Physical Features of India - 20 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1: Which mountain range forms the northern boundary of the Indian subcontinent and is considered one of the most prominent physical features of India?
a. Western Ghats
b. Eastern Ghats
c. Himalayas
d. Aravalli Range
Answer: c. Himalayas
Explanation:
"The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world and form the northern boundary of India. This massive range is a defining physical feature of India, stretching approximately 2,500 km from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are coastal ranges, while the Aravalli Range is an ancient mountain system in Rajasthan, none of which match the Himalayas' scale or northern boundary position."
Question 2: The Indo-Gangetic Plain, one of the most fertile regions in India, is formed by the deposition of alluvium from which three major river systems?
a. Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Krishna
b. Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra
c. Godavari, Kaveri, and Mahanadi
d. Narmada, Tapi, and Ganges
Answer: b. Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra
Explanation:
"The Indo-Gangetic Plain is formed by the alluvial deposits of the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra river systems. This vast plain is one of the most significant physical features of India, supporting dense populations and intensive agriculture. The Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri, and Mahanadi are peninsular rivers that flow through the Deccan Plateau, while Narmada and Tapi are west-flowing rivers that don't contribute to the Indo-Gangetic Plain."
Question 3: Which physiographic division of India quiz tests your knowledge about the oldest landmass, formed during the Precambrian era?
a. The Northern Mountains
b. The Peninsular Plateau
c. The Coastal Plains
d. The Island Groups
Answer: b. The Peninsular Plateau
Explanation:
"The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest and most stable landmass in India, formed during the Precambrian era over 3 billion years ago. This test question helps students learn that this plateau consists of ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. The Northern Mountains (Himalayas) are geologically young fold mountains, while the Coastal Plains and Island Groups are more recent formations."
Question 4: The Western Ghats are known by different local names. What is the Western Ghats called in Karnataka?
a. Nilgiris
b. Sahyadris
c. Annamalai
d. Cardamom Hills
Answer: b. Sahyadris
Explanation:
"The Western Ghats are called Sahyadris in the state of Karnataka and Maharashtra. The Nilgiris (Blue Mountains) are a specific section in Tamil Nadu, the Annamalai Hills are in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and the Cardamom Hills are in Kerala. Understanding these regional names is essential for practice questions on the physical features of India."
Question 5: Which pass connects the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region and is strategically important in the physical features of India?
a. Nathu La
b. Zoji La
c. Rohtang Pass
d. Khyber Pass
Answer: b. Zoji La
Explanation:
"Zoji La, at an elevation of 3,528 meters, connects Srinagar in Kashmir with Leh in Ladakh. This pass is a crucial component when you study the physical features of India, as it's the only all-weather road connecting these regions. Nathu La connects Sikkim with Tibet, Rohtang Pass connects Kullu Valley with Lahaul-Spiti, and Khyber Pass is located in Pakistan-Afghanistan border."
Question 6: The Deccan Plateau is bounded by which two mountain ranges?
a. Himalayas and Vindhyas
b. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
c. Aravalli and Satpura
d. Shiwalik and Pir Panjal
Answer: b. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
Explanation:
"The Deccan Plateau is a triangular-shaped plateau bounded by the Western Ghats on the west and the Eastern Ghats on the east. These parallel ranges are key physical features of India that influence the climate and drainage patterns of the peninsula. The Himalayas are in the north, Vindhyas separate north from peninsular India, while Aravalli and Satpura are separate ranges, and Shiwalik-Pir Panjal are Himalayan sub-ranges."
Question 7: Which is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats?
a. Dodabetta
b. Mahendragiri
c. Arma Konda (Jindhagada Peak)
d. Anai Mudi
Answer: c. Arma Konda (Jindhagada Peak)
Explanation:
"Arma Konda, also known as Jindhagada Peak, is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats at 1,680 meters, located in Andhra Pradesh. Mahendragiri (1,501 m) is also in the Eastern Ghats but lower. Dodabetta (2,637 m) is in the Nilgiris (part of Western Ghats), and Anai Mudi (2,695 m) is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and South India."
Question 8: The Brahmaputra River is known by which name in Tibet before entering India?
a. Yarlung Tsangpo
b. Dihang
c. Jamuna
d. Siang
Answer: a. Yarlung Tsangpo
Explanation:
"The Brahmaputra is called Yarlung Tsangpo (or Tsangpo) in Tibet. When it enters Arunachal Pradesh, it's called Dihang or Siang, and in Bangladesh, it's known as Jamuna. This river is an important part of any study guide on the physical features of India, as it forms one of the largest river systems in the country."
Question 9: Which type of soil is predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau region?
a. Alluvial Soil
b. Black Soil (Regur)
c. Red Soil
d. Laterite Soil
Answer: b. Black Soil (Regur)
Explanation:
"Black soil, also known as Regur or Black Cotton Soil, is predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau, especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka. This soil is formed from volcanic rocks (basalt) and is ideal for cotton cultivation. Alluvial soil is found in the northern plains, while red and laterite soils are found in other regions."
Question 10: The Lakshadweep Islands are formed by which geological process?
a. Volcanic eruption
b. Coral formation
c. Tectonic plate collision
d. River delta formation
Answer: b. Coral formation
Explanation:
"The Lakshadweep Islands are coral atolls and reefs formed by coral polyps over thousands of years. These islands are located in the Arabian Sea and represent a unique physical feature of India. In contrast, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are formed by tectonic activity, not coral formation. Volcanic and river delta processes are not responsible for Lakshadweep's formation."
Question 11: Which river does NOT originate in the Himalayas?
a. Ganges
b. Yamuna
c. Narmada
d. Brahmaputra
Answer: c. Narmada
Explanation:
"The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, not from the Himalayas. It's a west-flowing peninsular river. The Ganges originates from Gangotri Glacier, Yamuna from Yamunotri Glacier, and Brahmaputra from the Angsi Glacier in Tibet—all in the Himalayan region. This is a common quiz question testing knowledge of Indian river origins."
Question 12: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by which water channel?
a. Nine Degree Channel
b. Ten Degree Channel
c. Eight Degree Channel
d. Palk Strait
Answer: b. Ten Degree Channel
Explanation:
"The Ten Degree Channel separates the Andaman Islands in the north from the Nicobar Islands in the south. The Nine Degree Channel separates Minicoy Island from the main Lakshadweep archipelago, while the Eight Degree Channel separates the Maldives from Minicoy Island. The Palk Strait separates India from Sri Lanka. These channels are important for practice questions on island geography."
Question 13: Which mountain range is considered the oldest fold mountain system in India?
a. Himalayas
b. Vindhyas
c. Aravalli Range
d. Satpura Range
Answer: c. Aravalli Range
Explanation:
"The Aravalli Range is the oldest fold mountain system in India, formed during the Proterozoic era. It extends from Gujarat to Delhi and has been heavily eroded over time. The Himalayas are the youngest fold mountains, formed during the Tertiary period. The Vindhyas and Satpura are block mountains, not fold mountains, making this a challenging test question on mountain formation."
Question 14: Which coastal plain is broader and more developed for agriculture?
a. Western Coastal Plain
b. Eastern Coastal Plain
c. Both are equally broad
d. Neither supports agriculture
Answer: b. Eastern Coastal Plain
Explanation:
"The Eastern Coastal Plain is broader, more level, and better suited for agriculture compared to the Western Coastal Plain. It's formed by deltas of major rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The Western Coastal Plain is narrower with the Western Ghats rising steeply. This comparison is essential to learn when studying the physical features of India."
Question 15: The Kashmir Valley is located between which two mountain ranges?
a. Greater Himalayas and Lesser Himalayas
b. Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayas
c. Karakoram and Ladakh Range
d. Shiwalik and Pir Panjal
Answer: b. Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayas
Explanation:
"The Kashmir Valley is a longitudinal valley situated between the Pir Panjal Range in the south and the Greater Himalayas in the north. This fertile valley is an important physical feature of India, known for its scenic beauty and temperate climate. The Karakoram and Ladakh ranges are further north, while the Shiwaliks are the southernmost Himalayan ranges."
Question 16: Which delta is the largest in India and is formed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers?
a. Godavari Delta
b. Krishna Delta
c. Sundarbans Delta
d. Kaveri Delta
Answer: c. Sundarbans Delta
Explanation:
"The Sundarbans Delta, formed by the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, is the largest delta in India and the world. It extends into Bangladesh and is famous for its mangrove forests and Royal Bengal Tigers. The Godavari and Krishna deltas are on the east coast, and the Kaveri delta is in Tamil Nadu, but none match the Sundarbans' size."
Question 17: Which physiographic division acts as a watershed between north Indian rivers and south Indian rivers?
a. The Himalayas
b. The Vindhyas and Satpura
c. The Aravalli Range
d. The Eastern Ghats
Answer: b. The Vindhyas and Satpura
Explanation:
"The Vindhya and Satpura ranges act as a watershed or water divide between the rivers flowing into the northern plains and those flowing through the peninsular plateau. These ranges separate the Indo-Gangetic Plain from the Deccan Plateau and are important for understanding drainage patterns in any study guide on Indian geography."
Question 18: K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen), the second-highest peak in the world, is located in which mountain range?
a. Greater Himalayas
b. Karakoram Range
c. Pir Panjal Range
d. Zaskar Range
Answer: b. Karakoram Range
Explanation:
"K2, at 8,611 meters, is located in the Karakoram Range in the disputed territory of Kashmir. It's the second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest. The Karakoram is part of the trans-Himalayan ranges. Mount Everest is in the Greater Himalayas, while Pir Panjal and Zaskar are lesser Himalayan ranges."
Question 19: Which plateau in India is known for its rich mineral deposits including iron ore, coal, and manganese?
a. Malwa Plateau
b. Chotanagpur Plateau
c. Deccan Plateau
d. Meghalaya Plateau
Answer: b. Chotanagpur Plateau
Explanation:
"The Chotanagpur Plateau, located in Jharkhand, is extremely rich in mineral resources including iron ore, coal, manganese, mica, and bauxite. This makes it one of the most important industrial regions in India. While the Deccan Plateau also has minerals, the Chotanagpur Plateau is specifically known for its concentrated mineral wealth, making this an important quiz question."
Question 20: The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall on their windward side. What is this meteorological phenomenon called?
a. Rain shadow effect
b. Orographic rainfall
c. Convectional rainfall
d. Cyclonic rainfall
Answer: b. Orographic rainfall
Explanation:
"Orographic rainfall occurs when moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea rise along the Western Ghats, cool, and precipitate heavily on the windward (western) side. This is why the western slopes receive heavy rainfall while the eastern (leeward) side experiences the rain shadow effect with less rainfall. Understanding this concept is crucial for any comprehensive study guide on the physical features of India and their climatic impacts."
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