The Physical feature of India is an important chapter of Geography in class 9. The Physical feature of India Notes is helpful for students and UPSC aspirants to revise quickly for examinations. Class 9 Ch 2 geo notes help student to understand topics more clearly.
India has all the major unique physical features in the world. India has Mountains, a Plateau, a Desert, Islands, and plains. India has all major physical features. India also has varied soil structures and features. Millions of years ago India was part of the Gondwana supercontinent. As we know, plate tectonics gets apart from the Gondwana Supercontinent and moves Northward and colloids with a massive Eurasian plate.
The gigantic collision between the Indian plate and with Eurasian plate formed a huge young fold mountain in the North. The Himalayan termed as crown of India due to its massive physiographic structure and varied physical features. The movement of plate tectonics not only formed the Himalayan Mountains but also formed other physiographic divisions.
India is divided into six physiographic categories they are as follows
- Himalayan Mountain
- Northern plains
- The Desert
- The Peninsular Plateaus
- Western and Eastern Ghats
- Island
The Key features of Himalayan Mountain
- The Himalayan Mountain crosses between five major countries, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Tibet (China)
- The Himalayan Mountains stretch from the Northwest to the Northeast Region of India with a total length of 2400km.
- The Himalayan Mountain experience Perennial snowfall throughout the year
- The world’s highest peak is Mount Everest (8,848 m) in Nepal. Mount Everest has diverse terrain and vast ranges stretching across Nepal and (Tibet) China.
- The Himalayan Mountain is divided into three Parallel ranges – The Great Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, and Siwalik.
- The four regional divisions of the Himalayas are Punjab, Kumaon, Nepal, and Assam Himalayas.
The Greater Himalayas (Himadri)
| Average Elevation | Above 6000 m |
| Highest Peak | Mt. Everest (8848.46 m) |
| Climate | Perennial snow fall, Glaciers (Gangotri and Yamunotri) |
| Rock Type | Metamorphic and crystalline |
| Importance | Major source of river flow in India like The Ganga and Yamuna |
The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)
| Average Elevation | 3700 m to 4500 m |
| Highest Peak | Shilla Peak (7,025 m) and Mount Reo Purgyil (6,815 m) |
| Climate | Temperate Climate with cool summers and cold winters |
| Rock Type | Sedimentary and Metamorphic |
| Importance | Rich in biodiversity and major Source of fresh water |
The Outer Himalayas (Shivalik)
| Average Elevation | 1500 m to 2000 m |
| Highest Peak | Churdhar Hills (3,647 m) |
| Climate | Subtropical climate, hot in summer and mild in winter |
| Rock Type | Sedimentary (Sandstone, Clay and Shale) |
| Importance | Rich in Biodiversity and act as a natural barrier |
The Northen Plain
The Northen plains formed by three major rivers Indus, Brahmaputra, and Ganges. The northern plain in India is densely populated due to the vast expansion of alluvial soil. The Northen plain consists of Alluvial soil and high soil nutrients that supports plant growth. Indias 45% of population lives in Northen Plain region. The Northen Plain experience moderate climate, hot in summer and mild in winter. The Northen plains spread over 7.2 lakh sq. km. This plain is spread 2400 km in length with 250 to 320 km width. The Northen plain is India’s most productive region that supports foodgrains and other agricultural goods to over half of the Indians.
The Northen plains are categories into three major divisions
The Punjab Plains: The Punjab plains formed by Indus River tributaries for instance Jhelum, Chenab, Beas and Satluj. Major riverine parts are in Pakistan and dominated by five rivers called Punj (five) and Ab (water)
The Ganga Plains: The Ganges lies between Ghaggar and Teesta rivers. The Holy Ganga River covers Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The Brahmaputra Plains: The river originates in Manasarovar Lake near mount Kailash. The Brahmaputra River flows in Assam in India.
The Relief feature of Northen plains Physical Features of India Class 9 Notes
- Bhabar: The Bhabar region is narrow belt that varies from 8 km to 16 km from foothills of Shivalik. When river flow they took sand, silt and pebbles that collect here and disappear underground.
- Terai region: The south of bhabar, river emerges and create marshy and swampy land. This Teari region used by inhabitant for agriculture and rural settlement.
- Bhangar: The region has old alluvial soil deposit that contains Kankar (Particle of rock) that not fit for agriculture.
- Khadar: The region has new alluvial soil deposits that consist of finer particles of rock and fit for agriculture.
The Indian Desert
The Indian desert known as “The Thar Desert” is rich in massive biodiversity. The Great Indian Thar Desert can be found in western part of Rajasthan (India). This desertic region receive very low rainfall. Rainfall can be observed but due to sandy plains the water disappears due to excessive heat and undulating sandy plain. The crescent shaped dunes known as “Barchans” covers larger area and can be observed in Indo-Pakistan boundry.
The Peninsular Plateau
- The peninsular plateau is the most stable and oldest land mass formed during the geological period.
- This Region is rich in minerals and mainly composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- This region is surrounded by three sides of river, The Aravali in northwest, Vindhya and Satpura ranges in center and Western and Eastern Ghats in two sides.
- The peninsular plateau is divided into two parts
- The Central Highlands (North of Narmada River)
- The Deccan plateau (South of Narmada River)
- The Peninsular Plateau gently slopes eastward that’s why most rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flows towards eastwards into Bay of Bengal.
- This region is rich in mineral and resources that supports many industries in India. The Manufacuring industries majorly initiated by these regions in second five-year plan in India.
The Western Ghats
| Location | The Western Ghat runs parallel to western coast through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerela and Tamil Nadu. |
| Elevation | 900 to 1600 m |
| Continuity | Continuous and rough terrain that make difficult to pass. There are some important passes for instance Bhor Ghat, Pal Ghat and Tal Ghat. |
| Highest Peak | Anai Mudi (2,695 m) in Kerala |
| Rainfall | Orographic rainfalls |
| Rivers | Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri River |
The Eastern Ghats
| Location | The Eastern Ghat runs parallel to the eastern coast through Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. |
| Elevation | Average Hight is 600 m |
| Continuty | Discontinuous and irregular terrain due to river erosion by Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri Rivers. |
| Highest Peak | Mahendra Giri (1501 m) in Odisha |
| Rainfall | Receives less rainfall as compared to Western Ghat |
| Rivers | Mahanadi and Naagavalli River |
The Island
- India’s island territories are divided into two main groups:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the Bay of Bengal.
- (Lakshadweep Island located in the Arabian Sea.
- Natural Heaven of Biodiversity: Both Island groups have different types of plants and animals. The Andaman Islands have dense forests and rare animals like the Andaman wild pig and saltwater crocodiles. Lakshadweep is known for its coral reefs and sea life.
- Home of Ancient Tribal Communities: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have native tribes like the Jarwa, Sentinelese, and Great Andamanese. They survived alone for thousands of years, and people are not allowed to meet them to keep their community safe.
- Important for India’s Security: These islands lie in the Indian Ocean; these islands are very important for India’s security at sea. The Andaman and Nicobar Command is the only military group in India that includes the army, navy, and air force together.
- Tourism and Eco-friendly Travels: Islands like Havelock and Neil Island are popular places for tourists. People can enjoy activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, exploring nature and many more. The government is trying to protect these islands by encouraging safe and careful tourism.
In Conclusion
The Physical feature of India is an important chapter that deals with important physiographic division of India. The Geography Chapter 2 The Physical Feature of India Notes can be used to make fair notebooks, prepare for class test and yearly examination. Class 9 Ch 2 geo notes prepared by our expert teachers to make students understand topics easily. The Physical feature of India Notes helps in UPSC, SSC and UPSC geography Optional and other competitive examination.
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