India's Geography Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the geographical features of India?

Himalaya mountains, Hindu Kush mountains, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Indus river, Indian ocean, Northern Plain, Ganges river, Deccan Plateau.

Why is India considered a subcontinent?

Because the Himalaya and Hindu Kush mountains isolate India from the rest of Asia.

How many seasons does India have? Describe them.

India has three seasons: a cool dry season from November to February, a hot dry season from March to May, and a hot rainy season from June to October.

How many climates are found in India? Describe them.

India has five climates: Tropical rain forest, Savanna, Desert, Steppe, and Vertical. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Indus and Ganges rivers do for India?

The Ganges river carries sediment to northern plains, making them fertile, while the Indus river also carries sediment and supports fishing. Signup and view all the answers

What was India's main staple crop?

Rice. Signup and view all the answers

What animals were domesticated in India and how were they used?

Cattle, buffalo, and sheep, used for fertilizer but not for food. Signup and view all the answers

What other crops were grown in India?

Wheat, barley, sugarcane, sesame, spices, cotton, and various fruits and vegetables. Signup and view all the answers

How did they water their crops in India?

Farmers used irrigation to bring water to their crops during India's dry season. Signup and view all the answers

What sophisticated planting method did India use? What did this do for their crops?

Crop rotation, which allowed fields to rest and maintain soil fertility. Signup and view all the answers

What was/is sacred and not eaten in India?

Cows and pigs; Buddhists and Hindus do not eat beef. Signup and view all the answers

What was/is the main diet of India?

Most Indians are vegetarians and some are even vegans. Signup and view all the answers

What does India grow which helps them flavor food?

Ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin. Signup and view all the answers

What features acted as barriers/protection for the people of India? How?

Mountain ranges and deserts isolated India from invaders. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geographical Features of India

Major geographical features include the Himalayas, Hindu Kush mountains, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, Indus River, Indian Ocean, Northern Plain, Ganges River, and Deccan Plateau.

India's Subcontinent Status

The isolation of India from the rest of Asia is due to the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains, justifying its classification as a subcontinent.

Seasons in India

India experiences three distinct seasons:
- Cool, dry season from November to February
- Hot, dry season from March to May
- Hot rainy season from June to October

Climates of India

India has five climate types:
- Tropical rainforest: hot and rainy year-round
- Savanna: grassland with sparse trees
- Desert: hot and arid
- Steppe: flat land with short grass, no trees
- Vertical: high-elevation mountainous climates with cold temperatures

Indus and Ganges Rivers

Ganges River sediment enriches the Northern Plains, making them among the most fertile farmland globally, but seasonal flooding poses a threat to crops.
Indus River carries sediment from Hindu Kush mountains, supporting diverse aquatic life that is essential for local livelihoods.

Staple Crops

Rice serves as India's primary staple crop.

Domesticated Animals

Common domesticated animals include cattle, buffalo, and sheep, primarily utilized for fertilizer rather than meat.

Other Crops

Agricultural diversity includes wheat, barley, sugarcane, sesame, spices, cotton, along with various fruits and vegetables like mangoes, peas, beans, lentils, and gourds.

Irrigation Practices

Historically, irrigation techniques have been employed by farmers to provide water to crops during dry seasons.

Planting Methods

Crop rotation practices were utilized to maintain soil fertility by allowing fields to lie fallow for a season.

Dietary Restrictions and Practices

Hindus and Buddhists avoid beef, while Muslims can eat all meats excluding pork. Cows and pigs are considered sacred and not consumed.
A significant portion of the Indian population are vegetarians, with some following vegan diets.

Flavoring Agents

India cultivates various spices including ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin to enhance food flavors.

Natural Barriers

Mountain ranges serve as natural barriers, isolating India and protecting it from invaders due to harsh climbing conditions.
Deserts also act as barriers due to their inhospitable environment and extreme temperatures, making them difficult to traverse.

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Description

Explore the diverse geographical features of India with these flashcards. Learn about the significant mountains, rivers, and seas that shape the Indian subcontinent. Understand why India is categorized as a subcontinent and its unique geographical characteristics.