NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science Contemporary India Chapter 2 Physical Features of India help students understand the diverse relief features of India such as mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coastal plains, and islands. This chapter explains how these physical features were formed and their importance in shaping India’s geography.
Prepared according to the latest CBSE Class 9 Social Science syllabus, these solutions provide clear and structured answers to help students build strong concepts and perform well in exams.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science Contemporary India Chapter 2 Physical Features of India
Q.
Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as
(a) Coast
(b) Island
(c) Peninsula
(d) None of the above
(ii) Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundary with Myanmar are collectively called
(a) Himachal
(b) Uttarakhand
(c) Purvachal
(d) None of the above
(iii) The western coastal strip, south of Goa is referred to as
(a) Coromandel
(b) Konkan
(c) Kannad
(d) Northern Circar
(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is
(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
Q.
Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What is the bhabar?
(ii) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
(iii) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
(iv) Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Q.
Distinguish between
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
(ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Q.
Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan region with that of the Peninsular Plateau.
Q.
Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.
Q.
Write short notes on the following.
(i) The Indian Desert
(ii) The Central Highlands
(iii) The Island groups of India
Q.
On an outline map of India show the following.
(i) Mountain and hill ranges – the Karakoram, the Zaskar, the Patkai Bum, the Jaintia, the Vindhya Range, the Aravali, and the Cardamom Hills.
(ii) Peaks – K2, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and the Anai Mudi.
(iii) Plateaus- Chotanagpur and Malwa.
(iv) The Indian Desert, Western Ghats, Lakshadweep Islands.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science Contemporary India Chapter 2 Physical Features of India
Q1. Choose the correct answer
Ans:
(i) (c) Peninsula
(ii) (c) Purvachal
(iii) (c) Kannad
(iv) (c) Mahendragiri
Q2. Answer the following questions briefly
(i) Bhabar is a narrow belt of pebbles along the foothills of the Shiwaliks.
(ii) The three divisions of Himalayas are: Himadri, Himachal, and Shiwaliks.
(iii) The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali and Vindhya ranges.
(iv) Lakshadweep Islands have a coral origin.
Q3. Distinguish between
(i) Bhangar and Khadar
- Bhangar: Old alluvium, less fertile, found in higher areas.
- Khadar: New alluvium, very fertile, found in floodplains.
(ii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
- Western Ghats are continuous, higher, and run parallel to the western coast.
- Eastern Ghats are discontinuous, lower, and cut by rivers.
Q4. Major physiographic divisions and comparison
Ans:
India has six major divisions:
- Himalayas
- Northern Plains
- Peninsular Plateau
- Indian Desert
- Coastal Plains
- Islands
Difference:
- Himalayas: Young fold mountains, high and rugged.
- Peninsular Plateau: Old, stable land with rounded hills.
Q5. Northern Plains
Ans:
The Northern Plains are formed by rivers like Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. They are fertile, densely populated, and ideal for agriculture. They are divided into Punjab, Ganga, and Brahmaputra plains and include regions like Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, and Khadar.
Q6. Short Notes
(i) Indian Desert:
Located west of Aravali, receives very little rainfall and has sandy terrain.
(ii) Central Highlands:
Located north of Narmada, includes Malwa Plateau and rivers like Chambal and Betwa.
(iii) Island Groups:
- Lakshadweep: Coral islands in Arabian Sea
- Andaman & Nicobar: Larger islands with dense forests and equatorial climate
FAQs – Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India
Q1. What are the major physical features of India?
India has six major physical features: Himalayas, Northern Plains, Plateau, Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.
Q2. Why are the Northern Plains important?
They are fertile, densely populated, and suitable for agriculture.
Q3. What is the difference between Western and Eastern Ghats?
Western Ghats are higher and continuous, while Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous.
Q4. What is the Peninsular Plateau?
It is the oldest landmass of India, made of hard rocks and rich in minerals.
Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
This chapter includes map-based, short answer, and conceptual questions, which are frequently asked in exams.