Apeejay School, Nerul

Geographical Diversity of India

CLASS - VII
Who was the first Indian astronaut to travel to
space?

Rakesh Sharma
 How did Rakesh Sharma’s description of India from
space reflect his emotional and patriotic connection to
the country? Evaluate the significance of his famous
response to the Prime Minister."

Rakesh Sharma’s description of India from space deeply reflected his

emotional and patriotic connection to the country. When then-Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi asked him how India looked from space, he
responded with the now-iconic words: "Sare Jahan Se Achha" — a line
from the patriotic poem by Muhammad Iqbal, which means “Better than
the entire world is our India.”
[Link] is the rank of India in terms of size among the countries of
the world?
Answer: Seventh-largest country in the world.
[Link] is a part of which continent?
Answer: Asia.
[Link] any three neighbouring countries of India.
Answer: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal (Others include Bhutan, Sri
Lanka, Myanmar).
[Link] is the Indian Subcontinent?
Answer: It is a region in South Asia that includes India and its
neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri
Lanka, and Myanmar
[Link] is it called a subcontinent?
Answer: Because it is a large, distinct part of the continent of Asia.
[Link] the five main physical regions of India mentioned in the chapter.
Answer: The great mountain zone, the plains of the Ganga and the Indus, the
desert region, the southern peninsula, and the islands.
[Link] two rivers are mentioned in connection with the plains?
Answer: Ganga and Indus.
[Link] can’t we go into the details of India’s geography in this chapter?
Answer: Because India is large and diverse.
 .

Discuss how India’s natural boundaries have affected its climate, culture and history

The Himalayan Mountain range stands as a natural barrier in the north,

while the Thar Desert and the Arabian Sea mark its western limits. To the
south, the Indian Ocean and to the east, the Bay of Bengal form a natural
boundary. These geographical features create a separation between India
and the rest of the continent and have played a crucial role in shaping
India’s climate, culture, and history.
.

The Northern Plains marked with grey

colour.
 Why are the Himalayan peaks known as the
‘Eight Tho sanders’?
The Himalayas seem to touch the sky. In fact, many of its peaks are over 8000
meters in height and are together called the ‘Eight Tho sanders’

The Himalayan mountain range stretches across which six countries in Asia?

This mountain range stretches across six countries in Asia: India, Nepal,
Bhutan, China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
 Explain why the Himalayas are called the ‘Water Tower of Asia’.

In the summer, the snow on the mountains melts and feeds

major rivers, such as the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra. These
rivers and their tributaries provide water for drinking, farming,
and industrial use, connecting with the lives of hundreds of
millions of people. Hence, the Himalayas are sometimes called
the ‘Water Tower of Asia

Describe the cultural and spiritual significance of the

Himalayas.

The Himalayas are also important to many cultures and

belief systems. The mountains themselves are considered
sacred, and temples and monasteries have been built within
them, attracting monks and spiritual seekers from around
the world who come to pray and meditate
 Describe the origin and religious significance of the
Bhagirathi River. Or,
What makes Gaumukh a popular destination for pilgrims
and trekkers?

The Bhagirathi River, a major tributary of the Ganga, originates

from Gaumukh (‘Cow’s Mouth’), in Uttarakhand. It is the edge of
the Gangotri Glacier. This glacier is one of the largest in the Indian
Himalayas. It is considered sacred and attracts many pilgrims.
Gaumukh is also a popular trekking destination.
 How were the Himalayan mountains formed? Explain with
reference to the movement of landmasses.

Ans:
A long, long time ago, India was part of a much bigger
landmass called ‘Gondwana’, where its neighbour was Africa!
At some point, it broke away and slowly started moving north.
About 50 million years ago, it reached the landmass of Eurasia
and collided with it. As India pushed against Eurasia, the land
between them crumpled and rose up — just like how a carpet
wrinkles when you push it. That’s how the mighty Himalayan
mountains were formed
 Identify the reason why the Himalayas are still
growing.

Ans: Amazingly, India is still pushing into Asia today, very slowly — about five
centimetres each year, which is much slower than the rate at which your hair
grows. This means the Himalayas are still growing taller, just a tiny bit each
year — about five millimetres, but over a millennium, that adds up to five
metres
State the meaning of the word ‘Himalaya’

Ans:The word ‘Himalaya’ is a combination of

two Sanskrit words—hima, meaning ‘snow’,
and ālaya, meaning ‘abode’ or ‘dwelling’ —
thus, ‘abode of snow’.
The Three Ranges of Himalayas
Describe the three main ranges of the Himalayas, highlighting their
physical features, climate, and human habitation.
The Himalayas are broadly categorised into three main ranges:

The Himadri :The Greater Himalayas are the highest and most
rugged part of the range, home to towering peaks like Mount Everest
and Kanchenjunga. This region remains snow-covered throughout
the year. Life here is tough, and there are not many human
settlements.
The Himachal : The Lower Himalayas lies south of the Greater
Himalayas and have a more moderate climate, allowing rich
biodiversity and human habitation. Popular hill stations, such as
Nainital (Uttarakhand), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Shimla (Himachal
Pradesh), and Mussoorie (Uttarakhand), are located in this region.
The Shivalik Hills : The Outer Himalayas form the outermost and
lowest range, consisting of rolling hills and dense forests. These
foothills are rich in wildlife, serving as a transition zone between the
Himalayas and the Gangetic Plains (also called the Northern Plains).
 Explain the features and advantages of the ‘kath-kuni’ or ‘dhajji-
dewari’ style of house construction in the western Himalayan
region.

The traditional house construction method

in the western Himalayan region is known as
‘kath-kuni’ or ‘dhajjidewari’ style of houses.
A combination of locally available stone and
wood is used, which not only keeps the
house warm but also resists damage in the
event of mild earthquakes
 Describe the significance of the Great Himalayan National Park in
Himachal Pradesh and explain how its biodiversity is being preserved.

The Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh has a

wide diversity of flora and fauna. The park has been declared a
World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The biodiversity of the park is
being preserved by the government as well as the village
communities that live inside the park.
 Describe the unique geographical and climatic features of
Ladakh, explaining why it is called a cold desert and ‘moonland’.

The word ‘desert’ immediately evokes an image of a hot place.

’
However, there are also cold deserts and we have one in India
called Ladakh.
Ladakh is a cold desert because :
• Here winter temperatures drop below –30°C.
• There is very little rainfall and the landscape is rugged with
rocky terrain, deep valleys, and lakes such as Pangong Tso
(tso means lake).
The terrain here resembles that of the moon; hence, it is called
‘moonland’ The reasons behind this are as follows :
Geologists explain the formation of this terrain by the fact that
the mountains were ‘folded’ when the Indian landmass collided
with Eurasia.
• This folded portion was part of an ocean, and so the rocks in
this area are made largely of sand and clay.
• Wind and rain have eroded the mountains into the moon (
crescent) shape.
. Describe the lifestyle of the people of Ladakh and the unique
features of its wildlife and culture.

Despite the harsh conditions, Ladakh is home to unique

wildlife like snow leopards, ibex, and Tibetan antelopes. The
Ladakhi people lead a simple life. The region is known for its
ancient monasteries and colourful festivals such as Losar
and the Hemis Festival.
The Northern Plains
 Describe the geographical and economic significance of the
. Gangetic Plains .Or, Explain why a large population lives in
this region.

The ’Northern Indian plains have been an important part of the history and
civilisation of India. A large proportion of India’s population lives in these plains .
The reasons are as follows :
• These plains are nourished by mighty rivers originating from the Himalayas,
providing a vital lifeline: water.
• The Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra river systems along with their extensive
network of tributaries enrich the soil with minerals, making the region highly
fertile and ideal for agriculture.
• The rivers bring with them minerals that enrich the soil, enabling abundant
agriculture.
• The rivers are also a source for generating electricity.

• The flat land of the Northern Plains has allowed for the development of an
elaborate transportation network.
• Road and railway networks facilitate the movement of people and goods
over long distance
 .
Why does the Brahmaputra River get bigger during summer, unlike
many other rivers that dry up?
’

The Brahmaputra River gets bigger during summer because the

snow and glaciers in the Himalayas melt due to the heat,
increasing the volume of water in the river. Additionally, heavy
rainfall during the monsoon season also adds to the river’s flow,
causing it to swell rather than dry up.
 . What features of the Thar Desert stand out to
you?

A vast stretch of golden dunes, rugged terrain, and a wide-open sky

.
 . How are sand dunes formed in the desert, and
how high can they rise?

Ans: Sand dunes are formed when the wind

shifts and shapes the sand into hill-like
formations. Sometimes these rise as high as
150 metres.
 Why does the Thar Desert act as a natural barrier to
.
human and animal movement?"
The Thar Desert acts as a natural barrier to
’ human and animal movement because of its
harsh climate and physical conditions. It has
.very high daytime temperatures and very cold
nights, making it difficult to survive.
Additionally, there is very little water available,
which further discourages movement and
settlement in the region.
 .
What traditional method do people in the
desert use to clean utensils
’

Water is scarce in the desert. Women often need to travel long

distances every day to fetch water for their families. So, the
traditional method for cleaning utensils is to scour them with sand
until they are clean. A little water can be used for a light rinse. The
water used for rinsing is reused for purposes like watering a plan
 .
How do people in Rajasthan collect and store
’ rainwater for drinking?

Rajasthan is also famous for its ingenious water conservation

methods, including taanka or kunds. These are special water
collection systems that store rainwater, often for drinking purposes.
Aravalli On the Political Map of India
 .
Why are the Aravalli Hills considered special, and how tall are they?

’
The Aravallis are among the oldest mountains in the world, some 2.5
billion years old! The range has many peaks and ridges. Although its
highest peak, Mount Abu, towers at over 1700 m, most of its hills are
between 300 and 900 metres high
 .

What important roles do the Aravalli Hills play in northwestern India?

The Aravallis play a vital role in shaping the geography and climate of
.
northwestern India in following ways :
• One of its most important functions is acting as a natural barrier,
preventing the Thar Desert from expanding further eastward.
• The Aravallis, rich in minerals like marble, granite, zinc, and copper, have
supported mining and construction activities for centuries.
• In fact, evidence from its ancient mines at Zawar has shown that over
eight centuries ago, Indians were the first in the world to master the
delicate process of extraction of zinc.
• Historic forts, such as Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, and Ranthambore, are
located here.
 The Peninsular Plateau

’ .
 How can you describe a plateau and its
features?"

. A plateau is a landform that rises up from the

surrounding land and has a more or less flat
surface; some of its sides are often steep
slopes
 Plateaus of India

•Deccan Plateau (largest and most important, in southern

India)
•Chotanagpur Plateau (rich in minerals, in eastern India)
•Malwa Plateau (in central India)
•Meghalaya Plateau (in the northeast, includes Khasi, Garo,
and Jaintia Hills)
•Baghelkhand and Bundelkhand Plateaus (in central India)
 . What is a peninsula?"

A peninsula is a piece of land that is surrounded by water on

three sides.

Why is the plateau in the middle and south of India called the Peninsular
Plateau, and what makes it unique?
India has several plateaus; the most important one is the triangular
peninsular area in the middle and south of the country. It is also a very
old land formation! Since this region is a peninsula, surrounded by water
on all three sides by the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian
Ocean, it is called a peninsular plateau
 How are the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats
. different from each other in terms of height,
structure, and location?
WESTERN GHATS EASTERN GHATS
The Western Ghats are taller The Eastern Ghats are lower

. run along the western coast like a wall Run along with eastern cost
Western Ghats form a continuous range Eastern Ghats broken into
smaller hills along the eastern
coast
 Describe how the plateau region contributes to India’s economy and
cultural diversity.

The importance of peninsular Plateau :

• This plateau is rich in minerals, forests, and fertile land, making it vital for
India’s economy.
• It tilts a little to the east, so a few of the rivers in this region flow towards the
Bay of Bengal.
• East-flowing rivers like the Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi originate here,
providing water for farming, industries, and hydroelectric power.
• There are west-flowing rivers (Narmada, Tapti) too, which drain into the
Arabian Sea.
• Dense forests on the plateau are home to tribal communities, including the
Santhal, Gond, Baiga, Bhil, and Korku.

• Plateaus are home to many beautiful waterfalls in India, as rivers flow over
their uneven and rocky surfaces.
• These waterfalls not only attract tourists but also help in hydroelectric
power generation and provide water for irrigation.
Indian Coast
 Describe the diverse features of India’s
. coastline and explain why it is considered
unique.

The West Coast of India stretches from Gujarat to Kerala, passing

through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Most rivers here
originate in the Western Ghats, flow swiftly, and form estuaries.
The coastline is shaped by alluvial deposits from short rivers and
features coves, creeks, and estuaries, with the Narmada and Tapti
estuaries being the largest.
 .

Describe the geographical features of the East Coast of India and mention the
major rivers and water bodies found in this region.
.

The East Coast lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, stretching from
the Ganga delta to Kanyakumari. It has wide plains and major river deltas, including
Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Important water bodies like Chilika Lake and
Pulicat Lake (a lagoon, which is a body of water separated from larger bodies of water
by a natural barrier) are found here
 . What is a delta? Explain how it is formed and describe
its shape and features.

.
Deltas are landforms formed at the mouth of a river when it
deposits sediments into a larger body of water, such as an ocean, a
lake, or another rive
 .

Coves:
•A cove is a small, sheltered bay with a narrow,
restricted entrance.
•It usually
. has calm waters and is often
surrounded by cliffs or hills.
•Coves are often found along rocky coastlines.
•Example: Covelong near Chennai.

Creeks:
A creek is a narrow, shallow waterway found along the
coast or in estuaries.
It can be a small stream or a tidal inlet that branches
off from a river.
In India, the term is commonly used in coastal areas
like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Example: Thane Creek near Mumbai.
.

. Estuaries:
•An estuary is the wide mouth of a river where
it meets the sea.
•It is a mix of fresh water from the river and
salty seawater — called brackish water.
•Estuaries are rich in nutrients and support
diverse wildlife.
•Example: The Hooghly estuary in West
Bengal.
FEATURES EAST COAST WEST COAST
Location
. Lies between the Lies between the
Eastern Ghats and Eastern Ghats and
the Bay of Bengal the Bay of Bengal
Width Broader and wider Narrower (mostly
(up to 120 km) 50–80 km wide)
.
Rivers and Deltas Has large river deltas Rivers form estuaries
(Godavari, Krishna, (Narmada, Tapti,
Kaveri) Mandovi)

Surface Flat and low-lying Rocky and uneven

with fertile plains with limited plains
Coastal Landforms More deltas and More estuaries and
lagoons (Chilika, creeks
Pulicat Lakes)
Harbours Fewer natural Many natural
harbours harbours (Mumbai,
Kochi, Mormugao)
States Covered Odisha, Andhra Maharashtra, Goa,
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala,
parts of Bengal Gujarat
 Describe the two major island groups of India
. and highlight their geographical features,
natural beauty, and cultural uniqueness.

.
Ans:The Indian Islands refer to the group of islands scattered across the
Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal, which form part
of India’s territory. India has two major islands Lakshadweep in the
Arabian Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
 .
. Describe the geographical and historical importance of the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. Why are they considered significant for India?

.
Ans: They are like the outposts of India, keeping an eye on the ocean. It is home
to a variety
. of flora and fauna. The Andaman Islands are also significant from a
historical point of view — many of our freedom fighters were jailed there under
the most severe conditions in a prison complex called ‘Cellular Jail’. It has been
preserved to remind us of the tremendous sacrifices that our forefathers made
so we could be free. We will discuss this some more in higher classes.
 .
. Differentiate Andaman Nicobar from Lakshadweep Islands

Features
. Andaman Lakshdweep
Location Bay of Bengal Arabian Sea
. Type of Islands Volcanic origin Coral origin
Number of Islands Over 500 islands 36 islands
Strategic Acts as a naval Important for
Importance outpost; important fishing, marine
for maritime resources, and
security tourism
Historical Home to the No major historical
Significance Cellular Jail – a landmarks
symbol of India’s
freedom struggle
Tribes Home to ancient Mostly Muslim
tribal communities population; no
like the Jarawas ancient tribes
 Explain the unique features of Sundarbans Delta.
.

.
This is located in the delta of
the Ganga, Brahmaputr and
their tributaries. This delta has
a unique combination of the
river, sea and land. About half
of it is located in India, and
the rest is in Bangladesh. This
is also a UNESCO Heritage
site. The Sundarbans are
home to many species,
including the Royal Bengal
Tiger.
 .
Describe the unique features of Mawlynnong
Village and explain why it is known as the
‘cleanest village in Asia’.

Mawlynnong
. Village, situated in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, is
renowned as the .‘cleanest village in Asia’. This picturesque village is
famous for its well-maintained cleanliness, bamboo dustbins, and eco-
friendly living practices. The village is also known for its living root
bridges, which are created by weaving tree roots over the course of
many years.