CBSE Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 notes “Physical Features of India” is an important topic included in the cbse class 9 syllabus. This chapter explains the formation and significance of India’s diverse landforms. Students learn about the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands in detail.
These notes highlight how these physical features were formed, their characteristics, and their role in India’s economy and culture. As per the cbse class 9 Social Science syllabus, this chapter also helps students build a strong foundation for advanced geography topics in higher classes.
With the help of geography chapter 2 class 9 notes, students can revise quickly, prepare for exams more effectively, and strengthen their understanding of India’s geography.
CBSE Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Notes
This chapter covers the diverse landforms of India, including the Himalayan Mountains, the Northern Plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the Indian Desert, the Coastal Plains, and the Islands. Each section explains the formation, characteristics, and significance of these regions.
Understanding these physical features helps students grasp the complexity and variety of India's geography, which influences its climate, vegetation, and human activities
CBSE Notes Class 9 Geography Chapter 2 Physical Features of India
Here we have provided class 9 geography chapter 2 notes for the ease of students so that they can prepare better for their exams.
Major Physiographic Divisions
The physical features of India are grouped under the following physiographic divisions:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
Let's discuss each of them in detail:
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayan Mountains stretch along India's northern borders from the Indus River to the Brahmaputra River, running in a west-east direction. They consist of three parallel ranges:
Great Himalayas (Himadri):
- The northernmost range with the highest peaks averaging 6,000 meters.
- Composed of granite and characterized by asymmetrical folds.
Lesser Himalayas (Himachal):
- South of the Himadri, forming a rugged mountain system.
- Includes the Pir Panjal range, the longest and most significant range.
Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks):
- The outermost range composed of unconsolidated sediments.
- Features longitudinal valleys known as Duns, such as Dehradun and Kotli Dun.
The Himalayas are divided into regions from west to east:
- Punjab Himalaya: Between Indus and Satluj, also known as Kashmir and Himachal Himalaya.
- Kumaon Himalayas: Between Satluj and Kali rivers.
- Nepal Himalayas: Between Kali and Teesta rivers.
- Assam Himalayas: Between Teesta and Dihang rivers.
- Eastern Hills (Purvachal): Along the eastern boundary of India, including Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, and Mizo Hills.
The Northern Plain
The Northern Plain in India is formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems and their tributaries, covering an area of 7 lakh sq. km. It is divided into three sections:
- Punjab Plains: Formed by the Indus and its tributaries - Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj.
- Ganga Plain: Extends from Ghaggar to Teesta rivers, covering North India, Haryana, Delhi, U.P., Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
- Brahmaputra Plain: Located in Assam.
The Northern Plains are further divided into four regions based on elevation:
- Bhabar: A narrow belt where rivers deposit pebbles at the foot of the Shiwaliks.
- Terai: Wet, swampy region created by rivers re-emerging from Bhabar.
- Bhangar: Older alluvium forming terrace-like features above floodplains.
- Khadar: Younger floodplain deposits with fertile soil.
The Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau in India is a vast tableland composed of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. It was formed from the breakup and drifting of the ancient Gondwana landmass. One of its distinctive features is the presence of Deccan Trap black soil areas.
Divisions of the Peninsular Plateau:
Central Highlands:
- Located north of the Narmada River, covering the Malwa plateau extensively.
- Includes eastward extensions known as Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand.
Deccan Plateau:
- South of the Narmada River, it forms a triangular landmass.
- Extends northeast into Meghalaya, Karbi-Anglong Plateau, and North Cachar Hills.
Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats:
Western Ghats:
- Parallel to the western coast of India.
- Continuous and can only be crossed through passes.
- Higher elevation ranging from 900 to 1600 meters.
- Includes Anamudi as its highest peak.
Eastern Ghats:
- Stretch from the Mahanadi Valley to the Nilgiris in the south.
- Discontinuous and irregular, dissected by rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
- Lower elevation averaging around 600 meters.
- Mahendragiri (1,501 meters) is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats.
The Indian Desert
The Indian Desert is situated on the western margins of the Aravali Hills. Here are some key characteristics:
- Sandy Plain with Sand Dunes: The region is covered with extensive sand dunes.
- Low Rainfall: Receives very minimal rainfall, averaging below 150 mm per year.
- Dry Climate: Has a dry climate with sparse vegetation.
The Coastal Plains
Coastal plains are flat, low-lying areas adjacent to the ocean. In India, there are two main coastal plains:
Eastern Coastal Plain
- Location: It stretches between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.
- Regions: Known as the Northern Circar in the north and the Coromandel Coast in the south.
- Rivers: Major rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri form extensive deltas here.
- Significant Feature: Lake Chilika, a notable brackish water lagoon, is found along this coast.
Western Coastal Plain
- Location: Positioned between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.
- Divisions:
- Konkan: Northern part, spanning from Mumbai to Goa.
- Kannad Plain: Central stretch.
- Malabar Coast: Southern part, known for its lush greenery and scenic beauty.
The Islands of India
An island is a piece of land surrounded by water, and India is blessed with two major island groups:
Lakshadweep Islands
- Composition: Made up of small coral islands formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive.
- Geographical Division: The islands are broadly categorized into:
- Andaman Islands: Located in the north.
- Nicobar Islands: Situated in the south.
- Climate: These islands experience an equatorial climate characterized by high humidity and thick forest cover.
India's varied geography provide significant opportunities for future development due to several reasons:
- Mountains: Are the crucial sources of water and forest resources.
- Northern Plains: Known as the granaries of the country, supporting early civilizations with fertile agricultural lands.
- Plateau: Rich in mineral resources, contributing significantly to India's industrialization.
- Coastal Regions and Islands: Provide ideal locations for fishing, port activities, and tourism, contributing to economic growth and development.
CBSE Class 9 Geography Notes Chapter 2 PDF
The PDF link below has detailed notes for CBSE Class 9 geography chapter 2 class 9 notes, "Physical Features of India." These notes explain the different landforms in India, such as the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands. Each section describes how these landforms were formed, their main features, and why they are important.
CBSE Class 9 Geography Notes Chapter 2 PDF
Benefits of CBSE Class 9 Geography Notes Chapter 2
- Easy Learning: The notes help you understand geography topics easily by breaking them down into simpler parts.
- Important Ideas: They highlight the main concepts so you can focus on what's most important.
- Clear Understanding: Notes explain difficult ideas in a way that makes them easier to understand.
- Quick Review: You can use them to quickly review before exams to remember everything you've learned.
- Exam Help: They prepare you well for exams by covering key points and possible questions.
- Study Alone: You can study on your own pace with these notes, which helps you learn better.
- Building Knowledge: By using notes, you can build a strong foundation in geography for future studies.