CBSE Class 6 – General Knowledge

Unit 1: India – Our Country

Lesson: Physical Features of India

Study Module

1. Introduction

India is a land of great physical diversity. Its surface is not uniform and is divided into different natural regions known as physical features. These physical features have been formed over millions of years and influence the climate, vegetation, wildlife, human activities, and settlement patterns of the country.

2. Major Physical Divisions of India

India is broadly divided into six major physical divisions:

1. The Himalayan Mountains
2. The Northern Plains
3. The Peninsular Plateau
4. The Indian Desert
5. The Coastal Plains
6. The Islands

Each division has distinct landforms, climate, and natural resources.

3. The Himalayan Mountains

• Located in the northern part of India
• Young and fold mountains
• Form a natural barrier protecting India from cold winds
• Source of many important rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna
• Help in rainfall by obstructing monsoon winds

4. The Northern Plains

• Stretch south of the Himalayas
• Formed by the rivers Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra
• Very fertile region due to alluvial soil
• Densely populated area
• Ideal for agriculture and human settlements

5. The Peninsular Plateau

• Oldest landmass of India
• Made up of hard igneous and metamorphic rocks
• Rich in minerals such as iron ore, coal, and manganese
• Divided into the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau
• Rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow here

6. The Indian Desert (Thar Desert)

• Located in the north-western part of India
• Receives very little rainfall
• Covered with sand dunes
• Sparse vegetation
• Extreme climatic conditions

7. The Coastal Plains

India has two long coastal plains:

• Western Coastal Plains along the Arabian Sea
• Eastern Coastal Plains along the Bay of Bengal

Features:

• Narrow strips of flat land
• Important ports and harbours
• Support fishing, trade, and agriculture

8. The Islands

India has two major island groups:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal
• Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea

These islands are known for:

• Coral reefs
• Rich marine life
• Strategic importance

9. Importance of Physical Features

• Influence climate and rainfall
• Determine crops and vegetation
• Affect transport and communication
• Shape human life and economic activities

Descriptive Questions with Answers

1. What are physical features?

Physical features are natural landforms found on the Earth’s surface.

2. Name the six major physical divisions of India.

Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands.

3. Where are the Himalayan Mountains located?

They are located in the northern part of India.

4. Why are the Himalayas important for India?

They protect India from cold winds and help cause rainfall.

5. How were the Northern Plains formed?

They were formed by the deposition of alluvium by rivers.

6. Why are the Northern Plains densely populated?

Because of fertile soil and flat land suitable for farming.

7. What is the Peninsular Plateau made of?

It is made of hard igneous and metamorphic rocks.

8. Name two rivers flowing through the Peninsular Plateau.

Godavari and Krishna.

9. Where is the Indian Desert located?

In the north-western part of India.

10. Why is vegetation sparse in the Indian Desert?

Due to very low rainfall.

11. What are Coastal Plains?

Low-lying flat lands along the sea coast.

12. Name the two Coastal Plains of India.

Western Coastal Plains and Eastern Coastal Plains.

13. Why are coastal plains important?

They support fishing, trade, and ports.

14. Name the island groups of India.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.

15. In which sea is Lakshadweep located?

Arabian Sea.

16. Which physical division is rich in minerals?

The Peninsular Plateau.

17. Which division receives very little rainfall?

The Indian Desert.

18. Which rivers form the Northern Plains?

Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.

19. Which is the oldest physical division of India?

The Peninsular Plateau.

20. Why should we study physical features of India?

To understand climate, resources, and human activities.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers and Explanations

1. Which is the northernmost physical division of India?

A. Northern Plains
B. Peninsular Plateau
C. Himalayan Mountains
D. Coastal Plains
Answer: C
Explanation: The Himalayas lie in the north.

2. The Northern Plains are formed by:

A. Wind action
B. Volcanic activity
C. River deposits
D. Sea waves
Answer: C
Explanation: Rivers deposit fertile alluvium.

3. Which physical division is the oldest?

A. Himalayas
B. Coastal Plains
C. Peninsular Plateau
D. Islands
Answer: C
Explanation: The plateau is the oldest landmass.

4. The Indian Desert is also called:

A. Sahara
B. Thar
C. Kalahari
D. Gobi
Answer: B
Explanation: It is known as the Thar Desert.

5. Which river does NOT flow in the Peninsular Plateau?

A. Godavari
B. Krishna
C. Kaveri
D. Ganga
Answer: D
Explanation: Ganga flows in the Northern Plains.

6. Western Coastal Plains lie along the:

A. Bay of Bengal
B. Indian Ocean
C. Arabian Sea
D. Red Sea
Answer: C
Explanation: Western coast borders the Arabian Sea.

7. Which island group lies in the Bay of Bengal?

A. Lakshadweep
B. Maldives
C. Andaman and Nicobar
D. Sri Lanka
Answer: C
Explanation: Andaman and Nicobar are in the Bay of Bengal.

8. Which division is rich in minerals?

A. Northern Plains
B. Peninsular Plateau
C. Coastal Plains
D. Islands
Answer: B
Explanation: Plateau regions contain minerals.

9. Which soil is found in Northern Plains?

A. Black
B. Red
C. Alluvial
D. Laterite
Answer: C
Explanation: Alluvial soil is deposited by rivers.

10. Which physical feature protects India from cold winds?

A. Desert
B. Plateau
C. Himalayas
D. Plains
Answer: C
Explanation: Himalayas act as a natural barrier.

11. Which region has sand dunes?

A. Northern Plains
B. Coastal Plains
C. Indian Desert
D. Islands
Answer: C
Explanation: Sand dunes are common in deserts.

12. Coastal plains are important for:

A. Mining
B. Fishing
C. Deserts
D. Glaciers
Answer: B
Explanation: Coastal areas support fishing.

13. The Eastern Coastal Plains lie along the:

A. Arabian Sea
B. Bay of Bengal
C. Indian Ocean
D. Red Sea
Answer: B
Explanation: Eastern coast borders the Bay of Bengal.

14. Which division is densely populated?

A. Indian Desert
B. Northern Plains
C. Islands
D. Himalayas
Answer: B
Explanation: Fertile land attracts population.

15. Which physical division has coral reefs?

A. Plateau
B. Plains
C. Islands
D. Desert
Answer: C
Explanation: Coral reefs are found around islands.

16. Which feature influences rainfall in India?

A. Desert
B. Plateau
C. Himalayas
D. Islands
Answer: C
Explanation: Himalayas block monsoon winds.

17. Which region has extreme climate?

A. Northern Plains
B. Indian Desert
C. Coastal Plains
D. Islands
Answer: B
Explanation: Deserts experience extreme temperatures.

18. Which physical division is flat and fertile?

A. Plateau
B. Himalayas
C. Northern Plains
D. Islands
Answer: C
Explanation: Plains are flat and fertile.

19. Which sea lies west of India?

A. Bay of Bengal
B. Red Sea
C. Arabian Sea
D. Caspian Sea
Answer: C
Explanation: Arabian Sea lies to the west.

20. Physical features mainly affect:

A. Music
B. Climate and life
C. Sports
D. Clothing only
Answer: B
Explanation: Landforms influence climate and human life.

✔ Strictly aligned with NCERT
✔ Fully suitable for CBSE Class 6 examinations