Peninsular Plateau MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This Class IX Geography quiz covers the Unit: Physical Features of India, focusing on the Peninsular Plateau. The questions explore the formation and features of the Deccan Plateau and Central Highlands, including river systems, hill ranges, and soil types. Attempt these 10 MCQs to test your grasp of the topic, submit to see your score, and download the solution PDF for revision.
Overview of the Peninsular Plateau
The Peninsular Plateau is a tableland composed of the old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. It was formed due to the breaking and drifting of the Gondwanaland landmass, making it one of the oldest landmasses on Earth. The plateau has broad and shallow valleys and rounded hills. It is broadly divided into two distinct regions: the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
The Central Highlands
This part of the Peninsular Plateau lies to the north of the Narmada river, covering a major area of the Malwa Plateau. The Vindhyan range is bounded by the Satpura range on the south and the Aravalis on the northwest. The further westward extension merges gradually with the sandy and rocky desert of Rajasthan. The eastward extensions of this plateau are locally known as the Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand. The Chotanagpur plateau marks the further eastward extension, drained by the Damodar river.
The Deccan Plateau
The Deccan Plateau is a triangular landmass that lies to the south of the river Narmada. The Satpura range flanks its broad base in the north, while the Mahadev, the Kaimur hills, and the Maikal range form its eastern extensions. The Deccan Plateau is higher in the west and slopes gently eastwards. It is separated from the Central Highlands by a fault and includes the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats as its edges.
- Western Ghats: Continuous range, higher elevation (900-1600 meters), causes orographic rain. Important peaks include Anamudi and Doda Betta.
- Eastern Ghats: Discontinuous and irregular, dissected by rivers draining into the Bay of Bengal. Lower elevation (average 600 meters). Highest peak is Mahendragiri.
Key Features
One of the distinct features of the Peninsular Plateau is the black soil area known as the Deccan Trap. This is of volcanic origin, hence the rocks are igneous. These rocks have denuded over time and are responsible for the formation of black soil. The Aravali Hills lie on the western and northwestern margins of the Peninsular plateau; these are highly eroded hills and are found as broken hills.
Extra Practice Questions
- What is the average elevation of the Western Ghats?
- Name the highest peak of the Eastern Ghats.
- Which river drains the Chotanagpur Plateau?
- The Malwa Plateau lies in which division of the Peninsular Plateau?
- What type of rainfall do the Western Ghats cause?
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