Chapter - 3
Landforms and Life
The Big Questions (Page 41)
Question 1.
What are the major types of landforms and their significance to life and
culture?
Answer:
The major types of landforms are mountains, plateaus, and plains.
Mountains: Mountains are landforms that are much higher than the
surrounding landscape. Depending on their height, some mountains are
covered with snow. At lower altitudes, the snow melts every summer and
turns into water that feeds rivers. At high altitudes, the snow may never
melt, leaving the mountain permanently snow-capped.
Plateaus: A plateau is a landform that rises up from the surrounding land
and has a more or less flat surface; some of its sides often have steep
slopes. The Tibetan Plateau is the largest and highest plateau in the world.
Plateaus are the 'storehouses of minerals'. Mining is the major activity on
plateaus, where many of the world's largest mines are found.
Plains: Plains are landforms that have an extensive flat or gently undulating
surface. They do not have any large hills. They are generally not more than
300 metres above sea level.
Significance of mountains, plateaus and plains in human life and culture:
Mountains:
● Mountain regions have rich flora and fauna.
● Most mountain regions have very low pollution levels.
● Regular farming is practiced on the slopes by cutting steps into the
slope, called terrace farming.
● Tourism is often an important source of income for people living in the
mountains.
● The crisp mountain air and scenic beauty attract many tourists.
Plateaus:
● Plateaus have rich mineral deposits.
● Many mining areas in the world are located in plateau regions.
● For example, the African plateau is famous for gold and diamond
mining.
● The Chhota Nagpur plateau in India has huge reserves of iron, coal,
etc.
● The plateau environment is very diverse across the world. Many
plateaus have rocky soil, which makes them less favorable for
farming.
Plains:
● Thousands of years ago, the first civilizations developed around rivers
in fertile plains. Even today, a large part of the world's population lives
in plains. Most of the big cities around the world are located near
riverbeds.
● Plains in many areas are important for large-scale agricultural work.
● Plains have gentle slopes, so river navigation is easy and supports
many economic activities.
Question 2.
What are the challenges and opportunities of life associated with each
landform?
Answer:
The challenges and opportunities of life associated with each landform are
as follows:
Mountains: Living in mountainous regions presents several challenges and
opportunities. Cold weather and heavy snowfall can make everyday life
difficult, impacting transportation and agriculture. Steep slopes also pose
challenges for construction and infrastructure development. However,
mountains offer unique opportunities, including breathtaking scenery that
attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, creating economic opportunities
through tourism.
Plains: Plains are generally favorable for human habitation due to their flat
and fertile land, making them ideal for agriculture and infrastructure
development. This leads to dense human settlements and thriving
communities. However, plains can also face challenges, such as the risk of
flooding, which can damage crops and property.
Plateaus: Plateaus, characterized by elevated flatlands, offer a mix of
challenges and opportunities. The terrain can be less fertile and dry, making
agriculture difficult without proper irrigation. Access to water sources may
also be limited. However, plateaus are often rich in mineral resources,
making them prime locations for mining activities.
They are suitable for livestock grazing and sometimes provide unique
ecosystems and isolated communities with distinct cultures.
landscapes of plateaus can also attract tourists, adding to their economic
opportunities.
Hills: Hills, smaller than mountains, present their own set of challenges and
opportunities. The slopes can complicate farming and construction, and
there is a risk of landslides in certain areas. Despite these challenges, hills
offer opportunities for terraced farming, which can make agriculture viable
on slopes. They are also popular for tourism and outdoor activities, thanks
to their scenic views and cooler climates. Hills often host historical sites and
ancient structures, adding cultural significance and attracting visitors.
Deserts: Deserts are known for their harsh living conditions, with extreme
temperatures and limited water sources posing significant challenges to
human habitation and agriculture. However, deserts also offer unique
opportunities. The arid environment is home to specialized plants and
animals that have adapted to the conditions.
Valleys: Valleys, often formed by rivers between hills or mountains, offer
fertile land that is ideal for agriculture, presenting significant opportunities
for food production. However, they can be prone to flooding, which poses a
risk to crops and settlements.
Valleys provide natural protection and resources for communities, fostering
early civilizations due to the availability of water and fertile soil.
Letʼs Explore
Question 1.
As a class activity, form groups of four or five students and observe the
schoolʼs surroundings. What kind of landscape do you see? Will the
landscape change a few kilometres away? Or within some 50 kilometres?
Compare with other groups.
Answer:Our school is located in an urban area. We see tall buildings, roads,
parks, and some trees around the school. There are no water bodies or hills
nearby.
Landscape nearby: Residential areas, commercial buildings, crowded
markets, gardens, parks, etc.
Question 2.
In the same groups, discuss a journey that any of you has made through a
region of India. List the different landscapes seen on the way. Compare it
with other groups.
Answer:
The following landscapes can be observed during the journey in India
(a) Mountains
(b) Plains
(c) Plateaus
(d) Deserts
(e) Coastal region
Question 3.
Here are two verses from a long poem by Kālidāsa, who lived at least
1,500 years ago and is often considered to be the greatest poet of ancient
India. The poem, Kumarasambhava, begins with an invocation to the
Himalayas. (This is a simplified translation from the Sanskrit.)
In the north rises Himãlaya, the Lord of mountains, like a living god, who
measures the Earth and stretches from the western to the eastern
oceans….
From it the wind comes down, carrying spray from descending Gangā,
shaking the deodar trees, opening the peacocksʼ tail feathers and cooling
the mountain people after they hunt deer.
Discuss the verses and the following questions in class. (Page 46)
(i) What are the ‘western to the eastern oceansʼ? Can you locate them as
well as the ‘Lord of mountainsʼ (on page no. 76)?
Answer:
The phrase "western to the eastern oceans" refers to the Arabian Sea to the
west and the Bay of Bengal to the east of the Indian subcontinent. These
bodies of water form the western and eastern boundaries of the Indian
Ocean around India.
The "Lord of mountains" refers to the Himalayas, which stretch across
northern India, from the west near the Arabian Sea to the east near the Bay
of Bengal. On a map (Page 76), the Himalayas can be located as the
mountain range running across northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of
Tibet.
(ii) Why is Ganga mentioned? (Hint: There could be several reasons.)
Answer:
The Ganga is mentioned for the following reasons:
(a) The Ganga River is considered sacred in Hinduism. It is associated with
purity, spiritual cleansing, and has numerous religious festivals centered
around it.
(b) The Ganga originates from the Himalayas and flows through the
northern plains of India, providing water for agriculture, drinking, and
various daily needs. It is a lifeline for millions of people.
(c) The Ganga is a cultural icon, celebrated in literature, poetry, and
folklore. Its mention evokes the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of
the region.
(d) The verses highlight the natural scenery of the Himalayas, where the
wind carries spray from the descending Ganga, illustrating the river's
dynamic presence in the mountainous landscape.
Question 4.
The images (on page 50) depict a few challenges that people living in the
mountains may face. Discuss them in groups in the class and write one
paragraph on each. Also discuss why, despite many such challenges,
people still choose to live in the mountains. (Page 49)
Answer:
Students may discuss issues like landslides, harsh weather, lack of
connectivity, and how mountain communities adapt to them.
Question 5.
The picture in Fig. 3.9 has been taken from a satellite. It captures a
portion of north India from a high altitude. Observe and discuss the image
as a class activity. (Page 54)
(i) Which colour is the Ganga plain?
Answer:
The Ganga plain appears in shades of green in satellite images,
representing the fertile agricultural land of the region.
(ii) What does the white expanse represent?
Answer:
The white expanse represents snow-capped mountains or glaciers. In north
India, this corresponds to the Himalayan mountain ranges.
(iii) What does the brown expanse at the bottom left of the image
represent?
Answer:
The brown expanse represents arid or semi-arid regions, such as deserts or
dry land areas. In north India, this could correspond to parts of the Thar
Desert.
Question 6.
Can you give examples of river sources or confluences from your region
that are regarded sacred by any community?
Answer:
Rivers are the main source of fresh water. In the region where I live, the
River Ganga passes nearby. Cool air blows in the morning, and birds are
chirping. The water flows with great speed and enthusiasm. Fishermen
catch fish, and children enjoy playing near the riverbank.
Question 7.
Visit a nearby river and observe all activities there, whether economic or
cultural. Note them down and discuss with your classmates.
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 8.
Name some popular tourist destinations in India and identify the category
of landform they are associated with.
Answer:
Some popular tourist destinations in India and their associated landforms
are:
● Shimla - Hills
● Goa - Coastal plains
● Rajasthan - Desert
● Ladakh - Mountains
Exercise Questions
Question 1.
In what type of landform is your town/village/city located? Which
features mentioned in this chapter do you see around you?
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Question 2.
Let us go back to our initial trip from Chhota Nagpur to Prayagraj and
Almora. Describe the three landforms you came across on the way.
Answer:
The three landforms encountered on this journey are:
The Chhota Nagpur Plateau: This is a large plateau in eastern India,
covering parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. It is known for its
rich mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite. The plateau
has rugged terrain with numerous hills and valleys, covered with dense
forests and rivers. It is home to various tribes and has a unique cultural
heritage.
Indo-Gangetic Plains: Traveling from Chhota Nagpur towards Prayagraj,
you enter the Indo-Gangetic Plains. These are expansive flatlands that
stretch across northern India. The plains are formed by silt deposits from
the Ganga and its tributaries, making the soil very fertile. This region is
known for extensive agriculture, supporting crops like wheat, rice, and
sugarcane. The plains are densely populated with numerous cities and
towns.
Kumaon Hills: Continuing from Prayagraj to Almora, you reach the Kumaon
Hills in Uttarakhand. The Kumaon region is part of the larger Himalayan
mountain range, characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, and lush
forests. Almora, situated in the Kumaon Hills, offers panoramic views of the
Himalayas and is known for its pleasant climate, rich biodiversity, and
cultural heritage. The region is famous for terraced farming, traditional
handicrafts, and temples.
Question 3.
List a few famous pilgrimage spots in India along with the landforms in
which they are found.
Answer:
Famous pilgrimage spots in India and their landforms:
● Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): River plain - Located on the banks of the
Ganga River, Varanasi is one of the oldest and most sacred cities in
Hinduism, known for its ghats, temples, and spiritual significance.
● Amarnath (Jammu and Kashmir): Mountainous landform - Famous
for the Amarnath Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the
Himalayas and attracting thousands of pilgrims during the annual
Amarnath Yatra.
● Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh): Hills - Home to the famous Venkateswara
Temple, situated in the Tirumala Hills, one of the most visited
pilgrimage sites in India.
Question 4.
State whether true or false –
i) The Himalayas are young mountains with rounded tops.
Answer:
False
ii) Plateaus usually rise sharply at least on one side.
Answer:
True
iii) Mountains and hills belong to the same type landform.
Answer:
True
iv) Mountains, plateaus and rivers in India have the same types of flora
and fauna.
Answer:
False
v) Ganga is a tributary to the Yamuna.
Answer:
False
vi) Deserts have unique flora and fauna.
Answer:
True
vii) Melting snow feeds rivers.
Answer:
True
viii) Sediments from rivers deposited in the plains makes the land fertile.
Answer:
True
ix) All deserts are hot.
Answer:
False
Question 5.
Match the following
Column A Column B
1. Mount Everest (a) Africa
2. rafting (b) roof of the world
3. camels (c) rice fields
4. plateau (d) desert
5. Gangetic plains (e) river
6. waterway (f) Ganga
7. Mount Kilimanjaro (g) tributary
8. Yamuna (h) climbing
Answer :
Column A Column B
1. Mount Everest (b) roof of the world
2. rafting (e) river
3. camels (d) desert
4. plateau (a) Africa
5. Gangetic plains (c) rice fields
6. waterway (f) Ganga
7. Mount Kilimanjaro (h) climbing
8. Yamuna (g) tributary
Word Meaning:
One-Word
Word
Answer
Landform Feature
Mountain High
Hill Small
Plain Flat
Plateau Flat-high
Desert Dry
Valley Low
River Flowing
Island Surrounded
Forest Trees