south.
 These are volcanic in origin (e.g., Barren Island is an active volcano).
 Rich in biodiversity and have dense forests.
 Important for strategic location and tourism.
2. Lakshadweep Islands
 Located in the Arabian Sea.
 Consist of 36 small coral islands, atolls, and reefs.
 These islands are flat and low-lying, formed from coral deposits.
 Kavaratti is the capital.
 Famous for marine life and lagoons.
Q.27. Give an account of Decan Trop

Ans. The Deccan Trap is a large area of volcanic rocks located in the
northwestern part of the Deccan Plateau, mainly in Maharashtra and parts
of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
 It was formed about 60 to 65 million years ago due to volcanic eruptions.
The hot lava spread out and cooled in layers, forming basalt rocks.
 The word "Trap" comes from the Swedish word "Trappa", meaning
staircase, because the landscape looks like step-like terraces.
 The soil formed from the lava rocks is called black soil or regur soil, which is
very fertile and good for growing cotton.
 It is part of the Deccan Plateau, one of the oldest landmasses in India
Q.28. Describe the coastal Plans.

Ans. India has two major coastal plains:

1. Western Coastal Plain
 Lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
 Extends from Gujarat to Kerala.
 It is narrow and uneven.
 Divided into:
o Konkan Coast (Maharashtra-Goa)
o Kannad Coast (Karnataka)
o Malabar Coast (Kerala)
  Has natural harbours (like Mumbai and Kochi) and backwaters (in
Kerala).
2. Eastern Coastal Plain
 Lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
 Extends from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
 It is wider and more level than the western plain.
 Divided into:
o Northern Circar (Odisha, northern Andhra Pradesh)
o Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh)
 Has deltas formed by rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and
Kaveri