Geographical Diversity of India Class 7 | NCERT Social Science Chapter 1
India and the World: Land and the People
Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India
भारत की भौगोलिक विविधता
Geographical Diversity of India (English)
India is a land of great geographical diversity. It has a wide variety of physical features such as mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, islands, and coastal regions. This diversity makes India unique and rich in natural resources. The geographical features of India have a strong influence on climate, vegetation, wildlife, agriculture, culture, and human activities.
Geographical diversity means the presence of different types of landforms, climates, soils, rivers, and natural vegetation within a country. India’s geographical diversity has developed over millions of years due to geological movements, climatic changes, and natural processes like erosion and deposition.
Major Physical Divisions of India
India can be divided into the following major physical regions:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas are the young fold mountains located in the northern part of India. They were formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. The Himalayas act as a natural barrier protecting India from cold winds coming from Central Asia.
The Himalayas are the source of many important rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. They also influence rainfall patterns by blocking monsoon winds.
The Northern Plains
The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of alluvial soil brought by rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. These plains are very fertile and support a large population.
Due to flat land and fertile soil, agriculture is the main occupation in this region. Crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and pulses are grown here.
The Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest landforms of India. It is made of hard igneous and metamorphic rocks. This region is rich in minerals such as iron ore, coal, manganese, and bauxite.
The plateau is divided into the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau. Rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri flow through this region.
The Indian Desert
The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, lies in the western part of India. It receives very little rainfall and has sandy soil. Vegetation is sparse, and temperatures are extreme.
Despite harsh conditions, people have adapted by practicing pastoralism and limited agriculture.
The Coastal Plains
India has long coastal plains along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. These plains support fishing, ports, and trade activities. Coconut, rice, and spices are grown here.
The Islands
India has two major island groups: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands are known for rich biodiversity and coral reefs.
Importance of Geographical Diversity
Geographical diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna. It also influences food habits, clothing, housing, occupations, and festivals of people living in different regions.
भारत की भौगोलिक विविधता (हिंदी)
भारत भौगोलिक विविधताओं से भरा हुआ देश है। यहाँ पर्वत, मैदान, पठार, मरुस्थल, तटीय क्षेत्र और द्वीप पाए जाते हैं। ये सभी भौतिक विशेषताएँ भारत को प्राकृतिक रूप से समृद्ध बनाती हैं।
भौगोलिक विविधता का अर्थ है किसी देश में विभिन्न प्रकार की स्थलाकृतियाँ, जलवायु, मिट्टी, नदियाँ और वनस्पतियाँ होना। भारत की भौगोलिक संरचना लाखों वर्षों में प्राकृतिक प्रक्रियाओं द्वारा विकसित हुई है।
भारत के प्रमुख भौतिक विभाग
- हिमालय पर्वत
- उत्तरी मैदान
- प्रायद्वीपीय पठार
- भारतीय मरुस्थल
- तटीय मैदान
- द्वीप समूह
हिमालय पर्वत
हिमालय भारत के उत्तर में स्थित नवीन वलित पर्वत हैं। ये ठंडी हवाओं को रोकते हैं और भारत की जलवायु को प्रभावित करते हैं। गंगा, यमुना और ब्रह्मपुत्र जैसी प्रमुख नदियाँ हिमालय से निकलती हैं।
उत्तरी मैदान
उत्तरी मैदान नदियों द्वारा लाई गई जलोढ़ मिट्टी से बने हैं। ये बहुत उपजाऊ होते हैं और घनी आबादी का क्षेत्र हैं। यहाँ कृषि प्रमुख व्यवसाय है।
प्रायद्वीपीय पठार
यह भारत का सबसे पुराना भूभाग है। यहाँ खनिज संसाधन प्रचुर मात्रा में पाए जाते हैं। गोदावरी, कृष्णा और कावेरी जैसी नदियाँ यहाँ बहती हैं।
भारतीय मरुस्थल
थार मरुस्थल पश्चिमी भारत में स्थित है। यहाँ वर्षा बहुत कम होती है और तापमान अत्यधिक होता है।
तटीय मैदान और द्वीप
भारत के तटीय मैदान व्यापार और मत्स्य उद्योग के लिए महत्वपूर्ण हैं। अंडमान-निकोबार और लक्षद्वीप द्वीप जैव विविधता से भरपूर हैं।
Questions & Practice
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- The Himalayas are located in which part of India? (a) South (b) North (c) West (d) East
- Which soil is found in the Northern Plains? (a) Black (b) Red (c) Alluvial (d) Sandy
- The Thar Desert is located in which state? (a) Punjab (b) Rajasthan (c) Bihar (d) Assam
- Which river flows from the Peninsular Plateau? (a) Ganga (b) Yamuna (c) Godavari (d) Indus
- Which island group lies in the Arabian Sea? (a) Andaman (b) Nicobar (c) Lakshadweep (d) Maldives
- The Himalayas were formed due to: (a) Erosion (b) Volcanic action (c) Plate collision (d) Deposition
- Which region is richest in minerals? (a) Plains (b) Plateau (c) Desert (d) Islands
- Which crop is common in the Northern Plains? (a) Tea (b) Rice (c) Rubber (d) Coffee
- Which region supports fishing activity? (a) Desert (b) Plateau (c) Coastal Plains (d) Mountains
- India’s diversity mainly affects: (a) Only climate (b) Only vegetation (c) Human life and culture (d) None
B. True / False
- The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia. (True)
- The Northern Plains are not fertile. (False)
- The Peninsular Plateau is a young landform. (False)
- The Thar Desert receives heavy rainfall. (False)
- Coastal plains support ports and trade. (True)
- India has only one island group. (False)
- Alluvial soil is good for agriculture. (True)
- The Deccan Plateau is part of the Peninsular Plateau. (True)
- Geographical diversity has no effect on people’s lives. (False)
- Himalayan rivers are perennial. (True)
C. Short Answer Questions
- What is geographical diversity?
- Name two physical divisions of India.
- Why are the Northern Plains fertile?
- Which minerals are found in the Peninsular Plateau?
- Where is the Thar Desert located?
- Name two rivers originating from the Himalayas.
- What activities are common in coastal areas?
- Why are the Himalayas important for India?
- Name the two island groups of India.
- How does geography influence human life?
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