The Physical Features of India – Class 9 Notes provide a detailed explanation of the major landforms that make up the diverse landscape of India. This includes the Himalayan Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands.
Physical Features of India Class 9 Notes
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas are a big mountain range from west to east. It runs across the top (north) of India. The Himalayas have three main layers.
- Great Himalayas (Himadri): It is the tallest mountain range; most of the peaks are above 6000 meters tall and made of strong granite rock.
- Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): This Himalayan range is found below Himadri; this mountain range is rough and rocky. The Pir Pangal range is the longest range.
- Shiwaliks: This mountain range is made of small hills, and it has loose soil and stones.
The flat valleys between Himachal and Shiwaliks are called Duns. Example: DehraDun, Kotli Dun, and Patli Dun. The India divides the Himalayas into 4 parts: Punjab Himalaya (present in Kashmir and Himachal), Kumaon Himalaya (found near Uttarakhand), Nepal Himalaya, and Assam Himalaya. The Himalayas end near the Brahmaputra River. The mountains turn south into India’s northeast, called the Purvachal Hills. These hills are the Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, and Mizo Hills. These eastern hills (called the Purvanchal hills) are smaller but full of green forests and tribal culture.
The Northern Plain
The Northern Plain in India is a large, flat region that covers an area of approximately 7 lakh sq. km and has been formed by the interaction of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems and their tributaries.
- The Northern Plain is divided into three sections: the Punjab Plains in the west, the Ganga Plain in the center, and the Brahmaputra Plain in the east.
- The Punjab Plains are formed by the Indus and its tributaries, including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj.
- The Ganga Plain extends between the Ghaggar and Teesta rivers and covers parts of the states of North India, Haryana, Delhi, U.P., Bihar, and West Bengal, as well as a small part of Jharkhand.
- The Brahmaputra Plain is located in the state of Assam.
The Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular plateau is an area of highland in the southern part of India. It is composed of ancient rocks that have been subjected to various forces such as uplift, erosion, and the breakup and drift of the Gondwana landmass. The plateau can be divided into two main regions: the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
- The Central Highlands – are located to the north of the Narmada River and include the Malwa plateau, as well as the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions.
- The Deccan Plateau – is a triangular landmass located to the south of the Narmada River, with an extension in the northeast known as the Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong Plateau, and North Cachar Hills.
Here is a comparison of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats:
1. Western Ghats Eastern Ghats
- Located in the western part of India Located in the eastern part of India
- Elevation ranges from 750 to 2,695 meters (2,461 to 8,842 feet) Elevation ranges from 610 to 1,067 meters (2,001 to 3,501 feet)
- Form a continuous mountain range Form a discontinuous series of ranges
- Home to many species of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world Home to some species of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world
- Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. Mahendragiri (1,501 metres) is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.
The Indian Desert
- The Indian desert is a sandy plain located in the western part of the country, along the margins of the Aravali Hills.
- It is characterized by low rainfall (usually less than 150 mm per year), a dry climate, and sparse vegetation.
- Sand dunes are a common feature of the landscape.
- The region has a harsh, arid environment and is home to a unique array of plants and animals that have adapted to survive in these conditions.
- Despite its harshness, the Indian desert is an important part of the country’s natural heritage and is home to many indigenous communities.
2. The Coastal Plains
The coastal plains of India are flat, low-lying areas located along the country’s coastlines. There are two main coastal plains in India: the Eastern Coastal Plain and the Western Coastal Plain.
- The Eastern Coastal Plain – stretches from the Eastern Ghats to the Bay of Bengal and is divided into the Northern Circar in the north and the Coromandel Coast in the south. This region is home to several large rivers, including the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which have formed extensive deltas along the coast. Lake Chilika is an important feature of the Eastern Coastal Plain.
- The Western Coastal Plain – lies between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea and is divided into three sections: the Konkan (Mumbai – Goa) in the north, the Kannad Plain in the center, and the Malabar Coast in the south. This region is narrower than the Eastern Coastal Plain and is home to a number of important cities, including Mumbai and Goa.
The Islands
The Lakshadweep Islands are a group of small coral islands located in the Arabian Sea off the southwestern coast of India. These islands are divided into two broad categories: the Andaman Islands in the north and the Nicobar Islands in the south. The Lakshadweep Islands have a tropical climate and are home to thick forests.
- India’s diverse physical features have great potential for development.
- The mountains are important sources of water and forest resources, while the northern plains are the granaries of the country and were home to early civilizations.
- The plateau region is rich in minerals, which have played a key role in India’s industrialization.
- The coastal region and island groups provide opportunities for fishing and port activities.
- Overall, these physical features have contributed significantly to the economic and cultural development of India.
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