MCQS on Political and Physical Divisions of India | JKSSB Mock Test
Introduction
Physical Divisions of India – Complete SSC & UPSC Notes
India is a land of vast geographical diversity. The Indian subcontinent is divided into six major physical divisions based on relief, rock structure, slope, and geological evolution. These divisions are frequently asked in SSC and UPSC exams due to their relevance in geography, environment, and current affairs.
🔑 List of Physical Divisions of India:
- The Himalayan Mountains
- The Northern Plains
- The Peninsular Plateau
- The Indian Desert
- The Coastal Plains
- The Islands
🏔️ 1. The Himalayan Mountains
🔹 Location & Extent:
- Stretch from Jammu & Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh
- Length: ~2,500 km, Width varies from 150 to 400 km
🔹 Three Parallel Ranges:
| Range | Local Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Himadri | Greater Himalayas | Highest peaks (Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga); snow-covered |
| Himachal | Lesser Himalayas | Hill stations, dense forests |
| Shiwaliks | Outer Himalayas | Newest range; prone to erosion |
SSC PYQ: “Arrange the Himalayan ranges from North to South.”
UPSC Prelims 2016: “Which of the following is correctly matched? Shiwalik: Alluvial Deposits”
🌾 2. The Northern Plains
🔹 Location:
- Alluvial plains south of Himalayas
- Formed by Indus, Ganga & Brahmaputra rivers
🔹 Divisions:
| Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Bhabar | Stony belt; rivers disappear underground |
| Terai | Marshy zone with tall grasses |
| Bangar | Older alluvium, less fertile |
| Khadar | New alluvium; flood-prone but very fertile |
SSC PYQ: “Which part of the Northern Plains is most fertile?”
UPSC Mains 2015: “Explain the formation and features of the Indo-Gangetic plain.”
🪨 3. The Peninsular Plateau
🔹 Location & Structure:
- Ancient igneous landmass; very stable
- Triangle-shaped, south of Northern Plains
🔹 Sub-divisions:
| Region | Features |
|---|---|
| Deccan Plateau | Between Western & Eastern Ghats |
| Central Highlands | Malwa Plateau, Chhota Nagpur, Vindhya-Satpura |
| Ghats | Western (steep), Eastern (gentle, fragmented) |
SSC PYQ: “Which river flows westward from the Peninsular Plateau?”
UPSC Prelims 2017: “Why do rivers like Narmada and Tapi not form deltas?”
🏜️ 4. The Indian Desert (Thar)
- Located west of Aravallis (Rajasthan)
- Arid climate, sand dunes (barchans), salt lakes (Sambhar)
- Low rainfall & sparse vegetation
SSC PYQ: “The largest desert of India lies in which state?”
UPSC Prelims 2020: “Consider the following statements about the Thar Desert...”
🌊 5. The Coastal Plains
| Coast | States Covered | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Western Coast | Gujarat to Kerala | Narrow, estuaries, lagoons |
| Eastern Coast | West Bengal to Tamil Nadu | Wide, deltas, fertile |
SSC PYQ: “Chilika lake is located on which coast?”
UPSC Prelims 2018: “Match the rivers with the coastal deltas they form.”
🏝️ 6. The Islands
| Group | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar | Bay of Bengal | Volcanic origin |
| Lakshadweep | Arabian Sea | Coral origin |
SSC PYQ: “Which island group is of coral origin?”
UPSC Prelims 2021: “Which Indian islands are volcanic in origin?”
📌 Summary Table
| Division | Key Facts |
|---|---|
| Himalayas | Young fold mountains; source of rivers |
| Northern Plains | Fertile alluvial lands; densely populated |
| Peninsular Plateau | Oldest rock structure; rich in minerals |
| Thar Desert | Dry climate, sand dunes |
| Coastal Plains | Ports, fisheries, fertile deltas |
| Islands | Volcanic and coral formations |
❓FAQs – People Also Ask
- Q1: How many physical divisions are there in India?
A: There are 6 physical divisions. - Q2: Which is the oldest region?
A: The Peninsular Plateau. - Q3: What makes Northern Plains fertile?
A: Alluvial soil from Himalayan rivers. - Q4: Which coast has deltas?
A: Eastern coast (Godavari, Krishna, etc.). - Q5: Which island has a volcano?
A: Barren Island (Andaman).
🎯 Tip: Revise maps regularly and practice MCQs from PYQs.
