Samacheer Kalvi Class 10 Social Science Solutions Chapter 1 India Location, Relief and Drainage

Column I	Column II
A Second largest beach	(i) West flowing river
B Barren island	(ii) Godavari
C Vridha Ganga	(iii) Kaveri
D Dhakshin Ganga	(iv) Marina
E West flowing river	(v) Active volcano

Answer:
A. (iv) Second largest beach - Marina
B. (v) Barren island - Active volcano
C. (ii) Vridha Ganga - Godavari
D. (iii) Dhakshin Ganga - Kaveri
E. (i) West flowing river - Narmada (Implied; from context, e.g. Tapti or Mahi could also be correct)
In simple words: This match connects specific Indian features to their correct descriptions. Marina Beach is a large beach, Barren Island has an active volcano, the Godavari River is called 'Vridha Ganga', and the Kaveri River is known as 'Dhakshin Ganga'. West flowing rivers like Narmada flow towards the Arabian Sea.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay close attention to unique names and characteristics of geographical features, especially for rivers and their local names.

III. Give Reasons

 

Question 1. Peninsular Rivers are Non-Perennial.
Answer: Peninsular rivers start in the Western Ghats and depend only on rain for their water. This causes their water level to change a lot with the seasons. Because of this, they do not flow all year long, making them non-perennial. Many rivers in peninsular India dry up in the summer months.
In simple words: Peninsular rivers only get water from rain, so their flow changes with seasons and they don't flow all year.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining river characteristics, always link them to their source of water (rain-fed vs. glacier-fed) and the impact on their flow (perennial vs. non-perennial).

 

Question 2. Andaman and Nicobar islands have dense forests.
Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located very close to the equator. This location gives them a climate that is hot and wet throughout the year. These conditions are perfect for the growth of lush, thick, and dense forests. The evergreen rainforests thrive in this humid environment.
In simple words: These islands are near the equator, so they have a hot and wet climate all year, which helps dense forests grow well.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect location (proximity to equator) and climate (hot and wet) directly to the type of vegetation (dense forests).

 

Question 3. India has close contact with the countries of the West and the East.
Answer: India's location, with its long coastline stretching into the Indian Ocean, gives it a special advantage. The sea routes that pass through the Indian Ocean connect India to countries in Europe on the west and countries in East Asia on the east. This important position means India naturally has close ties and contact with many nations globally. This geographical advantage has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange.
In simple words: India is in a good spot on the Indian Ocean, making it easy to connect with countries in the West (Europe) and East (Asia) through sea routes.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the strategic importance of India's peninsular location and its impact on international relations and trade.

 

Question 1. India is geographically vibrant and incredible country.
Answer: India is indeed a geographically vibrant and incredible country due to its wide range of physical features. It has the tall Himalayan peaks in the North, beautiful beaches and coastal plains in the South, the vast Great Indian Desert in the West, and rich natural heritage in the East. All these different landscapes make India a unique and diverse land. This diversity supports various ecosystems and cultural practices.
In simple words: India has a great mix of mountains, deserts, beaches, and rich natural areas across its land, making it a very diverse and amazing country.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing India's geographical diversity, mention key features from all four directions (North, South, East, West) for a complete answer.

IV. Distinguish Between The Following

 

Question 1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands.
Answer:
**Andaman and Nicobar Islands:**
1. They are found in the Bay of Bengal.
2. These islands were formed from volcanoes.
3. Port Blair is their administrative capital.
4. There are about 572 islands in this group.
**Lakshadweep Islands:**
1. They are located in the Arabian Sea, off India's west coast.
2. These islands are made of coral.
3. Kavaratti is their administrative capital.
4. This group consists of around 27 islands.
In simple words: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are in the Bay of Bengal, formed by volcanoes, and have more islands. Lakshadweep Islands are in the Arabian Sea, made of coral, and have fewer islands.

🎯 Exam Tip: For distinguishing questions, create two separate lists for each entity and ensure points directly contrast or differentiate them.

 

Question 2. Bhangar plains and Khadar plains.
Answer:
**Bhangar plains:**
1. These are older alluvial plains found in upland areas.
2. They are formed by older alluvial deposits.
3. The soil is dark and rich in humus.
4. They are well-drained and suitable for farming.
**Khadar plains:**
1. These are newer alluvial plains found along river courses.
2. They are formed by newer alluvial deposits.
3. The soil is sandy, silty, clayey, and muddy.
4. They are highly fertile. The fresh deposition of silt makes them ideal for agriculture.
In simple words: Bhangar plains are older, higher lands with darker soil, while Khadar plains are newer, lower lands near rivers with fresh, very fertile soil.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state characteristics for each type, focusing on age of alluvium, location, soil composition, and fertility to highlight differences.

 

Question 3. West flowing rivers and East flowing rivers.
Answer:
**West flowing rivers:**
1. These rivers flow into the Gulf of Cambay (Arabian Sea).
2. They mostly form estuaries instead of deltas.
3. Major examples include Narmada, Tapti, and Mahi. Many of these rivers flow through rift valleys.
**East flowing rivers of Peninsular plateau or South India:**
1. These rivers flow into the Bay of Bengal.
2. They typically form large deltas at their mouths.
3. Major examples are Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
In simple words: West flowing rivers go to the Arabian Sea, make estuaries, and include Narmada and Tapti. East flowing rivers go to the Bay of Bengal, make deltas, and include Godavari and Krishna.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish rivers based on their direction of flow, where they drain (sea/bay), and whether they form deltas or estuaries.

 

Question 4. Tributary and Distributary.
Answer:
**Tributary:**
1. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger main river.
2. It adds water to the main river, increasing its volume.
3. An example is the Yamuna River, which is a tributary of the Ganga River. Tributaries are essential for the water supply of major river systems.
**Distributary:**
1. A distributary is a branch or an outlet that flows away from the main river.
2. It carries water from the main river towards the sea or a lake, often in a delta region.
3. An example is the River Coleroon, which is a distributary of the Kaveri River.
In simple words: A tributary joins a main river and adds water, while a distributary leaves a main river and carries water away.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the directional relationship: tributaries flow *into* a main river, while distributaries flow *out* of it.

V. Answer In Brief

 

Question 1. Mention the tributaries of Godavari.
Answer: The main tributaries of the Godavari River are the Ghatprabha, Malaprabha, Manjira, Penganga, and Weinganga. These rivers contribute significantly to the water flow of the Godavari, helping it maintain its volume.
In simple words: Godavari's main joining rivers are Ghatprabha, Malaprabha, Manjira, Penganga, and Weinganga.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for tributaries, list as many significant ones as you remember to ensure full marks.

 

Question 2. Name the boundaries of India.
Answer: India is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal on its East, the Arabian Sea on its West, and the Indian Ocean in the South. In the North, it is bounded by the tall Himalayan mountains. These natural features create distinct boundaries for the country.
In simple words: India's boundaries are the Bay of Bengal (East), Arabian Sea (West), Indian Ocean (South), and the Himalayas (North).

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state the geographical features and their corresponding directions when describing boundaries.

 

Question 3. Why do we need a Standard Meridian for India?
Answer: India needs a Standard Meridian to avoid time differences across the country. Without it, there would be almost a two-hour time gap between the easternmost and westernmost parts of India, which would cause confusion for daily activities and schedules. A single Standard Meridian ensures a uniform time everywhere. This helps in coordinating activities like train schedules and broadcasts.
In simple words: We need a Standard Meridian to have one time zone across India and avoid confusion from different local times between east and west.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the problem (time gap/confusion) and the solution (uniform time) when discussing the Standard Meridian.

 

Question 4. How India is politically divided?
Answer: For easier administration, India is politically divided into 29 states and 7 union territories. The city of Delhi serves as the National Capital Territory, playing a central role in the country's governance. This division helps in managing such a vast and diverse population effectively.
In simple words: India is split into 29 states and 7 union territories for easy management, with Delhi as the main capital.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the number of states and union territories, and mention the capital for complete information.

 

Question 5. Why is India called a Sub-continent? How it is separated?
Answer: India is called a Sub-continent because it is a very large landmass that stands out as a unique geographical unit from the rest of the Asian continent. It is separated from the main continent by natural barriers like towering mountains and mighty rivers. The Himalayas in the north, for instance, act as a massive natural wall, physically detaching it. This distinct geographical identity defines its sub-continental status.
In simple words: India is a subcontinent because it's a huge landmass set apart from Asia by natural barriers like mountains and rivers.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the two key aspects: India's distinct geographical unit status and the natural features (mountains, rivers) that create this separation.

 

Question 6. Name the three major divisions of the Northern Mountains.
Answer: The three main divisions of the Northern Mountains are:
1. The Trans-Himalayas (or) The Western Himalayas
2. The Himalayas
3. Eastern Hills or Purvanchal Hills
These divisions each have unique characteristics in terms of their geology and formation.
In simple words: The Northern Mountains are divided into Trans-Himalayas (Western), the main Himalayas, and the Eastern Hills (Purvanchal).

🎯 Exam Tip: List the divisions clearly and in an organized manner when asked to name them.

 

Question 7. Why is Northern Plain most productive part of India?
Answer: The Northern Plain is the most productive part of India because it has a rich soil cover that is very fertile, along with a constant and adequate supply of water. The climate in this region is also favorable for agriculture, allowing many crops to grow well. This combination of fertile soil, water, and good climate makes it a highly productive area for farming. The presence of numerous rivers contributes to its fertility.
In simple words: The Northern Plain is very productive because it has rich, fertile soil, plenty of water, and good weather for growing crops.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining productivity, always link it to factors like soil fertility, water availability, and favorable climate.

 

Question 8. How has Northern Plain become a fertile Plain?
Answer: The Northern Plain became a fertile plain because it is made up of alluvial soil, which is deposited by rivers. Over millions of years, the rivers flowing from the Himalayas have carried vast amounts of silt and sediment, laying it down at the foothills. This constant deposition formed a thick layer of rich, fertile soil, making the northern plains ideal for agriculture. The continuous flow of water from these rivers also helps keep the soil moist and productive.
In simple words: The Northern Plain is fertile because rivers from the Himalayas have deposited rich alluvial soil there for millions of years.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the process of alluvium deposition by rivers over a long period to fully answer how plains become fertile.

VI. Answer In A Paragraph

 

Question 1. India is a Sub-Continent. Prove it.
Answer: India is considered a subcontinent because it displays many distinct features that separate it geographically from the rest of Asia. These characteristics include unique physical landscapes like mountains and plateaus, diverse climate conditions ranging from tropical to alpine, varied natural vegetation zones, and distinct cultural norms and linguistic groups. Additionally, India covers a huge geographical area. All these individual continental traits are present within India, making it a unique geographical entity. This broad range of features makes India feel like a continent on its own.
In simple words: India is called a subcontinent because it is a large land with many different physical features, climates, plants, cultures, and languages, making it stand apart from the rest of Asia.

🎯 Exam Tip: To prove India is a subcontinent, list its diverse physical, climatic, and cultural characteristics that resemble those of an entire continent.

 

Question 2. Name the old fold mountain in India and write a brief note on it.
Answer: The Aravalli range is the old fold mountain in India. These mountains are ancient geological structures, and over a very long time, erosion has worn them down, reducing them to hills. The Aravalli hills form the northwestern and western boundary of the Central Highlands, which is a subdivision of the Peninsular plateau. They stretch for about 700 km, starting from Gujarat, passing through Rajasthan, and ending in Delhi in a northwesterly direction. While some peaks like Gurushikar (1722m) are relatively high, the average height is much lower, often around 400m near Delhi. This range is one of the oldest in the world, showing how ancient geological processes shaped India's landscape.
In simple words: The Aravalli range is India's old fold mountain. It's a very old, eroded mountain chain that forms a boundary for the Central Highlands and runs from Gujarat to Delhi, with Gurushikar being its highest peak.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing old fold mountains, emphasize their age, the impact of erosion, their location, and any notable peaks or features.

 

Question 3. Write a note on Purvanchal Hills.
Answer: The Purvanchal Hills are the eastern extensions of the Himalayas, also known as the eastern off-shoot of this great mountain range. These hills extend across the northeastern states of India. Most of the Purvanchal hills are located along the border between India and Myanmar, while some parts lie within India's interior. This region includes several important hill ranges such as the Dafla Hills, Abor Hills, Mishmi Hills, Patkai Bum Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur Hills, Mizo Hills, Tripura Hills, Mikir Hills, Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills. They form a rugged and diverse landscape in the country's eastern part. These hills are crucial for biodiversity and act as a natural barrier.
In simple words: The Purvanchal Hills are the eastern part of the Himalayas, found in India's northeastern states along the Myanmar border. They include many smaller hill ranges like Naga, Khasi, and Garo Hills.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention their connection to the Himalayas, their location (northeastern states/Myanmar border), and list some prominent hill ranges within them.

 

Question 4. Write in general about the structure of the Peninsular plateau.
Answer: The Peninsular plateau is a large landform located to the south of the Great Northern Plains in India. It is the largest physical division of India, covering an area of about 16 lakh square kilometers. This plateau is roughly triangular in shape. Its average height is more than 600m, but some parts are higher. For example, Anaimudi, located in the Anaimalai Hills, is the highest point in this region. The plateau generally slopes towards the east and is a part of the ancient Gondwana landmass. The Narmada River divides the plateau into two main parts: the Central Highlands to the north of the Narmada and the Deccan Plateau to its south. The peninsular plateau is made up of a series of plateaus and hill ranges, with many river valleys in between. Its ancient, stable nature makes it geologically significant.
In simple words: The Peninsular plateau is a huge, triangular land south of the Northern Plains, covering 16 lakh sq.km. It's mostly over 600m high, slopes east, and is divided by the Narmada River into Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.

🎯 Exam Tip: Structure your answer by first giving its location and size, then shape and elevation, followed by its division (Narmada River) and geological origin.

VII. Map Exercises

 

Question 1. Mark the following in the outline map of India.
**Set 1:**
1. Mark the boundaries of India
2. Latitudinal Extent
3. Longitudinal Extent
4. Tropic of cancer
5. Lakshadweep Islands
6. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
7. Central Meridian of India
**Set 2:**
Peaks: Anaimudi, Mt. Everest, Mt.K2 Mahendragiri, Gurushikhar. NamchaBarwa, Nanga parbat, Kanchenjunga. Dhaulagiri, Makalu. Nandadevi, Dodabetta.
Hill stations: Shimla, Mussoorie Ranikhet, Nainital, Almora, Darjeeling.
Hills: Aravalli, Vindhya. Satpura, Naga hills, Mizo hills, Garo hills, Khasi hills, Jaintia hills, Nilgiri hills, Anaimalai hills, Cardomom hills, Raj Mahal hills, Gir hills.
Gulf: Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Rann of Kutch, Palk Strait, Gulf of Cambay.
Answer:
The following map indicates the boundaries of India, its latitudinal and longitudinal extents, the Tropic of Cancer, and the locations of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Central Meridian of India, which is 80°30'E, is also conceptually indicated. Various peaks, hill stations, hill ranges, and gulfs mentioned in Set 2 would also be marked on a detailed physical map of India.

In simple words: This map shows the important lines that define India's position, like how far north and south it goes, and how far east and west. It also shows the Tropic of Cancer line that cuts through the middle and where its island groups are. The central meridian line helps to set the standard time.

🎯 Exam Tip: When marking maps, use clear lines and labels. Ensure you understand what each geographical term means and where it should be placed accurately on an outline map.

Set 3:

Seven Union Territories:

1. Delhi
2. Chandigarh
3. Diu and Daman
5. Pondicherry
6. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
7. Lakshadweep.