Chapter-Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India Social Science Part-1 class 7 in english Medium CBSE Notes

Quick Revision Notes – Geographical Diversity of India

India at a Glance

• India is the 7th largest country in the world.
• It is a part of Asia and forms the Indian Subcontinent.
• India is often called a “Mini-Continent” because of its great geographical diversity.
• Its geography has shaped India's climate, culture, economy, and civilisation.

Major Physical Features of India

• The Himalayas
• The Northern (Gangetic) Plains
• The Thar Desert
• The Peninsular Plateau
• The Coastal Plains
• The Islands
• The Hills of Northeast India

The Himalayas

• The Himalayas form a natural barrier in northern India.
• Length: About 2,500 km.
• Source of major rivers like Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.
• Called the “Water Tower of Asia”.
• Protect India from cold winds.

Three Ranges of the Himalayas:

• Himadri – Highest range, permanently snow-covered.
• Himachal – Hill stations like Shimla and Darjeeling.
• Shivalik – Lowest range with forests and wildlife.

Cold Desert of India

• Ladakh is the Cold Desert of India.
• Receives very little rainfall.
• Famous for Pangong Tso Lake.
• Known as “Moonland”.
• Home to Snow Leopard and Yak.

The Gangetic Plains

• Formed by rivers Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra and their tributaries.
• Most fertile region of India.
• Densely populated area.
• Major agricultural region.
• Excellent transport and trade network.

The Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert)

• Located mainly in Rajasthan.
• Characterised by sand dunes.
• Hot days and cold nights.
• Low rainfall and water scarcity.
• People use traditional water conservation methods like Taanka and Kunds.

The Aravalli Hills

• One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
• Prevents the spread of the Thar Desert towards the east.
• Rich in minerals like zinc, copper, marble, and granite.
• Home to famous forts such as Kumbhalgarh and Chittorgarh.

The Peninsular Plateau

• A triangular plateau in central and southern India.
• One of the oldest landforms of India.
• Rich in minerals, forests, and natural resources.
• Bounded by the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.

Important Rivers:

• Godavari
• Krishna
• Kaveri
• Mahanadi
• Narmada
• Tapti

Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats

• Western Ghats are higher and continuous.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous.
• Both are important for biodiversity and rivers.

India’s Coastlines

• Total coastline length is more than 7,500 km.
• West Coast lies along the Arabian Sea.
• East Coast lies along the Bay of Bengal.
• Many important ports and trade centres are located here.

Deltas

• Formed by deposition of river sediments.
• Very fertile for agriculture.
• Major deltas:
  • Godavari Delta
  • Krishna Delta
  • Kaveri Delta
  • Mahanadi Delta
  • Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta

Indian Islands

Lakshadweep Islands

• Located in the Arabian Sea.
• Made of coral reefs.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Located in the Bay of Bengal.
• Contain India's only active volcano at Barren Island.
• Famous for Cellular Jail.

Sundarbans

• Located in the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta.
• Largest mangrove forest region.
• Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hills of Northeast India

• Includes Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills.
• Receives some of the highest rainfall in the world.
• Known for waterfalls, forests, and living root bridges.

Important Facts for Revision

• Highest mountain range in India – Himalayas
• Cold Desert of India – Ladakh
• Largest desert in India – Thar Desert
• Oldest mountain range – Aravalli Hills
• Only active volcano in India – Barren Island
• Largest mangrove forest – Sundarbans
• Cleanest village in Asia – Mawlynnong (Meghalaya)
• Western Ghats – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• India's coastline – 7,500+ km
• India is called a Mini-Continent due to geographical diversity.