Chapter 8 – West Bengal | Class 9 School Geography Solution

1. False; The Chukha hydroelectric plant is in Bhutan.
2. False; The highest peak of Ayodhya hills is not Gorgaburu. The highest peak of Ayodhya hills is actually called Bura-Buri.
3. False; The water located beneath the Earth’s surface is groundwater, not surface water.
4. False; The southwest monsoon winds blow in summer, not winter, in West Bengal.
5. False; An average monthly temperature needed for Paddy cultivation is between 25°C – 32°C, not 10°C – 15°C.
6. True.
7. True.

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words

1. The main river in the Northern hilly region of West Bengal is ____.
2. West Bengal takes ____ position in the production of jute in India.
3. The source of the Ganga river is ____ glacier.
4. The Kolkata port is a ____ port.
5. The first cotton textile mill in India was set up at ____  in West Bengal.
6. The famous handicraft items made of leather, dokra, and terracotta are found at ____ in the Birbhum district.
7. ____ is the fifth largest city of West Bengal but the second most important centre after Kolkata.

Answer

Answer in word or words

Question 4 (a)

What is the latitudinal extent of West Bengal?

Answer

The latitudinal extent of West Bengal is approximately 21°30’N to 27°15’N.

Question 4 (b)

What is the total area of West Bengal?

Answer

The total area of West Bengal is approximately 88,752 square kilometres.

Question 4 (c)

In which neighbouring country of West Bengal can we see Mt. Everest (the highest peak in the world)?

Answer

The neighbouring country of West Bengal where we can see Mt. Everest (the highest peak in the world) in Nepal.

Question 4 (d)

In which administrative division of West Bengal does Kolkata lie?

Answer

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, lies in the Presidency administrative division.

Question 4 (e)

What is the atomic unit of Panchayati Raj known as?

Answer

The atomic unit of Panchayati Raj in India is the Gram Panchayat.

Short answer type questions

Question 5 (a)

The Western plateau of West Bengal. 

Answer

The Western plateau of West Bengal is located in the western part of the state and is an extension of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It covers the districts of Purulia, Bankura, and West Midnapore. The plateau is characterized by hilly terrain with undulating slopes and is rich in mineral resources such as iron, coal, and manganese.

Question 5 (b)

The Rarh plain.

Answer

The Rarh plain, also known as the lower Gangetic plain, is a vast alluvial plain that stretches across parts of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. In West Bengal, it covers the districts of Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, Burdwan, and Hooghly. The plain is formed by the alluvial deposits of the Damodar, Ajay, and Mayurakshi rivers.

Question 5 (c)

The Ganga delta region.

Answer

The Ganga delta region is a vast alluvial plain that is formed by the sediment deposition of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. This region is located in the southern part of West Bengal and extends into the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The Ganga Delta region is one of the most fertile regions in the world and is known for its extensive rice cultivation.

Question 5 (d)

The water resource of West Bengal.

Answer

West Bengal is well endowed with water resources, with major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries flowing through the state. The state has about 6.5% of the total water resources of India. The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta region in West Bengal is one of the most fertile regions in the country, with rich alluvial soil and abundant water supply.

Question 5 (e)

Multiple use of water in West Bengal.

Answer

Multiple use of water in West Bengal

1. Irrigation is a crucial use of water in West Bengal due to its agricultural nature, and the state has implemented various projects to ensure effective irrigation.
2. Water is also used for domestic, industrial, and hydropower generation purposes, with industries like jute, tea, steel, and petrochemicals depending on it.
3. The state faces challenges in managing its water resources sustainably due to increasing population, urbanization, and industrialization, and the government is taking steps to promote sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment.

Question 5 (f)

Summer season in West Bengal.

Answer

The summer season in West Bengal lasts from March to June, with the peak temperatures in May and June. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C in the plains. The coastal areas experience a slightly cooler climate due to the sea breeze. The summer season is also characterized by occasional thunderstorms and squalls, which bring some relief from the heat.

Question 5 (g)

Laterite soil.

Answer

Laterite soil is a type of soil that is formed by the weathering of rocks in tropical and subtropical regions with high rainfall. It is typically rich in iron and aluminum oxides, and has a high clay content. Laterite soil is generally poor in nutrients and organic matter, and is not very fertile. However, it is used for cultivation of certain crops like cashew, tea, coffee, and coconut in West Bengal.

Question 5 (h)

Sundarbans or Littoral forests.

Answer

The Sundarbans, also known as Littoral forests, is a mangrove forest ecosystem located in the delta region of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. The Sundarbans are spread across India and Bangladesh and cover an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometres, of which around 4,000 square kilometres are in West Bengal. The Sundarbans are known for their rich biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and various species of birds, fish, and reptiles. The Sundarbans is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Question 5 (i)

Rice cultivation in West Bengal.

Answer

Rice is the most important crop in West Bengal, and the state is one of the major rice-producing states in India. The cultivation of rice is primarily done in the fertile plains of the Ganges delta, where the soil is alluvial and ideal for rice cultivation. The state government provides various support measures to rice farmers, including subsidies, credit facilities, and free distribution of high-yielding varieties of seeds.

Question 5 (j)

Problems of the Jute industry in West Bengal.

Answer

The jute industry in West Bengal has been facing several problems in recent times. Some of the major issues are:

1. Declining demand: There has been a decline in the demand for jute products in recent years due to the emergence of synthetic materials and competition from other natural fibres like cotton.
2. High production costs: The production cost of jute is relatively high compared to other natural fibres. The industry has been struggling with high labour costs, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated machinery.
3. Lack of modernization: The jute industry in West Bengal has not kept pace with modern technology and has failed to modernize its machinery and production processes.

Question 5 (k)

Causes of the development of the Food processing industry.

Answer

There are several causes for the development of the food processing industry, some of which include:

1. Increase in demand: With the increase in population and changing lifestyle, the demand for processed food has increased. People are looking for easy-to-cook and ready-to-eat food items, which has led to the growth of the food processing industry.
2. Improvement in technology: With the advancement in technology, the processing, packaging, and preservation of food has become easier and more efficient, leading to an increase in production and a reduction in waste.
3. Government support: Governments across the world have been supporting the food processing industry by providing incentives, subsidies, and other forms of support to encourage the growth of the sector.

Question 5 (l)

Information Technology.

Answer

Information Technology (IT) refers to the use of computer systems, software, and telecommunications equipment to process and store data, as well as to transmit and receive information. In West Bengal, the IT sector has seen significant growth over the past few years, with the establishment of numerous IT parks, software development centers, and call centers in cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, and Durgapur.

Question 5 (m)

Kolkata port.

Answer

Kolkata port, also known as Kolkata Dock Complex, is a riverine port located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is the oldest and the only riverine major port in India. The port handles a wide variety of cargo, including coal, iron ore, jute, steel, petroleum products, and containers. The port is equipped with modern facilities like container terminals, oil jetties, and bulk cargo handling facilities.

Question 5 (n)

Cities in the western part of West Bengal.

Answer

Some of the major cities in the western part of West Bengal are:

1. Asansol
2. Durgapur
3. Kharagpur
4. Bankura
5. Purulia
6. Birbhum

These cities are located in the Rarh region and have significant cultural, historical, and economic importance in the state. Asansol and Durgapur are important industrial centres, while Kharagpur is famous for its railway workshop and educational institutions like IIT Kharagpur.

Answer the following questions

Question 6 (a)

How is the climate of West Bengal influenced by monsoon winds?

Answer

West Bengal has a tropical climate influenced by the monsoon winds, with two distinct seasons: summer and rainy. The southwest monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall from June to September, while the northeast monsoon winds bring some rainfall in October and November. During the summer season, temperatures can soar up to 45°C in some parts of the state, but the monsoon winds help bring relief. However, floods and landslides can occur during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall. The rainfall pattern is not uniform across the state, with the western part receiving more rainfall than the eastern part. The western part includes districts like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Jalpaiguri.

Question 6 (b)

What are tidal rivers? Write a few sentences about them.

Answer

Tidal rivers are rivers that experience the tidal movements of the sea. They occur where the river meets the sea and are influenced by the rise and fall of tides. During high tide, seawater moves upstream, while during low tide, freshwater flows downstream. Tidal rivers are important for supporting unique ecosystems and providing habitats for various species. They are also significant for human activities such as fishing and transportation. In West Bengal, the Hooghly River is a tidal river and a distributary of the Ganga. The Sundarbans, a mangrove forest that spans across West Bengal and Bangladesh, is also located in the delta region of the tidal rivers and is home to many unique and endangered species.

Question 6 (c)

What is the multiple uses of water? What is its importance in West Bengal?

Answer

The multiple uses of water refer to the various ways in which water can be used, including agriculture, domestic, industrial, and hydropower generation purposes. In West Bengal, irrigation is one of the most important uses of water due to the state’s reliance on agriculture. The state has a vast network of rivers, canals, and reservoirs that make it possible to irrigate a large area.

Apart from agriculture, water is also used for domestic purposes, such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation supplies water to Kolkata and its suburbs. Several industries, including jute, tea, steel, and petrochemicals, depend on water for their operations. The state also has a few hydroelectric power plants like the Teesta Hydel Project and the Jaldhaka Hydel Project.

Question 6 (d)

What type of natural vegetation do we notice in the mountainous region of West Bengal?

Answer

The mountainous region of West Bengal is primarily covered by temperate and alpine vegetation due to its high altitude and cooler temperatures. The vegetation varies with altitude, with lower elevations dominated by subtropical and tropical forests and higher elevations characterized by coniferous forests and alpine shrubs. Some of the common trees found in the region include oak, rhododendron, magnolia, fir, and pine. The region is also home to several species of flowering plants, ferns, and mosses. Additionally, the region has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, which are home to a variety of fauna, including endangered species such as the red panda and the Himalayan black bear.

Question 6 (e)

What are the favourable growing conditions for jute in West Bengal?

Answer

The favourable growing conditions for jute in West Bengal are:

1. Temperature – Jute requires a warm and humid climate, with a temperature range of 25-35°C.
2. Rainfall – Adequate rainfall is crucial for jute cultivation, and West Bengal receives an average annual rainfall of around 150-250 cm, which is sufficient for the crop’s growth.
3. Soil – Jute grows well in fertile alluvial soil, which is rich in organic matter and has good water retention capacity.
4. Land – Jute requires flat or gently sloping land, which is well-drained and has good water retention capacity. West Bengal’s deltaic plains are well-suited for jute cultivation, and the state has a vast network of canals and reservoirs that make irrigation possible.
5. Labour – Jute cultivation requires a significant amount of labour, particularly during harvesting and processing.

Question 6 (f)

What are the causes for the development of the Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO) in West Bengal?

Answer

The causes of the development of this steel plant are as follows:

1. Iron Ore is obtained from the Singhbhum (Jharkhand) and Keonjhar (Orissa) districts.
2. High-graded coking coal comes from Raniganj and Jharia.
3. Limestone and dolomite are brought from Birmitrapur (Odisha) and
4. Manganese from Barbil and Bonai in the northern part of Odisha.
5. Water required for the plant comes from the river Damodar.
6. The plant enjoys excellent transport facilities of the Kolkata-Delhi main railway line.
7. it also gets the facilities of Kolkata port.
8. Required Cheap labour is easily available from West Bengal, Bihar and Odisha. The plant manufactures high-graded steel alloys, stainless steel and structural.

Question 6 (g)

Why has cotton textile or Jute textile industry developed in West Bengal?

Answer

The causes of the development of the Cotton textile industry in West Bengal are

1. Nearness to the raw cotton fields Raw Cotton (medium and short-staple) is obtained from the suburbs of Kolkata. For the increasing demand for cotton fabric, farmers in many areas are now growing cotton on the loamy alluvial soil of the Hugli basin.
2. The humid climate prevailing at the mill, centres is ideal for spinning and weaving.
3. Electricity is available from the thermal power plants of the CESC, WBSEB and the D.V.C.
4. Well well-developed network of transport systems in and around Kolkata has helped the development of cotton mills here.
5. Cheap skilled and unskilled labour is available from West Bengal and adjoining states of Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand etc.
6. The chemical industry of Haldia supplies chemicals for dyeing.
7. Water is available from the Hugli River.

Question 6 (h)

Write about three main cottage industries of West Bengal.

Answer

West Bengal is known for its rich tradition of cottage industries, which have been an important part of the state’s economy and culture for centuries. Here are three of the main cottage industries in West Bengal:

1. Handloom Industry: The handloom industry in West Bengal is renowned for producing exquisite fabrics like Baluchari, Dhakai Muslin, Jamdani, and Tant. The handloom industry provides employment to a large number of people, especially women, in rural areas. It is supported by the West Bengal Handloom Development Corporation, which provides various facilities like training, raw material, marketing, and financial assistance to the weavers.
2. Terracotta Industry: The terracotta industry in West Bengal is centered around the town of Bishnupur, located in the Bankura district. The industry produces a wide range of items, including pottery, figurines, and decorative items. The artisans use locally available clay, and the items are fired in traditional kilns. The terracotta industry in West Bengal has a rich heritage, with the art form dating back to the 16th century.
3. Leather Industry: The leather industry in West Bengal is concentrated in the Kolkata and Howrah regions. The industry produces a variety of leather goods, including shoes, bags, wallets, and jackets. The industry employs a large number of skilled workers, and the products are exported to various countries. The West Bengal government provides various incentives and facilities to promote the growth of the leather industry in the state.

Question 6 (i)

Make a list of 6 main tourist sites of West Bengal and write the reason why people visit the place.

Answer

Here are six main tourist sites in West Bengal and the reasons why people visit them:

1. Darjeeling: A famous hill station known for its tea plantations, stunning views of the Himalayas, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is a popular destination for trekking, hiking, and adventure sports.
2. Sundarbans: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is home to the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodiles, and other unique wildlife. Visitors come for wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and to experience the unique ecosystem.
3. Kolkata: The capital city of West Bengal and a vibrant cultural centre. It is known for its colonial architecture, delicious food, and rich history. Visitors come to explore the city’s museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks.
4. Digha: A seaside town on the Bay of Bengal known for its beautiful beaches and water sports. It is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and beachside relaxation.
5. Shantiniketan: A small town known for its connections to the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is home to Visva-Bharati University and the Tagore family home, which have become important cultural landmarks. Visitors come to explore the town’s art and cultural offerings.
6. Murshidabad: A historic town known for its Mughal-era architecture and important role in Indian history. It was once the capital of Bengal and is home to many historic landmarks, including the Hazarduari Palace, the Nizamat Imambara, and the Katra Mosque. Visitors come to learn about the town’s rich history and explore its cultural heritage.

Circle the odd one out

Question 7 (a)

Tista, Mahananda, Bhagirathi-Hugli, Sandy Coastal plain.

Answer

Sandy Coastal plain

Explanation: Sandy Coastal plain is the odd one out because the other three options are names of rivers in West Bengal, while Sandy Coastal Plain refers to a geographical region.

Question 7 (b)

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Kalbaisakhi.

Answer

Kalbaisakhi

Explanation: Kalbaisakhi is the odd one out because it is a localized weather phenomenon that occurs in parts of eastern India, including West Bengal, during the pre-monsoon months of April and May.

Question 7 (c)

Rosewood, teak, rhododendron, shimul.

Answer

Rhododendron

Explanation: Rhododendron is the odd one out as it is a flowering plant that mostly grows in temperate regions, while the others are types of trees commonly found in West Bengal.

Question 7 (d)

Paddy, Iron and steel, tea, Jute.

Answer

Iron and steel.

Explanation: Paddy, tea, and jute are agricultural products while iron and steel are industrial products.

Question 7 (e)

Hazarduari Palace, Tarapith, Kalighat, Dakshineswar.

Answer

Kalighat

Explanation: Kalighat is the odd one out as it is a temple complex, while the others are historical or cultural sites.

Correct the following

Question 8 (a)

Digha is a port of West Bengal.

Answer

Digha is a popular seaside resort town in West Bengal.

Question 8 (b)

Water for Durgapur steel plant is obtained from Mahananda river.

Answer

Water for Durgapur Steel Plant is obtained from the Damodar River.

Question 8 (c)

The storm in summer in West Bengal is called ‘Ashwiner jharh’.

Answer

The storm in autumn in West Bengal is called ‘Ashwiner jharh’.

Question 8 (d)

Hugli is the longest river of North Bengal.

Answer

Teesta is the longest river of North Bengal.

Question 8 (e)

South 24-Parganas is a district of the Burdwan division.

Answer

South 24-Parganas is a district in the Presidency division of West Bengal, India.