CBSE 2026-27 | Book 2
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography
Master India's physical structure from Gondwanaland to the Himalayan fold mountains. This chapter covers all 6 physiographic divisions with complete NCERT solutions, important MCQs, comparison tables (Bhangar vs Khadar, Western vs Eastern Ghats), and expert exam tips for CBSE 2026-27.
Chapter at a Glance
Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography – Quick Reference
| Chapter Name | Structure and Physiography |
| Subject | Geography (Book 2: India: Physical Environment) |
| Board / Class | CBSE Class 11 |
| Target Year | 2026-27 |
| Key Topics | Geological Divisions, Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, Islands |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to High |
| Exam Weightage | 5–7 Marks (incl. map work) |
Key Facts – Quick Numbers to Memorise
🏔
Himalayan Ranges
3 Parallel
🌾
Northern Plains
7 Lakh sq.km
🗻
Anai Mudi Height
2,695 m
💦
Godavari
Longest Peninsular River
🎍
Lakshadweep
Coral Origin
⚠
Exam Weightage
5–7 Marks
Learning Objectives
1
Understand the geological history and structure of the Indian subcontinent including Gondwanaland and plate tectonics.
2
Identify and describe the six major physiographic divisions of India and their key features.
3
Differentiate between key features like Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, or Khadar and Bhangar.
4
Explain the formation and significance of the Himalayas and the Northern Plains for India.
5
Appreciate the diverse landscape of our country and its impact on climate, agriculture, and human life.
Key Concepts & Definitions
Physiography
The study of the physical features of the earth's surface and their relation to its geological structures.
Indian Plate
The tectonic plate that was part of the supercontinent Gondwana and later collided with the Eurasian plate to form the Himalayas.
Bhabar
A narrow porous, gravel-ridden belt at the foothills of the Shiwaliks where streams disappear underground.
8–16 km wideTerai
Marshy, swampy, thickly forested region south of the Bhabar belt where underground streams re-emerge.
Bhangar
Older alluvium of the Northern Plains, found above floodplains. Less fertile, contains calcareous concretions called 'kankar'.
Khadar
Newer, highly fertile alluvium found in floodplains of rivers. Replenished every year by floods. Ideal for intensive agriculture.
Khadar = Khaas (Special)NCERT Exercise MCQs – Practice & Self-Test
How to Use
Click an option to check if it's correct or wrong. The explanation will appear instantly.
Difficulty: Easy
Q1. In which of the following states is the Wular Lake located?
✅ Correct: (d) Jammu & Kashmir — Wular Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, located in Bandipora district of J&K, fed by the Jhelum River.
Difficulty: Easy
Q2. The river Narmada has its source at:
✅ Correct: (b) Amarkantak — The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward through a rift valley.
Difficulty: Medium
Q3. Which one of the following salt water lakes is the largest in India?
✅ Correct: (b) Chilika — Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and second largest in the world. Note: Sambhar is India's largest inland salt lake.
Difficulty: Easy
Q4. Which one of the following is the longest river of Peninsular India?
✅ Correct: (b) Godavari — The Godavari River is the longest Peninsular river (~1,465 km), often called the 'Dakshin Ganga' (Ganga of the South).
Difficulty: Medium
Q5. Which one amongst the following rivers flows through a rift valley?
✅ Correct: (d) Tapti — Both Narmada and Tapti rivers flow westward through rift valleys — depressions formed due to faulting in the Earth's crust.
Extra Practice MCQs
Difficulty: Easy
Q6. The longitudinal valleys between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks are known as:
✅ Correct: (a) Doons — Famous examples include Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun, and Patli Dun.
Difficulty: Medium
Q7. Which of the following is the highest peak of the Western Ghats?
✅ Correct: (c) Anai Mudi — Anai Mudi (2,695 m) in Kerala is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and in all of Peninsular India.
Difficulty: Easy
Q8. Which physiographic division of India is considered a stable land block?
✅ Correct: (c) Peninsular Plateau — Being part of the ancient Gondwana landmass, the Peninsular Plateau is geologically very stable, unlike the tectonically active Himalayas.
Full NCERT Solutions – All Exercise Questions
📌 Exercise 2 – Short Answer Questions
3 Marks
What are the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south?
✅ Model Answer
The three major parallel ranges of the Himalayas from north to south are:
- The Great / Inner Himalayas (Himadri): Northernmost, most continuous range. Average height: 6,000 m. Contains prominent peaks — Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga.
- The Lesser / Middle Himalayas (Himachal): Altitude: 3,700–4,500 m. Known for famous hill stations — Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, and valleys — Kashmir, Kangra, Kullu.
- The Outer Himalayas (Shiwaliks): Outermost range, altitude 900–1,100 m. Composed of unconsolidated river sediments. Duns (longitudinal valleys) lie between Himachal and Shiwaliks — e.g., Dehra Dun.
💡 Memory Tip: Think H-H-S from north to south — Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks.
1 Mark
Which plateau lies between the Aravali and the Vindhyan ranges?
✅ Model Answer
The Malwa Plateau lies between the Aravali ranges (northwest) and the Vindhyan ranges (south). It is part of the Peninsular Plateau and is drained by rivers like the Chambal, Betwa, and Ken, which flow towards the northeast.
1 Mark
Name the island group of India having coral origin.
✅ Model Answer
The Lakshadweep Islands are the island group of India that have a coral origin. They are a group of small coral islands and atolls located in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Kerala. Corals are skeletons of tiny marine animals called polyps.
📌 Exercise 3 – Distinguish Between (Comparison Tables)
5 Marks
Distinguish between Bhangar and Khadar.
✅ Model Answer
| Basis | Bhangar | Khadar |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Older alluvium | Newer, younger alluvium |
| Location | Above the floodplains; largest part of northern plain | Floodplains along river banks |
| Fertility | Less fertile; not renewed regularly | Highly fertile; renewed every year by floods |
| Texture | Coarse; contains 'kankar' (calcareous concretions) | Fine, silty, clayey; no kankar nodules |
| Suitability | Requires more irrigation and fertilisers | Ideal for rice, wheat, sugarcane, jute |
💡 Memory Trick: Khadar is 'Khaas' (special/fertile) and new, found NEAR the river. Bhangar is old and found AWAY from the river.
5 Marks
Distinguish between Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.
✅ Model Answer
| Basis | Western Ghats (Sahyadris) | Eastern Ghats |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity | Continuous; crossed only through passes | Discontinuous and irregular; dissected by rivers |
| Altitude | Higher; avg 900–1,600 m | Lower; avg ~600 m |
| Highest Peak | Anai Mudi (2,695 m) in Kerala | Jindhagada Peak (1,690 m) in Andhra Pradesh |
| Rainfall | Cause orographic rainfall; block monsoon winds | Lower rainfall; parallel to monsoon winds |
| Rivers | Source of Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri | No major river originates; dissected by west-originating rivers |
📌 Exercise 4 & 5 – Long Answer Questions
5 Marks
What are the major physiographic divisions of India? Contrast the Himalayan region with the Peninsular Plateau.
✅ Model Answer
The six major physiographic divisions of India are:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
Contrast: Himalayan Region vs. Peninsular Plateau
| Feature | Himalayan Region | Peninsular Plateau |
|---|---|---|
| Formation & Age | Geologically young fold mountains; formed by tectonic collision | Part of ancient Gondwana landmass; stable block |
| Rock Type | Sedimentary and metamorphic rocks | Old crystalline, igneous, metamorphic rocks |
| Topography | Loftiest peaks, deep valleys, rugged relief | Broad shallow valleys, rounded hills, gentle relief |
| Mountain Type | Young fold mountains | Tableland with relict mountains (Aravallis) |
| Height | Avg 6,000 m — world's highest | 600–900 m average |
| Rivers | Perennial — fed by glaciers + rain | Seasonal — dependent on monsoon only |
| Stability | Unstable; earthquake-prone | One of the most stable land blocks in the world |
5 Marks
Give an account of the Northern Plains of India.
✅ Model Answer
The Northern Plains are formed by the depositional work of three major river systems — the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra along with their tributaries.
- Formation: Alluvial deposits from the Himalayas — extremely fertile soil.
- Extent: 7 lakh sq.km., about 2,400 km long and 240–320 km broad.
- Sub-divisions: Punjab Plains (west, Indus system), Ganga Plains (largest — Haryana, Delhi, UP, Bihar, WB), Brahmaputra Plains (east, Assam).
- Relief (North to South): Bhabar → Terai → Bhangar → Khadar.
- Significance: Agriculturally very productive due to fertile soil, adequate water, flat terrain. Densely populated — rightly called the 'food bowl of India'.
Extra Board Exam Questions (2026-27)
📌 Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)
3 Marks
Why are the Northern Plains of India densely populated?
▼
✅ Model Answer
- Fertile Soil: Rich alluvial soil brought by rivers — ideal for agriculture.
- Abundant Water: Perennial rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra ensure year-round water supply.
- Favourable Climate: Suitable for growing a variety of crops.
- Flat Terrain: Easy to build infrastructure — roads, railways, industries — promoting economic growth and settlement.
3 Marks
Write a short note on the Indian Desert (Thar Desert).
▼
✅ Model Answer
- The Indian (Thar) Desert lies to the west of the Aravalli Hills.
- Undulating sandy plain covered with sand dunes.
- Rainfall <150 mm/year; arid climate with sparse vegetation.
- Luni is the only large ephemeral river in this region.
- Barchans (crescent-shaped dunes) are prominent; longitudinal dunes near the Indo-Pakistan border.
📌 Long Answer & Case-Based Questions
5 Marks
Describe the formation of the Himalayas and explain their significance for India.
▼
✅ Model Answer
Formation: The Himalayas were formed by the collision of the Indo-Australian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. India was part of Gondwana supercontinent. After splitting from Gondwana, the Indian Plate drifted northwards and collided with Eurasia. The sedimentary rocks of the Tethys Sea (located between the two landmasses) were uplifted, folded, and compressed to form the Himalayan ranges. This process is still ongoing — the Himalayas are still rising and are prone to earthquakes.
Significance for India:
- Climatic Barrier: Blocks cold, dry Central Asian winds; traps monsoon winds forcing rain over the subcontinent.
- Source of Perennial Rivers: Himalayan glaciers feed Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra — ensuring year-round water.
- Fertile Plains: Alluvial deposits from rivers form the Northern Plains.
- Rich Biodiversity: Unique flora and fauna found in the Himalayas.
- Defence: Natural defence barrier historically protecting India.
4 Marks
Case-Based: Read the passage about Western and Eastern Ghats and answer the questions.
▼
✅ Model Answer
"The Western Ghats are continuous and cause orographic rain by forcing moist winds to rise along the western slopes. In contrast, the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and dissected by rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal."
- Orographic Rainfall: Occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain barrier. As air rises, it cools, condenses, and causes precipitation on the windward side.
- Highest peak of Western Ghats: Anai Mudi (2,695 m) in Kerala.
- Why Eastern Ghats are discontinuous: They have been eroded and cut through by large east-flowing rivers — Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri — originating in the Western Ghats.
- Major river dissecting Eastern Ghats: The Godavari river.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
01
Bhangar vs Khadar
Khadar is 'Khaas' (special/fertile) and new, found near the river. Bhangar is old, less fertile, and found away from the river.
02
Western vs Eastern Ghats
Western Ghats are higher, continuous, and receive more rain. Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous.
03
Ignoring Map Work
This chapter is heavily map-based. Practice marking all physiographic divisions, ranges, peaks, and plateaus on a blank map of India.
04
Vague Answers
Instead of "Himalayas are important," write specific points like "they are a climatic barrier" or "source of perennial rivers." Always give examples.
Exam Preparation Tips for 2026-27
01
Focus on Diagrams
Draw and label the cross-section of the Himalayas (Himadri, Himachal, Shiwaliks) and divisions of Northern Plains (Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, Khadar).
02
Make Flowcharts
Create a flowchart for 'Physiographic Divisions of India' with key facts. Perfect for 5-minute revision before the exam.
03
Comparison Tables
Make tables for Bhangar vs Khadar, Western vs Eastern Ghats, and Himalayan rivers vs Peninsular rivers.
04
Priority Topics
Himalayas, Northern Plains, and Peninsular Plateau are most frequently asked. Give them extra attention and practice.
05
Practice PYQs
Go through past 5 years' questions to understand the pattern and type of questions asked from this chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the 6 major physiographic divisions of India?▼
The six major physiographic divisions are: (1) The Himalayan Mountains, (2) The Northern Plains, (3) The Peninsular Plateau, (4) The Indian Desert, (5) The Coastal Plains, and (6) The Islands (Andaman & Nicobar + Lakshadweep).
Why are the Himalayas called young fold mountains?▼
The Himalayas are called young fold mountains because they were formed relatively recently in geological history (about 40–50 million years ago) by the folding of the Earth's crust due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
What is the difference between Himadri and Shiwalik ranges?▼
Himadri (Great Himalayas) is the innermost, highest, and most continuous range with an average height of 6,000 m. The Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) are the outermost, lowest, and most recent range with an average height of 900–1,100 m, composed of river sediments.
Which is the largest physiographic division of India?▼
The Peninsular Plateau is the largest physiographic division of India, covering an area of about 16 lakh sq. km. It is also the oldest part of the Indian subcontinent, formed from the ancient Gondwana landmass.
What is the difference between Bhangar and Khadar?▼
Bhangar is the older alluvium of the Northern Plains, found above floodplains. It is less fertile and contains calcareous concretions called kankar. Khadar is the newer, highly fertile alluvium found in floodplains, renewed almost every year by floods — ideal for intensive agriculture.
Master Structure & Physiography 🚀
Understanding India's physical structure — from Gondwanaland to the Himalayan fold mountains — gives you a foundation for all subsequent geography chapters. Revise regularly, practice map-based questions, and master comparison tables to ace your 2026-27 board exam!
⚡ Practice Chapter 2 MCQs Free