Physical Features of India

The Northern Plains are formed from alluvial soil brought by rivers. For exams this soil is considered very fertile.

Khadar is the newer alluvium deposited in river floodplains during periodic flooding, so option B is correct. Old alluvium is called Bhangar and is generally found on higher parts of the floodplain. Khadar is usually very fertile because fresh silt is repeatedly deposited there. Exam tip: remember Khadar = new alluvium; Bhangar = old alluvium.

Bhangar is old alluvium found in higher areas. For exams remember the difference between Bhangar and Khadar.

Punjab Haryana Plain lies in the western part of the Northern Plains. For exams also connect it with the Indus river system.

The Brahmaputra Plain extends along the Brahmaputra River in Assam. For exams remember the Assam Valley.

The Peninsular Plateau is considered one of the oldest and most stable landmasses of India. For exams remember hard rocks.

Deccan Trap is an area of basalt rocks formed from ancient lava flows. For exams remember its relation with black soil.

Black soil is found in lava regions of the Deccan Plateau. For exams remember its link with cotton cultivation.

Chotanagpur Plateau is linked with Jharkhand and surrounding mineral regions. For exams remember mineral wealth.

Meghalaya Plateau is considered the northeastern extension of the Peninsular Plateau. For exams remember Garo Khasi Jaintia.

The Ganga and Brahmaputra carry enormous amounts of alluvial sediment. Deposition of this sediment along the Bay of Bengal forms the vast Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta, whose major part includes the Sundarbans. An estuary is mainly a tidal river mouth where river water meets the sea, whereas a delta is formed by sediment deposition. Exam tip: If a river mouth has deposited sediment and many distributaries, identify it as a delta.

Narmada is a west flowing river and drains into the Arabian Sea. For exams remember Narmada and Tapi together.

These peninsular rivers flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal. For exams remember east flowing rivers.

Aravalli is one of India's oldest mountain ranges. For exams remember its extension through Rajasthan toward Gujarat.

Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range. For exams remember the Mount Abu region.

The Luni River is associated with the Thar Desert and western Rajasthan. For exams connect it with inland drainage.

Western Ghats are also called Sahyadri. For exams remember them as parallel to the western coast.

Western Ghats are more continuous than Eastern Ghats. For exams remember Eastern Ghats are cut by rivers.

Rivers like Godavari Krishna and Kaveri cut through the Eastern Ghats. For exams remember the effect of rivers.

Nilgiri Hills are located near the meeting of Western and Eastern Ghats. For exams remember South India.