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50 MCQs on Physical Features of India: Test Your Geography Knowledge

Test your knowledge with 50 MCQs on the Physical Features of India, covering the Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, and more...
50 MCQs on Physical Features of India: Test Your Geography Knowledge 50 MCQs on Physical Features of India: Test Your Geography Knowledge

50 MCQs on Physical Features of India: Test Your Geography Knowledge

Test your knowledge of the **Physical Features of India MCQs** with this comprehensive set of 50 multiple-choice questions. Covering the Himalayan Mountains, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Indian Desert, Coastal Plains, and Islands, these questions are perfect for students, educators, and geography enthusiasts. Each question includes the correct answer in dark green and a detailed explanation to enhance your understanding.

MCQs on Physical Features of India

1. Which is the highest peak in the Himalayan Mountains in India?

A) Mount Everest

B) Kanchenjunga

C) Nanga Parbat

D) Annapurna

Explanation: Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 meters, is the highest peak in India, located in the Himadri range of the Himalayas. Mount Everest, while the world’s highest, lies on the Nepal-China border.
2. What is the largest riverine island in the world?

A) Diu

B) Andaman

C) Majuli

D) Lakshadweep

Explanation: Majuli, located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is the world’s largest inhabited riverine island, known for its cultural and ecological significance.
3. What is the Peninsular Plateau primarily composed of?

A) Sedimentary rocks

B) Crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks

C) Alluvial soil

D) Sandstone

Explanation: The Peninsular Plateau is made of old crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, formed due to the breaking and drifting of Gondwana land.
4. Which river is the primary water source in the Indian Desert?

A) Ganga

B) Yamuna

C) Luni

D) Brahmaputra

Explanation: The Luni River is the main water source in the Indian Desert, which is characterized by low rainfall and sandy plains.
5. Which of the following is not an island group of India?

A) Lakshadweep

B) Andaman and Nicobar

C) Maldives

D) None of the above

Explanation: India has two island groups: Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar. The Maldives is a separate country, not part of India.
6. What is the bhabar region in the Northern Plains?

A) Fertile floodplain

B) Pebble deposit belt

C) Swampy marshland

D) Sandy desert

Explanation: The bhabar is a narrow belt (8–16 km) parallel to the Shiwaliks, where rivers deposit pebbles after descending from the mountains.
7. What is the main difference between bhangar and khadar?

A) Bhangar is newer, khadar is older

B) Bhangar is older with kankar, khadar is newer and fertile

C) Both are desert soils

D) Bhangar is swampy, khadar is dry

Explanation: Bhangar is older alluvium above floodplains with kankar deposits, while khadar is newer, fertile soil in floodplains renewed annually.
8. What are the Western Ghats primarily known for?

A) Desert formation

B) Orographic rainfall

C) Coral reefs

D) Glaciers

Explanation: The Western Ghats cause orographic rain due to their height, leading to heavy rainfall on the western slopes, and include peaks like Anai Mudi.
9. Which rivers primarily form the Northern Plains?

A) Narmada, Tapi

B) Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra

C) Godavari, Krishna

D) Mahanadi, Kaveri

Explanation: The Northern Plains are formed by the alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers, making them fertile and densely populated.
10. What types of coral reefs are found in Lakshadweep?

A) Only atolls

B) Barrier, fringing, and atolls

C) Only fringing reefs

D) No coral reefs

Explanation: The Lakshadweep Islands feature barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls, formed by coral polyps secreting calcium carbonate.
11. What is the Deccan Trap known for?

A) Coral reefs

B) Black volcanic soil

C) Sand dunes

D) Glaciers

Explanation: The Deccan Trap is a black soil area in the Peninsular Plateau, formed by volcanic igneous rocks that have denuded over time.
12. What characterizes the terai region in the Northern Plains?

A) Sandy dunes

B) Wet, swampy, marshy land

C) High plateaus

D) Coral reefs

Explanation: The terai, south of the bhabar, is a wet, swampy, and marshy region where streams re-emerge, now used for agriculture.
13. What is the largest saltwater lake on India’s eastern coast?

A) Sambhar Lake

B) Chilika Lake

C) Pulicat Lake

D) Vembanad Lake

Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is India’s largest saltwater lake, known for its biodiversity and proximity to the Mahanadi delta.
14. What are doabs in the Northern Plains?

A) Sand dunes

B) Land between two rivers

C) Coral islands

D) Mountain peaks

Explanation: Doabs are land areas between two rivers in the Punjab Plains, formed by the Indus and its tributaries like the Jhelum and Ravi.
15. Which hills mark the eastern boundary of the Indian Desert?

A) Western Ghats

B) Aravali Hills

C) Eastern Ghats

D) Satpura Hills

Explanation: The Aravali Hills separate the Indian Desert from the Peninsular Plateau, influencing its arid climate.
16. Which range of the Himalayas is known for its glaciers?

A) Shiwaliks

B) Himadri

C) Himachal

D) Purvachal

Explanation: The Himadri, or Great Himalayas, is perennially snow-bound with numerous glaciers descending from its peaks.
17. What is the composition of the Shiwaliks?

A) Granite

B) Unconsolidated sediments

C) Igneous rocks

D) Metamorphic rocks

Explanation: The Shiwaliks are made of unconsolidated sediments like gravel and alluvium brought by rivers from higher ranges.
18. Which valley is located in the Himachal range?

A) Deccan Valley

B) Kashmir Valley

C) Godavari Valley

D) Narmada Valley

Explanation: The Himachal range includes scenic valleys like Kashmir, Kangra, and Kullu, known for their beauty and hill stations.
19. What is the length of the Himalayan arc?

A) 1,200 km

B) 2,400 km

C) 3,600 km

D) 4,800 km

Explanation: The Himalayas form an arc covering about 2,400 km from the Indus to the Brahmaputra.
20. What is the Purvachal region composed of?

A) Igneous rocks

B) Sedimentary sandstones

C) Alluvial soil

D) Granite

Explanation: The Purvachal hills, an extension of the Himalayas, are primarily composed of strong sedimentary sandstones.
21. Which of the following is a feature of the Coastal Plains?

A) Sand dunes

B) Deltas

C) Glaciers

D) Plateaus

Explanation: The Coastal Plains, especially on the eastern coast, are known for wide deltas formed by rivers like the Mahanadi and Krishna.
22. What is the highest peak in the Peninsular Plateau?

A) Kanchenjunga

B) Anai Mudi

C) Nanga Parbat

D) Dhaulagiri

Explanation: Anai Mudi, at 2,695 meters, is the highest peak in the Peninsular Plateau, located in the Western Ghats.
23. Which of the following is a Dun in the Himalayas?

A) Chilika

B) Dehra Dun

C) Majuli

D) Kavaratti

Explanation: Dehra Dun is a longitudinal valley between the Himachal and Shiwaliks, filled with sediments.
24. What is the average annual rainfall in the Indian Desert?

A) Above 500 mm

B) Below 150 mm

C) 150–300 mm

D) 300–500 mm

Explanation: The Indian Desert receives low rainfall, below 150 mm per year, contributing to its arid conditions.
25. Which river divides the Central Highlands and Deccan Plateau?

A) Ganga

B) Narmada

C) Brahmaputra

D) Godavari

Explanation: The Narmada River flows through a rift valley, separating the Central Highlands from the Deccan Plateau.
26. Which of the following is a hill station in the Western Ghats?

A) Mussoorie

B) Ooty

C) Nainital

D) Shimla

Explanation: Ooty is a famous hill station in the Western Ghats, known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations.
27. What is the geological nature of the Himalayas?

A) Old fold mountains

B) Young fold mountains

C) Volcanic mountains

D) Block mountains

Explanation: The Himalayas are young fold mountains, formed by tectonic collisions, and are geologically unstable.
28. Which of the following is part of the Purvachal hills?

A) Aravali Hills

B) Naga Hills

C) Satpura Hills

D) Western Ghats

Explanation: The Purvachal hills include the Patkai, Naga, Manipur, and Mizo hills in northeastern India.
29. What is the width of the Northern Plains?

A) 100–150 km

B) 240–320 km

C) 500–600 km

D) 50–100 km

Explanation: The Northern Plains have a width of 240–320 km, formed by the alluvial deposits of major rivers.
30. Which coast is known as the Konkan coast?

A) Eastern coast

B) Western coast

C) Island coast

D) Northern coast

Explanation: The Konkan coast is part of the western Coastal Plains, stretching from Gujarat to Goa.
31. What is the core composition of the Himadri range?

A) Sandstone

B) Granite

C) Alluvium

D) Limestone

Explanation: The Himadri range has a granite core, contributing to its strength and snow-bound nature.
32. Which of the following is a feature of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

A) Sand dunes

B) Coral reefs

C) Glaciers

D) Volcanic plateaus

Explanation: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity.
33. What is the average height of the Himachal range?

A) 6,000 m

B) 3,700–4,500 m

C) 900–1,100 m

D) 1,500–2,000 m

Explanation: The Himachal range has altitudes between 3,700 and 4,500 meters, with rugged terrain and valleys.
34. Which river marks the Punjab Himalaya?

A) Brahmaputra

B) Indus

C) Godavari

D) Kaveri

Explanation: The Punjab Himalaya lies between the Indus and Satluj rivers, also known as the Kashmir Himalaya.
35. What is the main soil type in the Northern Plains?

A) Black soil

B) Alluvial soil

C) Red soil

D) Sandy soil

Explanation: The Northern Plains are formed by fertile alluvial soil deposited by rivers, supporting agriculture.
36. Which of the following is a hill range in the Deccan Plateau?

A) Aravali Hills

B) Satpura Hills

C) Shiwaliks

D) Purvachal Hills

Explanation: The Deccan Plateau includes hill ranges like the Satpura, Mahadev, and Kaimur hills.
37. What is the administrative hub of Lakshadweep?

A) Port Blair

B) Kavaratti

C) Diu

D) Nicobar

Explanation: Kavaratti is the administrative capital of the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
38. Which coast is wider: Western or Eastern Coastal Plains?

A) Western

B) Eastern

C) Both are equal

D) Neither is wide

Explanation: The Eastern Coastal Plains are wider, with large deltas, compared to the narrower Western Coastal Plains.
39. What is the geological origin of the Peninsular Plateau?

A) Tectonic collision

B) Gondwana land breakup

C) Alluvial deposition

D) Coral formation

Explanation: The Peninsular Plateau formed due to the breaking and drifting of Gondwana land, making it one of the oldest landmasses.
40. Which of the following is a feature of the Indian Desert?

A) Coral reefs

B) Barchan dunes

C) Glaciers

D) Deltas

Explanation: Barchan dunes, crescent-shaped sand dunes, are a distinctive feature of the Indian Desert due to wind action.
41. Which river is associated with the Kumaon Himalaya?

A) Indus

B) Kali

C) Teesta

D) Dihang

Explanation: The Kumaon Himalaya lies between the Satluj and Kali rivers, as per regional divisions of the Himalayas.
42. What is the altitude range of the Shiwaliks?

A) 3,700–4,500 m

B) 900–1,100 m

C) 6,000 m

D) 1,500–2,000 m

Explanation: The Shiwaliks, the outermost Himalayan range, have altitudes between 900 and 1,100 meters.
43. Which of the following is a river of the Northern Plains?

A) Narmada

B) Ganga

C) Krishna

D) Kaveri

Explanation: The Ganga, along with the Indus and Brahmaputra, is a major river forming the Northern Plains.
44. What is the Pir Panjal range known for?

A) Coral reefs

B) Kashmir Valley

C) Sand dunes

D) Black soil

Explanation: The Pir Panjal range in the Himachal Himalayas is the longest and hosts the scenic Kashmir Valley.
45. Which of the following is a feature of the Eastern Ghats?

A) Orographic rain

B) Discontinuous hills

C) Glaciers

D) Coral reefs

Explanation: The Eastern Ghats are lower and discontinuous compared to the Western Ghats, with hills eroded by rivers.
46. What is the area of the Northern Plains?

A) 3 lakh sq. km

B) 7 lakh sq. km

C) 10 lakh sq. km

D) 5 lakh sq. km

Explanation: The Northern Plains cover an area of 7 lakh square kilometers, making them a significant agricultural region.
47. Which of the following is a coastal feature of the Western Coast?

A) Large deltas

B) Narrow coast

C) Sand dunes

D) Glaciers

Explanation: The Western Coastal Plains are narrow, unlike the wider Eastern Coastal Plains with large deltas.
48. What is the width variation of the Himalayas?

A) 100–200 km

B) 150–400 km

C) 50–100 km

D) 500–600 km

Explanation: The Himalayas vary in width from 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh.
49. Which of the following is a river of the Peninsular Plateau?

A) Ganga

B) Godavari

C) Indus

D) Brahmaputra

Explanation: The Godavari is a major river draining the Peninsular Plateau, unlike the Ganga, which flows through the Northern Plains.
50. What is the cultural significance of the Himalayas?

A) Desert festivals

B) Sacred sites and pilgrimage routes

C) Coral diving

D) Volcanic tourism

Explanation: The Himalayas host sacred sites and pilgrimage routes, attracting millions for spiritual and cultural tourism.

Conclusion

These **Physical Features of India MCQs** provide a comprehensive way to test and deepen your understanding of India’s diverse geography. From the towering Himalayas to the coral islands of Lakshadweep, each question highlights a unique aspect of India’s physical landscape. Keep practicing and exploring!

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