Chapter 5 – India | Class 10 School Geography Solution

Book Name	: School Geography
Subject	: Geography
Class	: 10 (Madhyamik)
Publisher	: Bengal Book Syndicate Pvt. Ltd
Chapter Name	: India

Identify the correct answers

Question 1

The latitudinal extent of India is :

1. from 4°5 ‘N to 30°N
2. from 8°4’N to 37°6’N
3. from 28°30’N to 40°N
4. 8°N to 32°N

Answer

(b) from 8°4’N to 37°6’N

Explanation :

India’s latitudinal extent is approximately from 8°4’N to 37°6’N, covering a distance of about 3,214 kilometers from the southernmost point of the Indian mainland to its northernmost tip.

Question 2

The east-west extent of India measures:

1. 2,933 km
2. 4,214 km
3. 3,214 km
4. 2,932 km

Answer

(a) 2,933 km

Explanation:

The east-west extent of India measures approximately 2,933 kilometres from the westernmost point of Gujarat to the easternmost point of Arunachal Pradesh.

Question 3

The state formed in the year 2014 was :

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Goa
3. Telengana
4. Nagaland

Answer

Telangana

Explanation:

Telangana is the Indian state that was formed on 2nd June 2014. Before that, it was part of the state of Andhra Pradesh. The decision to create Telangana as a separate state was taken by the Indian parliament in February 2014, and the state officially came into existence on 2nd June 2014.

Question 4

The second highest peak in the world is :

1. Mt. Everest
2. Nandadevi
3. Mt. K₂
4. Kanchenjunga

Answer

Mt. K2

Explanation:

Mount K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori, is the second highest mountain peak in the world after Mount Everest. It is located in the Karakoram Range on the border between Pakistan and China, and its peak is 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level.

Question 5

The southern part of the western coastal plain is called :

1. Coromandol coast
2. Konkan coast
3. Malabar coast
4. Northern Circars coast

Answer

Malabar coast

Explanation:

The southern part of the western coastal plain in India is called the Malabar coast. It is a narrow strip of land along the Arabian Sea in the southwestern state of Kerala and the southern part of Karnataka. The Malabar coast is known for its beautiful beaches, backwaters, and coconut trees.

Question 6

India’s water resource in relation to world is about :

1. 3%
2. 14%
3. 2%
4. 10%

Answer

4%

Explanation:

India’s water resource in relation to the world is about 4%. India has a population of over 1.3 billion, and with only 4% of the world’s water resources, it faces a significant challenge in meeting the water needs of its people. Water scarcity is a major issue in many parts of the country, particularly during the summer months when many regions face acute water shortages.

Question 7

The process of supplying water to the crops by artificial means during dry season is called

1. Water harvesting
2. Irrigation
3. Weathering
4. Transplanting

Answer

Irrigation

Explanation:

The process of supplying water to the crops by artificial means during the dry season is called irrigation. Irrigation is essential in areas where rainfall is insufficient or irregular, and it helps to increase crop yields and ensure food security. There are various methods of irrigation, including surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and drip irrigation, among others.

Question 8

Arid climate in India is found in :

1. Tamil Nadu
2. West Bengal
3. Meghalaya
4. Rajasthan

Answer

Rajasthan

Explanation:

Arid climate in India is found in Rajasthan. Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India that has a predominantly arid to semi-arid climate. The region receives very little rainfall, and temperatures can be extreme, with hot summers and cold winters.

Question 9

Regur is the other name of :

1. Red soil
2. Black soil
3. Laterite soil
4. Alluvial soil

Answer

Black soil

Explanation:

Regur is the other name of black soil. Black soil is also known as black cotton soil or regur soil. It is a type of soil that is rich in clay and organic matter and is found in several parts of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Question 10

The trees that shed their leaves during dry winter belong to :

1. Tropical Evergreen forest
2. Tropical desert forest
3. Montane forest
4. Tropical Deciduous forest

Answer

Tropical Deciduous forest

Explanation:

The trees that shed their leaves during the dry winter belong to the Tropical Deciduous forest. These forests are also known as monsoon forests or dry forests and are found in regions with a seasonal monsoon climate, such as in India.

If the sentence is true write ‘ T’ and if false write ‘ F’ against the following

Question

1. The agriculture done to meet the food requirements of the people is called subsistence agriculture.
2. Kharif crop is sown in winter and harvested in spring.
3. A crop produced in the zaid season is coffee.
4. The raw materials that do not lose weight even after manufacturing are called impure raw materials.
5. The Visveswaraiva Iron and Steel Ltd. gets iron ore from the Singbhum district of Jharkhand.
6. Maruti Udyog Ltd. is situated at Gurgaon in Haryana.
7. The IT industry employs about 1 million Indian population.
8. A census is conducted after every twelve years.
9. Growth of population is the change in the members of people of a particular area between two given points of time.
10. The child mortality rate in 2011 was 12.2%.

Answer

Fill in the blanks with appropriate words

Question

1. The first synchronous census covering the entire country was conducted in ____.
2. The Decadal Growth Rate of India according to 2011 census is ____.
3. The ratio between total population and total land area is called ____ of population.
4. When people migrate from one place to another the population will ____ the latter place.
5. One important mode of transport is ____.
6. The ____ ____ connects the cities of Delhi-Mumbai-Chennai-Kolkata-Delhi.
7. National Highways are managed and maintained by agencies of ____ ____.
8. The Meenambakkam International Airport is at ____.
9. E-mail is a short word used for ____ ____.
10. ____ railways move underground through tunnels.

Answer

1. The first synchronous census covering the entire country was conducted in 1871.
2. The Decadal Growth Rate of India according to 2011 census is 17.7%.
3. The ratio between total population and total land area is called density of population.
4. When people migrate from one place to another the population will increase in the latter place.
5. One important mode of transport is railways.
6. The Golden Quadrilateral connects the cities of Delhi-Mumbai-Chennai-Kolkata-Delhi.
7. National Highways are managed and maintained by agencies of the central government.
8. The Meenambakkam International Airport is at Chennai.
9. E-mail is a short word used for electronic mail.
10. Metro railways move underground through tunnels.

Answer in word or words

Question 1

How many states and Union territories does India have at present?

Answer

India has 28 states and 8 Union territories at present.

Question 2

What does the word Himalaya mean?

Answer

The word Himalaya means “abode of snow” in Sanskrit.

Question 3

What is the other name of the range?

Answer

The other name of the range is the Himalayas or Himalayan Mountains.

Question 4

Which is the largest lagoon in India?

Answer

Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest lagoon in India.

Question 5

Where does the Ganga lived Staff its journey?

Answer

The Ganges river starts its journey in the Himalayas, specifically in the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand.

Question 6

How many dams does D.V.C. have?

Answer

D.V.C. (Damodar Valley Corporation) has four main dams and many small dams.

Question 7

Name the hot dry wind blowing in North India in Summer.

Answer

The hot dry wind blowing in North India in Summer is called the Loo.

Question 8

Which soil is ideal for cotton cultivation?

Answer

Black soil or regur soil is ideal for cotton cultivation.

Question 9

What is the prime factor of soil erosion?

Answer

Soil erosion is primarily caused by water and wind.

Question 10

What is the project that aims to plant trees in the fallow and wastelands called?

Answer

The project that aims to plant trees in fallow and wastelands is called the “Green India Mission”.

Question

Match the column A with column B

Answer

(1) Cotton Textile Industry – (c) Ahmedabad

(2) Green revolution – (a) Wheat

(3) Engineering industry – (e) Ancillary industry

(4) Chotanagpur Plateau – (b) Mineral resources

(5) East-West Corridor – (d) Silchar to Porbandor

Short answer type questions

Question 1

Write the location and extent of India.

Answer

India is located in South Asia and is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south. It shares its borders with Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. India extends between 8° 4′ N to 37° 6′ N latitude and 68° 7′ E to 97° 25′ E longitude.

Question 2

What are the physiographic divisions of ‘India?

Answer

India’s physiographic divisions can be broadly categorized into several regions based on their geographical and geological characteristics. These divisions include:

The Northern Mountains:

• This region includes the Himalayan mountain range, which stretches across northern India. It consists of three main parallel ranges: the Greater Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Outer Himalayas (Shivalik Hills). The Himalayas are known for their towering peaks, including Mount Everest.

The Northern Plains:

• Situated to the south of the Himalayas, the northern plains are characterized by fertile alluvial soil and are crisscrossed by several major rivers, including the Ganges and Yamuna. These plains are known for their agricultural productivity and include states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana.

The Peninsular Plateau:

• Covering a significant portion of India’s central and southern regions, the Peninsular Plateau is an ancient landmass characterized by flat-topped plateaus, rugged hills, and extensive plateaus. The Deccan Plateau is the largest part of this region.

The Thar Desert:

• Located in the western part of India, the Thar Desert is a hot and arid region characterized by sand dunes and sparse vegetation. It spans into Pakistan and is known for its extreme climatic conditions.

The Western and Eastern Coastal Plains:

• India has two extensive coastal plains: the Western Coastal Plain along the Arabian Sea and the Eastern Coastal Plain along the Bay of Bengal. These regions are fertile and support agriculture and industrial development.

The Islands:

• India has two major island groups: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea. These islands are known for their tropical climates and biodiversity.

The Northeastern Region:

• The northeastern part of India is characterized by its rugged terrain, hills, and dense forests. This region is home to a diverse range of indigenous cultures and tribes.

Question 3

What is doab?

Answer

A “doab” is a term used in the Indian subcontinent to refer to a region of land that lies between two rivers. The word “doab” is derived from Persian, where “do” means “two,” and “ab” means “water” or “river.” In essence, a doab is the fertile land area that exists between two adjacent rivers. Example – Yamuna Doab

Question 4

Write two advantages and two disadvantages of well irrigation.

Answer

Advantages:

1. Well irrigation is relatively easy to install and maintain.
2. It is suitable for small and scattered farms.

Disadvantages:

1. The water availability is limited and depends on the depth of the well and the groundwater level.
2. The water source can dry up during droughts or over-extraction.

Question 5

What are the branches of the Indian monsoon? Mention their direction of flow.

Answer

The Indian monsoon has two branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. The Arabian Sea branch moves towards the northwestern parts of India while the Bay of Bengal branch moves towards the northeastern parts of India.

Question 6

What are the characteristics of alluvial soil? What crops can be grown on them?

Answer

Alluvial soils are formed by the deposition of silt and clay by rivers. They are fertile and support the growth of crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton. Their characteristics include good water retention capacity, easy cultivation, and a high nutrient content.

Question 7

What are the causes of the development of the Tata Iron and Steel industry?

Answer

The Tata Iron and Steel industry was developed due to the availability of iron ore, coal, and other raw materials in close proximity to the plant. The location of the plant also provided access to transportation routes for the export of finished products.

Question 8

Write two causes of the uneven regional distribution of population in India.

Answer

The two causes of the uneven regional distribution of population in India

1. Resource Availability: Varied access to water, arable land, and minerals leads to population concentration in regions with abundant resources.
2. Economic Opportunities: Areas with strong industries and urban centres attract migration, contributing to regional population imbalances.

Question 9

What are the characteristic features of the littoral forests of India?

Answer

Littoral forests in India, also known as coastal or mangrove forests, have several characteristic features:

1. Mangrove Tree Species: Littoral forests are primarily dominated by salt-tolerant mangrove tree species such as Rhizophora, Avicennia, and Ceriops. These trees have unique aerial roots (pneumatophores) that help them respire in waterlogged soil.
2. Tidal Influence: Littoral forests are situated in tidal zones along coastal areas. They experience regular tidal inundation, with saltwater from the sea mixing with freshwater from rivers and creeks.
3. Adaptations to Salinity: Mangrove trees have specialized mechanisms to cope with high salinity levels. They often excrete excess salt through their leaves and have impermeable root systems that prevent the uptake of too much salt water.

Question 10

What are the importance of ropeways and pipelines?

Answer

Ropeways and pipelines are important for the transportation of goods and resources. They can provide cost-effective and efficient transport over difficult terrain, and are especially useful for transporting goods like ores, minerals, and petroleum products.

Answer the following questions

Question 1

Compare the western and eastern coastal plains of India.

Answer

Western Coastal Plain	Eastern Coastal Plain
Runs parallel to the Western Ghats	Runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal
About 1,600 km long	About 1,800 km long
Varies from 10-80 km	Varies from 50-100 km
Short and fast-flowing rivers	Long and slow-flowing rivers
Mumbai, Mangalore, Kochi, and Goa	Chennai, Vishakhapatnam, Paradip, and Kolkata

Question 2

What are the causes and effects of soil erosion in India?

Answer

Soil erosion is a major environmental problem in India, with several causes and effects. Here are some of the causes and effects of soil erosion in India:

Causes:

1. Deforestation: The removal of forests for agricultural, commercial or residential purposes leads to soil erosion, as the roots of the trees hold the soil together and prevent it from washing away.
2. Overgrazing: When animals graze on land for extended periods of time, it leads to soil compaction, loss of vegetation cover and increased erosion.

Effects:

1. Loss of soil fertility: Soil erosion leads to the loss of the topsoil, which is rich in nutrients, making it difficult for crops to grow and reducing the productivity of the land.
2. Reduced agricultural productivity: Soil erosion reduces the amount of land available for cultivation, and the loss of nutrients from the soil leads to decreased crop yields.

Question 3

Give reasons why rivers, lakes, ponds, canals etc., are important from a human perspective.

Answer

Rivers, lakes, ponds, canals, and other water bodies are important from a human perspective due to several reasons:

1. Water supply: Rivers, lakes, and ponds are important sources of freshwater for human consumption, agricultural irrigation, and industrial uses.
2. Transportation: Rivers and canals are used for transportation of goods and people, especially in rural areas where road and rail networks are inadequate.
3. Recreation and tourism: Lakes, ponds, and rivers are popular destinations for recreational activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, and are major tourist attractions.

Question 4

Discuss three important characteristics of Indian agriculture.

Answer

Indian agriculture is a complex system that is shaped by various factors, but three important characteristics of Indian agriculture are:

1. Subsistence agriculture: A significant proportion of Indian agriculture is subsistence-based, meaning it is focused on producing crops for personal or family consumption. In fact, around 60% of the country’s total cultivated area is used for subsistence farming. This type of agriculture is often practiced by small farmers who use traditional techniques and limited resources to cultivate crops.
2. Pressure of population: With a population of over 1.3 billion people, India has a high population density, which puts pressure on the agricultural sector to produce more food. In order to meet the growing demand for food, farmers often use intensive farming practices, such as multiple cropping and high-yield crop varieties. This pressure also puts a strain on natural resources like land, water, and soil, which are essential for agricultural production.
3. Predominance of animal force: Despite advances in mechanization, animal force is still widely used in Indian agriculture, particularly in rural areas. Bullocks are often used for ploughing and tilling the land, while cows are used for milk production and manure. The use of animal force not only helps in reducing the dependence on fossil fuels but also plays an important role in generating additional income for rural households.

Question 5

Account for the agricultural prosperity of Punjab and Haryana.

Answer

The agricultural prosperity of Punjab and Haryana in India can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Fertile Soil: Punjab and Haryana have some of the most fertile alluvial soil in India, primarily due to the deposition of nutrient-rich sediment by the Indus and its tributaries. This fertile soil provides an excellent foundation for high-yield crop cultivation.
2. Irrigation Infrastructure: Both states have well-developed irrigation systems, including a vast network of canals and tube wells. The Green Revolution of the 1960s introduced modern irrigation techniques, such as the use of high-yield crop varieties and chemical fertilizers, significantly increasing crop productivity.
3. High-Quality Seeds: The adoption of high-yield crop varieties, particularly wheat and rice, played a pivotal role in increasing agricultural productivity. These new varieties are more resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring higher yields.

Question 6

Give reasons why forests should be conserved.

Answer

Forests should be conserved for several reasons:

1. Conserving forests helps to protect biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance.
2. Conserving forests helps to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
3. Forests help to prevent soil erosion by protecting the topsoil from wind and water.
4. Forests provide a range of economic benefits such as timber, non-timber forest products, and ecotourism.

Question 7

What is population growth? What is meant by sustainable development?

Answer

Population growth refers to the increase in the number of individuals in a population over time, usually measured as a percentage of the initial population.

Sustainable development is a concept that aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental protection to ensure a better quality of life for all, while also preserving natural resources and biodiversity for the future.

Question 8

How do raw material and market affect the location of industries?

Answer

The availability of raw materials and the market are two critical factors that affect the location of industries. Industries need raw materials to manufacture goods, and the cost of transporting these materials to the factory can be significant. Therefore, industries often locate near sources of raw materials to minimize transportation costs.

Solve the puzzle from the clues given

Clues-

Across

(1) The main occupation of the people of India.

(2) Systematic counting of people done every ten years.

(3) Chief raw material for Iron and Steel industry.

(4) Name of a soil type that means ‘brick’ in Latin.

Down

(4) The forest found in coastal areas.

(5) The river in India having the largest delta in the world.

(6) This economic activity is considered the backbone of any economy.

(7) Indian climate is influenced by this wind.

(8) Short form of Electronic mail.

(9) It is an effective means of communication using computers.

Answer

Long answer or essay-type questions

Question 1

Discuss in brief the history of the demarcation of provinces of India after independence.

Answer

After independence, the provinces of India were reorganized based on several factors, including linguistic, cultural, and administrative reasons.

1. The first reorganization of provinces took place in 1948 when the state of Hyderabad was formed by merging the Telugu-speaking areas of the Nizam’s Dominion with the Telugu-speaking areas of the former Madras Presidency.
2. In 1950, the Indian government appointed a Linguistic Provinces Commission to examine the demand for linguistic provinces. The commission recommended the creation of states on linguistic lines.
3. In 1953, the government of India passed the States Reorganization Act, which created 14 states and 6 union territories based on linguistic and administrative factors.
4. The major states created during this period were Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Kerala.
5. In 1956, the reorganization process was further carried out with the merger of some of the smaller states and the creation of additional states based on linguistic lines. This included the creation of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh from the former state of Punjab.

Question 2

Divide India into physiographic divisions and describe any one of the divisions.

Answer

India can be divided into the following physiographic divisions:

1. The Himalayas
2. The Northern Plains
3. The Peninsular Plateau
4. The Indian Desert
5. The Coastal Plains
6. The Islands

One of the important physiographic divisions is the Peninsular Plateau. It is a triangular-shaped plateau located in the southern part of India. It is bounded by the Eastern Ghats in the east, the Western Ghats in the west, and the Satpura and Maikal ranges in the north. The plateau is made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks, with the Deccan Traps covering a major portion of it.

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of well, tubewell and canal irrigation?

Answer

Advantages and disadvantages of well, tube well, and canal irrigation are:

Well Irrigation: Advantages:

1. Well irrigation is relatively easy to install and maintain.
2. It is suitable for small and scattered farms.

Disadvantages:

1. The water availability is limited and depends on the depth of the well and the groundwater level.
2. The water source can dry up during droughts or over-extraction.

Tube Well Irrigation: Advantages:

1. Tube well irrigation provides a reliable source of water, especially in areas with low rainfall.
2. It can irrigate larger areas of land compared to well irrigation.

Disadvantages:

1. The cost of installing a tube well can be high, especially for small farmers.
2. The quality of water can be poor, especially if the groundwater is contaminated with salts or minerals.

Canal Irrigation: Advantages:

1. Canal irrigation can cover large areas of land and provide water to multiple farmers.
2. The water supply is reliable and can be managed through a centralized system.

Disadvantages:

1. The cost of constructing and maintaining canals can be high.
2. Canal irrigation can lead to waterlogging and salinization of soil in some areas.

Question 4

Describe the course of any two rivers of India.

Answer

1. The Ganges River: The Ganges River is one of the major rivers in India that flows through several states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river originates in the Himalayas at Gangotri and flows through several major cities including Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, and Kolkata. The river has a total length of 2,525 km and is considered to be one of the most sacred rivers in India.
2. The Brahmaputra River: The Brahmaputra River is one of the major rivers in India that originates in Tibet and flows through several states including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya before entering Bangladesh and finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river has a total length of 3,848 km, out of which 916 km flows through India.

Question 5

Describe the factors affecting the climate of India.

Answer

The climate of India is primarily influenced by several factors, both natural and man-made. The major factors affecting the climate of India are:

1. Latitude and Altitude: India is located in the tropical region between 8° 4′ N to 37° 6′ N latitudes. This location is responsible for India’s warm and humid climate. The altitude of a place also affects its climate, as higher altitudes tend to be cooler.
2. Pressure and Wind: The pressure and wind systems, such as the Southwest monsoon and the Northeast monsoon, influence the climate of India. These systems are responsible for the distribution of rainfall and temperature patterns in the country.
3. Distance from the sea: The distance of a place from the sea also plays a role in its climate. Coastal regions experience a maritime climate due to the influence of sea breezes, while inland areas experience a continental climate.
4. Ocean currents: Ocean currents, such as the warm Agulhas Current and the cold Benguela Current, affect the climate of the coastal regions of India.

Question 6

Discuss the salient features of the four seasons in India. or Monsoon in India follows a seasonal rhythm – Discuss.

Answer

India experiences four main seasons – winter, summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon. The salient features of each season are as follows:

1. Winter: Winter in India lasts from December to February. During this season, the northern parts of India experience very cold temperatures with snowfall in some regions. The southern parts are comparatively milder with cooler temperatures. The clear skies during this season make it a popular tourist season.
2. Summer: Summer in India lasts from March to May. The temperatures during this season are quite high, especially in the northern and central parts of the country. The southern parts are relatively cooler due to their proximity to the sea. The clear skies and the bright sunshine make this season ideal for beach vacations.
3. Monsoon: The monsoon season in India starts in June and lasts till September. This is a very important season as it brings about 75% of the country’s annual rainfall. The southwestern part of India is the first to receive monsoon rains, followed by the rest of the country. Heavy rainfall during this season can cause floods and landslides in some regions.
4. Post-monsoon: The post-monsoon season in India lasts from October to November. During this season, the temperatures start dropping gradually, and the humidity levels reduce. This is a good time to visit the country as the weather is mild, and the skies are clear.

Question 7

Describe in detail any two soil types found in India.

Answer

India is home to a variety of soil types due to its diverse topography, climate, and geological formations. Here are two soil types found in India along with their characteristics:

Black Soil:

• Also known as Regur Soil, it is found in the Deccan Plateau region of India, mainly in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Black soil is formed from the weathering of basaltic lava flows, and is rich in iron, magnesium, and lime.
• It has a high water-holding capacity and can retain moisture for a long time, making it suitable for crops that require a lot of water such as cotton, sugarcane, and tobacco.
• Black soil is sticky when wet and cracks when dry, which makes it difficult to till during the dry season. It also has poor drainage, which can lead to waterlogging and root diseases in some crops.

Alluvial Soil:

• Found in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, which includes parts of the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• Alluvial soil is formed by the deposition of sediments carried by rivers, and is composed of sand, silt, and clay.
• It is rich in organic matter and minerals, and has a high fertility that makes it suitable for growing a wide variety of crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, and vegetables.
• Alluvial soil has good water retention capacity, but poor drainage, which can lead to waterlogging and salinization in some areas. It is also prone to erosion due to its loose texture and can be easily washed away during heavy rainfall or floods.

Question 8

Write detailed accounts of any two types of naturàl vegetation of India.

Answer

India has a rich diversity of natural vegetation due to its varied climate, topography, and soil types. Here are detailed accounts of two types of natural vegetation found in India:

Tropical Rainforest:

• Tropical Rainforests are dense forests that receive heavy rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of more than 250 cm. The salient features of Tropical Rainforests are:
• The trees of these forests grow tall and have large leaves that help them in photosynthesis as the sunlight does not reach the ground due to the dense canopy.
• The undergrowth in the forests is dense, and the forest floor is covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, making it difficult for sunlight to penetrate.
• The trees have buttress roots that help in providing stability to the tall trunks.

Mangrove Forests:

• Mangrove forests are found mainly in the deltas of rivers and along the coastal areas, where freshwater and saltwater meet. The salient features of Mangrove Forests are:
• Mangroves are adapted to saline and waterlogged conditions and have developed special structures such as prop roots, pneumatophores, and stilt roots to anchor themselves in the soft and marshy soil.
• The leaves of mangroves are thick, and waxy, and have a salt-excreting mechanism to prevent the accumulation of excess salt.

Question 9

Describe the geographical environment necessary for the cultivation of rice or coffee in India.

Answer

Geographical environment necessary for the cultivation of rice in India:

1. Climatic condition: Rice is mainly grown in areas with high rainfall, high humidity, and high temperature throughout the year. It requires a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C, with an annual rainfall of 100-200 cm.
2. Land: Rice is generally grown in flat or gently sloping lands with standing water. Fields are terraced in hilly regions. The fields need to be levelled and well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
3. Soil: Rice is grown in a variety of soils, but it grows best in fertile alluvial soils that are rich in organic matter. It can also grow in lateritic soils and red soils with proper nutrient management.
4. Agricultural labour: Rice requires intensive labour for its cultivation. The planting, weeding, and harvesting of rice are all labour-intensive activities.

Geographical environment necessary for the cultivation of coffee in India:

1. Climatic condition: Coffee grows in tropical and subtropical regions with a well-distributed annual rainfall of 150-250 cm. The temperature should range between 15°C to 28°C, with no frost or extreme heat.
2. Land: Coffee grows best in hilly areas at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1500 meters. The slopes should be gentle and well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
3. Soil: Coffee plants require well-drained and acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil for coffee cultivation is loamy and rich in humus.
4. Agricultural labour: Coffee requires skilled labour for its cultivation, such as pruning and harvesting. The harvest season is short, which requires a large workforce for a short period.

Question 10

What are the problems of Indian agriculture? Discuss the measures to solve these problems.

Answer

Some of the problems of Indian agriculture are:

1. Fragmentation of land: The landholdings in India are small and fragmented, which leads to low productivity and inefficient use of resources.
2. Dependence on monsoon: Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on the monsoon, which is often unpredictable and erratic. This leads to crop failure and a loss of income for farmers.
3. Lack of irrigation facilities: Only about 50% of the net sown area in India is irrigated, which leads to lower crop yields and productivity.
4. Soil degradation: Soil degradation due to excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water is a major problem in India, leading to decreased productivity and land degradation.

Some of the measures that can be taken to solve these problems are:

1. Land consolidation: Consolidating small and fragmented landholdings can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and economies of scale.
2. Diversification of crops: Farmers can be encouraged to diversify their crops to reduce the risk of crop failure and to take advantage of changing market conditions.
3. Irrigation facilities: Investment in irrigation facilities such as canals, wells, and tube wells can lead to increased crop yields and productivity.
4. Soil conservation: The use of sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and agroforestry can help reduce soil degradation.

Question 11

Describe the causes of the development of Cotton Textile or Automobile industry in India.

Answer

Causes of development of Cotton Textile industry in India:

1. Availability of raw material: Cotton, the main raw material for the textile industry, is abundantly available in India.
2. Skilled labour: India has a large pool of skilled labour, especially in the textile industry, which has contributed to the growth of the industry.
3. Capital: With the growth of the banking sector in India, capital became available to entrepreneurs who wanted to start textile mills.
4. Transport: With the expansion of the railway network, transportation of raw materials and finished goods became easier and faster, contributing to the growth of the industry.
5. Government support: The government provided various incentives and subsidies to promote the growth of the textile industry, such as tax holidays, low-interest loans, etc.

Causes of development of the Automobile industry in India:

1. Market potential: India has a large and growing market for automobiles, which has attracted many multinational companies to set up their operations in India.
2. Skilled labour: India has a large pool of skilled labour in engineering and manufacturing, which has contributed to the growth of the industry.
3. Government policies: The government provided various incentives and subsidies to promote the growth of the automobile industry, such as tax holidays, low-interest loans, etc.
4. Joint ventures: Many foreign automobile companies formed joint ventures with Indian companies to take advantage of local expertise and market knowledge.
5. Economic liberalization: The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s led to the removal of many restrictions on the automobile industry, which contributed to its growth.

Question 12

Discuss the causes and problems of urbanisation in India.

Answer

Causes of Urbanization in India:

1. Employment opportunities: The rural-urban migration is mainly caused by the search for better employment opportunities.
2. Industrialization: With the development of industries in urban areas, the demand for labor also increased, which attracted rural people to migrate to urban areas.
3. Education: Urban areas offer better educational facilities, which attract people from rural areas.
4. Better standard of living: Urban areas offer better standard of living compared to rural areas.

Problems of Urbanization in India:

1. Overcrowding: The urban areas are already overcrowded and the population growth rate is increasing day by day, which leads to a shortage of basic amenities.
2. Unemployment: Urbanization has not been able to generate employment opportunities at the same pace, which has led to the growth of slums in urban areas.
3. Housing: The rapid increase in the population of urban areas has led to a shortage of affordable housing.
4. Environmental degradation: Urbanization has led to the degradation of the environment, air, water, and land pollution have become major problems in urban areas.

Question 13

Why do roadways and railways dominate over all other modes of transport in India?

Answer

Roadways and railways dominate over all other modes of transport in India due to the following reasons:

1. Large population: India has a large population, and the road and railway network can cater to a larger number of people.
2. Connectivity: The road and railway network has been developed to connect almost all parts of the country. This makes it easier for people to travel and transport goods from one place to another.
3. Cost-effective: Road and railway transport is generally considered more cost-effective compared to other modes of transport like airways or waterways. It is cheaper to construct and maintain roads and railways compared to airports and seaports.
4. Flexible: Road and railway transport is more flexible compared to other modes of transport. They can be used to transport a variety of goods, from small packages to large cargo, and can be used in almost all terrains.
5. Last-mile connectivity: Roadways and railways provide last-mile connectivity, connecting remote villages and towns to larger cities and markets. This is especially important in a country like India, where a significant portion of the population lives in rural areas.

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