Physical Features of India

Physical Features of India

• India  Lies entirely in the Northern hemisphere the main land extends between latitudes 8°4'N and 37°6'N and longitudes 68°7'E and 97°25'E.
• The Tropic of Cancer (23° 30'N) divides the country into almost two equal parts.
• India has a land boundary of about 15,200 km and the total length of the coast line of the mainland including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep is 7,516.6 km.
• From Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh there is a time lag of two hours. Hence, time along the Standard Meridian of India (82°30'E) passing through Mirzapur (in Uttar Pradesh) is taken as the standard time for the whole country. 
• India shares its land boundaries with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the northwest, China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan in the north and Myanmar and Bangladesh in the east.
• Our southern neighbours across the sea consist of the two island countries, namely Sri Lanka and Maldives. Sri Lanka is separated from India by a narrow channel of sea formed by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar while Maldives Islands are situated to the south of the Lakshadweep Islands.

The physical features of India can be grouped under the following physiographic divisions:

(1) The Himalayan Mountains

(2) The Northern Plains

(3) The Peninsular Plateau

(4) The Indian Desert

(5) The Coastal Plains

(6) The Islands

(1) The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayas, geologically young and structurally fold mountains stretch over the northern borders of India. These mountain ranges run in a west-east direction from the Indus to the Brahmaputra.The Himalaya consists of three parallel ranges in its longitudinal extent. A number of valleys lie between these ranges. The northern most range is known as the Great or Inner Himalayas or the ‘Himadri’. It is the most continuous range consisting of the loftiest peaks with an average height of 6,000 metres. It contains all the prominent Himalayan peaks.

The range lying to the south of the Himadri forms the most rugged mountain system and is known as Himachal or lesser Himalaya. The altitude varies between 3,700 and 4,500 metres.

While the Pir Panjal range forms the longest and the most important range, the Dhaula Dhar and the Mahabharat ranges are also prominent ones.This range consists of the famous valley of Kashmir, the Kangra and Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. This region is well known for its hill stations.The outer most range of the Himalayas is called the Shiwaliks.The longitudinal valley lying between lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks are known as Duns. Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun are some of the well-known Duns.

Himalayas have been divided on the basis of regions from west to east.

• The part of Himalayas lying between Indus and Satluj - Punjab Himalaya/ Kashmir and Himachal Himalaya.
• The part of the Himalayas lying between Satluj and Kali rivers is known as Kumaon Himalayas.
• The part lying between Tista and Dihang rivers is known as Assam Himalayas. 

Physical Features of India

Physical Features of India

Q1.India shares its boundary with:

Ans:Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Q2.Srilanka is separated from India by :

Ans:Palk Strait

Q3.Time lag between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh is:

Ans:Two hours

Q4. Which is taken as Standard Time Meridian of India:

Ans:The 82°30'E' East longitude

Q5.Standard Time Meridian of India, passes through:

Ans:Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.

Q6.Which Latitude divides the country into almost two equal parts:

Ans:The Tropic of Cancer (23° 30'N)

Q7.The northern most range of the Himalaya is known as:

Ans: the Great or Inner Himalayas or the ‘Himadri.

Q8.The outer most range of the Himalayas is called:

Ans:The Shiwaliks.

Q9.The longitudinal valley lying between lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks are known as :

Ans:Duns.

Q10.The part of Himalayas lying between Indus and Satluj :

Ans:Punjab Himalaya

Physical Features of India

Physical Features of India

The Northern Plain

• The northern plain has been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems, namely– the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra along with their tributaries. 
• This plain is formed of alluvial soil. Due to this, it is agriculturally a very productive part of India.
• In the lower course, due to gentle slope, the velocity of the river decreases which results in the formation of riverine islands. Majuli, in the Brahmaputra River is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world.
• The largest part of the northern plain is formed of older alluvium. They lie above the flood plains of the rivers and present a terrace like feature. This part is known as bhangar. The soil in this region contains calcareous deposits locally known as kankar. The newer, younger deposits of the flood plains are called khadar.

The Northern Plain is broadly divided into three sections:

a) Punjab Plains - Formed by the Indus and its tributaries, The Indus and its tributaries–the Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas and the Satluj originate in the Himalaya. This section of the plain is dominated by the doabs.

b) The Ganga plain - Extends between Ghaggar and Teesta rivers.

c) Brahmaputra plain - Particularly in Assam. 

The Peninsular Plateau 

• Composed of the old crystalline, igneous and metamorphic rocks. It was formed due to the breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land and thus, making it a part of the oldest landmass. The plateau has broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills.
• This plateau consists of two broad divisions, namely, the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
• The eastward extensions of this plateau are locally known as the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. The Chotanagpur plateau marks the further eastward extension, drained by the Damodar river.
• The Deccan Plateau is a triangular landmass that lies to the south of the river Narmada. The Satpura range flanks its broad base in the north while the Mahadev, the Kaimur hills and the Maikal range form its eastern extensions.

• Three Prominent hill ranges from the west to east are the Garo, the Khasi and the Jaintia Hills..
• The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats mark the western and the eastern edges of the Deccan Plateau respectively. 
• The Aravali Hills lie on the western and northwestern margins of the peninsular plateau. These are highly eroded hills and are found as broken hills. They extend from Gujarat to Delhi in a southwest-northeast direction.

The Indian Desert

• The Indian desert lies towards the western margins of the Aravali Hills.
• It is an undulating sandy plain covered with sand dunes. This region receives very low rainfall below 150 mm per year. 
• It has arid climate with low vegetation cover. Streams appear during the rainy season. 
• Luni is the only large river in this region.
• Barchans (crescent shaped dunes) cover larger areas but longitudinal dunes become more prominent near the Indo-Pakistan boundary.

Physical Features of India

Physical Features of India

Q1.The northern plain has been formed by the interplay of the three major river systems namely:

Ans:the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra.

Q2.Which is the largest inhabited riverine island in the world:

Ans:Majuli, in the Brahmaputra River.

Q3. The newer, younger deposits of the alluvial soils are called:

Ans:khadar.

Q4.How peninsular Plateau was formed:

Ans:breaking and drifting of the Gondwana land.

Q5.The eastward extensions of Central Highlands plateau are locally known as:

Ans:Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand

Q6.Three Prominent hill ranges from the west to east are:

Ans:the Garo, the Khasi and the Jaintia Hills.

Q7.The annual rainfall that The indian Desert  receives per year:

Ans:150 mm

Q8.The only large river in the Indian Desert region.

Ans:Luni

Q9.The Indian desest lies towards the western margins of:

Ans:The Aravali Hills.

Q10.Punjab Plains is formed by which river:

Ans: Indus and its tributaries

Slave Dynasty

Slave Dynasty

Qutubuddin Aibak (1206-1290)

• Qutubuddin Aibak was a slave of Muhammad Ghori, who made him the Governor of his Indian possessions. He was the founder of Slave dynasty (Mamluk dynasty) in India (1206-1210).

• He was also known as “Laakh baksh” because he gave liberal donations to muslims. 
• He constructed two mosques “Quwat-ul-Islam” in Delhi and Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhopra in Ajmer.
• He also started the construction of Qutub Minar in the honour of famous sufi saint “Qutubdin bakhtiyar-kaki”.
• Lahore was the capital of Qutub-ud-Din-Aibak.
• He Died after falling from a horse while playing Polo(Chaugan) at Lahore in 1210.

Iltutmish (1210-1236)

• Aaramshah was the son of Qutub-din-aibak and he was defeated by Illtutmis in 1211.
• Iltutmis was the real founder of Delhi Sultanate.
• He made Delhi, the capital in place of Lahore.
• In order to crush the power of opponent nobles he formed “Turk-e-chihalgani or “chalisaa”.
• “Iqta” system was introduced by Illtutmish for well administration.
• He issued the silver coins “Taka” and copper coins Jeetal for the first time.

• Justice bell - The contribution of Iltutmish in the field of justice was praise worthy. Ibn-i-Battuta writes about it, “Two lions of marble were built in front of the palace of the Sultan and bells were hung in their necks. The oppressed used to ring these bells and justice was done to them after listening to their requests. 
• The construction of Qutub Minar was completed during his reign.

Slave Dynasty

Slave Dynasty

Q1.The ruler from the slave Dynasty who died of injury while playing chaugan(Polo) at lahore:

Ans:Qutub-ud-Din Aibak

Q2.What do you mean by Turkan-i-chihalgani:

Ans:Group of 40 ruling elite

Q3.Who was known as the " Slave of a Slave"?

Ans:Illtutmish

Q4.Who was the real founder of Slave Dynasty:

Ans:Illtutmish

Q5.Who was the first ruler of the Slave dynasty?

Ans:Qutubuddin Aibak

Q6.What was the period of rule of Qutubuddin Aibak:

Ans:1206 - 1210 A.D

Q7.The Ilbari Dynasty is also known as:

Ans:Slave Dynasty

Q8.Who was known as Laakh Baksh:

Ans:Qutubuddin Aibak

Q9.Who introduced Justice bell other than Jahangir:

Ans:Illtutmish

Q10.Construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutubuddin Aibak in the memory of:

Ans:Qutubdin bakhtiyar-kaki

Slave Dynasty

Slave Dynasty

Razia Sultan(1236 - 1240)

• After the death of Iltutmish, Razia became the sultan of Delhi Sultanate. It was the last wish of his father because he found none of his sons were fit for the successor to the throne.

• But the chihalgani opposed his last wish and made his son Rukn-ud-din firuz on the throne.But Rukn-ud-din firuz was assassinated within 7 months and was succeeded by Razia in 1236 and ruled till 1240.
• She disregarded "Parda system", she began to adorn male dress and used to ride on Elephant's back.But the chihalgani couldn't accept the rule of a woman.They rebelled against Razia when she promoted Jamal-ud-din Yakut, an Abyssinian, as the superintendent of the stables(Diwan-e-Aakhur).

• The rebel chiefs were supported by Altunia, the governor of Bhatinda and thus Yakut was killed and Razia was imprisoned.
• Later she married Altunia and they jointly tried to take the Sultanate back but both were killed by her brother Bahram Shah with the help of khokhar tribes in the battle of Kaithal.
• She was the first and the last Muslim women ruler of medieval India.
• Bahram Shah ruled for two years and then Nasir-ud-din, the youngest son of illtutmish ruled till 1266 but was killed by his own father-in-law Balban and he took the throne.

Ghiyas-ud-din Balban (1266-87)

• Balban (1266-87) was the slave of Iltutmish. He broke the power of Turk-e-Chihalgani.
• He created a strong centralised army to deal with external disturbance and to check Mangols.
• He ordered the separation of Military department from the finance department. “Dewan-e-vizarak” and “Diwan-e-Ariz” (Military).Diwan-e-Ariz was established by him.
• The Persian court influenced Balban- conceptions of kinship, he took up the title of zill-e-illahi.
• Iranian festival Nauroj was started by him.

• He introduced "Sijda" (prostration) and "Paibos" (feet- kissing) as the normal form of Salutation for the king.
• Blood and Iron policy were introduced by him for a strong and absolute monarch is expected to follow a strict policy in dealing with his enemies. 
• “Kaiku-Bad” was the son of Balban and next Emperor of Delhi Sultanate.
• Quemaes was the son of kaiku-Bad (kaimur). He was killed by Zalal-ud-din khilji in 1290. And Zalal-ud-din khilji was the founder of khilji dynasty in India.

Slave Dynasty

Slave Dynasty

Q1.Who was Razia Sultan?

Ans:Daughter of Iltutmish.

Q2.Whom did Iltutmish nominate as his successor?

Ans:Razia Sultan.

Q3.Who was the first Muslim woman to rule over Delhi?

Ans: Razia Sultan.

Q4.Who was Yaqut?

Ans:Jamaluddin Yaqut was an Abyssinian slave.

Q5.Whom did Razia Sultan appoint 'Diwan-e-Akhoor' master of stables?

Ans:Jamaluddin Yaqut.

Q6.Who was the founder of Khilji dynasty:

Ans:Jalal-ud-din khilji

Q7.Who described himself as ‘shadow of God’ or the ‘viceregent of God on Earth’ (Zil-i-illahi):

Ans:Balban

Q8.Who started the Iranian system of Sajda and Piabos:

Ans:Balban

Q9.Who introduced Blood and Iron Policy:

Ans:Balban

Q10.Who was the slave of Iltutmish:

Ans:Balban

Planets and their Satellites

Planets and their Satellites

There are total 8 planets in our solar system & all the planets revolve around the sun in the anticlockwise direction i.e. West to East except Venus & Uranus, they both revolve in the clockwise direction i.e. East to West.

Innerplanet or Terrestrial Planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars.

Outer planet or Jovian planet : Jupitar, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

List of planets according to their Size: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Venus, Mars, Mercury.

Dwarf Planets:  Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Makemake, Haumea.

(1) Mercury → It is the smallest planet.

• Fastest revolution time.
• It has no satellite and it has no atmosphere. 
• Extreme weather +400°C & –200°C.
• Mercury is also known as Roman God of Commerce.

(2) Venus → It is the hottest planet known as Earth’s Twin.

• The brightest planet is also known as morning & evening star.
• Venus is also known as Roman Goddess of Beauty.

(3) Earth → It is called Blue Planet (71% - Water)

• It has One Satellite → Moon

(4) Mars → It is called Red Planet because of high Content of FeO.

• Nix Olympia is a mountain spotted of Mars & it is 3 times higher than Mountain Everest.
• It has two Satellites Phobos and Deimos.
• It is also known as Roman God of war. 

(5) Jupiter → It is the Biggest planet [Fastest rotation]

• It has 63 Satellite and the biggest one is Ganymede.
• Callisto is the second-largest moon of Jupiter 
• It is also known as Roman King of God.

(6) Saturn → 2nd largest planet only planet with Ring (dust particle)

• It has 62 Satellites and the biggest one is Titan. 
• It is also known as Roman God of Agriculture.

(7) Uranus →It is called Green Planet because of presence Methane gas.

• Uranus has five major moons: Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon.
• They range in diameter from 472 km for Miranda to 1578 km for Titania.
• There are 27 known Satellites and the biggest one is Titania.
• It is also known as Ancient Greek God.

(8) Neptune → It is the Coldest planet.

• There are 14 Satellite and the biggest one is Triton.
• It is also called as Roman God of Sea.

Planets and their Satellites

Planets and their Satellites

Q1.Planets which revolve around the sun in the clockwise direction i.e from East to West:

Ans:Venus & Uranus

Q2.Phobos and Deimos are Satellite of:

Ans:Mars.

Q3.Largest Satellite of Jupitar:

Ans:Ganymede

Q4.Largest Satellite of Saturn:

Ans:Titan

Q5.Which planet is called Green Planet:

Ans:Uranus

Q6.Biggest planet of Neptune:

Ans:Triton

Q7.Which is also known as Roman Goddess of Beauty:

Ans:Venus

Q8.Name the Dwarf Planets other than Pluto:

Ans:Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Makemake, Haumea.

Q9.The only natural satellite of the Earth:

Ans:Moon

Q10.Which is also known as Roman King of God.

Ans:Jupitar

MINERALS IN INDIA

MINERALS IN INDIA

1. IRON :

India has huge deposits of iron-ore in Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka & Maharashtra. Iron-ore is found in the mines at Singhbhum in Bihar & Mayurbhanj in Orissa. Big steel plants at Jamshedpur, Bhilai, Bokaro, Durgapur, Rourkela & Bhadravati.

2.COAL :

It is known as ‘Black diamond‘. Products like nylon, chemicals, dyes, drugs & perfumes are obtained from the distillation of coal. Coal is found in Bihar, West Bengal, Damodar Valley, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh. Jharia in Jharkhand & Raniganj in West Bengal are the largest coal mines in India. Other coal mines are located at Suhagpur (Madhya Pradesh) Dhanbad (Jharkhand) Neyveli (Tamil Nadu) & Singarani (Andhra Pradesh).

3. PETROLEUM :

Petroleum is known as ‘Black gold’. Petroleum is found at Digboi in Assam, Ankleshwar & Kalol in Gujarat & Bombay High off the shore of Bombay.

4. MANGANESE :

Manganese is used in the manufacture of steel. India is one of the largest producers of manganese in the world. It is found in Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra.

5. MICA :

India is the largest producer of mica in the world. Jharkhand has richest mica belt and accounts for 60% of India’s production in terms of value.Koderma is a well-known place for mica production in Jharkhand which produces more than 50% of the total mica production in India. Its huge deposits are found in Gaya, Monghyr & Hazaribagh districts of Bihar. Mica is also found in large quantities in Andhra Pradesh & Rajasthan. A large quantity of mica is exported to other countries.

6. ALUMINIUM :

It is a light but hard metal. The ore from which aluminum is produced is known as bauxite. Huge deposits of bauxite are found in Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Maharashtra.

7. COPPER :

It is a good conductor of electricity. It alloys with zinc to form brass & with tin to form bronze. It occurs in small quantities in India. It is found at Khetri in Rajasthan. Some copper has been found in Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.

8. GOLD :

Gold is produced from the mines at Kolar & Hutti in Karnataka & Anantopuram in Andhra Pradesh.

9. DIAMOND :

Diamonds are found in the mines at Panna in Madhya Pradesh.

MINERALS IN INDIA

MINERALS IN INDIA

Q1.Which mineral is called black Diamond:

Ans:Coal

Q2.Which state is the largest producer of coal in India:

Ans:Jharkhand

Q3.Which mineral is called Black Gold:

Ans:Petroleum

Q4.Oilfield in Assam is:

Ans:Digboi

Q5.Ore from which aluminium is produced:

Ans:Bauxite

Q6.Brass is an alloy of:

Ans:Copper and Zinc

Q7.Bronze is an alloy of:

Ans:Copper and Tin.

Q8.Largest Gold producing state in India:

Ans:Karnataka

Q9.Largest Mica producing state n India:

Ans:Jharkhand

Q10.Largest diamond producing state:

Ans: Panna in Madhya Pradesh.

River Valley Projects in India

River Valley Projects in India

IMPORTANT RIVER VALLEY PROJECTS IN INDIA

• Bhakhra Nangal Project: On Satluj in Punjab. Highest in India. Ht 226 m. Reservoir is called    Gobind Sagar Lake.

• Mandi Project: On Beas in H.P.

• Chambal Valley Project: On Chambal in M.P & Rajasthan. 3 dams are there: Gandhi Sagar Dam,    Rana Pratap Sagar Dam & Jawahar Sagar dam

• Damodar Valley Project: On Damodar in Bihar.

• Hirakud: On Mahanadi in Orissa. World's longest dam: 4801 m

• Rihand: On Son(river) in Mirzapur. The reservoir is called Govind Vallabh Pant reservoir.

• Mayurkashi Project: On Mayurkashi in W.B

• Kakrapara Project: On Tapi in Gujarat

• Nizamsagar Project: On Manjra in A.P

• Nagarjuna Sagar Project: On Krishna in A.P

• Shivasamudram Project: On Cauvery in Karnataka

• Tata Hydel Scheme: On Bhima in Maharashtra

• Sharavathi Hydel Project On Jog Falls in Karnataka.

• Kundah & Periyar Project In TN

• Farakka Project: On Ganga in W.B. Apart from power & irrigation it helps to remove silt for easy navigation.

• Ukai Project: On Tapti in Gujarat

• Salal Project: On Chenab in J & K

• Mata Tila Multipurpose Project-On Betwa in U.P & M.P

• Thein Project: On Ravi, Punjab

• Pong Dam: On Beas, Punjab.

River Valley Projects in India

River Valley Projects in India

Q1.Sardar Sarovar Project is built across the river
Ans:Narmada

Q2. Bhakhra Nangal Project is on the river:
Ans:Satluj

Q3.Chambal Valley Project is on the river:
Ans:Chambal

Q4.Dams built on Chambal River are:
Ans.Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam & Jawahar Sagar dam.

Q5.Hirakud Dam is on the River:
Ans:Mahanadi

Q6.Kakrapara Project is on the river:
Ans:Tapi in Gujarat.

Q7.Nagarjuna Sagar Project is on the river:
Ans:Krishna

Q8.Rihand river project is on the river:
Ans:Son

Q9.Farakka Project is on the river:
Ans:West Bengal

Q10.Nizamsagar Project is on the river:
Ans:Manjira