Indian Physiography is one of the most important topics for NDA and CDS examinations. It deals with the physical features and landforms of India that shape its climate, rivers, soil, and natural resources. Understanding these features helps aspirants grasp India’s geographical diversity and strategic importance.
NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam GK – Indian Geography – Physiography
1. The Himalayan Mountains
The Himalayas are the youngest fold mountains in the world formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. They stretch about 2,400 km from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh.
Major Divisions of Himalayas
- Greater Himalayas (Himadri)
- Highest range with average height 6000 meters
- Contains major peaks like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Nanda Devi
- Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)
- Average height 3500–4500 m
- Famous hill stations located here such as Shimla and Mussoorie
- Shiwalik Range
- Outer Himalayas with height 900–1200 m
- Composed of loose sediments
Importance
- Source of major rivers like Ganga River, Brahmaputra River, and Indus River
- Natural barrier protecting India from cold Central Asian winds
- Influences Indian monsoon
2. The Northern Plains
The Northern Plains are formed by the deposition of alluvial soil by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
Key Features
- Extremely fertile agricultural region
- Dense population
- Flat terrain suitable for agriculture and transportation
Divisions
- Punjab Plains
- Ganga Plains
- Brahmaputra Plains
Importance
- Known as the food bowl of India
- Supports major crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
3. The Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest landmass of India and part of the ancient Gondwana land.
Major Divisions
- Central Highlands
- Deccan Plateau
Important ranges include:
- Aravalli Range
- Vindhya Range
- Satpura Range
Characteristics
- Rich in minerals like coal, iron ore, and manganese
- Source of many rivers like Godavari River, Krishna River, and Narmada River
4. The Indian Desert
The Thar Desert lies in western Rajasthan.
Key Features
- Very low rainfall (less than 150 mm annually)
- Sandy plains and dunes
- Sparse vegetation
River
- The Luni River is the only major river flowing through this region.
5. The Coastal Plains
India has a long coastline of about 7,516 km.
Two Divisions
- Western Coastal Plains
- Narrow
- Lies between Western Ghats and Arabian Sea
- Eastern Coastal Plains
- Wider
- Lies between Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal
Important Deltas
- Mahanadi Delta
- Godavari Delta
- Krishna Delta
6. The Islands of India
Two Major Groups
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Located in the Bay of Bengal
- Volcanic origin
- Contains Barren Island
- Lakshadweep Islands
- Located in the Arabian Sea
- Coral origin
NDA & CDS Exam Practice MCQs (Indian Physiography)
1. Which of the following is the highest Himalayan range?
A. Shiwalik
B. Himachal
C. Himadri
D. Purvanchal
Answer: C
Explanation: Himadri or Greater Himalayas is the highest Himalayan range.
2. The Northern Plains of India were formed by the deposition of sediments by which rivers?
A. Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri
B. Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra
C. Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi
D. Luni, Sabarmati, Mahi
Answer: B
Explanation: These rivers deposited alluvial soil forming fertile plains.
3. Which is the oldest mountain range in India?
A. Himalayas
B. Aravalli
C. Satpura
D. Western Ghats
Answer: B
Explanation: The Aravalli Range is among the oldest fold mountains in the world.
4. The Thar Desert is mainly located in which state?
A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Haryana
D. Punjab
Answer: B
5. Which river forms a rift valley in India?
A. Ganga
B. Brahmaputra
C. Narmada
D. Yamuna
Answer: C
Explanation: Narmada River flows through a rift valley between Vindhya and Satpura ranges.
6. The Deccan Plateau is composed mainly of which rocks?
A. Granite
B. Basalt
C. Limestone
D. Sandstone
Answer: B
Explanation: It consists mainly of volcanic basalt rocks known as Deccan Traps.
7. Barren Island, India’s only active volcano, is located in:
A. Lakshadweep
B. Andaman Islands
C. Maldives
D. Sri Lanka
Answer: B
8. Which coastal plain is narrower?
A. Eastern Coastal Plain
B. Western Coastal Plain
C. Both equal
D. None
Answer: B
9. Which river flows through the Thar Desert?
A. Luni
B. Sabarmati
C. Mahi
D. Tapi
Answer: A
10. Lakshadweep Islands are formed mainly by:
A. Volcanic activity
B. Coral reefs
C. Fold mountains
D. Lava plateau
Answer: B
