Get complete NCERT book question answers for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 Geographical Diversity (Exploring Society Part 1). Includes all intext and chapter-end questions in easy language, and exam-ready standard explanations.
NCERT Question Answers of Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 ‘Geographical Diversity’
Intext Questions and Answers | Geographical Diversity-Class 7
These NCERT intext questions appear inside the chapter under headings like “Let’s Explore” and help students learn while reading. They are given here page-wise exactly as in the NCERT book.
Intext Questions and Answers
LET’S EXPLORE – (Pg. 2)
Look at the map of India at the end of this book. What are you able to observe? Recall your lesson on different types of landforms — mountains, plains and plateaus. Which landforms can you identify on the map? What do the different colours on the map mean? (Hint: The legend on the map shows the heights of each area.)
Answer:
When we look at the physical map of India, we can observe many different landforms.
What can we observe on the map?
- India has great geographical diversity.
- We can clearly see mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coasts, and islands.
- Rivers are shown flowing from mountains to the sea.
Landforms we can identify
- Mountains: The Himalayas in the north (very high).
- Plains: The Gangetic Plains in the north and east (flat land).
- Plateaus: The Peninsular Plateau in central and southern India.
- Desert: The Thar Desert in the west.
- Coasts and Islands:
- Long coastlines on the west and east.
- Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
What do the different colours on the map show?
- Dark brown / white → Very high mountains
- Light brown / yellow → Plateaus and deserts
- Green → Plains and lowlands
- Blue → Seas, oceans, and rivers
These colours show the height (altitude) of different areas, as explained in the legend of the map.
⭐ Conclusion
The physical map helps us understand:
- The shape and height of land
- The variety of landforms in India
- Why India is called a land of great diversity
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 3)
- Do you recall your lesson on latitudes and longitudes? Look at the map. Can you read, approximately, the latitude and longitude where India lies?
- Identify the above features on India’s physical map.
Answer:
1. Latitude and Longitude of India
Yes, we recall that latitudes and longitudes help us locate places on Earth.
From the map, we can read that:
- India lies between:
- 8° North to 37° North latitude
- 68° East to 97° East longitude
The Tropic of Cancer (23½° N) passes almost through the middle of India.
2. Identifying these features on India’s physical map
On the physical map of India, we can identify:
- Latitudes
- Lines running from east to west
- Example: Tropic of Cancer
- Longitudes
- Lines running from north to south
- Example: 82½° East (Indian Standard Time meridian)
Why is this important?
- Latitudes help us understand climate and seasons.
- Longitudes help us calculate time.
- Together, they help us locate India accurately on the globe.
📌 Exam Tip:
Always write both latitude and longitude values with N and E directions.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 6)
Can you locate the names of the states in the different parts of the Himalayas? Take the help of both the physical and political maps for this exercise.
Answer:
Using the physical and political maps of India, the states located in the different parts of the Himalayas can be identified as follows:
- Greater Himalayas (Himadri)
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Sikkim
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Lower Himalayas (Himachal Range)
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- West Bengal (Darjeeling region)
- Sikkim
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Shivalik Hills (Outer Himalayas)
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Haryana
- Parts of Uttar Pradesh
These states lie in the northern and north-eastern parts of India and together form the Himalayan mountain system.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 11)
Notice the concentration of lighting in the plains. What could be the reason for this concentration?
Answer:
The concentration of lighting in the plains is seen mainly in the Gangetic (Northern) Plains. This happens due to the following reasons:
- The plains have very fertile land, so farming is widespread.
- Availability of water from rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra supports large settlements.
- The land is flat, making it easy to build roads, railways, cities, and towns.
- This region has a high population density, so there are more houses and street lights.
- Many big cities, industries, markets, and transport networks are located here.
- Greater development leads to more use of electricity, which appears as bright lights in satellite images.
Therefore, the plains show a high concentration of lighting because they are densely populated, well-connected, and highly developed regions of India.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 12)
What is the shape of a sand dune? While mountains are made of rock and their shape is fixed, why do you think sand dunes also have a similar shape, even though they are made of sand?
Answer:
A sand dune has a hill-like or mound-shaped form, often with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the other, similar to a small mountain.
Sand dunes have a shape similar to mountains even though they are made of sand because:
- Wind continuously moves and deposits sand particles.
- When the wind slows down, sand accumulates in one place.
- Over time, this accumulation forms sloping sides, giving dunes a mountain-like shape.
- Though sand is loose, constant wind action helps maintain the dune’s form.
- Unlike mountains, sand dunes are not fixed and can change shape and position with the wind.
Thus, sand dunes resemble mountains in shape, but they are temporary and movable landforms, while mountains are hard, rocky, and permanent.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 14)
Let’s go back to the map. Trace your path slowly from the Thar Desert towards the east. Do you see the Aravalli Hills?
Answer:
Yes, when we trace the map from the Thar Desert towards the east, we can clearly see the Aravalli Hills.
- The Aravalli Hills lie just east of the Thar Desert.
- They run in a north-east to south-west direction.
- The range passes through Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, and Gujarat.
- The Aravallis form a natural boundary between the desert region and the plains.
This shows that the Aravalli Hills are located between the Thar Desert and the fertile regions to the east.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 15)
Look at the political map in the textbook and identify the states that the range spans. Did you see Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Gujarat?
Answer:
Yes, by looking at the political map of India, we can see that the Aravalli Range spans across the following regions:
- Rajasthan
- Haryana
- Delhi
- Gujarat
These states and the National Capital Territory of Delhi lie along the length of the Aravalli Hills, which run from Gujarat in the south-west to Delhi in the north-east.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 16)
Look at the physical map of India given at the end of the book. Notice the direction of the flow of the rivers.
Answer:
When we look at the physical map of India, we can notice the following about the direction of the flow of rivers:
- Most rivers in northern India flow from north to south or north-east to south-east, starting from the Himalayas and moving towards the plains.
- The major Himalayan rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, and Brahmaputra flow towards the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.
- Many rivers of the Peninsular Plateau flow from west to east because the land slopes gently towards the east.
- Examples of east-flowing rivers are the Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, and Mahanadi.
- A few rivers such as the Narmada and Tapti flow from east to west and drain into the Arabian Sea.
This shows that the direction of river flow in India mainly depends on the slope of the land.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 17)
Tribal communities are largely spread over the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Gujarat. Examine the physical and political maps at the end of this book to locate the states and connect them to their location on the physical map.
Answer:
By examining the physical and political maps of India, we can connect the tribal states with their physical location as follows:
- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of West Bengal
- These states lie mainly on the Peninsular Plateau.
- The region has forests, hills, and mineral-rich land, which supports tribal life.
- Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
- Located in the central plateau region of India.
- The land is uneven and forested, suitable for tribal settlements.
- Telangana
- Lies on the Deccan Plateau.
- It has rocky terrain and plateaus where many tribal communities live.
- Gujarat
- Tribal populations are found in the eastern hilly and forested areas, especially along the Aravalli and plateau regions.
- Assam
- Located in the north-eastern region, with hills, valleys, and heavy rainfall.
- The physical features support agriculture, forests, and tribal cultures.
This shows that tribal communities in India mostly live in hilly, forested, and plateau regions, where their lifestyle is closely connected with nature.
LET’S EXPLORE (Pg. 19)
- Look at the physical map of India in your school atlas or wall map and find the names of five rivers that flow into the Bay of Bengal. Find out India’s coastal states and discuss the difference between the western and eastern coastal plains.
- Do you know what it is called when these rivers split into multiple streams near the coast? Discuss with your teacher in class to find out!
Answer:
By looking at the physical map of India, we can find the following:
Five rivers that flow into the Bay of Bengal:
- Ganga
- Brahmaputra
- Godavari
- Krishna
- Kaveri
India’s coastal states:
- Western coastal states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala
- Eastern coastal states: West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
Difference between the western and eastern coastal plains:
- The western coastal plains are narrow and rivers here are short and fast-flowing. They mostly form estuaries.
- The eastern coastal plains are wide and flat. Rivers here are long and form large fertile areas near the coast.
When rivers split into many streams near the coast, this landform is called a delta. Deltas are formed when rivers deposit soil before meeting the sea and are very fertile for farming.
NCERT Chapter-End Questions Answers | Geographical Diversity – Class 7 Social Science
These NCERT chapter end questions are given at the end of the lesson to check students’ full understanding of the chapter. All questions are answered here as per the NCERT book and standard exam practices.
Note: Some questions may have more than one correct answer, either short or long, to assist students.
Exam Tip: Keep answers short and clear. Use keywords like fertile, climate, rivers, barrier, etc.
Chapter-End Questions and Answers
1. What, in your opinion, are two important geographical features of India? Why are they important?
Answer:
- The Himalayas
- They act as a natural barrier in the north.
- They are the source of major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
- They influence India’s climate and rainfall.
- The Gangetic Plains
- They are very fertile.
- They support agriculture and dense population.
- Many important cities developed here.
Long Answer
Two very important geographical features of India are:
(a) The Himalayas
The Himalayas are very high mountains in the northern part of India. They act as a natural wall and protect India from cold winds coming from Central Asia. Many important rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra start from these mountains. These rivers provide water for drinking, farming, and electricity. The Himalayas also influence India’s monsoon climate.
(b) The Northern (Gangetic) Plains
The Northern Plains are flat and very fertile. Rivers bring rich soil every year, which helps farmers grow crops easily. Because of good farming conditions, many people live here and many big cities developed in this region. This region is called the food bowl of India.
2. What do you think India might have looked like if the Himalayas did not exist?
Answer:
If the Himalayas did not exist, India would be very different:
- Cold winds from the north and central Asia would enter India easily.
- India would have a much colder climate.
- Major rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra might not flow.
- Northern Plains would not be fertile.
- Farming and population would reduce greatly.
So, the Himalayas play a very important role in shaping India’s climate, rivers, and life.
3. India has been called a ‘mini-continent’. Explain why.
Answer:
India is called a mini-continent because:
- It has mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, coasts, and islands.
- It has many climates, soils, plants, and animals.
- Different regions have different cultures and lifestyles.
Long Answer
India is called a mini-continent because it has almost all types of landforms found in the world:
- High mountains like the Himalayas
- Wide and fertile plains
- Hot deserts like the Thar
- Old plateaus like the Peninsular Plateau
- Long coastlines
- Islands like Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar
India also has different climates, soils, plants, animals, cultures, and lifestyles. This great diversity makes India look like a small continent by itself.
4. Trace the journey of one major Indian river and explain how people use it.
Answer:
(Example: River Ganga):
The River Ganga starts from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas. It flows through the Northern Plains and finally meets the Bay of Bengal.
People use the river in many ways:
- For drinking water
- For irrigation and farming
- For transport and trade
- For hydroelectric power
- For religious purposes
Thus, the Ganga supports the life of millions of people.
5. Why is the southern part of India referred to as a peninsular plateau?
Answer:
The southern part of India is called a peninsular plateau because:
- It is surrounded by water on three sides – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean.
- It is a raised landform with mostly flat surfaces.
- It is one of the oldest landforms in India.
This region is rich in minerals, forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
6. Which UNESCO Heritage Site mentioned in the chapter did you find most interesting? Describe it.
Answer:
(Example – Sundarbans):
The Sundarbans is the most interesting UNESCO Heritage Site for me. It is located in the delta of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world. The Sundarbans are famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. Mangrove trees protect the area from floods and cyclones. It is rich in wildlife and very important for nature.
Short Answer:
I found the Sundarbans very interesting because:
- It is the largest mangrove forest.
- It is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
- It protects the coast from storms and floods.
(Students may write about Western Ghats, Great Himalayan National Park, Jaisalmer Fort, etc.)
7. Identify your present location on the map and describe its physical feature.
Answer (Sample-Uttar Pradesh):
I live in Uttar Pradesh. This state lies in the Northern Plains. The land here is flat and fertile. Rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna flow here. Farming is the main occupation of people in this region.
Answer: (Sample-Delhi):
- I live in Delhi.
- It lies in the Northern Plains.
- The land here is flat and fertile.
(Students should write according to their own location.)
8. Why do food preservation techniques differ from place to place in India?
Answer:
Food preservation methods differ because:
- Climate is different in different regions.
- Availability of food and water varies.
- People use local methods suited to their environment.
For example:
- In dry areas, food is sun-dried.
- In coastal areas, fish is salted and dried.
- In cold regions, food is stored naturally.
Short Answer
- Climate is different in different regions.
- Availability of food and water varies.
- People adapt methods like drying, pickling, salting based on local needs.
9. Despite having many different regions, India remains one country. Explain how geography has helped.
Answer:
India remains united because:
- Rivers connect people from mountains to plains.
- Mountains protect the country from outside attacks.
- Seas help in trade and cultural exchange.
- Shared natural resources bring people together (unites people).
Thus, India’s geography has helped in unity, development, and shared culture.