Class 9 Geography – Chapter 2: Physical Features of India | Full Notes

 

Class 9 Geography – Chapter 2: Physical Features of India | Full Notes 

India is a land of incredible diversity — not only in culture, language, and tradition but also in its physical features. From the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the coastal plains in the south, the country exhibits a wide variety of landscapes. Each region has its own unique geology, climate, and ecosystem that contribute to the richness of India’s natural beauty and resources.

🌍 Introduction

India’s physical features have evolved over millions of years through geological processes like folding, faulting, and volcanic activities. These features determine the type of soil, vegetation, climate, and human lifestyle in each region.

Geographically, India can be divided into six major physical divisions, each distinct in its landforms and characteristics:

1. The Himalayan Mountains

2. The Northern Plains

3. The Peninsular Plateau

4. The Indian Desert

5. The Coastal Plains

6. The Islands

Let’s explore each of them in detail.

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🏔️ The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayas are the youngest and the highest mountain range in the world. They stretch over 2,400 km from west to east, forming an arc. The width varies from 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh.

They were formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic activity caused the upliftment of sediments deposited in the Tethys Sea and gave rise to the mighty Himalayas.

Structure of the Himalayas

The Himalayas consist of three parallel ranges:

• The Himadri (Greater Himalaya) – The highest range, consisting of snow-covered peaks like Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat, and Nanda Devi. It has permanent snow and glaciers.

• The Himachal (Lesser Himalaya) – Lies south of Himadri. Famous hill stations like Shimla, Mussoorie, and Nainital are located here. It consists of ranges such as Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar.

• The Shiwaliks (Outer Himalaya) – The youngest foothills formed by the accumulation of sediments brought down by rivers from the Himalayas. They consist of coarse sediments and form narrow valleys called duns (e.g., Dehra Dun).

Regional Divisions

The Himalayas are also divided into regions from west to east:

• Punjab Himalaya (between Indus and Satluj)

• Kumaon–Garhwal Himalaya (between Satluj and Kali)

• Nepal Himalaya (between Kali and Tista)

• Assam Himalaya (between Tista and Dihang)

Importance

• Source of perennial rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.

• Acts as a climatic barrier, preventing cold winds from Central Asia.

• Rich in forests and biodiversity.

• Tourist and adventure hub (trekking, mountaineering).

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🌾 The Northern Plains

Formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers, the Northern Plains are one of the most fertile and densely populated regions of the world. These plains are about 2,400 km long and 240–320 km wide.

Formation

They were formed through the deposition of sediments by rivers originating from the Himalayas and Peninsular Plateau. Over millions of years, these deposits created a vast flat area suitable for agriculture.

Divisions of the Plains

• Punjab Plains – Formed by the Indus and its tributaries. Located mainly in Punjab and Haryana.

• Ganga Plains – Spreads over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

• Brahmaputra Plains – Lies mainly in Assam and has many riverine islands.

Regional Relief Features

• Bhabar – Narrow belt of pebbles at the foothills of Shiwaliks.

• Terai – Marshy region south of Bhabar, rich in wildlife.

• Bhangar – Older alluvial soil, slightly elevated.

• Khadar – New alluvium, highly fertile and renewed by floods every year.

Importance

• Heart of Indian agriculture — rice, wheat, sugarcane, pulses.

• Densely populated and urbanized — Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Kolkata.

• Excellent transport network (roads, railways).

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⛰️ The Peninsular Plateau

The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest landmass of India, formed due to volcanic and tectonic activities. It is part of the Gondwana landmass, which split millions of years ago.

Structure and Location

It is roughly triangular, bordered by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. The Narmada River divides it into:

• Central Highlands (north of Narmada)

• Deccan Plateau (south of Narmada)

Important Ranges and Features

• Aravalli Hills – Oldest fold mountains in the world.

• Vindhya and Satpura ranges – Divide northern and southern India.

• Western Ghats – Steep slopes, high rainfall, biodiversity hotspot.

• Eastern Ghats – Discontinuous, lower hills running along the east coast.

Importance

• Rich in minerals like iron, coal, manganese, bauxite.

• Plateau soil suitable for cotton, millet, and pulses.

• Home to major cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad.

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🏜️ The Indian Desert

Located in western Rajasthan, the Thar Desert is characterized by arid climate, scanty rainfall (below 150 mm), and sand dunes.
The Luni is the only major river that flows intermittently.

Features

• Sandy soil, poor vegetation.

• Experiences extreme temperatures.

• Home to nomadic tribes, camels, and desert vegetation like cactus.

• Wind action forms dunes and sand ridges.

Importance

• Increasing irrigation through the Indira Gandhi Canal.

• Growing tourism (Jaisalmer, Bikaner).

• Development of solar energy and wind power.

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🌊 The Coastal Plains

India has a coastline of about 7,516 km, including islands.
The coastal plains lie between the Peninsular Plateau and the sea.

Division

• Western Coastal Plain – Narrow, between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea. Divided into:

  • Konkan Coast (Mumbai–Goa)

  • Kannad Plain (Goa–Mangalore)

  • Malabar Coast (Kerala)

• Eastern Coastal Plain – Broader, between Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal.

  • Northern part: Northern Circar

  • Southern part: Coromandel Coast

Importance

• Fertile deltas of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.

• Fishing and trade centers (Kochi, Chennai, Vishakhapatnam).

• Ports and industries located along the coast.

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🏝️ The Islands

India has two major groups of islands:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Bay of Bengal)

   • Volcanic origin, covered with dense forests.

   • Important for national security and tourism.

2. Lakshadweep Islands (Arabian Sea)

   • Coral origin, smaller and flat.

   • Famous for lagoons, coconut plantations, and marine life.

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🌦️ Significance of India’s Physical Features

• Support agriculture, biodiversity, and human settlement.

• Provide natural resources — minerals, water, forests.

• Influence climate patterns and monsoon distribution.

• Form the base for India’s economic and cultural diversity.

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🧭 Summary

India’s landforms — from the Himalayas to the coastal plains — reflect a beautiful story of geological evolution. These features not only shape the country’s natural environment but also determine how people live, farm, and develop.