1. What is the Himalaya?

A young fold mountain system in northern India formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

2. Name the three major Himalayan ranges.

Greater Himalaya (Himadri), Lesser Himalaya (Himachal), and Siwalik (Outer Himalaya).

3. Which range contains the highest peaks and perennial snow?

The Greater Himalaya (Himadri).

4. Define a 'dun'.

A broad intermontane valley found in the Siwalik range, e.g., Dehradun.

5. Name a river that originates from Himalayan glaciers.

The Ganga (originates from Gangotri glacier), among others like Indus and Brahmaputra.

6. State one economic importance of the Himalayas.

They are a source of perennial rivers used for irrigation and hydroelectric power.

7. What is the characteristic vegetation of high Himalayas?

Alpine vegetation, including grasses and shrubs; forests of coniferous species at lower heights.

8. How do the Himalayas affect climate?

They act as a barrier to cold central Asian winds and influence monsoon rainfall patterns.

9. Give an example of a hill station in the Lesser Himalaya.

Shimla or Manali.

10. How were the Northern Plains formed?

By deposition of alluvium brought by rivers from the Himalayas.

11. Name the three major sub-regions of the Northern Plains.

Punjab plains (upper), Ganga plains (middle), and the deltaic plains (lower/Bengal basin).

12. What type of soil is most common in the Northern Plains?

Alluvial soil.

13. Why are the Northern Plains densely populated?

Because of fertile soils, reliable water supply and favourable agricultural conditions.

14. Name two major cities in the Northern Plains.

Delhi and Lucknow (also Kanpur, Patna, Kolkata in extended plains).

15. What is the Bengal basin?

A large deltaic region formed by the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system.

16. Which river system sustains the central part of the Northern Plains?

The Ganga river system.

17. State one agricultural product of the Northern Plains.

Wheat (also rice, sugarcane).

18. What irrigation methods are used in the plains?

Canals, tube wells and river-fed irrigation systems.

19. Why is the Peninsular Plateau called a 'shield'?

Because it is an old, stable landmass composed of crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks.

20. Name the two main parts of the Peninsular Plateau.

The Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.

21. Which soils are associated with the Deccan Traps?

Black soils (regur), suitable for cotton.

22. Name two major peninsular rivers.

Godavari and Krishna (also Narmada and Tapi).

23. Which peninsular rivers flow into the Arabian Sea?

Narmada and Tapi.

24. State one mineral found on the Peninsular Plateau.

Iron ore (also manganese, bauxite, copper).

25. What type of relief characterises the peninsular region?

Undulating plateau with hills, valleys and broad river basins.

26. Give an economic activity important on the Deccan Plateau.

Mining and industry (e.g., steel plants), and cotton cultivation.

27. Where is the Indian Desert located?

In north-western India, mainly in Rajasthan.

28. What is the typical rainfall in the Thar Desert?

Low and erratic, often less than 250 mm per year in many areas.

29. Name a vegetation type found in the desert.

Xerophytic vegetation: thorny shrubs and grasses.

30. What are sand dunes?

Hills of sand created and shaped by wind action in arid regions.

31. Mention one livelihood of people in the Thar Desert.

Pastoralism (rearing goats, sheep) and drought-resistant farming.

32. How does irrigation support life in the desert?

Canals and tube wells enable cultivation and settlement by providing water.

33. What are the two coastal plains of India?

The Western Coastal Plains and the Eastern Coastal Plains.

34. Which coast is narrower: east or west?

The Western Coastal Plains are narrower than the Eastern Coastal Plains.

35. Name a feature of the western coast.

Lagoons and estuaries (e.g., Pulicat, Kochi backwaters).

36. Name the major delta-forming rivers on the east coast.

Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri.

37. Which coastal plain supports extensive rice cultivation?

The Eastern Coastal Plains (especially in delta regions).

38. Give one economic activity common on coastal plains.

Fishing and port-related trade.

39. What kind of soils are found in deltas?

Fine silty and clayey alluvial soils.

40. Name an important port on the western coast.

Mumbai (also Mangalore, Kochi).

41. Name the two major island groups of India.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

42. What is the origin of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands?

Tectonic origin, part of an uplifted region related to the Arakan Yoma range.

43. What type of islands are Lakshadweep?

Coral islands/atolls formed by reef-building corals.

44. Give one economic activity of the Andaman Islands.

Tourism and fishing.

45. Why are islands important for India strategically?

They provide strategic control over sea routes and help in national security.

46. Name a unique ecological feature of the islands.

Rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs (especially in Lakshadweep).

47. List the six major physiographic divisions of India.

Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, Islands.

48. Which physiographic division is the oldest?

The Peninsular Plateau (ancient/crystalline rocks).

49. Which two rivers flow in rift valleys?

Narmada and Tapi.

50. Name one map item students should practice from this chapter.

Label the Himalayan ranges, Northern Plains, Deccan Plateau, Thar Desert, Western/Eastern Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.