SST (VII)-LESSON-1(PART-1) GEOGRAPHICAL DIVERSITY OF INDIA (QUESTION ANSWERS)

                                                 SST (VII)-LESSON-1(PART-1)

GEOGRAPHICAL DIVERSITY OF INDIA

(QUESTION ANSWERS)

 

NCERT EXERCISE:

1. What, in your opinion, are two important geographical features of India? Why do you think they are important?

Answer:

(i) The Himalayas

• The Himalayas act as a natural barrier in the north.
• They protect India from cold winds coming from Central Asia.
• Many important rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra originate here.
• They provide water for drinking, farming, and hydroelectricity.
• The Himalayas are also important for tourism and religious activities.

(ii) The Gangetic Plains

• The Gangetic Plains are very fertile due to river deposits.
• A large population lives here because farming is easy.
• Crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane are grown in abundance.
• Good transport networks have developed because the land is flat.
• Many ancient civilizations developed in these plains.

 

2. What do you think India might have looked like if the Himalayas did not exist?

Answer:

• Without the Himalayas, cold winds from Central Asia would enter India easily.
• India would have had a much colder climate.
• Major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra may not have existed.
• Farming would have been difficult due to less water supply.
• The northern plains may not have been fertile.
• Many forests, wildlife species, and hill stations would not exist.
• India’s culture, tourism, and religious traditions connected to the Himalayas would also be very different.

3. India has been called a ‘mini-continent’. Based on what you’ve read, why do you think this is so?

Answer:

• India has great geographical diversity.
• It has mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, islands, and coastal regions.
• Different regions have different climates, soils, plants, animals, food habits, and lifestyles.
• India experiences various weather conditions from snowfall in the Himalayas to heat in the Thar Desert.
• Different languages, cultures, and traditions are found across the country.
• Because of this diversity, India is called a “mini-continent”.

4. Follow one of India’s big rivers from where it starts to where it meets the ocean. What are the different ways in which people might utilise this river along its journey?

Answer (River Ganga):

• The Ganga starts from the Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh in the Himalayas.
• In the mountains, people use the river water for drinking and hydroelectric power generation.
• In the plains, farmers use the river water for irrigation.
• Cities and towns depend on it for domestic and industrial use.
• Boats and ferries are used for transport and trade.
• The river is considered sacred, so many religious activities take place on its banks.
• Near the delta region, fishing activities are common.
• Finally, the river flows into the Bay of Bengal.

5. Why is the southern part of India referred to as a peninsular plateau?

Answer:

• The southern part of India is called a peninsular plateau because it is surrounded by water on three sides.
• The Arabian Sea lies to the west.
• The Bay of Bengal lies to the east.
• The Indian Ocean lies to the south.
• It is a plateau because the land is elevated and mostly flat.
• The region is triangular in shape and very old in formation.

6. Which UNESCO Heritage Site mentioned in this chapter did you find more interesting? Write a short paragraph to describe what about it is interesting.

Answer:

The Sundarbans

• The Sundarbans is the UNESCO Heritage Site I found most interesting.
• It is located in the delta of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
• It has dense mangrove forests and rich biodiversity.
• The famous Royal Bengal Tiger is found here.
• The region is a unique combination of land, river, and sea.
• It is important for protecting wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.
• The natural beauty of the Sundarbans makes it very special.

7. Look at the two maps of India, physical as well as political, given at the end of this book. Identify the place you are at now. Which physical feature of India would you use to describe its location?

Answer:

• I am located in Delhi.
• Delhi lies in the Northern Plains region of India.
• It is situated near the Yamuna River.
• The land here is mostly flat and fertile.
• The region supports transportation, agriculture, and urban development.

8. Food preservation techniques differ from place to place across India. They are adapted to local conditions. Gather different methods of preserving food.

Answer:

Different methods of food preservation in India:

• Drying vegetables and fruits in sunlight.
• Making pickles using oil, salt, and spices.
• Storing grains in airtight containers.
• Smoking fish and meat in hilly regions.
• Using refrigeration and cold storage.
• Fermentation of foods like idli batter and curd.
• Preparing papad and chips for long-term use.
• Using jaggery or sugar to preserve fruits and jams.

9. Despite having such different regions (mountains, deserts, plains, coasts), India remains one country. How do you think our geography has helped unite people?

Answer:

• Rivers connect different parts of the country and support farming and trade.
• Mountains, plains, and coasts encourage travel and cultural exchange.
• Trade routes helped people from different regions interact with each other.
• Festivals, pilgrimages, and rivers create cultural unity.
• Different regions depend on one another for resources and goods.
• India’s geography supports diversity while also promoting unity.
• This diversity has strengthened India as one nation.

 

OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. Which mountain range acts as a natural barrier in the north of India?

a) Aravalli
b) Himalayas
c) Western Ghats
d) Vindhyas

Answer: b) Himalayas

2. Which river originates from the Gangotri Glacier?

a) Yamuna
b) Brahmaputra
c) Bhagirathi
d) Godavari

Answer: c) Bhagirathi

3. Which desert is located in western India?

a) Sahara Desert
b) Gobi Desert
c) Thar Desert
d) Kalahari Desert

Answer: c) Thar Desert

4. Which plateau lies in southern India?

a) Tibetan Plateau
b) Malwa Plateau
c) Deccan Plateau
d) Chotanagpur Plateau

Answer: c) Deccan Plateau

5. Which UNESCO Heritage Site is located in Himachal Pradesh?

a) Sundarbans
b) Great Himalayan National Park
c) Cellular Jail
d) Jaisalmer Fort

Answer: b) Great Himalayan National Park

6. Which coast of India has wide river deltas?

a) West Coast
b) East Coast
c) Northern Coast
d) Southern Coast

Answer: b) East Coast

7. Which river flows westward into the Arabian Sea?

a) Godavari
b) Krishna
c) Narmada
d) Kaveri

Answer: c) Narmada

8. What type of islands are Lakshadweep Islands?

a) Volcanic islands
b) Coral islands
c) Desert islands
d) Rocky islands

Answer: b) Coral islands

9. Which is the only active volcano in India?

a) Mount Abu
b) Barren Island
c) Pangong Tso
d) Kanyakumari

Answer: b) Barren Island

10. Which animal is famous in the Sundarbans?

a) Snow Leopard
b) Yak
c) Royal Bengal Tiger
d) Camel

Answer: c) Royal Bengal Tiger

11. Which hills are known as the oldest mountains in the world?

a) Himalayas
b) Aravallis
c) Nilgiris
d) Western Ghats

Answer: b) Aravallis

12. Which water body lies to the east of India?

a) Arabian Sea
b) Indian Ocean
c) Bay of Bengal
d) Pacific Ocean

Answer: c) Bay of Bengal

13. Which festival is celebrated in Ladakh?

a) Bihu
b) Hemis Festival
c) Pongal
d) Onam

Answer: b) Hemis Festival

14. Which region is called the ‘Water Tower of Asia’?

a) Thar Desert
b) Gangetic Plains
c) Himalayas
d) Western Ghats

Answer: c) Himalayas

15. Which state is famous for living root bridges?

a) Rajasthan
b) Kerala
c) Meghalaya
d) Gujarat

Answer: c) Meghalaya

2 Marks Questions with Answers

1. Why are the Himalayas called the ‘Water Tower of Asia’?

Answer:

• The Himalayas are the source of major rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
• Melting snow and glaciers provide water throughout the year.

2. Mention any two features of the Gangetic Plains.

Answer:

• The plains are very fertile.
• They have a dense population and developed transport networks.

3. Why is the Thar Desert called an arid region?

Answer:

• It receives very little rainfall.
• The climate is extremely hot during the day and cold at night.

4. Name any two rivers of the Peninsular Plateau.

Answer:

• Godavari
• Krishna

5. What are deltas?

Answer:

• Deltas are landforms formed at the mouth of rivers.
• They are created by the deposition of sediments.

6. Why are the Western Ghats important?

Answer:

• They are rich in biodiversity.
• Many rivers originate from the Western Ghats.

7. What is a peninsula?

Answer:

• A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides.
• Southern India is an example of a peninsula.

8. Why are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands important?

Answer:

• They are strategically important for India.
• They are rich in flora, fauna, and marine resources.

9. Name two important features of the Northeast hills.

Answer:

• Heavy rainfall
• Dense forests and waterfalls

10. Why is water conservation important in the Thar Desert?

Answer:

• Water is scarce in the desert region.
• People depend on rainwater harvesting methods for survival.

3 Marks Questions with Answers

1. Explain the formation of the Himalayas.

Answer:

• India was once part of Gondwana land.
• The Indian plate moved northwards and collided with Eurasia.
• The land between them folded and formed the Himalayas.

2. Describe the importance of the Gangetic Plains.

Answer:

• The plains are fertile and suitable for agriculture.
• Rivers provide water for farming and industries.
• Dense transport networks developed due to flat land.

3. How do people adapt to life in the Thar Desert?

Answer:

• People wear loose cotton clothes.
• Rainwater harvesting methods like taanka are used.
• Food habits and lifestyles are suited to dry conditions.

4. Write any three features of the Peninsular Plateau.

Answer:

• It is triangular in shape.
• It is surrounded by water on three sides.
• It is rich in minerals and forests.

5. Why are rivers important in India?

Answer:

• Rivers provide water for drinking and irrigation.
• They help in transportation and trade.
• Rivers generate hydroelectric power.

6. Describe the importance of the Western and Eastern Ghats.

Answer:

• The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall and support biodiversity.
• The Eastern Ghats are lower and broken into hills.
• Both mountain ranges border the Peninsular Plateau.

7. Explain the importance of India’s coastline.

Answer:

• Coastlines support ports and trade.
• Fishing is an important occupation.
• Beaches and coastal regions attract tourists.

8. Write three features of the Sundarbans.

Answer:

• It is a delta region.
• It has mangrove forests.
• It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

9. Why is India called a ‘mini-continent’?

Answer:

• India has mountains, plains, deserts, and plateaus.
• It has diverse climates and cultures.
• Different types of flora and fauna are found here.

10. Describe the importance of the islands of India.

Answer:

• Islands help in fishing and marine activities.
• They have rich biodiversity and coral reefs.
• They are strategically important for national security.

5 Marks Questions with Answers

1. Explain the importance of the Himalayas in detail.

Answer:

• The Himalayas act as a natural barrier in the north.
• They protect India from cold winds.
• Major rivers originate from the Himalayas.
• They support forests, wildlife, and tourism.
• The Himalayas are important for religious and cultural activities.

2. Describe the major features of the Peninsular Plateau.

Answer:

• It is the oldest landmass of India.
• It is triangular in shape and surrounded by water on three sides.
• The Western and Eastern Ghats border the plateau.
• It is rich in minerals, forests, and waterfalls.
• Rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow through it.

3. Explain the importance of rivers in the life of people in India.

Answer:

• Rivers provide water for drinking and household use.
• They help in irrigation and agriculture.
• Rivers generate hydroelectric power.
• They support transportation and trade.
• Rivers are important for religious and cultural activities.

4. Describe the geographical diversity of India.

Answer:

• India has mountains like the Himalayas.
• The Northern Plains are fertile and densely populated.
• The Thar Desert is hot and dry.
• The Peninsular Plateau is rich in minerals and forests.
• India also has long coastlines and islands.

5. Explain the importance of India’s coastal regions and islands.

Answer:

• Coastal regions support fishing and trade activities.
• Major ports are located along the coasts.
• Beaches and backwaters attract tourists.
• Islands have coral reefs and unique biodiversity.
• The islands are important for India’s security and marine resources.