Geographical Diversity of India Class 7 Soial science Chapter 1 CBSE Notes 2025-26

India, known as the Indian subcontinent, stands out in Asia due to its remarkable geographical diversity. 

The country is the seventh-largest in the world and is surrounded by natural boundaries: the Himalayan mountains in the north, the Thar Desert and Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean in the south. These distinct features have deeply shaped India's culture, climate, and history.

Major Landforms of India India’s geography is often divided into five key regions: the Himalayan mountain zone, the northern plains (especially the Ganga and Indus basins), the desert region, the southern peninsular plateau, and the islands. 

Each region has its own unique characteristics and impact on the lifestyle of the people. The Himalayas act as a massive wall in the north, sheltering the country and giving rise to perennial rivers. 

The plains lie to the south of the Himalayas and are among the world’s most fertile agricultural areas, thanks to silt brought by rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra.

The Himalayas The Himalayan range stretches across India’s northern border for around 2,500 km and contains some of the world’s tallest peaks. 

The Himalayas are divided into three ranges: the Himadri (Greater Himalayas) with snow-covered peaks; the Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), home to lush forests and famous hill stations; and the Shivalik Hills, the outermost and lowest range. 

The Himalayas store enormous volumes of ice and snow which melt in summer to feed major rivers, making them crucial for India’s water supply. 

The region is also rich in biodiversity, spiritual traditions, and unique local lifestyles such as the kath-kuni house construction in Himachal Pradesh.

Cold Desert of Ladakh Ladakh, in the far north, is called a cold desert because of its extremely low temperatures in winter and its rugged, dry landscape. 

Despite little rainfall, Ladakh supports unique wildlife such as snow leopards and yaks, and is famous for its ancient Buddhist monasteries and colorful festivals. 

Distinctive landforms, like the moon-like terrain of Moonland and the salty waters of Pangong Tso lake, make it special.

The Northern Plains South of the Himalayas lie the northern plains, formed by deposits from Himalayan rivers. 

These plains cover states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Their fertile soil makes them a strong agricultural region and home to a large part of India’s population. 

Cities thrive here due to access to water, flat land, and well-developed transport systems. The plains also support rich biodiversity and major national parks.

The Thar Desert To the west is the Thar Desert, known for its golden sand dunes and extreme climate. 

Mostly located in Rajasthan but extending into Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, the Thar is shaped by wind and features drought-resistant plants and animals. 

People have adapted lifestyles to deal with scarce water, using techniques such as taanka and kunds (rainwater harvesting systems) and cleaning utensils with sand instead of water. Traditional cities like Jaisalmer are well known here.

The Aravalli Hills The Aravalli range, among the world’s oldest mountain regions, acts as a barrier and stops the Thar Desert from spreading east. It stretches through Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, and Gujarat, and is rich in minerals like marble and zinc. The region hosts historic forts, mining activities, and forests.

The Peninsular Plateau India’s peninsular plateau is an ancient landmass surrounded by water on three sides. 

It houses the Western and Eastern Ghats. The Western Ghats are steeper, more continuous, and support dense forests, while the Eastern Ghats are lower and more irregular. 

The Deccan Plateau lies between them, crossed by rivers such as Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, which flow mainly eastward. 

This region is rich in minerals, forests, and waterfalls, and home to many tribal communities.

Coastal Regions India’s coastline stretches over 7,500 km with varied landforms: sandy beaches, cliffs, and lagoons. 

The west coast, between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, has estuaries and important port cities like Mumbai. 

The east coast, along the Bay of Bengal, has wide plains and fertile river deltas formed by rivers such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Deltas make the land suitable for farming and sustain wetlands like Chilika Lake.

Indian Islands India has two major island groups: Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. 

Lakshadweep comprises 36 small coral islands; not all are inhabited, but they’re rich in marine life. 

The Andaman and Nicobar islands are mostly volcanic, with unique wildlife and a significant historical role during the freedom struggle. Barren Island here is India’s only active volcano.

The Sundarbans and Northeastern Hills In the east, the delta created by the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers forms the Sundarbans, famous for its mangroves and Royal Bengal tiger. 

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with half in India and half in Bangladesh. The hills of the Northeast—Garo, Khasi, and Jantia—are known for heavy rainfall, lush greenery, and unique living root bridges in places like Mawlynnong, called the cleanest village in Asia.

Significance of India’s Geographical Diversity The diversity in India’s geography has led to a vast variety of soils, plants, animals, cultures, and economic opportunities. Different regions have developed their own food habits, languages, traditions, and ways of life. 

This unity in diversity binds India together as one country, despite its varied landforms—from snowy mountains to deserts, plains, forests, coasts, and islands.

• India’s main geographical regions are the Himalayas, Northern Plains, Thar Desert, Aravalli Hills, Peninsular Plateau, coastal plains, and the island groups.
• The Himalayas supply most of the great rivers and protect India from cold northerly winds.
• The fertile northern plains are very important for agriculture and population settlement.
• People’s lifestyles, food, and housing vary widely across regions due to geography.
• Traditional knowledge in water conservation and house design helps people adapt to diverse conditions.
• India’s varied landforms have shaped its culture, ecosystem, and history.

1. The Himalayas, Northern Plains, Thar Desert, Peninsular Plateau, coastal plains, and islands make India a “mini-continent.”
2. Each region, with its own unique landforms and weather, supports a diversity of people and cultures.
3. These features have helped unite India, allowing for shared resources and varied ways of life.

Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 Notes –  Geographical Diversity of India

These Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 notes highlight the most important points and unique facts about India’s geographical diversity.

With easy explanations and clear summaries, these revision notes help students understand concepts quickly before exams. Use these notes to revise key features of the Himalayas, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands efficiently.

Comprehensive coverage of landforms, water bodies, and climate zones makes these Class 7 Geography notes highly useful for last-minute preparation.

Knowing India’s physical divisions, climate effects, and regional adaptations helps in answering both short and long questions in exams. Revise confidently and get a strong grasp on all fundamentals of this important Social Science chapter!