Geography NCERT Solutions Class 9

Lesson 1 : Size And Location

NCERT Solutions for Class 9th: Ch 1 India - Size and Location Geography Social Studies (S.St)

Find Out
Page No: 2
1. Why 8230'E has been selected as the Standard Meridian of India?
Answer
8230' E has been selected as the Standard Meridian of India because it is situated in the
centre of all longitudes and latitudes in which our country is located.

2. Why is the difference between the durations of day and night hardly felt at Kannyakumari
but not so in Kashmir?

Answer

The difference between the durations of day and night hardly felt at Kannyakumari because
it is near equator. As equator recieves the direct Sun rays, there won't be hardly any
difference between the day & night. But the Kashmir is far away from equator.

Page No: 4

1. The number of Union Territories along the western and eastern coasts.

Answer
Union Territories on the western coast of India are Diu and Daman, Dadra and Nagar
Haveli, Mahe (Pondicherry) and Lakshadweep.
Union Territories on the eastern coast of India are Pondicherry and Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.

2. Area-wise which is the smallest and which is the largest state?

Answer
Largest Sate: Rajasthan
Smallest State: Goa
3. The states which do not have an international border or lie on the coast.
Answer
Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Telangana.

4. Classify the states into four groups each having common frontiers with
(i) Pakistan (ii) China (iii) Myanmar and (iv) Bangladesh.

Answer

(i) States having common frontiers with Pakistan are Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab,
Rajasthan.
(ii) States having common frontiers with China are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh,
Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
(iii) States having common frontiers with Myanmar are Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland,
Manipur.
(iv) States having common frontiers with Bangladesh are Meghalaya, Assam. West Bengal,
Tripura.

Page No: 6
Excercise
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below :
(i) The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through:
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Orissa
(d) Tripura
(c) Orissa
2. The eastern-most longitude of India is:
(a) 9725E
(b) 687E
(c) 776E
(d) 8232E
(a) 9725E
3. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim have common frontiers with :
(a) China
(b) Bhutan
(c) Nepal
(d) Myanmar
(c) Nepal
4. If you intend to visit the island Kavaratti during your summer vacations, which one of the
following Union Territory of India you will be going to?
(a) Pondicherry
(b) Andaman and Nicobar
(c) Lakshadweep
(d) Diu and Daman
(c) Lakshadweep
5. My friend hails from a country which does not share land boundary with India. Identify the
country.
(a) Bhutan
(b) Tajikistan

(c) Myanmar
(d) Nepal
(b) Tajikistan
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea.
(ii) Name the countries which are larger than India.
(iii) Which island group of India lies to its south-east?
(iv) Which island countries are our southern neighbours?
Answer
(i) Lakshadweep
(ii) Russia, Canada, China, USA, Brazil and Australia.
(iii) Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.
(iv) Maldives, Sri Lanka.
3. The sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh as compared to Gujarat in the west
but the watches show the same time. How does this happen?
Answer
The longitudinal gap between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat is about 30. Due to this,
there is time lag of about two hours between these states. Since Arunachal Pradesh is in
the east hence the sun rises earlier here compared to in Gujarat. The Indian Standard Time
is taken from the time of Standard Meridian of India and hence the watches show the same
time in both the states.
4. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great
significance. Why?
Answer
The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great
significance because It has given India a strategic advantage due to the Trans Indian ocean routes which
connect the countries of Europe in the West and the countries of East Asia.
This helps India to establish close contact with West Asia, Africa and Europe from the
Western coast and with the Southeast and East Asia from the Eastern coast.
The vast coastline and the natural harbours have benefitted India in carrying out trade

and commerce with its neighbouring and distant countries since ancient times.
It has given India a distinct climate than the rest of the Asian Continent.
No other country has such a long coastline on the Indian Ocean as India. It is Indias
eminent position in the Indian Ocean which has given the name of an Ocean after it.
Map Skills
1. Identify the following with the help of map reading.
(i) The island groups of India lying in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
(ii) The countries constituting Indian Subcontinent.
(iv) The states through which the Tropic of Cancer passes.
(iv) The northernmost latitude in degrees.
(v) The southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland in degrees.
(vi) The eastern and the western most longitudes in degrees.
(vii) The place situated on the three seas.
(viii)The strait separating Sri Lanka and India.
(ix) The Union Territories of India.
Answer

(i) Lakshadweep
(ii) Countries which make the Indian subcontinent are Pakistan in the north-west, India at
the core, Nepal in the north, Bhutan in the north-east and Bangladesh in the east.
(iii) Tropic of Cancer passes through the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram.

(iv) 376' N

(v) 84' N

(vi) Western - 687' E, Eastern - 9725' E

(vii) Kanyakumari
(viii) The Palk Strait.

(ix) Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu,
Delhi, Lakshadweep, Puducherry (Pondicherry).

Study Material and Notes of Ch 1 India - Size and Location Class 9th Geography

Topics in the chapter:

India's Location
Its Size
India and the World
Its neighbours
Introduction: India is one of the oldest civilisations and have a remarkable history. After
Independence from British rule, it achieved multi-faceted socio-economic progress. Also
made a remarkable progress in the field of agriculture, industry, technology and overall
economic development.
India's Location
Lies entirely in Northern hemisphere between latitudes 84' N and 376' N
and longitudes 687' E and 9725' E.
Divided by Tropic of cancer (2330' N) in almost two equal parts.

 In Southeast, Andaman and Nicobar islands lie in Bay of Bengal.

In Southwest, Lakshadweep islands lie in Arabian Sea.
Its Size
Total Area of India is 3.28 million square km which is 2.4 percent of the total area of the
world.
It is seventh largest country in the world in terms of landmass.
It has land boundary about 15,200 km and the total length of the coast line of the mainland
including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands is 7,516.6 km.
In the northwest, north and north east of India, young folds mountains bounds it.
South of about 22 north latitude, India narrows and finally extends towards the Indian
Ocean. It also divides it into two seas, the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal
on its east.
The latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the mainland is about 30.

Indias east-west extent appears to be smaller than the north-south extent.

The time along the Standard Meridian (8230' E) passing through Mirzapur in UP is taken
as the Indian Standard Time for whole country.
The time gap between Arunachal Pradesh present in the east and Gujarat present in the
west is about 2 hours. The latitudinal extent influences the duration of day and night, as one
moves from south to north.
India and the World
India is located in the centre of the World between East and the West Asia.
The routes across the Indian ocean which connect the countries of Europe in the West
and the countries of East Asia provide a strategic central location to India.
The Deccan Peninsula* helps India to establish close contact with West Asia, Africa and
Europe from the western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast.

 The Ocean which is south of India given name Indian Ocean as no other country has a
long coastline on the Indian Ocean as India has.
The land routes of India are much older than sea route. Various passes across mountains
in the north have provided passages to the ancient travellers as ocean limited such
interaction for a long time.
The land routes helped India in the exchange of ideas and commodities since ancient
times.
India have propagated the ideas of the Upanishads and the Ramayana, the stories of
Panchtantra, the Indian numerals and the decimal system as well as given spices, muslin
and other merchandise to different countries.
Also, the influence of Greek sculpture, and the architectural styles of dome and minarets
from West Asia can be seen in different parts of India.
Its neighbours
India is comprised of 29 states and 7 union territories and shares its land boundary with:
Northwest: Pakistan and Afghanistan
North: China, Nepal, Bhutan
East: Myanmar and Bangladesh
South: 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
Maldives Islands are situated to the south of the Lakshadweep Islands.
* A peninsula is a piece of land that is bordered by water on three sides but connected to
mainland on one side.
Do You Know from Chapter
The southernmost point of the Indian Union Indira Point got submerged under the sea
water in 2004 during the Tsunami.
Since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Indias distance from Europe has been
reduced by 7,000 km.
Before 1947, there were two types of states in India the provinces and the Princely
states.
Provinces were ruled directly by British officials who were appointed by the Viceroy.
Princely states were ruled by local, hereditary rulers, who acknowledged sovereignity in
return for local autonomy.
Important Map

Extra Questions and MCQs from Chapter India - Size and Location

1. Discuss the location of India.

Answer
India lie entirely in northern hemisphere between latitudes 84'N and 376'N and longitudes
687'E and 9725'E. Tropic of Cancer which passes through India divides the country into

almost two equal halves.

2. What is longitudinal extent of India? State its implications.
Answer
The longitudinal extent of India is between 687' E and 9725' E. Its implications are:
This is useful in identifying geographical location of India on the map.
The time lag is also decided by its longitudinal extent. India has longitudinal extent of 30
so there is time difference of 2 hours in local time between the eastern and western limits as
every degree equals to 4 minutes.
3. Name the two islands of Indian mainland.
Answer
The two islands are:
Andaman and Nicobar islands located in Bay of Bengal in the southeast.
Lakshadweep islands located in Arabian sea in the southwest.
4. Name the southernmost point of the Indian Union and describe its present situation.
Answer
Indira Point is the southernmost point of the Indian Union located in the Andaman and
Nicobar islands which got submerged under the sea water in 2004 during the Tsunami.
5. Briefly describe the size of India.
Answer
Total landmass of India is has an area of 3.28 million square km. which accounts for about
2.4 per cent of the total geographical area of the world. It is the seventh largest country in
the world in terms of landmass. 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.
6. What is the Standard Meridian of India and where does it pass?
Answer
The Standard Meridian of India is 8230 E which passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.

7. Why 8230 E is selected as Standard Meridian of India?

Answer
8230 E is selected as Standard Meridian of India because:
It almost passes through the center of the country.
It is exactly 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT.
It is multiple of 730 as globe has 24 time zones, each of 15 longitudes so local time in
each zone at the middle longitude (divided by 730') is taken as Standard Time.
8. What is the importance of Standard Meridian of India?
Answer
There is two hours difference between the eastern most and western most part of India. The
local time at Arunachal Pradesh would be at least 2 hours ahead of Gujarat. Therefore, to
maintain a uniform time throughout the country Standard meridian is important. This helps
in avoiding confusion among people regarding timing of trains, flights and telecast of various
programs.
9. How does India occupy an important strategic position in South Asia?
Answer
India occupy an important strategic position in South Asia due to following reasons:
The Indian landmass has a central location between the East and the West Asia.
The trans Indian Ocean routes which connect the countries of Europe in the West and
the countries of East Asia provide a strategic central location to India.
The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, thus helping India to establish
close contact with West Asia, Africa and Europe from the western coast and with Southeast
and East Asia from the eastern coast.
10. Why Indian Ocean named after country, India? Give reasons.
Answer
The Indian Ocean named after country, India because:
No other country has a long coastline on the Indian Ocean as India has.
The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean has provided India a
strategic location of great significance along the trans-Indian Ocean route. It is Indias
eminent position in the Indian Ocean which justifies the naming of the ocean after India.

11. What is importance of Suez canal?

Answer
The opening of Suez canal reduced the distance of India from Europe by 7000 km.
12. What role Indian land route play in relationship of India with other countries?
Answer
The Indian land routes are much older than her maritime contacts.
The various passes across the mountains in the north have provided passages to the
ancient travellers, while the oceans restricted such interaction for a long time.
These routes have contributed in the exchange of ideas and commodities since ancient
times. The ideas of the Upanishads and the Ramayana, the stories of Panchtantra, the
Indian numerals and the decimal system thus could reach many parts of the world.
The spices, muslin and other merchandise were taken from India to different countries.
On the other hand, the influence of Greek sculpture, and the architectural styles of dome
and minarets from West Asia can be seen in different parts of India.
13. Why India is often called subcontinent?
Answer
India is often called Indian Subcontinent because:
It has distinct geographical features separated from other Asian countries by the majestic
Himalayas and its extensions.
The climate of Indian subcontinent is characterised by monsoon type of climate.
It has its own culture as distinct from the rest of Asia.
14. Name the countries who shares boundary with India with their location.
Answer
The countries who shares its land boundaries with India are Pakistan and Afghanistan in the
northwest, China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan in the north and Myanmar and Bangladesh in
the east.
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
1. The Indian mainland extends between latitudes:

(i) 84'N and 386'N

(ii) 86'N and 376'N
(iii) 84'N and 376'N
(iv) 84'N and 378'N
2. Indian Standard Time is how many hours ahead or behind from Greenwich Mean Time
(i) Behind 5 hours 30 minutes
(ii) Ahead 5 hours 30 minutes
(iii) Behind 6 hours 30 minutes
(iv) Ahead 6 hours 30 minutes
3. From Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh there is a time lag of:
(i) three hours
(ii) two hours
(iii) two and half hours
(iv) four hours
4. Which longitude which has been selected as Standard Meridian of India?
(i) 684' E
(ii) 726' E
(iii) 8230' E
(iv) 9725' E
5. The factor which influences the duration of the day and night, as one moves from south
to north?
(i) Longitudinal extent
(ii) Latitudinal extent
(iii) Tropic of Cancer
(iv) Standard Meridian
6. Choose the place which is located on the three seas
(i) Kavaratti
(ii) Kanyakumari
(iii) Visakhapatnam
(iv) Kochi
7. Indias total area accounts for what percentage of the geographical area of the world?
(i) 2.8%
(ii) 2.6%
(iii) 2.4%
(iv) 3.2%

8. Which one of the following straits separates India from Sri Lanka?
(i) George Strait
(ii) Palk Strait
(iii) Bering Starit
(iv) Sunda Strait
9. The oldest land routes which provided India relationships with other countries?
(i) Sea routes
(ii) Land routes
(iii) Rail routes
(iv) Air routes
10. What is the length of Indian coastline?
(i) 7854 km
(ii) 7416 km
(iii) 8456 km
(iv) 7516 km
Answers of MCQs
1. (iii) 84'N and 376'N
2. (ii) Ahead 5 hours 30 minutes
3. (ii) two hours
4. (iii) 8230' E
5. (ii) Latitudinal extent
6. (ii) Kanyakumari
7. (iii) 2.4%
8. (ii) Palk Strait
9. (ii) Land routes
10. (iv) 7516 km

Lesson 2 : Physical Features Of India

NCERT Solutions for Class 9th: Ch 2 Physical Features of India Geography Social Studies
(S.St)

Find Out
Page No: 11
1. The names of the glaciers and passes that lie in Great Himalayas
Answer
Glaciers in the Great Himalayas Gangotri, Chaturangi, Bhagirathi, Kharak, Satopanth,
Kamet, Milam and Pindari.
Passes in the Great Himalayas Karakoram pass, Shipkila pass, Nathula, Bomdila pass.

2. The name of the states where highest peaks are located.

Answer

Mountain peaks - States

Kanchenjunga - Sikkim
Nanga Parbat - Jammu and Kashmir
Nanda Devi - Uttarakhand
Kamet - Uttarakhand
Namcha Barwa - Assam

Page No: 15
Excercise
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below :

(i) A landmass bounded by sea on three sides is referred to as

(a) Coast
(b) Island
(c) Peninsula
(d) None of the above.
(c) Peninsula
(ii) Mountain ranges in the eastern part of India forming its boundaries with Myanmar
are collectively called :
(a) Himachal
(b) Uttaranchal
(c) Purvanchal
(d) None of the above
(c) Purvanchal
(iii) The western coastal strip south of Goa is referred to as
(a) Coromandel
(b) Konkan
(c) Kannad
(d) Northern Circar
(b) Kannad

(iv) The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is

(a) Anai Mudi
(b) Kanchenjunga
(c) Mahendragiri
(d) Khasi
(c) Mahendragiri

2. Answer the following questions briefly:

(i) What are tectonic plates?
(ii) Which continents of today were parts of the Gondwana land?
(iii) What is bhabar?
(iv) Name the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south.
(v) Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
(vi) Name the island group of India having coral origin.
Answer
(i) Large fragments of the Earths crust torn due to the rising currents are called tectonic
plates.
(ii) South America, part of Africa (south Africa including Madagascar), part of Asia (India,
Arabia, Malaya), Australia and Antarctica continents were parts of the Gondwana land.
(iii) The Bhabar is that narrow belt of the plain which is covered with pebbles and lies along
the foothills of the Shiwaliks from the Indus to the Teesta.
(iv) The Great or the Inner Himalayas or the Himadri, the Middle Himalayas or the
Himachal, and
the Outer Himalayas or the Shivaliks.
(v) The Malwa plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhya Ranges.
(vi) Lakshadweep Islands is the island group of India having coral origin.
Page No: 16
3. Distinguish between
(i) Converging and Diverging Tectonic Plates.
(ii) Bhangar and Khadar
(iii) Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Answer
(i)

Converging Tectonic Plates

Diverging Tectonic Plates

When tectonic plates move towards each other, they are

called converging plates.

When tectonic plates move away from each

other, they are called diverging plates.

They collide or crumble or one of them slides under the

other while moving towards each other.

They do not collide or crumble while moving

away from each other.

Converging plates cause folds.

Diverging plates cause fractures

in the crust.

(ii)
Bhangar

Khadar

These are the older alluvium or old soil and form the
largest part of the Northern Plains.

The newer and younger deposits of the flood

plains. Renewed every Year.

Lies above flood plains of rivers.

Is newer, younger deposit of flood

Presents a terrace like feature.

Contains calcerous deposits locally

known as Kankar.

Less fertile

More fertile

(iii)
Western Ghats

Eastern Ghats

Mark the western edge of the Deccan

Plateau

Mark the eastern edge of the Deccan Plateau

Continuous, can be crossed through the

passes only.

Discontinuous, irregular and dissected by rivers draining

into the Bay of Bengal.

Higher; average elevation is 9001600

meters

Lower; average elevation is 600 meters

This range is a source of many large rivers.

No big river originates from this range.

It experiences orographic rain mostly in

summer due to the summer monsoons. The
climate is hot and moist.

It receives rain both in summer and winter, especially in

winter through winter monsoons. However, here the rain
is lesser than the western strip.

Soil is highly fertile. Rice, spices, rubber and

fruits like coconuts, cashew nuts etc. are
grown

Soil is not as fertile as western ghats. Rice, ground nuts,

cotton, tobacco, coconuts etc. are grown

4. Describe how the Himalayas were formed.

Answer
According to the Theory of Plate Tectonics, the Earth's crust was initially a single, giant
super-continent called Pangea. Its northern part was the Angara land and the southern part
was the Gondwana land. The convectional currents split the crust into a number of pieces,
thus leading to the drifting of the Indo-Australian plate after being separated from the
Gondwana land, towards north. The northward drift resulted in the collision of the plate with
the much larger Eurasian Plate. Due to this collision, the sedimentary rocks which were
accumulated in the geosyncline known as theTethys were folded to form the mountain
system of western Asia and Himalaya.
5. Which are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the relief of the Himalayan
region with that of the Peninsular Plateau.
Answer
The major physiography divisions of India are :
(i) The Himalayan Mountains
(ii) The Northern Plains
(iii) The Peninsular Plateau
(iv) The Indian Desert
(v) The Coastal Plains
(vi) The Islands

The Himalayan Region

The Peninsular Plateau

Young fold mountains made from the uplift of

the strata formed by the sedimentary rocks.

Created from igneous and

metamorphic rocks after splitting of
Gondwanaland.

Consists of the loftiest mountains and deep

valleys

Consists of broad and shallow valleys, and

rounded hills

The ranges have I-shaped and U-shaped

valleys.

It has horsts, rift valleys and troughs.

It is the origin of perennial rivers.

It has rainfed, seasonal rivers.

From the point of view of geology, this region

forms an unstable zone

This region forms a stable zone

6. Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.

Answer
The Northern Plains have been formed from the alluvium that the mountain rivers deposited
here. This turned the soil on the surfaced land fertile for growing a rich harvest of variety of
crops. This led to the development of the Indus River Valley Civilisation. The rich soil was
further aided by favourable climate and constant water supply from the rivers. Between the
mouths of the Indus and the Ganga-Brahmaputra, the North Indian Plain covers a distance
of 3200 km. It is 300 to 150 km wide at some places. The North Indian Plains have the
Indus river system in the west and the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system in the east. The
first includes Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Satluj. The Indus flows into the Arabian Sea.
The second includes Ganga, its tributaries and the Brahmaputra which combine as Meghna
as they drain into the Bay of Bengal. They form the worlds largest and fastest growing
delta. The difference in relief has led the North Indian Plains to be divided into four zones :
(i) Bhabhar, (ii) Tarai, (iii) Bangar and (iv) Khadar.
7. Write short notes on the following.
(i) The Indian Desert
(ii) The Central Highlands
(iii) The Island groups of India
Answer
(i) The Indian desert lies towards the western margins of the Aravali Hills. It is an undulating

sandy plain covered with sand dunes called barchans. This region receives very low rainfall
below 150 mm per year (15 cm) . It has arid climate with low vegetation cover. Streams
appear during the rainy season. Soon after they disappear into the sand as they do not
have enough water to reach the sea. Luni is the only large river in this region.
(ii) The part of the peninsular plateau lying to the north of the Narmada River covering a
major area of the Malwa plateau is known as the Central Highlands. The Vindhyan range is
bounded by the Central Highlands on the south and the Aravali range on the northwest. The
flow of the rivers draining this region, namely the Chambal, the Sind, the Betwa and Ken is
from southwest to northeast, thus indicating the slope. The Central Highlands are wider in
the west but narrower in the east. 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.
(iii) India has 2 main island groups, namely Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar
island.
The Lakshadweep consists of many small islands located opposite the Kerala coast in the
Arabian Sea. The islands of this group are formed of coral deposits called atolls in
Malayalam which refer to their ring or horse-shoe shape. The Andaman and Nicobar
Islands,
on the other hand, are larger in size. They are more in number and more widely scattered.
There are about 200 islands in the Andaman group and 19 islands in the Nicobar group.
Map Skills
On an outline map of India show the following.
(i)Mountain and hill ranges the Karakoram, the Zaskar, the Patkai Bum, the Jaintia, the
Vindhya range, the Aravali, and the Cardamom hills.
(ii) Peaks K2, Kanchenjunga, Nanga Parbat and the Anai Mudi.
(iii) Plateaus, Chotanagpur and Malwa
(iv) The Indian Desert, Western Ghats, Lakshadweep Islands
Answer

Project/Activity

Locate the peaks, passes, ranges, plateaus, hills, and duns hidden in the puzzle.Try to find
where these features are located. You may start your search horizontally, vertically or
diagonally.

Answer

Vertical
CHOTANAGPUR
ARAVALI
KONKAN
JAINTIA

MALWA
NILGIRI
SHIPKILA
VINDHYA
BOMDILA
SAHYADRI
SATPURA
Horizontal
NATHULA
CARDEMOM
GARO
KANCHENJUNGA
ANAIMUDI
EVEREST
PATLI

Lesson 3 : Drainage
NCERT Solutions for Class 9th: Ch 3 Drainage Geography Social Studies (S.St)

Find Out
Page No: 17
1. Which river has the largest basin in India?
Answer
Ganga river has the largest basin in India
Page No: 22
1. The name of the biggest waterfall in India.
Answer
The Kunchikal Falls in Karnataka.

Page No: 23

Excercise

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:
(i) Which one of the following describes the drainage patterns resembling the branches of a
tree?
(a) Radial
(b) Dendritic
(c) Centrifugal
(d) Trellis

 (b) Dendritic
Page No: 24
(ii) In which of the following States is the Wular Lake located?
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Punjab
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
(d) Jammu and Kashmir
(iii) The river Narmada has its source at:
(a) Satpura
(b) Brahmagir
(c) Amarkantak
(d) Slopes of the Western Ghats
(c) Amarkantak
(iv) Which one of the following lakes is a salt water lake?
(a) Sambhar
(b) Dal
(c) Wular
(d) Gobind Sagar
(a) Sambhar
(v) Which one of the following is the longest river of the Peninsular India?
(a) Narmada
(b) Krishna
(c) Godavari
(d) Mahanadi
(c) Godavari
(vi) Which among the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
(a) Damodar
(b) Tungabhadra
(c) Krishna
(d) Tapi
(d) Tapi
2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) What is meant by a water divide? Give an example.

(ii) Which is the largest river basin in India?
(iii) Where do the rivers Indus and Ganga have their origin?
(iv) Name two headstreams of the Ganga. Where do they to form the Ganga?
(v) Why does Brahmaputra in the Tibetan part have less silt despite a longer course?
(vi) Which two peninsular rivers flow through troughs? What features do they form while
entering the sea?
(vii) State some economic benefits of rivers and lakes.
Answer
(i) Any upland or a mountain separating two adjoining drainage basins is known as water
divide. An example of water divide is the Western Ghats.
(ii) The Ganga river basin is the largest river basin in India.
(iii) The Indus river has its origin in Tibet near the Mansarovar Lake while the Ganga River
has its origin in Gangotri Glacier in Uttaranchal.
(iv) Alaknanda and Bhagirathi are the two headstreams of the Ganga. They both meet to
form the Ganga at Devprayag.
(v) The Brahmaputra river, which is known as Tsangpo in Tibet, receives very little volume
of water in Tibet so it carries little silt there. But once it enters India, Brahmaputra is fed by
heavy rains, and it carries lot of water and silt.
(vi) The two rivers that flow through troughs are Narmada and Tapi. They form estuaries
while
entering the sea.
(vii) River is very beneficial for agricultural purpose and generating hydroelectricity. It provides fisheries, inland channels for transport. Lakes like the Sambhar Lake
provide edible salt. They also help develop tourism and provide recreation.
3. Below are given names of a few lakes of India. Group those under two categories natural and created by human beings.
(a) Wular (b) Dal (c) Nainital (d) Bhimtal (e) Gobind Sagar (f) Loktak (g) Barapani (h)
Chilika (i) Sambhar (j) Rana Pratap Sagar (k) Nizam Sagar (l) Pulicat (m) Nagarjuna Sagar
(n) Hirakud

Answer
Natural Lakes: Wular, Dal, Nainital, Bhimtal, Chilika, Pulicat, Sambhar, Barapani, Loktak
Created by human beings: Gobind Sagar, Hirakud, Rana Pratap Sagar, Nagarjuna
Sagar, Nizam Sagar
4. Discuss the significant difference between the Himalayan and the Peninsular rivers.
Answer
Himalayan Rivers

Peninsular Rivers

Orginate from Himalayas

Originate in the Decaan Plateau

These are perennial rivers.

These are seasonal rivers.

They receive water from rain as well as from

melted snow from the lofty mountains.

These rivers are dependent upon rainfall. During the dry

season, even the large rivers have reduced flow of water

5. Compare the east-flowing and the west-flowing rivers of the Peninsular Plateau.
Answer
East Flowing Rivers

West Flowing Rivers

Major rivers flowing eastwards: Mahanadi,

Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri

Only two long rivers flow westwards:

Narmada, Tapi

These rivers drain in the Bay of Bengal.

These rivers drain in the Arabian sea.

Carry greater amount of sediments, so form

deltas at their mouths

Carry lesser amount of sediments, so form

estuaries at their mouths

Greater number of tributaries

Lesser number of tributaries

These river flow not through very deep

canals.

These rivers flow in troughs.

6. Why are rivers important for the countrys economy?

Answer
The rivers important for the countrys economy because:
It is source of natural fresh water which is required for the survival of most of the animals
including human.
The water from the rivers is used for various domestic, industrial and agricultural
purposes.
The presence of rivers boosts trade and commerce by helping in the easy transport of
goods. They are also a potential source of energy.
The water from rivers is used for running hydro-electric dams.
It is also used for navigation and transport thus, important for commercial activities.
It also provide fishing and great scenic and recreational value. Thus,serve as good
tourist spots.
Map Skills
(i) On an outline map of India mark and label the following rivers: Ganga, Satluj, Damodar,
Krishna, Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi, and Brahmaputra.
(ii) On an outline map of India mark and label the following lakes: Chilika, Sambhar, Wular,
Pulicat, Kolleru.
Answer

Page No: 25
Project/Activity
Across
1. Nagarjuna Sagar is a river valley project. Name the river?
2. The longest river of India.
3. The river which originates from a place known as Beas Kund.
4. The river which rises in the Betul district of MP and flows westwards.

5. The river which was known as the Sorrow if West Bengal.

6. The river on which the reservoir for Indira Gandhi canal has been built.
7. The river whose source lies near Rohtang Pass.
8. The longest river of Peninsular India.
Down
9. A tributary of Indus originating from Himachal Pradesh.
10. The river flowing through fault, drains into the Arabian Sea.
11. A river of South India, which receives rain water both in summer and winter.
12. A river which flows through Ladakh, Gilgit and Pakistan.
13. A important river of the Indian desert.
14. The river which joins Chenab in Pakistan.
15. A river which rises at Yamunotri glacier.

Answer

Lesson 4 : Climate
NCERT Solutions for Class 9th: Ch 4 Climate Geography Social Studies (S.St)

Find Out
Page No: 27
1. Find out why the houses in Rajasthan have thick walls and flat roofs.
Answer
Houses in Rajasthan have thick walls and flat roofs. The thick walls do not allow the heat to
get into the houses while the flat roofs help to retain the little water that comes as rain in the
desert.
2. Find out why is it that the houses in the Tarai region and in Goa and Mangalore have
sloping roofs.
Answer
The houses in Tarai region, Goa and Mangalore have sloping roofs so that the rainwater
due to heavy rains in these area flow off the roof.
3. Why are houses in Assam built on stilts?
Answer
The houses are built on stilts in Assam as there is danger of floods and wild animals in large
areas of Assam.
4. Why most of the worlds deserts are located in the western margins of continents in the
subtropics?
Answer
5. Why most of the worlds deserts are located in the western margins of continents in the
subtropics?
Answer

Most of the worlds deserts are located in the western margins of continents in the
subtropics because trade winds that blow in the region shed their moisture on the eastern
side.They become dry by the time they reach the western margin of the continent. Cold
ocean currents also tend to stabilise the air over the coast and inhibit cloud formation.
Page No: 39
Excercise
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below :
(i) Which of the following places receives the highest rainfall ?
(a) Guwahati
(b) Mawsynram
(c) Kolkata
(d) None of these
(b) Mawsynram
(ii) The wind blowing in the northern plains in summers is known as:
(a) Kaalbaisakhi
(b) Loo
(c) Trade winds
(d) None of the above
(b) Loo
(iii) Which one of the following causes rainfall during winters in northwestern part of India?
(a) Cyclonic depression
(b) Retreating monsoon
(c) Western disturbances
(d) Southwest monsoon
(a) Cyclonic depression
(iv) Monsoon arrives in India approximately in:
(a) Early May
(b) Early July
(c) Early June
(d) Early August
(c) Early June
(v) Which one of the following characterises the cold weather in India?
(a) Warm days and warm nights

(b) Warm days and cold nights

(c) Cool days and cold nights
(d) Cold days and warm nights
(c) Cool days and cold nights
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What are the controls affecting the climate of India?
(ii) Why does India have a monsoon type of climate?
(iii) Which part of India does experience the highest diurnal range of temperature and why?
(iv) Which winds account for rainfall along the Malabar coast?
(v) What are Jet streams and how do they affect the climate of India?
(vi) Define monsoons. What do you understand by break in monsoon?
(vii) Why is the monsoon considered a unifying bond?
Answer
(i) The elements affecting the climate are temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind,
humidity and precipitation.
(ii) India comes in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) also with various other
factors, like the El Nino, Jet Stream and Coriolois Force are the reasons for monsoon type
of climate in India.
(iii) Northwestern part of India experiences the highest diurnal range of temperature. This
happens because of the presence of the Thar Desert and also because this region does not
have the moderating influence of the ocean.
(iv) Malabar Coast gets rains from depressions and cyclones.
(v) Jet streams are high velocity westerly winds blowing through a narrow zone in the upper
troposphere. The westerly flows are responsible for the western disturbances experienced
in the north and north-western parts of the country. The easterly jet streams cause tropical
depressions during the monsoon as well as October-November months.
(vi) Monsoon refers to the seasonal reversal in the wind direction. Monsoon break refers to
the happening of wet and dry spells during the rainy season. The monsoon rains take place
only for a few days at a time.
(vii) Although there are wide variations in weather patterns across India, the monsoon
brings some unifying influences on India. The Indian landscape, its flora and fauna, etc. are
highly influenced by the monsoon. The entire agricultural calendar in India is governed by
the monsoon. Most of the festivals in India are related to agricultural cycle. These festivals
may be known by different names in different parts of the country, but their celebration is
decided by the monsoon.

3. Why does the rainfall decrease from the east to the west in Northern India.
Answer
The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon winds moves towards northeast and return
westwards covering the northern plains. While they move towards west, their moisture
contains tends to reduce with subsequent rains. Hence the rainfall decreases from east to
west in northern India.
4. Give reasons as to why :
(i) Seasonal reversal of wind direction takes place over the Indian subcontinent.
(ii) The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months.
(iii) The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall.
(iv) The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones.
(v) Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats are droughtprone.
Answer
(i) Seasonal reversal of wind direction over the Indian subcontinent takes place due to
pressure differential. El Nino has major role to play in the seasonal reversal of wind
direction over the Indian subcontinent.
(ii) The monsoon begins from the first week of June and advances quite rapidly to cover
almost the whole country by mid-July. Hence, the bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated
over the months of a few months; mainly June to August.
(iii) The Tami Nadu coast receives winter rainfall because of movement of low-pressure
conditions to the Bay of Bengal.
(iv) The Bay of Bengal is the centre of various pressure changes and hence there is always
a chance of development of cyclone. Due to this, the delta region of the eastern coast is
frequently struck by cyclones.
(v) The parts fall in the rain shadow area of the Aravalli. Hence, they are drought prone and
don't receive much of rainfall.
5. Describe the regional variations in the climatic conditions of India with the help of suitable
examples.
Answer
There is regional variation in the climatic conditions of India. Temperature and Precipitation
vary from place to place and season to season.
In summers the temperature rises up to 50C in parts of Rajasthan, whereas it may be
around 20C in Pahalgam in Kashmir.
In winters night temperature in Dress in Kashmir may be minus 45C, whereas in

Tiruvanantapuram in Kerala may have a temperature of 20C.

In Andaman Islands the difference between day and night temperature may be hardly 7
- 8C.
Coastal areas experience less contrast in the temperature, whereas seasonal contrasts
are more in the interior of the country.
There is decrease in rainfall generally from east to west in the northern plains.
Most part of India get rainfall from June September, whereas Coromandel Coast gets
rainfall in winter season.
6. Discuss the mechanism of monsoons.
Answer
Following are the factors responsible for the mechanism of monsoon:
The Sun causes differential heating and cooling of land and water. This creates low
pressure on the landmass of India and high pressure over the ocean surface.
The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is normally positioned about 5N of the
equator. It shifts over the Ganga plains during summer. It is also known as the monsoon
trough during the monsoon season.
The high pressure area, east of Madagascar is approximately 20S over the Indian
Ocean. This area affects the Indian Monsoon.
The Tibetan plateau gets intensely heated during summer. This results in strong vertical
air currents and formation of high pressure over the plateau. This high pressure zone is
about 9 km above the sea level.
The westerly jet stream move to the north of the Himalayas, and the tropical easterly jet
stream moves over the Indian Peninsula during summer.
The periodic change in pressure conditions between Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean
that is known as the Southern Oscillation or SO also affects the monsoon.
The difference in pressure over Tahiti and Darwin is computed to predict the intensity of
the monsoons. Tahiti (18S/149W) lies in the Pacific Ocean and Darwin (1230'S/131E)
lies in northern Australia. If the pressure differences are negative, it means a below average
and late monsoon.
7. Give an account of weather conditions and characteristics of the cold season.
Answer
Following are the features of the cold season:
The winter season begins from mid-November and till February; in northern India.
December and January are the coldest months in the northern part of India.
The temperature ranges between 10-15C in the northern plains, while it ranges between 2425C in Chennai.
The northeast trade winds prevail over the country in this season. As these winds blow from land
to sea, most parts of the country experience a dry season.
The weather is usually marked by clear sky, low temperatures and low humidity and weak
variable winds.
The inflow of the cyclonic disturbances from the west and the northwest is a characteristic
feature of the cold weather over the northern plains.

 These low-pressure systems originate over the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia and move
into India. They cause winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains.
The winter rainfall is in small amount but is very important for the rabi crop. This rainfall is locally
known as mahawat.
The peninsular region does not get a well-defined winter because of the moderating influence of
the sea.
8. Give the characteristics and effects of the monsoon rainfall in India.
Answer
Characteristics of the monsoon rainfall in India:
The duration of the monsoon varies from 100 to 120 days from early June to midSeptember.
Around the time of its arrival, the normal rainfall increase suddenly and continues
regularly for several days. This is called the 'burst' of the monsoon.
They are distinguished from the pre-monsoon showers because of their increase in
rainfall amount and regularity.
The monsoon arrives at the southern tip of the Indian Peninsular generally by the first
week of June.
The rainfall is unevenly distributed across the country.
Effects of the monsoon rainfall in India:
Agriculture in India largely depends on Indian monsoons for water. Late, Low or
excessive rains have a negative impact upon crops.
Due to uneven distribution of rainfall across the country, there are few places that are
drought prone and few are flood affected.
The monsoon provides India with a diverse climatic pattern. Hence, in spite of the
presence of great regional variations, it has a unifying influence upon the country and its
people.
Map Skills
On an outline map of India, show the following.
(i) Areas receiving rainfall over 400 cm.
(ii) Areas receiving less than 20 cm of rainfall.
(iii) The direction of the south-west monsoon over India.
Answer

Lesson 5 : Natural Vegetation And Wildlife

NCERT Solutions for Class 9th: Ch 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Geography Social
Studies (S.St)

Find Out
Page No: 43
1. Why are the southern slopes in Himalayan region covered with thick vegetation cover as
compared to northern slopes of the same hills?
Answer
The northern slopes of the hills in Himalayan region are at high altitude and have low
temperature or are snow covered. This does not allow much vegetation. In the southern part
of the hills there are plains and valleys watered by rivers and with fertile soil and pleasant
temperature levels all required for dense growth of vegetation.
2. Why have the western slopes of the Western Ghats covered with thick forests and not the
eastern slopes?
Answer
The westward facing slopes receive much more rain than the eastward facing slopes and
the Western Ghats are considerably wetter than the dry Deccan to the east.

Page No: 51
Excercise
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:

(i) To which one of the following types of vegetation does rubber belong to?
(a) Tundra
(b) Himalayan

(c) Tidal
(d) Tropical Evergreen
(d) Tropical Evergreen
(ii) Cinchona trees are found in the areas of rainfall more than:
(a) 100 cm
(b) 70 cm
(c) 50 cm
(d) Less than 50 cm
(a) 100 cm
(iii) In which of the following states is the Simplipal bioreserve located?
(a) Punjab
(b) Delhi
(c) Orissa
(d) West Bengal
(c) Orissa
(iv) Which one of the following bio-reserves of India is not included in the world network of
bioreserve?
(a) Manas
(b) Gulf of Mannar
(c) Sunderbans
(d) Nanda Devi
(a) Manas
Page No: 52
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Define an ecosystem.
(ii) What factors are responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India?
(iii) What is a bio-reserve? Give two examples.
(iv) Name two animals having habitat in different types of vegetation.

Answer

(i) All the plants and animals in an area are interdependent on each other. The plants and
animals, alongwith their physical environment make the ecosystem. Interrelation between
plants and animals in the natural environment is called Ecosystem.

(ii) Factors responsible for the distribution of plants and animals in India are:
(a) Relief: Land and soil
(b) Climate: Temperature, Humidity, Photoperiod and Precipitation.

(iii) Bio-reserves are the large areas where vegetation, wildlife and the environment are
conserved to preserve the biological diversity. In totality there are 14 bio-reserves in India.
For e.g. Sunderbans Bio-reserve in West Bengal and Nanda Devi Bio-reserve in
Uttaranchal.

(iv) Tropical animals: Tiger, Elephant

Montane animals: Snow Leopard, Spotted dear
3. Distinguish between
(i) Flora and Fauna
(ii) Tropical Evergreen and Deciduous forests

Answer
(i)
Flora
The Plant species of particular region or period
are called Flora.

(ii)

Fauna
The animal species of particular region or period
are called Flora.

Tropical Evergreen Forests

Tropical Deciduous Forests

These are also called Rain Forest

These are also called Monsoon

Forest.

Since the region is warm and wet throughout the

year, there is no definite time for the trees to shed
their leaves

The trees shed their leaves for

about six to eight weeks in dry
summer

Examples: ebony, mahogany, rubber, rosewood

Examples: teak, bamboo,

sandalwood, peepal, neem

Common animals found in these forests are

elephants and monkeys.

Common animals found in these

forests are lions and tigers

Present in areas receiving more than 200 cm of

rainfall

Present in areas receiving rainfall

between 200 cm and 70 cm

4. Name different types of vegetation found in India and describe the vegetation of high
altitudes.
Answer
The different types of vegetation found in India are:
(i) Tropical Evergreen Forests
(ii) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(iii) Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
(iv) Montane Forests
(v) Mangrove Forests
Alpine vegetation is found at places over 3,600 m in height. The trees common to these are
silver fir, junipers, pines and birches. The trees get stunted as they reach the snow line.
There are shrubs and scrubs that ultimately merge into Alpine grasslands. Tundra
vegetation is limited to lichens and mosses.
5. Quite a few species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Why?
Answer
Few species of plants and animals are endangered in India because of:
Increase in population.
Urbanization and Industrialization.

 Large scale deforestation.

Pollution.
Hunting for pleasure and commercial purpose, etc.
6. Why has India a rich heritage of flora and fauna?
Answer
India has a rich heritage of flora and fauna due to following reasons:
India is a diverse country with different relief features (i.e. mountains, plateaus, plains,
etc.) Different types of vegetations are found in these regions and the vegetations support
different type of animals.
Availability of different types of soil providing base for different type of vegetations.
Variation in the climatic conditions (Temperature, humidity, etc.). Climate of India differs
from north to south and east to west. Thus, supporting large variety of flora and fauna.
India has a monsoon type of climate where rainfall varies from 20 cms to 300 cms
distributed through out the year supporting large amount of flora and fauna.
Variation in the duration of sunlight at different places due to difference in the latitude
and altitude.
Map Skills
On an outline map of India, label the following.
(i) Areas of Evergreen Forests
(ii)Areas of Dry Deciduous Forests
(iii)Two national parks each in Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of the
Country
Answer

Study Material and Notes of Ch 5 Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Class 9th Geography

Topics in the Chapter

 Introduction
Three factors for biodiversity
Relief
Climate
Ecosystem
Importance of Forests
Types of vegetation
Tropical Evergreen Forests
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
Montane Forests
Mangrove Forests
Wildlife
Conservation of flora and fauna
Governmental steps

Introduction

India is one of the twelve mega bio-diversity countries of the world. India occupies 10th
place in the world with about 47,000 plant species and 4th in Asia in plant diversity.

15,000 flowering plants in India constitutes 6 percent in the worlds total number of
flowering plants. India also has approximately 90,000 species of animals as well as a rich
variety of fish in its fresh and marine waters.
A plant community which has grown naturally without human aid is called Natural
vegetation.
Natural vegetation that has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time is called virgin
vegetation.
Flora is used to denote plants of a particular region or period and fauna is species of
animals of a particular region or period. Flora and fauna kingdom constitute biodiversity of a
particular region or period.
Relief, Climate and Ecosystem are three factors for biodiversity.

 Relief
Land: The nature of land influences the type of vegetation. Fertile lands supports
agriculture while undulating and rough terrains have grassland and woodlands which give
shelter to a variety of wild life.
Soil: Different types of soils provide basis for different types of vegetation. The sandy
soils of the desert support cactus and thorny bushes while wet, marshy, deltaic soils support
mangroves and deltaic vegetation. The hill slopes with some depth of soil have conical
trees.
Climate
Temperature: The character and extent of vegetation are mainly determined by
temperature along with humidity in the air, precipitation and soil.
Sunlight: Due to differences in latitude, altitude, season and duration of the day there
is variation in duration of sunlight.
Precipitation (Rains): Areas of heavy rainfall have more dense vegetation as compared
to other areas of less rainfall. In India, almost the entire rainfall is brought in by the
advancing southwest monsoon (June to September) and retreating northeast monsoons.
Ecosystem: All the plants and animals in an area are interdependent and interrelated to
each other in their physical environment, thus, forming an ecosystem.
A very large ecosystem on land having distinct types of vegetation and animal life is called
a biome.
Importance of Forests:
These are renewable resources and play a major role in enhancing the quality of
environment.
They modify local climate, control soil erosion, regulate stream flow, support a variety of
industries, provide livelihood for many communities and offer panoramic or scenic view for
recreation.
It controls wind force and temperature and causes rainfall. It provides humus to the soil
and shelter to the wildlife.
Natural vegetation in India has undergone many changes due to several factors such as

the growing demand for cultivated land, development of industries and mining, urbanisation
and over-grazing of pastures.
Types of Vegetation
Types of vegetation may be identified in our country are:
(i) Tropical Evergreen Forests
(ii) Tropical Deciduous Forests
(iii) Tropical Thorn Forests and Scrubs
(iv) Montane Forests
(v) Mangrove Forests
Tropical Evergreen Forests:
These forests are restricted to heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats and the island
groups of Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar, upper parts of Assam and Tamil Nadu
coast.
They grow in an area of 200 cm of rainfall with a short dry season.
The trees reach great heights up to 60 metres or even above.
These forests have rich vegetation of all kinds trees, shrubs, and creepers which give it
a multilayered structure since the region is warm and wet throughout the year.
The forests appear green all the year round because there is no definite time for trees to
shed their leaves.
Commercially important trees of this forest are ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber and
cinchona.
Common animals found in these forests are elephants, monkey, lemur and deer. Plenty
of birds, bats, sloth, scorpions and snails are also found.
Tropical Deciduous Forests
Most widespread forest in India.
These are also called the monsoon forests and spread over the region receiving rainfall
between 200 cm and 70 cm.
Trees of this forest-type shed their leaves for about six to eight weeks in dry summer.
These forests are further divided into two types: Moist and Dry deciduous.
Moist deciduous: Found in areas receiving rainfall between 200 and 100 cm. Present
mostly in the
eastern part of the country northeastern states, along the foothills of the Himalayas,
Jharkhand, West Orissa and Chhattisgarh, and on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

Teak is the most dominant species of this forest. Commercially important species are
Bamboos, sal, shisham, sandalwood, khair, kusum, arjun, mulberry.
Dry deciduous: Found in areas having rainfall between 100 cm and 70 cm. Present in
the rainier parts of the peninsular plateau and the plains of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. There
are open stretches in which Teak, Sal, Peepal, Neem grow. A large part of this region has
been cleared for cultivation and some parts are used for grazing. Common animals found
are lion, tiger, pig, deer and elephant also huge variety of birds, lizards, snakes, and
tortoises are found here.
Tropical thorn forests and Scrubs
These are found in the region of with less than 70 cm of rainfall.
The natural vegetation consists of thorny trees and bushes. Acacias, palms, euphorbias
and cacti are the main plant species.
Trees are scattered and have long roots penetrating deep into the soil to get moisture.
The stems are succulent to conserve water. Leaves are mostly thick and small to minimize
evaporation.
Common animals are rats, mice, rabbits, fox, wolf, tiger, lion, wild ass, horses and
camels.
Montane Forests
Montane forests have a succession of natural vegetation belts in the same order as we
see from the tropical to the Tundra region.
Between a height of 1000 and 2000 metres, wet temperate type of forests containing
evergreen broad-leaf trees such as oaks and chestnuts are predominate.
Between 1500 and 3000 metres, temperate forests containing coniferous trees like pine,
deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar, are found.
At higher elevations, temperate grasslands are common.
At high altitudes, generally more than 3,600 metres above sea-level, alpine vegetation
found which have silver fir, junipers, pines and birches trees common.
Near snow line, shrubs and scrubs, they merge into the Alpine grasslands which
are used extensively for grazing by nomadic tribes like the Gujjars and the Bakarwals.
At higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of tundra vegetation.
The common animals found in these forests are Kashmir stag, spotted dear, wild sheep,
jack rabbit, Tibetan antelope, yak, snow leopard, squirrels, Shaggy horn wild ibex, bear and
rare red panda, sheep and goats with thick hair.
Mangrove Forests

 These forests are found in the areas of coasts influenced by tides where mud and silt get
accumulated.
Dense mangroves are the common varieties with roots of the plants submerged under
water. These are deltas of the Ganga, the Mahanadi, the Krishna, the Godavari and the
Kaveri
In the Ganga- Brahamaputra delta, sundari trees are found, which provide durable hard
timber.
Palm, coconut, keora, agar, also grow in some parts of the delta.
Royal Bengal Tiger is the famous animal also turtles, crocodiles, gharials and snakes are
found in these forests.
Wildlife
India has about 2,000 species of birds which constitute 13% of the worlds total. There are
2,546 species of fish, which account for nearly 12% of the worlds stock. It also shares
between 5 and 8 percent of the worlds amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
Elephants are found in the hot wet forests of Assam, Karnataka and Kerala.
One-horned rhinoceroses live in swampy and marshy lands of Assam and West Bengal.
Rann of Kachchh is habitat of wild ass and camels are found in Thar desert.
Indian bison, nilgai (blue bull), chousingha (four horned antelope), gazel and different
species of deer are some other animals found in India.
India is the only country in the world that has both tigers and lions. Gir forest in Gujrat is
the natural habitat of lion whereas Tigers are found in the forests of Madhya Pradesh, the
Sundarbans of West Bengal and the Himalayan region.
The Himalayas harbour a hardy range of animals, which survive in extreme cold.
Ladakhs freezing high altitudes are a home to yak, the shaggy horned wild ox weighing
around one tonne, the Tibetan antelope, the bharal (blue sheep), wild sheep, and the
kiang (Tibetan wild ass). The ibex, bear, snow-leopard and very rare red panda are found in
certain parts.
In the rivers, lakes and coastal areas, turtles, crocodiles and gharials are found.

 Birds like Peacocks, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes and pigeons are some of the
birds inhabiting the forests and wetlands of the country.
Conservation of Flora and Fauna
The excessive exploitation of the plants and animal resources by human beings, disturbed
the ecosystem. About 1,300 plant species are endangered and 20 species are extinct also
few animals are endangered and some have become extinct.
Causes of this threats are:
Hunting by greedy hunters for commercial purposes.
Pollution due to chemical and industrial waste and acid deposits
Introduction of alien species
Reckless cutting of the forests to bring land under cultivation and inhabitation.
Governmental steps to protect flora and fauna of country are:
Fourteen biosphere reserves have been set up in the country to protect flora and fauna.
Financial and technical assistance is provided to many Botanical Gardens by the
government since 1992.
Project Tiger, Project Rhino, Project Great Indian Bustard and many other ecodevelopmental projects have been introduced.
89 National Parks, 490 Wildlife sanctuaries and Zoological gardens are set up to take
care of Natural heritage.
The Sunderbans in the West Bengal, Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand, the Gulf of Mannar in
Tamil Nadu and the Nilgiris (Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) have been included in the
world network of Biosphese reserves.
List of fourteen bio-reserves in India are:
Sunderbans (West Bengal)
Simlipal (Odhisha)
Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu)
Dihang-Dibang (Arunachal Pradesh)
The Nilgiris in South India (in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala)
Dibru Saikhowa (Arunachal Pradesh)
Nanda Devi (Uttarakhand)
Agasthyamalai (Kerala and Tamil Nadu)
Nokrek (Meghalaya)
Kanchenjunga (Sikkim)
Great Nicobar (Bay of Bengal)

 Pachmari (Madhya Pradesh)

Manas (Assam)
Achanakmar-Amarkantak (Chhattisgarh)
Do you Know from the chapter
The virgin vegetation, which are purely Indian are known as endemic or indigenous
species but those which have come from outside India are termed as exotic plants.
According to India State of Forest Report 2011, the forest cover in India is 21.05 per cent.
Wildlife Protection Act was implemented in 1972 in India.
The Gir Forest is the last remaining habitat of the Asiatic lion.

Lesson 6 : Population
NCERT Solutions for Class 9th: Ch 6 Population Geography Social Studies (S.St)

Find Out
Page No: 54
1. What could be the reasons of uneven distribution of population in India.
Answer
The reasons of uneven distribution of population in India are:
(i) Topography
(ii) Climate
(iii) Basic Facilities such as education, health, electricity etc.
(iv) Employment opportunities
2. Table 6.1 reveals that despite the decline growth rates, the numbers of people being
added every decade is steadily increasing. Why?
Answer
Increased facilities provided to live a comfortable life and better medical facilities that have
brought down the death rate is the cause for an increase in people being added every
decade despite the decline in growth rate.

3. What could be the reasons for such (sex ratio) variations?

Answer

The reasons for such (sex ratio) variations due to:

 Society structure: Indian society is male dominant society. The people here have
remained in favour of a male child leading to female foeticide and dowry problems which
make people think of female children as a burden.
Illiteracy: India's literacy level is very low. They don't have proper education and
discriminate between male and female children. In states like Kerala there are welleducated people who also follow matriarchal society rules and sex ratio in Kerala is 1058
females per 1000 males.

Page No: 60

Excercise

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below :

(i) Migrations change the number, distribution and composition of the population in:
(a) the area of departure
(b) both the area of departure and arrival
(c) the area of arrival
(d) none of the above
(b) both the area of departure and arrival
(ii) A large proportion of children in a population is a result of
(a) high birth rates
(b) high life expectancies
(c) high death rates
(d) more married couples
(a) high birth rates
(iii) The magnitude of population growth refers to:
(a) the total population of an area

(b) the number of persons added each year

(c) the rate at which the population increases
(d) the number of females per thousand males
(a) the total population of an area
(iv) According to the Census 2001, a literate person is one who
(a) can read and write his/her name
(b) can read and write any language
(c) is 7 year old and can read and write any language with understanding
(d) knows 3 Rs (reading, writing, arithmetic)
(c) is 7 year old and can read and write any language with understanding
2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Why is the rate of population growth in India declining since 1981?
(ii) Discuss the major components of population growth.
(iii) Define age structure, death rate and birth rate.
(iv) How is migration a determinant of population change?

Answer
(i) The rate of population growth has been declining as a result of greater use of birth
control measures.
(ii) The major components of population growth are Birth Rate, Death Rate and Migration.
The difference between birth rate and death rate accounts for natural increase in
population. Immigration refers to the inflow of people into a region from other regions.
(iii) The age structure of a population refers to the number of people in different age groups
in that population.
Birth rate is the number of live births per thousand persons in a year.
Death rate is the number of deaths per thousand persons in a year.
(iv) Migration is the movement of people across regions and territories. It is a determinant
factor of population change as it changes the demographics (size and composition) of both
the areas of departure and arrival.
3. Distinguish between population growth and population change.
Answer

Population Growth

Population Change

It refers to the increase in the number of

inhabitants of a region during a specific
period of time.

It refers to the change in the distribution,

composition or size of a population during a
specific period of time.

Natural increase of population and

immigration are the major components
causing population growth.

Natural increase, immigration and emigration

are the major components causing population
change.

4. What is the relation between occupational structure and development?

Answer
Development is related to occupational structure of the population. Countries are less
developed where a higher percentage of population is engaged in primary occupations like
agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry and fishing.
As development takes place more people move into secondary occupations like
manufacturing.In highly developed societies, there are a high percentage of people involved
in tertiary occupations like banking, commerce, transport and administration.
5. What are the advantages of having a healthy population?
Answer
The advantages of having a healthy population are:
A healthy individual is much more efficient and productive than an unhealthy individual.
He or she is able to realise his or her potential, and play an important role in social and
national development.
Absenteeism is low where the workers are healthy.
6. What are the significant features of the National Population Policy 2000?
Answer
The National Population Policy 2000 provides a policy framework for:
Imparting free and compulsory school education up to 14 years of age
Reducing infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births
Achieving universal immunisation of children against all vaccine-preventable diseases

 Promoting delayed marriage and child bearing

Making family welfare a people-centred programme
Providing nutritional services and food supplements to adolescents
Protecting adolescents from unwanted pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases,
and educating them about the risks of unprotected sex
Making contraceptive services accessible and affordable

Study Material and Notes of Ch 6 Population Class 9th Geography

Topics in the Chapter

Introduction
Size and Distribution
Indias Population Distribution by Density
Population Growth
Processes of Population Growth
Age Composition
Sex Ratio
Literacy rates
Occupational Structure
Health
Adolescent Population
NPP 2000
Relation between NPP 2000 and Adolescent Population
Introduction
People make and use resources. They are also considered as resources having different
quality.
Population (total number of persons inhabiting a particular place like city, state, country
etc.) is thecentral element in social studies. It is the point of reference from which all other
elements are observed.
Human beings are producers as well as consumers of the resources so information about
population of a country such as their size, distribution are important.
A census is an official enumeration of population done periodically. In India the first
census was held in the year 1872.
The census of India provides us with information regarding the population of our country.

The data provided by the census cover below three major questions about the population:
Population size and distribution
Population growth and processes of population change
Characteristics or qualities of the population
Size and distribution
As per March 2001, Indias population stood at 1,028 million, which account for 16.7
percent of the worlds population.
According to the data, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of India with a
population size of 166 million, which account for 16 percent of total India's population.
Sikkim's population - 0.5 million (5 lakhs) while Lakshadweep has 60 thousand people.
The five states Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
Rajasthanholds almost half of Indian population (48.8%).
Indias Population Distribution by Density

Population density is calculated as the number of persons per unit area.

The population density of India in the year 2001 was 324 persons per sq km making it one
of the most densely populated countries of the world.

Densities vary from 904 persons per sq km in West Bengal to only 13 persons per sq km
in Arunachal Pradesh.

The reason for scarce (thinly distributed) population in some states such as Meghalaya,
Orissa etc. are rugged terrain and unfavourable climatic conditions.

Hilly, dissected and rocky nature of the terrain, moderate to low rainfall, shallow and less
fertile soils have influenced population in Assam and most of the Peninsular states.

 The Northern Plains and Kerala in the south have high to very high population densities
because of the flat plains with fertile soils and abundant rainfall.

Population Growth

Population Growth refers to the change in the number of inhabitants of a country or

territory during a specific period of time, say during the last ten years.

The change can be expressed in two ways

in terms of absolute numbers
in terms of percentage change per year
The absolute number is calculated by simply subtracting the earlier population (e.g. that of
1991) from the later population (e.g. that of 2001). It is referred to as the absolute increase.
The rate of population is studied in per cent per annum, e.g. a rate of increase of 2 per
cent per annum means that in a given year, there was an increase of two persons for every
100 persons in the base population. This is referred to as the annual growth rate.
Indias population has been steadily increasing from 361 million in 1951 to 1028 million in
2001.
Since 1981, however, the rate of growth started declining gradually as birth rates declined
rapidly. But India has a very large population so when a low annual rate is applied to a very
large population, it yields a large absolute increase.
At this growth rate, India may overtake China in 2045 to become the most populous
country in the world.
Processes of Population Change/Growth
There are three main processes of change of population: birth rates, death rates and
migration.
Birth rate is the number of live births per thousand persons in a year. In India, birth rates

have always been higher than death rates.

Death rate is the number of deaths per thousand persons in a year. In India, there is rapid
decline in death rates which is the main cause of growth of the Indian population.
Till 1980, high birth rates and declining death rates resulted in higher rate of population
growth but since 1981, birth rates have also started declining gradually, resulting in a
gradual decline in the rate of population growth.
Migration is the movement of people across regions and territories. This can be internal
(within the country) or international (between the countries).
Internal migration does not change the size of the population, but changes the distribution
of population within the nation.
In India, most migrations have been from rural to urban areas because of adverse
conditions of poverty and unemployment in the rural areas and increased employment
opportunities and better living conditions in city.
Effects of Migrations:
It changes the population size.
It also changes the population composition of urban and rural populations in terms of age
and sex composition.
In India, the rural-urban migration has resulted in a steady increase in the percentage of
population in cities and towns.
Age Composition
The age composition of a population refers to the number of people in different age groups
in a country.
The number and percentage of a population found within the children, working age and
aged groups are notable determinants of the populations social and economic structure.
Population of country can be grouped into three categories:
Children (below 15 years): economically unproductive, need to be provided with food,
clothing, education and medical care. Comprises 34.4% of total India's population.

 Working Age (15-59 years): economically productive and biologically reproductive.

Considered as working population. Comprises 6.9% of total India's population.
Aged (Above 59 years): can be economically productive though they may have retired.
May be working but they are not available for employment through recruitment. Comprises
58.7% of total India's population.
Sex Ratio
Sex ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males in the population.
Importance: measuring the extent of equality between males and females in a society at a
given time. In India, sex ratio has always remained unfavourable to females.
Census year with Sex ratio:
Census Year Sex Ratio
1951

956

1961

951

1971

930

1981

934

1991

929

2001

933

Literacy rates
According to the Census of 2001, a person aged 7 years. and above who can read and
write with understanding in any language, is treated as literate. Low levels of literacy are a
serious obstacle for economic improvement.
The literacy rate in the country as per the Census of 2001 is 64.84 per cent; 75.26 per
cent for males and 53.67 percent for females.
Occupational Structure

 The distribution of the population according to different types of occupation is referred to

as theoccupational structure.
Occupations are generally classified into three categories:
Primary activities (related to land): It include agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry,
fishing, mining and quarrying etc.
Secondary activities (related to industry): It include manufacturing industry, building and
construction work etc.
Tertiary activities (related to services): include transport, communications, commerce,
administration and other services.
Developed nations have a high proportion of people in secondary, and tertiary activities
whiledeveloping nations have a higher proportion of their workforce engaged in primary
activities.
In India, about 64 percent of the population is engaged only in agriculture. 13 percent
are dependent on secondary and 20 percent are on tertiary sectors.
In recent times, people are moving towards secondary and tertiary sectors because of
growing industrialisation and urbanisation in recent times.
Health
Health is an important component of population composition, which affects the process of
development.
There has been a significant improvement in health conditions in India. Death rates have
declined from 25 per 1000 population in 1951 to 8.1 per 1000 in 2001 and life expectancy at
birth has increased from 36.7 years in 1951 to 64.6 years in 2001.
The improvement is due to:
Improvement in public health
Prevention of infectious diseases
Application of modern medical practices in diagnosis and treatment of ailments.
Health is still a major concern for India because:
The per capita calorie consumption is much below the recommended levels and

malnutrition afflicts a large percentage of our population.

Safe drinking water and basic sanitation amenities are available to only one- third of the
rural population.
Adolescent Population
The age-group of 10 to 19 years are considered as Adolescent Population. It constitutes
one-fifth of the total population of India.
They are most important future resources for any country. Nutrition requirements of
adolescents are higher than those of a normal child or adult.
In India, the diet available to adolescents is inadequate in all nutrients. A large number of
adolescent girls suffer from anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin).
The awareness can be improved through the spread of literacy and education among
adolescent girls.
National Population Policy
The Government of India initiated the comprehensive Family Planning Programme in 1952
for improving individual health and welfare.
It sought to promote responsible and planned parenthood on a voluntary basis.
National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 is the peak of years of planned efforts.
What NPP aims at?
It provides a policy framework for imparting free and compulsory school education up to
14 years of age,
Reducing infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births
Achieving universal immunisation of children against all vaccine preventable diseases,
Promoting delayed marriage for girls
Making family welfare a people-centered programme.
Relation between NPP 2000 and Adolescents
NPP 2000 identified adolescents as one of the major sections of the population that need
greater attention.

 Besides nutritional requirements, the policy put greater emphasis on other important
needs of adolescents including protection from unwanted pregnancies and sexually
transmitted diseases (STD).
The programmes started by NPP 2000 for adolescents aims at:
Encouraging delayed marriage and child-bearing.
Education of adolescents about the risks of unprotected sex.
Making contraceptive services accessible and affordable.
Providing food supplements, nutritional services.
Strengthening legal measures to prevent child marriage.
Do you know from chapter
Only Bangladesh and Japan have higher average population densities than India.
Kerala has a sex ratio of 1058 females per 1000 males, Pondicherry has 1001 females for
every 1000 males, while Delhi has only 821 females per 1000 males and Haryana has just
861.