Physical Features of India – Mountains, Plateaus & Plains
Physical Features of India
The chapter "Physical Features of India" in Class 9 Geography is an important part of understanding the natural landscape and diversity of our country. India's terrain is made up of towering mountains, broad plateaus, extensive plains, coastal regions, and islands. These features play a crucial role in shaping India's climate, agriculture, biodiversity, and lifestyle of its people.
In this article, we'll explore the Physical Features of India – Mountains, Plateaus & Plains, providing complete notes, diagrams, and examples suitable for CBSE Class 9 students and exam preparation.
Classification of Physical Features
India's physical features are classified into six major physiographic divisions:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
In this article, we will focus on the first three key landforms: Mountains, Plateaus, and Plains.
1. The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas, meaning ‘abode of snow’, are young fold mountains that stretch across the northern border of India.
Location and Extent:
- Spread over 2,400 km from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
- Width varies from 400 km (Kashmir) to 150 km (Arunachal).
Sub-divisions of the Himalayas:
1. Himadri (Greater Himalayas):
- Northernmost and highest range.
- Includes peaks like Mount Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga, and Nanda Devi.
- Covered with snow and glaciers.
2. Himachal (Lesser Himalayas):
- South of Himadri.
- Includes popular hill stations: Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital.
- Famous ranges: Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar.
3. Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas):
- Southernmost and lowest range.
- Composed of unconsolidated sediments.
- Prone to earthquakes and landslides.
Importance:
- Acts as a natural barrier from cold Central Asian winds.
- Source of perennial rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra.
- Rich in biodiversity and forest resources.
- Ideal for tourism and pilgrimage.
2. The Northern Plains
Located south of the Himalayas, the Northern Plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of the three major rivers: Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
Features:
- Very flat and level land.
- Spread over 7 lakh sq. km.
- Highly fertile and ideal for agriculture.
- Densely populated.
Sub-divisions of Northern Plains:
1. Punjab Plains:
- Formed by the Indus and its tributaries.
- Majorly lies in Pakistan.
2. Ganga Plains:
- Spread across Haryana, UP, Bihar, and West Bengal.
- Fertile soil due to Ganga and its tributaries.
3. Brahmaputra Plains:
- Located in Assam.
- Rich in alluvial soil and receives heavy rainfall.
Regional Divisions:
- Bhabar: Narrow belt of pebbles, just south of Shiwalik.
- Terai: Wet and marshy land.
- Bhangar: Older alluvium, slightly elevated.
- Khadar: Newer alluvium, fertile and ideal for farming.
Importance:
- Backbone of India's agriculture.
- Facilitates development of roads, railways, and industries.
- Houses major cities: Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Patna.
3. The Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest and most stable part of the Indian landmass. It is made of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Features:
- Triangular in shape.
- Surrounded by hill ranges and rivers.
- Divided by the Narmada River into two parts:
A. Central Highlands
- Located north of the Narmada River.
- Includes Malwa Plateau and Bundelkhand region.
- Bordered by Aravalli Hills.
B. Deccan Plateau
- South of the Narmada.
- Covers major states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Includes Western and Eastern Ghats:
- Western Ghats: Steep, continuous, high rainfall.
- Eastern Ghats: Discontinuous, less elevation.
Importance:
- Rich in minerals and forests.
- Deccan soil suitable for cotton, millet, and pulses.
- Cultural and historical significance with ancient temples and heritage sites.
Diagrams and Maps to Include
1. Map showing major physical features of India.
2. Cross-section diagram of the Himalayas.
3. Northern Plains: Khadar & Bhangar regions.
4. Division of the Peninsular Plateau.
NCERT Solutions & Common Questions
Q1: Name the three major physical features discussed.
A: The Himalayan Mountains, The Northern Plains, and The Peninsular Plateau.
Q2: What is the difference between Bhangar and Khadar?
A: Bhangar is older alluvium, less fertile, while Khadar is newer and more fertile.
Q3: Why is the Peninsular Plateau called the storehouse of minerals?
A: It is made of igneous rocks rich in minerals like coal, iron, and manganese.
Q4: Name the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas.
A: Himadri, Himachal, and Shiwalik.
Q5: What is the economic significance of the Northern Plains?
A: Fertile soil for agriculture, high population density, and industrial development.
Practice Questions (1–3 Marks)
1. Describe the three ranges of the Himalayas.
2. Why is the Northern Plain densely populated?
3. What are the characteristics of the Peninsular Plateau?
4. Differentiate between Western and Eastern Ghats.
5. Explain the significance of the Terai region.
Summary
India's physical features reflect its geological diversity and complexity. From the young, snow-covered Himalayas to the fertile Northern Plains and the ancient Peninsular Plateau, each landform plays a unique role in shaping India's ecology, agriculture, and socio-economic structure.
Understanding these features helps students appreciate the relationship between nature and human activity.
Conclusion
The Physical Features of India – Mountains, Plateaus & Plains are more than just natural formations. They provide the foundation for India's biodiversity, cultural heritage, agriculture, mineral resources, and population distribution. Mastery of this chapter helps in scoring high in Class 9 exams and builds a conceptual base for future geography topics.
By understanding the Himalayas' protective shield, the Northern Plains' agricultural prosperity, and the Plateau's mineral richness, students gain a holistic view of India's natural wealth. Explore more chapters like Drainage, Climate, and Natural Vegetation to complete your Geography syllabus efficiently.