Important Questions and Answers for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 Geographical Diversity of India 2025-26

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a part of the Indian mainland's major physical divisions?

(a) The Himalayas

(b) The Gangetic Plains

(c) The Andes

(d) The Peninsular Plateau

Answer: (c) The Andes

Q2. The Bhagirathi River originates from which of the following places?

(a) Cherrapunji

(b) Pangong Tso

(c) Gaumukh

(d) Mount Abu

Answer: (c) Gaumukh

Q3. Which of these is true about the Thar Desert?

(a) It receives heavy rainfall

(b) It is rich in forests throughout

(c) It has sand dunes shaped by wind

(d) It is surrounded by volcanoes

Answer: (c) It has sand dunes shaped by wind

Q4. The Great Himalayan National Park is located in which state?

(a) Uttarakhand

(b) Himachal Pradesh

(c) Rajasthan

(d) West Bengal

Answer: (b) Himachal Pradesh

Q5. Which island group is made up mostly of coral islands?

(a) Andaman Islands

(b) Sundarbans

(c) Lakshadweep Islands

(d) Meghalaya Plateau

Answer: (c) Lakshadweep Islands

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

Q1. What is a plateau?

Answer: A plateau is an elevated landform with a flat surface and steep sides, higher than the surrounding area.

Q2. Name any two states through which the Aravalli range passes.

Answer: The Aravalli range passes through Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Q3. What is the meaning of the word ‘Himalaya’?

Answer: ‘Himalaya’ means ‘abode of snow,’ combining Sanskrit words ‘hima’ (snow) and ‘alaya’ (abode).

Q4. Which two water bodies surround the southern peninsula of India?

Answer: The Arabian Sea (west) and the Bay of Bengal (east) surround the southern peninsula of India.

Q5. Name the only active volcano in India.

Answer: The only active volcano in India is located on Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

3. Short Answer Questions.

Q1. Write two ways in which rivers from the Himalayas benefit the Gangetic Plains.

Answer: Rivers originating from the Himalayas, such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra, bring mineral-rich water to the Gangetic Plains, making the soil fertile for agriculture. Additionally, these rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation, transportation, and hydroelectric power to millions of people.

Q2. Why is India called a ‘mini-continent’?

Answer: India is called a ‘mini-continent’ because it has a vast area and displays huge geographical diversity, including mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, coastal regions, islands, and varied climates, soils, cultures, and biodiversity, similar to an entire continent.

Q3. How have people in the Thar Desert adapted to water scarcity?

Answer: People in the Thar Desert use traditional rainwater storage structures like taanka and kunds. They reuse water for different purposes and use sand for cleaning utensils, saving precious water in their daily routines.

Q4. What is special about Mawlynnong Village in Meghalaya?

Answer: Mawlynnong Village is famous for being extremely clean, using bamboo dustbins and eco-friendly habits. It is called the ‘cleanest village in Asia’ and is known for its living root bridges crafted by the local Khasi tribes.

Q5. What is meant by ‘peninsular plateau’?

Answer: The peninsular plateau is the triangular landmass in central and southern India, surrounded by water on three sides. It is an old land formation bordered by the Western and Eastern Ghats and contains mineral-rich highlands.

4. Long Answer Questions.

Q1. Describe the major physical divisions of India and explain their significance in shaping Indian civilisation.

Answer: India’s major physical divisions are the Himalayas, the Gangetic Plains, the Thar Desert, the Peninsular Plateau, the Islands, and the coastal regions. Each part impacts climate, water resources, agriculture, and the settlement of people. The Himalayas protect northern India and give rise to rivers, while the plains are fertile and densely populated. The plateau is rich in minerals and forests; the coastal and island regions are important for trade, fisheries, and unique ecosystems.

1. The Himalayas (natural barrier, river sources)
2. The Gangetic Plains (fertile soil, dense population)
3. Arid/Desert Regions (unique lifestyles, water conservation)
4. Peninsular Plateau (minerals, tribes)
5. Indian Coasts and Islands (trade, biodiversity)

Q2. Explain how India’s geographical features have influenced the unity and diversity of its people.

Answer: India’s diverse geography—mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coasts, and islands—has led to a range of climates, cultures, languages, foods, and traditions. Yet these physical barriers have also enabled the growth of a shared civilisation by providing water, fostering trade and communication, and inspiring common beliefs and practices.

1. Mountains shaped protection and beliefs
2. Rivers united people through agriculture and travel
3. Diversity encouraged rich culture, while unity was maintained

Q3. Discuss the economic and ecological roles of the peninsular plateau in India.

Answer: The peninsular plateau provides valuable minerals (like coal), supports industries, and has fertile areas for agriculture. The forests in this region are home to many tribes who follow eco-friendly lifestyles. Numerous rivers like the Godavari and Krishna originate here, supporting both farming and hydroelectric power.

1. Mineral wealth and industrial base
2. River basins for water and electricity
3. Forests—home to biodiversity and tribes

4. True or False Questions.

Q1. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Arabian Sea.

Answer: False

Q2. The Sundarbans are a UNESCO World Heritage Site present in both India and Bangladesh.

Answer: True

Q3. The Peninsular Plateau is surrounded by water on two sides.

Answer: False

Q4. The Thar Desert receives very high rainfall throughout the year.

Answer: False

Q5. The Bhagirathi is a major tributary of the Ganga originating from Gaumukh.

Answer: True

5. Match the Following Questions.

Q1. Match the following.

Answer: 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C, 4 - D, 5 - E

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

Q1. The Bhagirathi River originates from __________ in Uttarakhand.

Answer: Gaumukh

Q2. The Thar Desert is mainly spread over the state of __________.

Answer: Rajasthan

Q3. The name ‘Himalaya’ means __________.

Answer: abode of snow

Q4. The peninsular plateau is mainly bordered by the __________ Ghats and the __________ Ghats.

Answer: Western, Eastern

Q5. The only active volcano of India is located on __________ Island.

Answer: Barren

Why Learning Geographical Diversity of India is Essential for Class 7 Students

Exploring Geographical Diversity of India Class 7 Extra Question Answer builds awareness of our country’s landscapes. Learning through Geographical Diversity of India Class 7 questions and answers helps students connect with different regions and people. It encourages an understanding of factors shaping India’s culture and history.

Practice with Geographical Diversity of India Class 7 MCQ and short Question Answer supports students to remember key facts easily. These extra questions allow learners to prepare fast and revise the important points. Every topic, from mountains to islands, becomes simple and relatable.