Physical Features of India
India has a remarkable variety of landforms. This Class 9 Geography chapter describes the six major physical divisions of India — from the towering Himalayas to the coastal plains and islands — and how they were formed.
Learning objectives
- Identify the major physical divisions of India.
- Describe each physical region.
- Understand how these features were formed.
- Appreciate the variety of India's landforms.
Key concepts
The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas are young, lofty fold mountains in the north, formed by the collision of plates. They run in three parallel ranges — the highest Himadri (Greater Himalayas), the Himachal (Lesser Himalayas) and the outer Shiwaliks. They contain the world's highest peaks, are the source of great rivers, and protect India from cold northern winds.
The Northern Plains
South of the Himalayas lie the vast Northern Plains, built up from sediment (silt) deposited by the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries. These plains are flat, extremely fertile and densely populated, forming one of the most important agricultural regions of India.
The Peninsular Plateau and the Desert
The Peninsular Plateau is an old, stable landmass made of hard rocks, divided into the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau, and bordered by the Aravali, Vindhya, Satpura and other hills; it is rich in minerals. To the west lies the Indian (Thar) Desert, a hot, dry, sandy region with little rainfall.
The Coastal Plains and Islands
Along the edges of the Peninsula are the Coastal Plains — the Western Coastal Plains and the broader Eastern Coastal Plains, where large rivers form deltas. India also has two groups of islands: the Lakshadweep Islands of coral origin in the Arabian Sea, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
Key definitions
- Fold mountains
- Mountains formed when layers of rock are folded by the collision of plates, like the Himalayas.
- Plateau
- A large area of relatively flat, raised land, like the Deccan.
- Delta
- A fan-shaped deposit of sediment where a river meets the sea.
- Coral
- A hard substance formed from tiny sea creatures, making the Lakshadweep islands.
Solved examples
Q1. Which are the youngest mountains in India?
Solution: The Himalayas (young fold mountains).
Q2. What built up the Northern Plains?
Solution: Silt deposited by the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Q3. Which Indian islands are of coral origin?
Solution: The Lakshadweep Islands.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing the three Himalayan ranges (Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks).
- Thinking the Peninsular Plateau is young (it is old and stable).
- Mixing up the Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea, coral) and Andaman & Nicobar (Bay of Bengal) islands.
- Forgetting the Northern Plains are made of river sediment.
Physical Features of India — MCQ Quiz
10 questions with instant feedback. Use number keys 1–4 to answer.
The Himalayas are ___ mountains.
Practice questions
Short answer
Name the three ranges of the Himalayas.
Himadri, Himachal and Shiwaliks.
How were the Northern Plains formed?
From silt deposited by the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Which islands are of coral origin?
The Lakshadweep Islands.
Long answer
Describe the major physical divisions of India.
India can be divided into six major physical divisions. First are the Himalayan Mountains in the north, young fold mountains running in three ranges — the highest Himadri, the middle Himachal and the outer Shiwaliks — that contain the world's tallest peaks. South of them lie the Northern Plains, vast, flat and very fertile lands built up by silt from the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, supporting dense population and agriculture. The Peninsular Plateau is an old, stable, mineral-rich landmass made of hard rocks, divided into the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau. To the west is the Indian or Thar Desert, a hot, dry, sandy region. The Coastal Plains run along the western and eastern edges of the Peninsula, with deltas formed by rivers on the east coast. Finally, India has two island groups: the coral Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
How do the Himalayas and the Northern Plains differ in their formation and importance?
The Himalayas and the Northern Plains differ greatly in both formation and importance. The Himalayas are young fold mountains created by the collision of plates, which pushed up layers of rock into towering ranges; they are rugged and high. Their importance lies in containing the world's highest peaks, acting as the source of great rivers, and forming a barrier that protects India from cold northern winds and influences its climate. The Northern Plains, on the other hand, were not folded up but built up gradually from sediment, as the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra and their tributaries deposited fine silt over a long time, creating flat land. Their importance is agricultural: the deep, fertile soil and level surface make them one of the most productive farming regions and the most densely populated part of India. Thus, one region is high and protective, the other low and fertile.
HOTS (Higher Order Thinking)
Why are the Northern Plains so densely populated?
Because their flat, fertile, river-deposited soil and ample water make farming highly productive, supporting large numbers of people.
How do the Himalayas influence India's climate and rivers?
They block cold northern winds, help cause monsoon rainfall, and feed perennial rivers with their snow and glaciers.
Quick revision
Revision notes
- Six divisions: Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, Islands.
- Himalayas: young fold mountains; ranges Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks.
- Northern Plains: fertile, built from river silt; Peninsular Plateau: old, stable, mineral-rich.
- Islands: Lakshadweep (coral, Arabian Sea) and Andaman & Nicobar (Bay of Bengal).
Key takeaways
- India has six major physical divisions.
- The Himalayas are young; the plateau is old.
- The Northern Plains are flat and fertile.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three Himalayan ranges?
Himadri, Himachal and Shiwaliks.
How were the Northern Plains formed?
From silt deposited by major rivers.
Which Indian islands are coral islands?
The Lakshadweep Islands.