Chapter 8 West Bengal Multiple Choice Questions With Answers:
Question 1. The city of ________ in West Bengal is known as the Gateway of North-East India. (M. P. 2008)
(1) Jalpaiguri
(2) Siliguri
(3) Coachbihar
(4) Kolkata
Answer: (2) Siliguri.
Question 2. Barind is found in the ______ district.
(1) Malda
(2) Howrah
(3) Jalpaiguri
(4) Coach Bihar
Answer: (1) Malda.
Read and Learn all WBBSE Solutions for Class 9 Geography and Environment
Question 3. Rarh region is in the _________ of Bhagirathi-Hooghly.
(1) west
(2) East
(3) North
(4) South
Answer: (1) West
Question 4. _________ falls is on the river Mahananda.
(1) Paglajhora
(2) Dombar
(3) Jog
(4) Sabar
Answer: (1) Paglajhora
Question 5. Sandakphu is _________ high.
(1) 3630m
(2) 3360m
(3) 3500m
(4) 3330m
Answer: (1) 3630m.
Question 6. __________ is the joint flow of Keleghai And Kansai.
(1) Haldi
(2) Rupnarayan
(3) Tista
(4) Brahmaputra
Answer: (1) Haldi.
Question 7. _________ is the 2nd highest railway station of the world.
(1) Darjeeling
(2) Ghoom
(3) Howrah
(4) Sealdah
Answer: (2) Ghoom.
Question 8. __________ is the highest peak of the Western plateau region of West Bengal.
(1) Gorgaburu
(2) Panchet
(3) Mt. Kilimanjaro
(4) Sandakphu
Answer: (1) Gorgaburu.
Question 9. __________ is the biggest river of the plateau region of the West Bengal.
(1) Damodar
(2) Ajoy
(3) Tista
(4) Haldia
Answer: (1) Damodar.
Question 10. The tributary of river Tista is __________ river.
(1) Rangit
(2) Tangan
(3) Damodar
(4) Ajoy
Answer: (1) Rangit.
WBBSE Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answer
Question 11. Jalangi, Punarbhaba, Kalindi are tributaries of _________ river.
(1) Mahananda .
(2) Bhagirathi
(3) Tista
(4) Ganga
Answer: (1) Mahananda.
Question 12. Mangrove forest has grown in Sundarban due to
(1) Black soil
(2) Salty soil
(3) Laterite soil
(4) Red soil
Answer: (2) Salty soil.
Question 13. According to the area, West Bengal’s position in India is—
(1) 7th
(2) 10th
(3) 13th
(4) 15th
Answer: (3) 13th
Question 14. resent number of districts in West Bengal is
(1) 18
(2) 19
(3) 20
(4) 21
Answer: (3) 20
Question 15. The largest neighbouring country of West Bengal is
(1) Bangladesh
(2) Nepal
(3) Bhutan
(4) Sikkim
Answer: (1) Bangladesh
Question 16. The neighbouring state of West Bengal which houses the ‘resource centre’ of India is
(1) Bihar
(2) Jharkhand
(3) Orissa
(4) Tripura
Answer: (2) Jharkhand
Question 17. The most important river of North Bengal is
(1) Jaldhaka
(2) Sankosh
(3) Raidhak
(4) Tista
Answer: (4) Tista
Question 18. The wettest place of West Bengal is
(1) Mayureshwar
(2) Buxa Duars
(3) Asansol
(4) Gangajalghanti
Answer: (2) Buxa Duars
Question 19. Main food grain crop of West Bengal
(1) Rice
(2) Wheat
(3) Jowar
(4) Tea
Answer:(1) Rice
Question 20. Pollution caused in West Bengal due to excessive extraction of groundwater is
(1) Minamata
(2) Itali Itai
(3) Bird flu
(4) Arsenic
Answer: (4) Arsenic
Question 21. West Bengal’s north-eastern neighbouring country is
(1) Nepal
(2) Bhutan
(3) Bangladesh
(4) Sri Lanka
Answer: (2) Bhutan
Question 22. The present population of West Bengal (Census 2011) is
(1) 95,347,736
(2) 91,347,336
(3) 29,347,336
(4) 91,347,736
Answer: (4) 91,347,736
Question 23. ___________ is the highest mountain peak of West Bengal.
(1) Phalut
(2) Kanchenjunga
(3) Sandakphu
(4) Makalu
Answer: (3) Sandakphu
Question 24. The neighbouring country to the east of West Bengal is :
(1) Nepal
(2) Bhutan
(3) Bangladesh
(4) Myanmar
Answer:(3) Bangladesh
Question 25. The capital of West Bengal is :
(1) New Delhi
(2) Kolkata
(3) Mumbai
(4) Chennai
Answer: (2) Kolkata
Question 26. The region of unconsolidated rock material and coarser alluvium at the Himalayan foothills is called :
(1) The Northern Plan
(2) Rarh Plain
(3) Terai-Duars
(4) Sandy coastal plain
Answer: (3) Terai-Duars
Question 27. _________ is the main river of West Bengal.
(1) The Mahananda
(2) Bhagirathi-Hugli
(3) Tista
(4) Damodar
Answer:(2) Bhagirathi-Hugli
Question 28. West Bengal has about ___ of the water resource of the country.
(1) 9.3%
(2) 7.5%
(3) 2.9%
(4) 3.00%
Answer: (2) 7.5%
WBBSE Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answer
Question 29. West Bengal has a:
(1) Polar Climate
(2) Equatorial climate
(3) Temperate climate
(4) Tropical hot and humid monsoonal climate
Answer: (4) Tropical hot and humid monsoonal climate
Question 30. _________ covers the entire riverine plain of West Bengal.
(1) Saline-Alkaline soil
(2) Alluvial soil
(3) Laterite soil
(4) Mountain soil
Answer: (2) Alluvial soil
Question 31. __________ is the staple crop of West Bengal.
(1) Paddy
(2) Tea
(3) Cotton
(4) Wheat
Answer: (1) Paddy
Question 32. Jute mills of West Bengal are found in the
(1) Hugli basin
(2) Mahananda basin
(3) Rarh plain
(4) coastal areas
Answer: (1) Hugli basin
Question 33. A common product of Food processing industry is
(1) Gunny bag
(2) Steel
(3) Potato chips
(4) Pig iron
Answer: (3) Potato chips
Question 34. Victoria Memorial is visited for its _________ importance.
(1) Natural
(2) Cultural
(3) Historical
(4) Religious
Answer: (3) Historical
Question 35. A common cottage industry of West-Bengal is :
(1) Steel Manufacturing
(2) Bidi making
(3) Paper Producing
(4) Tea
Answer: (2) Bidi making
Question 36. The port that gives support to the Kolkata port is
(1) Mumbai port
(2) Vishakhapatnam port
(3) Haldia port
(4) Kochin port
Answer: (3) Haldia port
Chapter 8 West Bengal Short Question With Answers:
Question 1. Name the highest peak of West Bengal.
Answer: Mt. Sandakphu is the highest peak of West Bengal.
Question 2. Name the capital city of West Bengal.
Answer: Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal.
Question 3. Which part of West Bengal receives scanty rainfall?
Answer: Western part of West Bengal receives scanty rainfall.
Question 4. Which part of West Bengal receives heavy rainfall?
Answer: Darjeeling-Himalayas region receives heavy rainfall.
Question 5. Name one Bird Sanctuary of West Bengal.
Answer: Bokkali.
Question 6. Name one animal sanctuary of West Bengal.
Answer: Jaldapara.
Question 7. Name two ports of West Bengal.
Answer: Kolkata and Haldia.
Question 8. Name two hill stations of West Bengal.
Answer: Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Question 9. Which river is known as the heart and soul of West Bengal?
Answer: Bhagirathi-Hooghly.
Question 10. Which is the highest peak of Western Highland?
Answer: Gorgaburu.
Question 11. What are dungis?
Answer: Low isolated grey hills are called dungis.
WBBSE Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answer
Question 12. What is the common boundary between Nepal and West Bengal?
Answer: Singalila Range.
Question 13. Name the important river of Darjeeling Himalaya.
Answer: Tista.
Question 14. In which months are Nor’westers most, frequent in West Bengal?
Answer: Middle of March to middle of May (Chaitra- Baisakhi).
Question 15. In which part of West Bengal ‘Active delta’ is found?
Answer: The Southern part of South 24-Paraganas and North 24-Paraganas.
Question 16. What is the reason behind the nomenclature of Sundarban?
Answer: Sundarban is named after reddish colour wood tree Sundari.
Question 17. In which region of West Bengal are woollen garments required even in summer?
Answer: Northern mountainous region (Darjeeling).
WBBSE Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answer
Question 18. Name the rivers which have joined to form the Rupnarayan.
Answer: Silai and Dwarkeshwar rivers.
Question 19. Which district of West Bengal is covered by Rarh plain?
Answer: Murshidabad, Birbhum, Burdwan, Bankura and parts of Midnapur.
Question 20. In which region of West Bengal ox-bow lakes are found?
Answer: In Gangetic plain under Murshidabad district ox-bow lakes are found.
Question 21. Which rivers form the largest delta region of the world?
Answer: Ganga, Padma, Bhagirathi, Hooghly.
Question 22. In which place in West Bengal hot springs are found?
Answer: In Bakreswar of Birbhum district.
Question 23. Name some rivers of the Sundarban region.
Answer: Bidhyadhari, Piyali, Malta, Raimangal, Kalindi etc.
Question 24. Which two rivers form river Haldi?
Answer: Kanshabati and Keleghai.
Question 25. Which is the rainiest part of West Bengal?
Answer: Darjeeling
Question 26. Which is the hottest month of West Bengal?
Answer: The month of May.
Question 27. Name one hill town of West Bengal famous for tourism.
Answer: Darjeeling.
Question 28. Which area of West Bengal is known as the ‘Ruhr of Wesh Bengal’?
Answer: Raniganj-Durgapur – Asansol Region.
Question 29. Name one tidal river of West Bengal.
Answer: Hooghly, Malta, Saptamukhi.
Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 WBBSE
Question 30. Name a river flowing through Rarh region.
Answer: Ajay, Damodar.
Question 31. Into how many divisions may West Bengal be divided on the basis of its physiography?
Answer: Northern mountainous region, western plateau region and plain region.
Question 32. Which type of climate prevails in West Bengal?
Answer: Tropical Monsoon type of climate.
Chapter 8 West Bengal True Or False Type
Question 1. singalila Range is in between Nepal and West Bengal.
Answer: True
Question 2. Diara land is in between Kalindi and Ganga.
Answer: True
Question 3. Haldia is the substitute port of Kolkata.
Answer: True
Question 4. Bhagirathi and Hooghly is called the heart and soul of West Bengal.
Answer: True
Question 5. Rupnarayan is the joint flow of Silai and Dwarakeswar.
Answer: True
Question 6. Malta is a tidal river.
Answer: True
Question 7. Sundarban is dominated by Sundari trees.
Answer: True
Question 8. There are six seasons in West Bengal.
Answer: False
Question 9. The Sunderban is the biggest delta of the world.
Answer: True
Question 10. The foothill region of the Darjeeling Himalayas is called the Tarai plain.
Answer: True
Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 WBBSE
Question 11. River Tista is a rain-fed river.
Answer: False
Question 12. The climate of West Bengal is Tropical hot and humid monsoon.
Answer: True
Question 13. Duars are situated in below the foothills of the Himalayas.
Answer: True
Question 14. The Chukha hydroelectric plant is in Nepal.
Answer: False
Question 15. The highest peak of Ayodhya hills is Gorgaburu.
Answer: True
Question 16. The water located beneath the Earth’s surface is surface water.
Answer: False
Question 17. The southwest monsoon winds blow in winter in West Bengal.
Answer: False
Question 18. An average monthly temperature needed for Paddy cultivation is between 10°C— 15°C-
Answer: False
Question19. Bali village in Sundarban has developed Eco-tourism
Answer: True
Question 20. Tarapith is a tourist site in West Bengal famous as a pilgrim centre.
Answer: True
Question 21. Phalut is the highest mountain peak of West Bengal.
Answer: False
Question 22. The height of the Sandakaphu is 3631 metres.
Answer: True
Question 23. Gorgaburu records the highest elevation of the Western Plateau of West Bengal.
Answer: True
Question 24. Duar of the Terai-Duar reg
Answer: True
Chapter 8 West Bengal Fill In The Blanks
Question 1. The newest district of West Bengal is _______.
Answer: Alipurduar.
Question 2. The highest peak of the plateau region of West Bengal is _________.
Answer: Sandakphu.
Question 3.________ is the most important beverage crop of West Bengal.
Answer: Tea.
Question 4. Durgapur is famous for__________.
Answer: lron and Steel Industry.
Question 5. ________ of Bankura is famous for Baluchari sarees and terracotta work.
Answer: Bishnupur.
Question 6._________ of Nadia district is famous for clay art and pottery.
Answer: Krishnanagar.
Question 7. The main river in the Northern hilly region of West Bengal is _______.
Answer: Tista.
Question 8. The source of the Ganga river is _______ glacier.
Answer: Gangotri.
Question 9. The Kolkata port is a _________ port.
Answer: Riverine.
Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 WBBSE
Question 10. The first cotton textile mill of India was set up at __________ in West Bengal.
Ans, Ghusuri.
Question 11. The famous handicraft items made of leather, dokra, and terracotta are found at _________ in the Birbhum district.
Answer: Shantiniketan.
Question 12. __________ is the fifth largest city of West Bengal but the second most important centre after Kolkata.
Answer: Siliguri.
Question 13. _________ is an important river on the Western Plateau of West Bengal.
Answer: Damodar.
Question 14. Mahananda flows southwards to join the river ______.
Answer: Ganga.
Question 15. The Terai Duars area is a ______land with forest.
Answer: Marshy.
Chapter 8 West Bengal 2 Marks Questions And Answers
Question 1. Why Damodar was called ‘Sorrow of Bengal’?
Answer: Damodar river originates from the Chotanagpur plateau and flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal and joins the Hoogly river. It has nine tributaries. It is a rain-fed river. Hence during the rainy season, it gets flooded. This flood is very harmful for wealth and property. So the river was called ‘Sorrow of Bengal’.
Question 2. Which is the main river of West Bengal and which river of West Bengal was known as the Sorrow of Bengal?
Answer: The main river of West Bengal is the Bhagirathi, Hooghly. The Damodar river was known as the Sorrow of Bengal.
Question 3. What is Barendrabhumi?
Answer: The plains lying to the east of River Mahananda (South Dinajpur district) is a relatively high formed of old alluvium is known as Barind or Barendrabhumi
Question 4. Why does a storm originate in the afternoon of summer in West Bengal?
Answer: In the afternoons of summer of West Bengal, a low-pressure region develops in the plateau region of West Bengal due to high temperature. This low-pressure region attracts winds from all sides resulting in violent thun derstorms along with rainfall locally called Kalbaisakhi or Nor westers.
Question 5. What is Nor’wester?
Answer: Nor’wester is a local thunderstorm coming generally from the North-West mainly in the month of Chaitra and Baisakh (April and May).
Question 6. What is the significance of the name Sunderban?
Answer: Dominance of Sundari trees.
Question 7. What do you understand by Tarai?
Answer: The French word ‘Tarai’ means damp and wet soil of the land. in West Bengal, it exists at the foothill of the Himalayas covered with rocks, sands, and stones deposited by the rivers. The abundance of water and low landforms is covered by dense forests-and the land is therefore damp and marshy.
Question 8. What are the three major landforms of West Bengal?
Answer:
The three major landforms of West Bengal are:-
(1) Mountain
(2) Plateau
(3) Plain.
Question 9. Mention one snow-fed, one rain-fed and one tidal river flowing through West Bengal.
Answer: Snowfed – the Tista, Rainfed – the Ajay, Tidal – Bhagirathi – Hooghly, Matla.
Question 10. Name three east-flowing rivers of West Bengal.
Answer: Ajay, Mayurakshi, Bhawani.
Question 11. Name two tributaries of the Damodar river.
Answer: Bokaro and Konar.
Question 12. Name two distributaries of the Damodar river.
Answer: Gandheswari, Birai.
Question 13. What do you mean by Terai-Duars?
Answer:
Terai-Duars :
The Terai is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas and forests located south of the outer foothills of West Bengal. Dooars or Duars or Duars are the flood plains and foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Northeast India and Bhutan. ‘Duar’ is Bengali means door. The region forms the gateway of Bhutan from India.
Question 14. What is Rarh?
Answer: Rarh: An area in the Indian subcontinent that lies between the Chotanagpur plateau on the West and the Ganga Delta on the East.
Class 9 Geography Chapter 8 WBBSE
Question 15. What are laterite soils?
Answer: Laterite soil: These are soil types rich in iron and aluminium, formed ‘in hot and wet tropical areas. They develop by intensive long-lasting weathering of the underlying parent rock.
Question 16. State in brief about Kolkata Port.
Answer: Kolkata: The Kolkata Port is a riverine port in the city of Kolkata. It is located around 203 km from the sea. It is the oldest operating port in India constructed by the British East India Company.
Question 17. Define the Food Processing industry.
Answer: Definition: Food processing industries are those in which raw food grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, fish and meat are processed to transform into finished (or semi-finished) products for ready use as foods and no further preparation is needed.
Examples: toned milk, milk powder, pasteurised milk, cornflakes, tanned fruits, jam, jelly, tinned fish, tanned meat, bread,
loaf, pastry, confectioneries and others.
Question 18. Why Jute is known as ‘golden fibre’?
Answer: Jute is known as ‘golden fibre’ as it helps in earning foreign exchange.
Question 19. Name the important trees of coniferous forests.
Answer: Important trees of the coniferous forests are deodar, pine, fir, spruce, etc.
Question 20. Name four seasons of West Bengal.
Answer:
(1) Summer Season.
(2) Winter Season.
(3) Rainy Season.
(4) Autumn Season.
Question 21. What is ‘Ashwin Jhar’?
Answer: Ashwin Jhar is a kind of storm mostly prevailing in the season of autumn that bring some rainfall too.
Question 22. What are Muti-use water schemes?
Answer: Multiple-use water schemes (MUS) are water supply systems that provide communities with water for both domestic needs and high-value agricultural production, including rearing livestock.
Question 23: Name few tidal rivers of West Bengal.
Answer: Ichamati, Malta, Bidya, Saptmukhi, etc.
Question 24. Name two historic monuments of West Bengal.
Answer: Victoria Memorial, National Museum.
Question 25. Name two religious places in West Bengal.
Answer: Dakhineshwar Temple, Temple of Kalighat.
Chapter 8 West Bengal 3 Marks Questions And Answers
Question 1. Compare the climate of the northern mountain with that of the southern coastal region in West Bengal.
Answer: Northern mountains is characterised with high mountain peaks heavy rainfall and extreme type of climate. It has a pleasant climate in summer which attracts lots of tourists.
The coastal region have a typical climate of less rainfall and a moderate hot and cold climate. It covers sand and sand dunes which makes it look a desertic land.
Question 2. Name the physiographic divisions of West Bengal.
Answer:
The physiographic divisions of West Bengal are:-
(1) The Northern Mountains.
(2) The Plateau of the West.
(3) Plain Region –
It can also be sub-divided into the following:-
(1) Terai- Duars Plain
(2) The North Bengal plain
(3) Rarh plain
(4) The Ganga delta plain.
(5) Sundarban Plain.
(6) Sandy coastal Plain.
Question 3. Name three rivers flowing through three different regions of West Bengal.
Answer:
(1) Tista flowing through the mountainous region.
(2) Damodar flowing through Western Plateau.
(3) Malta flowing through the Plain region.
Geography Class 9 West Bengal Board
Question 4. Which part of West Bengal is known as ‘Rarh’?
Answer: The land on the western bank of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly in West Bengal is known as the Rarh Plain. This plain extends from the bank of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly in the east to the western plateau in the west. It includes and Medinipur districts. Thus it covers a total area of about 27,500 question km. It is a region of red loamy soil known as ‘rangamati’. A little undulation is noticed on its western parts.
Question 5. Name three east-flowing rivers of West Bengal.
Answer:
The three east-flowing rivers of West Bengal are :-
(1) The Damodar,
(2) the Mayurakshi and
(3) The Ajoy.
Question 6. What are the meanings of the terms Tarai and Duars? Where are they?
Answer: The word Tarai originates from a Persian word signifying dampness; Duars form ‘doors’ to Bhutan. They represent one single transition belt of high plains lying between the Himalayas and the flat North Bengal plains. Tarai lies to the West of Tista, and Duars to the East of Tista.
Question 7. In which region of West Bengal woollen garments are required during the summer? And why?
Answer: In the northern mountainous region (Darjeeling region) of West Bengal woollen dresses and garments are required during the summer season, because summer is generally cold there. The average temperature during the summer months is 15°C. For the high altitude of this mountainous region, the season is cold. Hence people require woollen garments.
Question 8. Describe the influence of the Himalayas on the climate of West Bengal.
Answer:
The influence of the Himalayas on the climate of West Bengal is as follows:-
(1) Decrease in temperature:-
On the northern side of West Bengal, the Himalayas are located. Due to the normal lapse rate, the temperature decreases with increasing height. Hence this region has less temperatures than the rest of the part of West Bengal. During winter their temperature goes between the freezing point.
(2) Helping in Rainfall:-
During summer the Himalayas trap the monsoon winds coming from the Bay of Bengal and gives enormous rain to the region. If there was no Himalayas then like Arab and Sahara, West Bengal will also be a dry desert.
(3) Protection from cold Winds:-
The himalayas stop the cold winds coming from Siberia. Hence it protects West Bengal from severe cold.
Question 9. Schools in Darjeeling are closed during the winter season. Why?
Answer: Most of the schools of West Bengal is closed during the summer season due to high intensity of the temperature. As Darjeeling is located at high altitudes summers are mild. Hence there is no need of closing school.
But during the winter season, the temperature of Darjeeling usually goes below the freezing point. Hence roads are full of snow which hampers the transport system. Thus, schools are closed in Darjeeling during the winter season.
Geography Class 9 West Bengal Board
Question 10. The Western plateau of West Bengal receives less rainfall. Why?
Answer:
The western plateau of West Bengal receives less rainfall. The following are its causes:-
(1) The wind coming from the Bay of Bengal gives rainfall in the whole of West Bengal and becomes dry coming in the western plateau.
(2) There is no high mountain in the western plateau. Hence no moisture-laden winds are forced to give rainfall in this region.
Question 11. Differentiate between the Physiography of Plateau and Terai regions.
Answer:
| Plateau Region | Terai Region |
| (1) This region includes the entire district of Purulia and the western parts of Medinipur, Bankura, Burdwan and Birbhum districts. | (1) It includes the southern part of Darjeeling and many parts of the Jalpaiguri district. |
| (2) It is an extension of the Chotanagpur plateau region | (2) It lies in the foothills of the Himalayas. |
| (3) It slopes from West to East. | (3) It slopes from North to South. |
| (4) It is formed from ancient igneous rocks. | (4) It is formed from weathering and erosion by natural agents. |
| (5) Rivers of this region are rainfed. | (5) Rivers of this region are snow-fed. |
Question 12. Differentiate between the Climate of Darjeeling and the climate of Kolkata.
Answer:
| Climate of Darjeeling | Climate of Kolkata |
| (1) Temperature is very low here. | (1) Temperature is high here.. |
| (2) During winter the temperature goes below the freezing point. | (2) During winter the temperature goes below 10°C |
| (3) During summer the temperature is mild. | (3) During summer the temperature is very high. |
| (4) Climate is extreme. | (4) Climate is moderate. |
| (5) Rainfall is very high. | (5) Comparatively rainfall is low. |
Question 13. Differentiate between Rivers of Mountainous region and Rivers of Western plateau.
Answer:
| Rivers of Mountainous region | Rivers of Western plateau. |
| (1) Rivers are perennial as they are snow-fed. | (1) Rivers are non-perrenial as they are rain-fed. |
| (2) They flow from North to South. | (2) They flow from West to East. |
| (3) They are suitable for Hydroelectric power generation. | (3) They are not suitable for Hydroelectric power generation. |
| (4) Major river-Tista. | (4) Major river-Damodar. |
| (5) They flow swiftly. | (5) They flow slowly. |
| (6) Floods rarely occur. | (6) Floods occur commonly. |
Question 14. Why does West Bengal experience dry winter?
Answer: The actual winter season in West Bengal is between December and February. In the plains, the temperature varies from 9°C to 17°C, but in the northern mountainous region, the temperature drops to freezing point.
Generally, the wind in this season is north-eastern monsoon wind which comes from the landmass bearing no moisture. Hence, the land is rainless and cold and dry. The temperature increases towards the South being in the proximity of the Bay of Bengal.
Geography Class 9 West Bengal Board
Question 15. Divide the delta region of West Bengal based on its stages of formation and give a short account of them.
Answer:
(1) The Moribund delta is located in the eastern bank of the Bhagirathi- Hooghly river. It covers the eastern part of Murshidabad, the entire parts of Nadia and the northern parts of North and South 24-Parganas. The process of formation of a delta has already been completed. It is now almost a perfect plain.
(2) Mature delta is located between the Sundarban in the South and the Moribund delta on the North. It includes the middle portion of North and South 24- Parganas. In this region, the process for the formation of a delta has attained the stage of maturity and the land formation attains a plain.
(3) The Active delta lies in the southernmost part of 24 Parganas (North and South). In this region the process of delta formation is active. It is found on the mouth of the Ganga river.
Question 16. Compare the climate of the mountainous region with that of the coastal region of West Bengal.
Answer:
| Mountainous Climate | Coastal Climate |
| (1) Too much cold in the winter season and moderate cold in the summer due to considerable height. | (1) Climate is moderate in both seasons, due to the nearness of sea. |
| (2) Very high relief rainfall during monsoon. | (2) Less rainfall than in mountainous regions. Rain is mainly due to Bay cyclones. |
| (3 Fog is common in most parts of the year. | (3) Foggy weather is common only in the winter morning. |
| (4) Sometimes in the year snow falls. | (4) There is no snowfall. |
Question 17. What are the characteristic features of the Terai region of West Bengal?
Answer:
Characteristic features of the Terai region of West Bengal:-
The Terai region of West Bengal lies on the northern part of the state along the foothills of the Darjeeling Himalayas. The word ‘terai’ comes from the Persian word meaning ‘dampness’. The major characteristic features of this region are
(1) The terai area is a marshy land with forest.
(2) It presents a transition belt of a high plain between the Himalayas and the plain of North Bengal.
(3) It is a relatively flat plain with occasional undulations.
(4) The general slope is towards the South and South-East with a varying height from 75 cm to 200 m above sea level.
(5) The land is formed by gravels, sands and pebbles brought down by rivers.
(6) Terai region is drained by the rivers Tista, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Raidak.
West Bengal Board Class 9 Geography Book Solution
Question 18. Give an account of the rivers of North Bengal.
Answer: The important rivers of the northern part of West Bengal are the Tista, Torsha, Mahananda, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, Raidak, Rangit and Mechi. Most of these rivers rise from the melting water of snow of the Himalayas. They also receive rainwater during the rainy season. The rivers flow mainly from North to South.
Of these the Tista, Torsha, Jaldhaka and Raidak flow through the northern districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Bihar to join the Brahmaputra or Jamuna river in Bangladesh. The Atari passes through the Dinajpur district and joins Jamuna in Bangladesh.
The Mahananda drains the larger parts of the North Bengal Plain and joins the Ganga. These rivers are swift-flowing in their upper courses, but descending on the plain they lose their strength and they flow through broad and flat valleys. They bring devastating floods on the plain during the rainy season.
Question 19. Describe the course of the Bhagirathi-Hugli. (S.Question)
Answer: The river Bhagirathi-Hugli is known as the heart and soul of West Bengal. It flows through Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah and 24 Paraganas. It flows South and falls into the Bay of Bengal after forming a large delta at its mouth. Jalangi, Churni, Ajay, Damodar, Haldi, Mayurakshi, Rupnarayan are the main river of Hooghly.
Question 20. Name the seasons of West Bengal along with their duration. (S.Question)
Answer:
Seasons of West Bengal can be divided into the following four principal:-
(1) Summer season (March to May)
(2) Rainy season (June to September)
(3) Autumn season (October to November)
(4) Winter season (December to February)
Question 21. Mention the characteristics of the climate of mountainous region of West Bengal. (S.Question)
Answer:
Climatic characteristics of the mountain region :
Himalaya mountain and Tarai regions are situated in the North of West Bengal. The mountainous region is 4000 m high. Due to height, the temperature is not high even in the summer season.
The summer season is very pleasant. The water-vapour-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal give rain to the slopes of the mountain. The amount of rainfall is 400 cm In the Tarai region the rainfall is between 300 to 400 cm.
In the winter, there is much cold in the region and the temperature is about 5°C, but on the peaks of the mountain, the temperature is below freezing point and often frost occurs, sometimes the valley wind becomes warm and goes upward and expand.
To fill up the vacuum, air from high-pressure area reach there. Thus, the mountain air becomes warm and the air in the valley is cold. The weather suddenly becomes cloudy and there is little rainfall and the water from the mountain region spreads over the Tarai region. The climate is healthy.
Question 22. Describe the rivers of West Bengal. (S.Question)
Answer: The river system of West Bengal can be divided into three following parts:-
(1) Mountainous region :
In this part Mahananda, Tista, Jaldhaka, Torsa etc. are the main rivers. These rivers flow from North to South. The depth of the rivers is not much. Generally, the rivers are flooded in the rainy season and change their direction of flow. Mahananda, Adiganga etc. join the Brahmaputra. Among the northern rivers, Tista is the most important.
West Bengal Board Class 9 Geography Book Solution
(2) Rivers of the Western plateau and Rarh region:-
Damodar, Mayurakshi, Bakreshwar, Ajoy, Kopai, Dwarkeshwar, Kasai, Silai etc. are the main rivers of this region. They originate from the Chhotanagpur plateau and drain towards the East. The combined currents of the Silai and the Dwarkeshwar is known as the Rupnarayan river. These rivers are rainy-season rivers. In the summer season, they bear little water.
(3) Rivers of the Ganga plain:-
Hooghly is the main branch river of the Ganga in this region. In the district of Murshidabad, Ganga is divided into two. One branch reaches Bangladesh and is known there as Padma and the second, flowing towards South falls in the Bay of Bengal. Practically all the rivers of Rarh area join the Bhagirathi. On the right bank of the Bhagirathi river, Jalangi, Bhairav, Ichhamati, Mathabhanga, Malta, Churni and Vidyadhari are important rivers.
Question 23. Describe the physiographic characteristics of the Plateau region of West Bengal. (S.Question)
Answer:
The plateau region of West Bengal may be described as under:-
(1) Physiography:-
It includes
(1) Entire Purulia district
(2) Parts of Murshidabad, Burdwan, Bankura, Birbhum and Midnapur districts.
The total area is undulating and the region resembles a peneplain. The average height is 300 metres. Rounded steep-sided hills (monadnocks) are found in large numbers. The small hills are locally called “Tila” or “Dungri”.
In the Purulia district, the rugged highland terrain is known as “Barabhum”. The important hills are Ayodhya (its highest peak is Gorgaburu which is 677 metres), Biharinath (439 metres), Jabarban, Panchet, Mackenley, Rabansha, Chantu, Parasha, Gurma etc.
On the northern extension of the plateau stands the Panchet hill. Near Suri, there is a hot spring at Bakreshwar. The slope of the plateau region is towards East.
(2) Drainage :
The plateau is dissected by many rivers of which the important are Damodar, Ajoy, Mayurakshi, Kasai, Silai and Subarnarekha. All these rivers are rain-fed and flow towards the East. They originate from the Chhotanagpur plateau. During monsoons, they used to cause flood.
Projects have been undertaken to control flood and to make use of these rivers. Since they flow through laterite soil region, they carry huge amount of silt and make the river bed shallow in the plains.
Question 24. Mention the characteristics of the rivers of the Active Delta region of West Bengal.
Answer:
Rivers of the Active delta region:—
The active delta region is found in the Southern parts of South 24-Paragnas.
(1) The rivers in this part are active and they flow throughout the year.
(2) The rivers are tidal rivers and therefore tidal bores are visible.
(3) Due to tidal action the southern part of the river is lower than that of the northern part.
(4) The water of the river is saline.
(5) They form innumerable islands and tidal creeks.
(6) Muddy and marshy lowlands are formed by the rivers.
(7) Due to the growth of luxuriant “Sundari” trees in the forest is known as “Sunderban”.
West Bengal Board Class 9 Geography Book Solution
Question 25. State the principal rivers of West Bengal and describe briefly the course of the Damodar river.
Answer: The principal rivers of West Bengal are the Bhagirathi—Hooghly, the Ganga, the Tista, the Mahananda, the Jaldhaka, the Damodar, the Ajay, the Rupnarayan, the Torsha, the Brahmani, Malta, the Saptamukhi etc.
The course of River Damodar:—
The river Damodar rises in the south-east of the Palamu district of Jharkhand and after flowing through Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Palamu districts of Jharkhand, it enters West Bengal. In West Bengal, it flows through Burdwan and Hooghly districts and ultimately joins the river Hooghly near Falta. The total length of the river is about 541 km. Its major tributaries are Barakar, Konar, Bokaro etc.
Question 26. State the reasons for decline of Kolkata Port.
Answer:
The reasons for the decline of Kolkata Port are as follows:—
(1) Riverine port :
Situated on the bank of the Hooghly river, it is a riverine port and therefore ocean-going vessels can enter and clear the port only at fixed hours at the time of tides.
(2) Shallow depth :
The depth of the river and the volume of water decreases due to the vast accumulation of silt in the bottom.
(3) Presence of Sandbars :
Due to the siltation, the course of the river has become meandering with numerous sandbars which makes navigation difficult.
(4) Shrinkage of hinterland:-
The adjoining region of the port has become much congested, thereby little room for development.
(5) Other ports :
The creation of Haldia, Vishakhapatnam and Paradip ports on the eastern coast, has created the shrinkage of hinterland.
(6) Export trade has largely been affected by the closure of industries (especially jute industry).
West Bengal Board Class 9 Geography Book Solution
(7) Labour trouble :
Since Independence, labour unrest and cease work movement of the dock labour has become an annual feature.
(8) Power :
Often load-shedding hinders the work at the port.
Question 27. Describe in brief the influence of the Himalayas on the climate of West Bengal.
Answer: The Himalayas which extend over the northern part of Bengal as the Darjeeling Himalayas influences the climate of that region. Generally, the climate of West Bengal is hot and humid but due to influence of Himalayas the climate is.in north is slightly different such as:—
(1) Due to high elevation of the Darjeeling Himalayas, the climate is cool and pleasant even during the summer.
(2) During the winters, the high elevation ensures that the temperature remains very low and snowfall occurs.
(3) During the monsoons, the Himalayas ensure that the northern part of the state gets very high rainfall of about 400 cm.
Question 28. Divide the Ganga delta according to its mode of formation.
Answer:
Ganga Delta: It can be divided into three parts according to land-building processes.
(1) Moribund Delta :
It is the dying delta of the Ganga lying in the eastern Murshidabad and Nadia districts. The region was once crisscrossed by a number of rivers but is now filled with sediments and turned into bills and canals.
(2) Mature Delta :
It is located between the Sundarban in the south and the moribund delta in the north. It lies in the middle position of the North and South 24 Parganas. The process of delta formation has reached a stage of maturity and land formation approaches a plain.
(3) Active Delta :
It is still in the process of formation and lies in the southernmost part of 24 Parganas (north and south). The whole area represents an ideal plain.
Question 29. State the prospects of small and cottage industries in West Bengal.
Answer: West Bengal is a leading state in the propagation of cottage and small-scale industries with around 3,50,000 units or so, providing employment to about 2.2 million people.
It has a well-defined plan for advancement of their sector through the active suport of the West Bengal Small Industries Development Corporation and other agencies under the Department of Cottage and Small-Scale Industries. They aim in:
(1) Developing infrastructure for small industries.
(2) Creating industrial estates.
(3) Easy marketing of the finished goods
(4) Providing raw material support
(5) Expanding efforts in export promotion.
Question 30. State the causes of the development of small-scale industry and cottage industry in West Bengal.
Answer:
These industries are developing due to the following reasons :
(1) It requires minimum or no investment.
(2) Family-oriented industry, so the labour problem is minimum.
(3) Need not have any large infrastructure; a small cottage or hut is enough for the industry.
(4) Direct interaction with the buyers or entrepreneurs. So ready market is available.
(5) Raw materials are available locally and are easily obtainable.
(6) Governmental assistance is provided in marketing, banking (loans) and exporting the finished products.
Question 31. What are the reasons for the development of IT industries in West Bengal?
Answer:
Reasons of development:
(1) Easy availability of workers in comparatively moderate salaries.
(2) Foreign companies practice ‘out-sourcing’, ie., set up units in our country, hire workers with lower salaries compared to their own country and complete the desired work.
(3) Infrastructure and development is taken care by specific institutions like STP-1, STP-2
(4) Establishment of |.T. sector and IT buildings to interact with several companies and correlate work.
(5) High-tec facilities of work to the workers to increase speed and efficiency.
(6) Proper Government policies.
Class ix Geography Book WBBSE
Question 32. Explain the problems and prospects of the information technology industry in West Bengal.
Answer:
Problems :
(1) Lack of space in Kolkata and its surroundings to extend the IT sector.
(2) Very high price of land.
(3) Delay in license and other formalities.
(4) Political influence and no work culture.
(5) Competition with other states.
Prospect :
In spite of several problems, the prospect of this industry is very high in West Bengal. The huge human resource power of West Bengal helps the industry to flourish, as a huge amount of work can be made to be done by them by foreign companies in low costs by their own standards.
Question 33. Explain the problems and prospects of the food processing industry in West Bengal.
Answer:
(1) Major Problems of the Food Processing Industry are
(1) lack of technical know-how
(2) high price of the finished food product.
(3) poor demand due to poverty of the people in the rural areas of West Bengal
(4) Majority of the people of West Bengal like to prepare their food in their homestead.
(2) Prospects of the food processing industry is bright. It is due to the following reasons:
(1) Plenty of raw materials are available,
(2) Labour cost is very much lower in comparision with other states,
(3) Food products are of a high standard,
(4) There is a good domestic market of food products,
(5) West Bengal is densely populated, so, demand of processed food here is high.
Question 34. State the location of jute textile industry in West Bengal.
Answer:
Location :
At present, there are about 78 jute mills in India. The main concentration of this industry is found on the bank of the Hugli river in West Bengal, mainly in and around Kolkata. The important centres are at Rishra, Baranagar, Naihati, Kankinara, Jagatdal, Bally, Sreerampore, Konnagar, Kamarhati, Beleghata, Howrah, Sibpur, Sankrail, Hugli, Budge Budge, Shyamnagar, Gardenreach, Birlapur, Uluberia, Bansberia, etc. All these centres are within a few kilometres from Kolkata.
Question 35. What are the problems of Jute Industry in West Bengal?
Answer:
Problems of Jute Industry: There are certain problems of Jute mills of India.
Class ix Geography Book WBBSE
(1) High cost of production :
Equipments for production are all worn out and outdated in design. Many mills are uneconomic. Products are made costlier.
(2) Shortage of raw jute :
The jute industry still suffers from an inadequate supply of raw jute.
(3) Shortage of power supply :
Load-shedding has created the problem of under-utilisation of capacity.
(4) Growth of Jute mills in Bangladesh and loss of foreign market :
Newly started jute industry in Bangladesh has captured some of the market of Indian jute goods.
(5) Emergence of substitute goods of gunny bags and loss of demand for jute goods both at home and abroad :
Indian jute goods have been losing ground in the world market primarily due to keen competition from synthetic substitutes and also supplies from Bangladesh and China.
Question 36. What are the prospects of Jute Industry in West Bengal?
Answer: Prospects :
The following measures have been taken by the Government for improving the Jute mills :
(1) A £ 7-million joint sector company :
A group of British industrialists under the leadership of Mr Richard Needham visited India on November 15, 1994. They have identified thrust for joint venture to rejuvenate the ailing jute vital by introducing the latest machinery.
(2) Mandatory use of Jute goods :
The Jute Packaging Materials (compulsory use in commodities) Act, 1987 provides for mandatory use of Jute bags only in food grains and sugar, 70 per cent in cement and 50 per cent in fertilizers.
(3) Modernisation and Rationalisation :
Modernisation and rationalisation of Jute mills have been undertaken. Out-dated machinery and process are being replaced new types of equipments and processes.
(4) Nationalisation of ‘sick’ Jute mills :
The national Jute manufacture Corporation Limited (NJMC) under the Ministry of Textiles has taken over the management of six sick Jute mills.
Question 37. Write a note on SundarbAnswer:
Answer: Sundarban Plains :
Location :
The southern parts of South 24-Parganas and North 24-Parganas districts from the Sundarbans
Description :
The Sundarban Plains continue to be a unique part of the Gangs Delta plains. Sundarbans is named after reddish colour wood trees, Sundri, which is the typical natural vegetation of this region. The landscape is well marked with morasses marshes and swampy islands which are separated by former estuaries of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly interlaced with a network of large tidal creeks.
Many tidal rivers like Bartala, Saptamukhi, Jamira, Matla, Bongaduni, Goyasaba, and Mariabhanga are there. Each of them is so wide that is appears like an arm ofthe Bay. The islands alike Delta of the Greek letter are very low-lying, hardly rising above 4 metres. New islands are being formed offshore, which do join with the mainland ultimately and thereby this active delta region is extending toward the south on the Bay. Recently one newisland, named Purbasha has come out of the Bay.
Class ix Geography Book WBBSE
Question 38. Describe the sandy costal plains of West Bengal.
Answer: Sandy Coastal Plains :
Location :
From the western part of the mouth of the Hooghly river almost up to the mouth of the Subarnarekha river in the west lie typical Sandy Coastal Plains in the Midnapur district.
Description :
The Sandy Coastal Plains constitute a unique part of the Ganga Delta Plains. This Plain region is over 15 km wide. Intense south and south-westerly winds blowing all the year round carrying sands of marine origin form low dunes (sandy hills) along the coast and for some distance inland. The dunes rise to about 10 m above the general level of land. Between the lines of dunes are fertile lowlands.
In some places there are marshes. Only the Rasulpur river flows across these sandy coasal plains. There lie two district dunes parallel to the coast here. The Contai dune is old and permanent. It now stands interior. The Digha dune is however recently formed near the coast. The frontage of the Digha dune being formed of sandy and clayey materials has developed a nicely grounded wide Bay beach.
Question 39. State the administrative Districts of West Bengal.
Answer:
Administrative divisions and Districts of West Bengal :
Presently West Bengal comprises of 20 districts under 3 Administrative divisions. The districts and their district towns are shown below :
| Presidency Division | Bardhaman Division | Jalpaiguri Division | |||
| District | District town | District | District town | District | District town |
| 1. Kolkata | Kolkata | 7. Bribhum | Sun | 14. Maldah | English Bazar |
| 1 Noth 24 Paraganas | Barasat | 8. Purulia | Purulia | 15. North Oinajpur | Raiganj |
| 3. South 24 Paraganas | Baruipur | 9. Bardhaman | Bardhaman | 16. South Dinajpur | Balurghat |
| 4. Nadia | Kirshanagar | 10. Bankura | Bankura | 17. Darjeeling | Darjeeling |
| 11. West Medinipjr | Mednipur | 18. Jalpaiguri | Jalpaiguri | ||
| 5. Murshidabad | Behanpore | 11 East | Chinsura | 19. Kochbihar | Kochbihar |
| 6. Haora | Haora | Medinipur | Tamluk | 20. Afipurduar | Akpurduar |
| 13. Hooghly | Chinsura | ||||
Chapter 8 West Bengal 5 Marks Questions And Answers
Question 1. Describe the physiography of the mountainous region of West Bengal.
Answer: West Bengal is a land of physiographical. diversity. In different parts of West Bengal, we experience different types of relief. In the northern part of West Bengal there is the famous Mountainous region which is also called Darijeein. g-Himalayan region”.
Location:-
This region includes nearly the whole of Darjeeling district, i.e., the subdivisions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong and the northern part of Jalpaiguri district.
Division:-
Northern mountain region of West Bengal has been aided in to the parts by the most significant river of this region Tista (The longest River of West Bengal). The Eastern side of the Tista River has formed the Eastern Darjeeling Himalayan region and the western part has formed the Western Darjeeling Himalayan region.
Western Mountain Region:-
(1) Location:-
This region is located between the Singalila Range in the West and the Tista river in the East. Sikkim is located in its northern part and the Tarai Plains in the South.
(2) Relief:-
It is the highest part of the mountain region.
The major peaks of the region are Sandakphu, Phalut, Sabargam, and Tanglu. Among these Sandakphu is the highest peak in the W.B In between two rivers Balaton and Tista the valley stretches to the Senchal Mahaldhiram range. Senchal and Tiger Hills lie on this range.
Eastern Mountain Region:-
(1) Location:-
This region is located between the Tista River in the West and the border of Bhutan in the East.
Class ix Geography Book WBBSE
(2) Relief:-
This region of West Bengal experiences very uneven topography due to presence of mountain ranges and hills. Rishila is the highest peak of this region. The Sinchula range forms the common boundary between Bhutan and the Jalpaiguri district.
A few peaks however rise to over 1700m like Chota Sinchula, Renigango near Pamuseli. A group of hills spread further south of Buxa Duar and Jainti varying in height between 498m and 737m.
Question 2. Give an account of the rivers flowing through the mountainous and plateau regions of West Bengal mentioning their characteristics.
Answer:
Mountainous region:-
In this part Mahananda, Tista, Jaldhaka, Torsa etc. are the main rivers. These rivers flow from North to South. The depth of the rivers is not much. Generally, the rivers are flooded in the rainy season and change their direction of flow. Mahananda, Adiganga etc. join the Brahmaputra. Among the northern rivers, Tista is the most important river.
Plateau region:-
Damodar, Mayurakshi, Bakreshwar, Ajoy, Kopai, Dwarkeshwar, Kasai, Silai etc. are the main rivers of this region. They originate from the Chhotanagpur plateau and drain towards the East. The combined currents of the Silai and the Dwarkeshwar is known as the Rupnarayan river. These are rainy-season rivers. In the summer season, they bear little water.
Question 3. Compare and contrast the plateau region with the mountainous region of West Bengal.
Answer:
| The Plateau region | The Mountainous region |
| 1. This region is located in the West of this state | 1. This region is located on the North of this state. |
| 2. This is a low plateau and particularly the marginal off-shoots of the Chhotanagpur plateau. | 2. This is a high mountainous region and part and parcel of the Himalayas; it is known as the Darjeeling Himalayas. |
| 3. It covers the whole of the Purulia district and parts of Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Burdwan and Birbhum districts. | 3. It covers the Darjeeling districts and parts of Jalpaiguri district. |
| 4. The plateau is an undulating one with an average elevation of 300 metres. | 4. The mountain is a majestic landform attaining a great height with an average elevation of 3200 metres. |
| 5. The highest elevation of the plateau rises to a height of 677 metres at Gorgaburu on Ajodhya Hill which is the highest point of this plateau. | 5. The great height of this mountainous region attains a height of 3631 metres at Sandakphu which is highest mountain peak of West Bengal. |
| 6. It descends gradually to the ‘rarh’ point of this plateau. | 6. It descends abruptly to the Siliguri plain in the south. |
Question 4. Analyse the influence of monsoon wind on the climate of West Bengal. (S.Question)
Answer: The word monsoon has been derived from an Arabic word ‘Muslim’ which means season. The greatest influence on the climate of India is exerted by the monsoon as the prosperity of a country depends on it. The monsoon winds are caused mainly due to unequal heating of land and sea surface. During summer the monsoon winds blow from sea to land as southwest monsoons and during winter from land to sea as north-east monsoons.
During the month of June, the Tropic of Cancer receives the vertical rays of the Sun and an intense low pressure develops which attracts the south-east trade winds. When these winds cross the equator they start following a south-westerly direction.
As they have an oceanic origin they bring with them plenty of moisture. The southwest monsoon breaks over Kerala during the first week of June and by July the whole of India comes under its influence.
The southwest monsoon wind divide into two branches — Arabian Sea Branch and Bay of Bengal Branch. The Arabian sea branch of the monsoons is obstructed by the Western Ghats as such gets very heavy rainfall. Crossing the Ghats they overrun the Deccan Plateau and Central India causing fair amount of rainfall. Thereafter, they enter the Ganga plains and mingles with the Bay of Bengal branch.
Another part of the Arabian Sea branch strikes the Saurashtra Peninsula, Kachchh and passes over Rajasthan causing scanty rainfall and joins the Bay of Bengal branch near Punjab and Haryana and the two branches cause rainfall in Western Himalayas.
The Bay of Bengal branch enters West Bengal and north-east India from south-east and south instead of south-westerly direction. One branch moves westward along the Ganga plains reaching up to Punjab plains. The other branch moves up the Brahmaputra valley in the north and northeast causing plenty of rain.
Class ix Geography Book WBBSE
The southwest monsoon continues from June to September causing rainfall throughout India but the distribution of rainfall varies due to relief. In winter the dry north-east monsoon brings rainfall to the Coromandal coast (the Tamil Nadu coast) after taking moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
During October-November the northeast monsoon is most active. This period is also marked by cyclones which develops due to severe atmospheric depression in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The cyclone strikes the coast of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
(1) In West Bengal rainy season begins from June 15 when the south-west monsoon advances. This rainy season continues upto middle of October. From the Indian ocean, the monsoon advances through the Bay of Bengal towards north- east India. The average rainfall in West Bengal is 175 cm. The northern part of the state receives the maximum rainfall (250 c.m.) whereas the western part receives the minimum (120 cm.)
(2) During the period of retreating monsoon (from mid-October to November) southwest monsoon retreats and the rainfall decreases or ceases. Temperature decreases and the sky becomes clear. Autumn season begins. But due to the conflict of retreating southwest monsoon and the advancing northeast monsoon (Easterlies), sometimes storms occur. Due to this storm (locally known as the storm of Ashwin), some rainfall occurs.
Question 5. Describe the seasonal rotation in West Bengal.
Answer:
Seasonal rotation in West Bengal:- In West Bengal four seasons are found:
(1) Winter Season (from December to February) :
In this period the sun shines vertically in the Southern hemisphere and in the Northern hemisphere (West Bengal is situated in Northern Hemisphere) days are shorter and nights longer. The temperature is low and winter is experienced.
The average temperature is 16°C. The temperature in the Southern part which is near the sea is comparatively high and in the Northern mountainous region it is very low (sometimes below zero degree). Cold winds blows in the Darjeeling region where snowfall is experienced. The winds blow towards sea. These winds are dry, this is the northeast monsoon. Sometimes rainfall is there due to western wind.
(2) Summer Season (from March to Mid-June) :
After March, due to the earth’s revolution, the Sun’s rays move towards the Northern hemisphere. On June 21, the sun shines vertically over the head on Tropic of Cancer. Thus in this period, the summer season arrives.
The Tropic of Cancer passes through West Bengal. On June 21, the day is the longest and night shortest. Air pressure begins to decrease. The temperature goes up to 40°C. Dust storms from the land masses and vapour-laden winds from the sea begin to blow.
By the intermixing of these two contradictory air currents, cyclonic storms are sometimes experienced. In the months of April and May, Norwesters visit the state, these are the sudden storms with winds of high velocity and rain. Due to the high altitude, the temperature in the mountainous region of the north is not high. That is why tourists visit Darjeeling in this season.
(3) Rainy season or South-West Monsoon season (from Mid-June to September):
In this period whole of West Bengal experience an increase in temperature. The air pressure begins to decrease and it is the lowest in July. The southwest monsoon blowing over the Bay of Bengal goes towards the coast of Myanmar.
Thus, these winds blow from the South and South-east instead of the South-west. The whole West Bengal receives rain from these winds. The Tarai region of the Himalayas receives much rainfall. The monsoon rain starts in the first week of June generally but the time varies sometimes in the second week. Often low pressure areas are formed and the rainfall season prevails in between June and September.
Most of the rain falls in July and August. Due to the existence of the Himalayas, in the northern part of the state and due to the nearness of sea in the southern part of the state, the amount of rainfall is more than that of the middle part. The amount of rainfall in Jalpaiguri is 355 cm, in Asansol 140 cm. and in the Sagar Islands 190 cm.
(4) Autumn (October-November) :
The period is regarded as the season of retreating southwest monsoon. After the month of September, the South-west monsoon becomes weaker and the temperature decreases. The Bay winds flows to Southern boundaries of West Bengal (Sunderban) from North-West India. Because these winds come from the land masses of Central India, they are dry.
Question 6. Classify and describe the plains of West Bengal. (S.Question)
Answer:
The plains of West Bengal can be divided into the following divisions :
(1) The Tarai-Duar region :-
The word ‘Tarai’ is derived from the Persian word the narrow door or gateway between the flat plains in the South and the mountainous regions of Bhutan. Marshy land and forests dominate the region.
(2) The Northern plain:-
The region lies between the Ganga in the South to the Duars in the north. It is a flat plain formed by the alluvial brought by the Ganga and her tributaries. This fertile plain can further be sub-divided into
(1) Tal.
(2) Barind and
(3) Diara.
(3) The Rarh plain:-
It lies from the western bank of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly to the margin of western plateau. The land is almost flat and formed by old alluvium.
(4) The Deltaic plain:-
The whole region is formed by the silt deposited by the Ganga, Jalangi, Damodar, Ichhamati, Rupnarayan, Bhagirathi-Hooghly etc. It can be sub-divided into three parts according to land building processes namely
(1) Moribund or Dead Delta,
(2) Mature Delta and
(3) Active Delta.
(5) The Sandy coastal plain:-
The southeastern part of Midnapur district is known as Contai coast. Many sand dunes, marshy land, sand beaches and creeks
are found here.
Question 7. Divide West Bengal into physiographic regions and describe any one of them.
Answer: On the basis of physical features West Bengal can be divided into the following physiographic regions.
(1) Northern Mountain Region.
(2) Western Plateau Region.
(3) The Rahr Plain Region.
(4) Sandy Coastal Region.
(5)The Ganga Plain Region and
(6) Sundarban Region.
Northern Mountain Region:-
In the northern part of West Bengal (particularly in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri district) this mountainous region is situated, it is also known as the “Darjeeling Himalayas”. The northern part is comparatively high and slopes towards south.
The average height of the region is from 1800 metres to 3800 metres. The Tista is the main river of the region and it divides the Darjeeling Himalayas into two parts. The western part of the river is much higher and peaks of Singalila range are found here.
Among the peaks Sandakphu, Phalut, Sabargram etc. are important. These peaks are more than 3000 metres high. To the east of Singalila are Dhum and Kurseong ranges. In between lies the famous Tiger hill. The hills in the Jalpaiguri districts are lower. The highest mountain here is Sinchula, with the highest peak
Renigengo.
WBBSE Solutions Guide Class 9
Question 8. Give a short description of the river system of North, South and Western region of West Bengal.
Answer:
The rivers of West Bengal can be divided into three divisions :
(1) Rivers of the north,
(2) Rivers of the South and
(3) Rivers of the West.
(1) Rivers of the north :
The main rivers flowing through the northern portions of West Bengal are the Ganga, the Mahananda, the Tista, The Torsha, The Jaldhaka, The Mechi, The Balasan, The Great Ranjit and The Little Ranjit.
The Ganga :
The river Ganga flows through West Bengal for short distances only through Malda, Murshidabad and Dinajpur Districts.
The Tista :
The Tista is an important river of north Bengal. It is the combined streams of the Lachen river of Tibet and Lachan of Sikkim. It is joined by the Great Ranjit at Darjeeling. Floods are very frequent in the river. Ultimately Tista enters Bangladesh.
The Mahanandia :
It rises from the Mahaldhiram range near Ghum of the Darjeeling District. It is the longest river of north Bengal and joins river Bhagirathi- Hooghly. Its tributaries are Nagar, Tangan, Punarbhaba, Kalindi, Balasan and Mechi.
The Jaldhaka :
The Jaldhaka river rises from the Sikkim Himalayas and drains south wards through Jalpaiguri district. It is one of the major rivers of Tarai Duars region. Its important tributaries are the Daina, the Bindukhola and the Birukhola.
The Torsa :
It is an important river of north Bengal and in the main tributary of the river Jaldhaka.
The Mechi, the Balasan and the Ranjit are the other rivers of the north and all of them are the tributaries of other rivers.
(2) Rivers of the south :
The rivers of the south are mainly tide-fed rivers and are mostly the distributaries of the Bhagirathi- Hooghly river. At high tides, they overflow. The northern portions of the rivers are shallow and the southern portions are deep owing to Tidal water. The important rivers are Malta, Bartala, Saptamukhi, Gosaba, Vidyadhari, Piyali etc.
(3)Rivers of the West:
The rivers flowing through the western portion of West Bengal rises mainly from Chhotanagpur plateau and are rain-fed. The important rivers of the region are the Damodar, the Mayurakshi, the Ajoy, The Rupnarayan, The Haldi and the Subarnarekha.
The Damodar :
The Damodar rises from the Khamarpath hill of the Chhotanagpur plateau in Bihar. After flowing for about 289 km in Bihar it enters West Bengal and joins the right bank of the Hooghly. It’s major tributary is Barakar.
The Mayurakshi :
The Mayurakshi river rises from Trikut hill of the Chhotanagpur plateau, often flowing through the plateau it enters West Bengal in the Birbhum district and joins the Bhagirathi river. It’s main tributaries are the Bakreshwar and the Dwarka.
WBBSE Solutions Guide Class 9
The Ajoy :
It also rises from the Chhotanagpur plateau and flows through the plateau to the east and joins the Bhagirathi.
The Rupnarayan :
The Rupnarayan is the combined flow of the Silai and the Dwarakeshwar. It joins the Hooghly river at its mouth.
The Haldi :
The Haldi is the combined flow of the Kalighai and the Kangsawati. The Kangsawati rises in the Chhotanagpur plateau flows through Purulia and Midnapore districts. the Kalghai Joins the Kangsawati in the Midnapore district and they jointly flow through the hooghly at its mouth near the Bay of Bengal.
The Subarnarekha :
It rises in the Chhotanagpur plateau, through the Midnapore district enters orissa and finally falls into the Bay of Bengal.
Question 9. What is a multi-purpose river valley project? Describe the Damodar River valley project.
Answer: Multi means many and purpose means aims. Multipurpose river valley project means acquiring so many benefits from a river. When a dam is constructed across a river and arrangements made for obtaining different kinds of benefits, it is known as a multipurpose river valley project.
The projects were taken up through the five-year plans for the overall development of the country. During the plan period, the multipurpose river projects were undertaken for providing irrigation facilities for agriculture and for other advantages. The objectives of the multi-purpose river valley project are divided into two categories primary and secondary.
The primary objectives include flood control, irrigation, hydropower generation and navigation. The secondary objectives include soil conservation fish culture, drinking water supply recreation tourism afforestation and many other economic activities.
In order to fulfil all these purpose the project is known as the multipurpose river valley project and it was started in India after independence similar to the Tennessee Valley Authority of the U.S.A.
Question 10. State the importance of tea industry in West Bengal.
Answer:
Importance: Tea industry plays an important role in the economy of West Bengal in the following ways :
(1) Tea industry generates employment in different ways which include production, processing and distribution. Average daily employment in the tea plantations of north Bengal is around 260 thousand.
(2) Kolkata port is the biggest tea-handling port in India. Export of tea Kolkata has generated export-related economic functions like storage facility, commercial services etc..
(3) Kolkata is also the biggest tea auction market in India. It has promoted tea trading activities.
(4) Tea industry has promoted other economic activities like the manufacturing of tea chests (wooden box for tea packing), development of transport, setting up of tea trading companies etc.
WBBSE Solutions Guide Class 9
Question 11. What are the causes of the growth of tea industry in West Bengal?
Answer:
Causes of growth and development :
(1) Tea plantations require humid climate, acidic soils with significant iron content and rolling land to avoid stagnation of water. These conditions are found in Dooars and Terai regions of north Bengal which have facilitated the development of tea plantations.(2) Tea plantations have originally developed in those areas which are not suitable for rice or other foodgrains cultivation. These areas are more commonly found in the northern districts of West Bengal.(3) Industrial development in north Bengal is poor. For this reason, cheap labourers are easily available and in the early period, labourers used to come from the tribal and other backward areas of Bihar.
(4) Early development of Kolkata port has facilitated the export of tea produced in this region.
(5) Presence of forest in north Bengal is favourable for the making of packing box for tea.
(6) Kolkata metropolitan region is a very big market for tea. This is a favourable condition for the development of tea industry in the state.
Question 12. State the problems and prospects of tea industry in West Bengal.
Answer:
Problems and prospect of tea industry:
The tea industry in West Bengal faces several problems which may be mentioned as follows
(1) Nearly half of the total area under tea cultivation in the state comprises tea bushes which are over 50 years old. Neglect in the replanting of tea bushes has resulted in low productivity. :
(2) A number of tea gardens in the state have been turning sick due to the lack of proper management and lack of replanting.
(3) Increasing cost of production results in increasing prices. This situation adversely affects export opportunities as the international market is highly competitive. This is more significant in case of Darjeeling’s veriety of tea.
(4) In some cases short-term profit motivation results in the overexploitation of tea gardens which adversely affects long-term prospects.
In spite of all these problems, tea industry in West Bengal has a very bright prospect. Greatest strength of the industry is the growing demand for tea in the domestic market.
Efforts have been made to establish new tea gardens and to expand the existing tea gardens with government support. Many new tea gardens, most of which are small, have also been made to start tea cultivation in non-traditional areas.
In the Ayodhya hills in Purulia, under a pilot project, tea bushes have been successfully planted in 8.15 acres of land.
Question 13. Write what do you know about the IT industry in India.
Answer:
Information Technology (IT) Industry :
IT industry in West Bengal mainly includes the development of software (computer programmes or data processing instructions) and offering different IT-enabled services (ITES), like Call Centres. At present, it is the fastest-growing sector of all economic activities in West Bengal. Most of the software companies are located in Salt Lake in the eastern part of Kolkata city. Focal point of IT industry in the state is the Software Technology Park developed in Salt Lake.
Presently (as on 31.03.2005), there are 152 IT and 33 ITES companies operating in Kolkata. Of these, 122 companies are located in software technology park. Total earning from software export from West Bengal was more than Rs. 1000 crore in 2004-05. Some of the important software companies are Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), RS Software, Cognizant Technology Solution, Globsyn Technologies, HCL Infosystem Ltd., Wipro etc.
Question 14. State the importance of agriculture in West Bengal.
Answer:
Importance of Agriculture :
Though West Bengal is gradually developing industrially, yet the state is still has dependent ones agriculture. In fact, agriculture is the backbone of her economic system. The prosperity of agriculture is synonymous with the prosperity of West Bengal. This will be clear from the following discussion:
(1) Source of Occupation :
About 65 per cent of the working population in West Bengal is engaged directly and /or indirectly in the Agricultural sector.
(2) Sources of State Income :
Agriculture contributes a little more than 50 per cent of the State’s Income. The State account for approximately 66 per cent of country’s jute and more than 22 per cent of the tea production. The state earns considerable foreign exchange through export of tea and jute goods.
(3) Supplier of Food :
It is agriculture that feeds the State’s as well as the country’s major part of the population.
(4) Helps in Industrialisation :
It is agriculture which supplies not only food grains but also substantiate a large number of industrial units on Tea, Jute, Sugar etc.
Question 15. Give an account of the natural vegetation of West Bengal.
Answer: Natural vegetation follows the climatic variables. It also follows the variables of soil and altitude. Different types of vegetation are found in West Bengal. Much of it is deforested for cultivation. Only 16 per cent of the total areas of this state is under forest. The natural vegetations are :
(1) Coniferous forests of the northern mountains.
(2) Mixed forests of the Terial-Duars.
(3) Deciduous forests of the western plateau.
(4) Natural vegetation of the plains.
(5) Sundarbans or Littoral forests.
(1) Coniferous forests of the northern mountain :
Coniferous forests exist on high altitudes. The notable varieties include deodar, pine, fir, spruce and chir. The coniferous forest belt spreads between 2700 m to 4000 of altitude. On high altitudes between 4000 m – 5300 m, rhododendron and juniper are found. The evergreen oak forest belt extends from 1330 m to 2700 m of altitude. Oaks, poplar, elms, laurel, maple, birches etc., thrive here best. These trees do not shed their leaves annually.
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(2) Mixed forests of the Terai-Duars :
This zone of vegetation rises up to the evergreen forest belt i.e., up to 1330 m of altitude. In the Terai-Duars region, dense deciduous and evergreen trees grow. The deciduous trees shed their leaves once a year, of these sal, teak and shimul are important. The evergreen chaples, garden, rosewood, bamboo and cane are important.
(3) Deciduous forests of the western plateau :
The high temperature, dry climate ard poor lateritic soil of this area do not encourage the growth of trees. For this reason scattered forests of tropical deciduous type grow on the western plateau region. The important trees of this forests are sal, mahua and palash; other trees are kendu, Kusum and Arjun. These trees shed their leaves in winter.
(4) Natural vegetation of the plains :
Plains were once covered by the tropical deciduous type of vegetation. But most of these vegetations have been cleared out to make room for cultivation and habitation. At present patches of trees and orchards are found there and mango, mahua, Palash, neem, jarul, sirish and similar type of trees grow.
(5) Sundarbans or Littoral forests :
On the deltas near river mouths, littoral forests grow. Most of the trees of this region belong to the Mangrove family. Mangrove forests have salt-tolerant halophytic (underwater) plants.
From the trunks and branches of the trees, long arching roots are developed which anchor the trees. The typical tree of the forest is Sundri after which the region gets its name. Other important trees are hogia, garan, gewa, keora and dhondal. Large areas of the Sundarbans have been cleared in recent years for habitation.
Question 16. What are the causes of growth of cotton industry in West Bengal?
Answer:
The causes of development of Cotton textile industry in West Bengal are:
(1) Nearness to the raw cotton fields— Raw Cotton (medium and short-staple) is obtained from the suburbs of Kolkata. For increasing demand of cotton fabric, farmers of many areas are now growing cotton on loamy alluvial soil of Hugli basin.
(2) Humid climate prevailing at the mill, centres is ideal for spinning and weaving.
(3) Well developed network of transport systems in and around Kolkata has helped the development of cotton mills here.
(4) Cheap skilled and unskilled labour is available from West Bengal and adjoining states of Bihar, Odissa, Jharkhand etc.
(5) Chemical industry of Haldia supplies chemical for dyeing.
(6) Water is available from Hugli river.
(7) Port of Kolkata helps import of machinery, long-staple cotton, dyes and export of finished goods.
(8) Kolkata and the suburbs provide ready market for cotton fabric.
Question 17. State the problems and prospects of the cotton textile industry in West Bengal.
Answer:
Problems of the Cotton Textile Industry in West Bengal :
(1) Shortage of raw material is a problem as most of the cultivable fields are devoted to jute and rice cultivation.
(2) The quality of raw cotton is not superior one. Long staple cotton has to be imported from Egypt or Sudan.
(3) Competition from synthetic fabric due to their greater durability.
(4) Labour problem in mills is a regular incident.
(5) Over-siltation of Kolkata port hampers smooth trade of finished products.
(6) Lack of up-to-date technical know-how, and financial and marketing difficulties, hamper the progress of this industry.
Prospects of Cotton Textile Industry in West Bengal :
(1) The rapid growth of the population has created a domestic market for cotton goods.
(2) Different states of India like Punjab, Haryana U.P., Gujarat, etc are now growing long staple cotton. So, West Bengal cotton mills now look forward to these states for good quality raw cotton.
(3) The National Textile Corporation had been established in 1968 to revive the sick mills.
(4) The modernization of cotton mills has started in the state with a hope for a bright future of this industry.
Question 18. What are the causes of the development of food processing industry in West Bengal?
Answer:
Causes of Development of Food Processing Industry:
This industry has developed in West Bengal due to the following reasons
(1) The socio-economic structure of the people of West Bengal have changed especially in cities.
(2) High purchasing capacity presents opportunities to buy high-priced processed food.
(3) The state is well connected both nationally and internationally through rail, road air and seaports.
(4) The power situation of West Bengal is favourable for the industry.
(5) The major agricultural produce of the state are foodgrains (like rice and wheat), potatoes, fruits (like mango, pineapple, litchi, orange, guava), vegetable (like tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, okra), spices (like ginger, chilli, turmeric, garlic and coriander). It has therefore a firm base of material resources for the industry.
(6) Production of food and the agricultural raw material is substantial and so they get good returns.
(7) The State Government has set up Agri Export Zones (AEZ) in districts like, Malda, Murshidabad, North and South 24 Paraganas Hugli, Howrah and Bardhaman.
(8) Food parks, pack houses with cold storage facilities are provided by the Government. This facilitates export of the processed food.
(9) Quality control measures are also taken at every stage of food processing.
(10) To meet the growing shop floor demand, skilled and technical personnel, professional training institutes, NGOs, and farmer organisations are encouraged to engage themselves in this industry.
WBBSE Solutions Guide Class 9
The food processing industries of West Bengal have witnessed strong growth over the past few years. India is the world’s second largest food-producing country, after China. West Bengal contributes largely in its development.
Question 19. write a note on the Tourism industry in West Bengal.
Answer: West Bengal is a lucrative place for tourism. Various kinds of tourist spots are present here—-eg. naturally beautiful places, historical places, educational centres, information centres and many more. Few interesting tourist places are—
(1) Kolkata and Howrah :
Kolkata city, Victoria Memorial, Fort Willam, Monument, Academy of Fine Arts, Asiatic Society, Indian Museum, Nehru
Children’s Museum, National Library, Dakshineswar, Kalighat Kali temple, St. Paul’s cathedral, Nakhoda Masjid, Nicco Park, Eden Gardens, Howrah Bridge, Hugli bridge, Metro railway etc.
(2) Bankura : Bishnupur, Madan Mohan temple, Jora Mandir, Ras Mancha, Jairambati, Mukutmanipur, Susunia hills, etc.
(3) Bardhaman: Asansol, Durgapur, Siddheswari temple, Maithan dam etc.
(4) Birbhum : Bakreswar, Dubrajpur, Massanjore, Kenduli, Santiniketan, Sri Niketan, etc.
(5) Darjeeling: Botasia loop, Mal, zoological garden, Himalayan Mountaineering institute, Tiger Hill, Happy Valley, Ghum, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Lava, Mirik, Sandakphu, etc.
(6) Hugli: Bandel, Hangseswari temple, Chandannagar, Kamar pukur, Mahesh, Tarakeswar, etc.
(7) Alipurduar: Buxa Fort, Buxa tiger reserve, Chapramari reserve forest, etc.
(8) Jalpaiguri : Duars, Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara Reserve forest, Jayanti, Madarihat, Jalgaon, etc.
(9) Koch Bihar: Royal Palace, Baneswar, Madan Mohan temple, etc.
(10) Maldah : Chika Masjid, Latan Masjid, Dakhi Darwaja, etc.
(11) Medinipur : Belpahari, Digha, Haldia, Junput, etc.
(12) Murshidabad: Berhampur, Kasim Bagar, Hazarduari palace, Moti Zheel, Khosh Bagh, etc.
(13) Nadia : Bethuyadahri Reserve forest, Mayapur, Phulia, Santipur, etc.
(14) North Dinajpur : Islampur, Raiganj etc,
(15) South Dinajpur : Balurghat, Gangarampur, etc.
(16) North 24 Parganas: Barrackpore, Chakla, Kachua, Taki, etc.
(17) South 24 Paraganas: Bakkhali, Diamond Harbour, Falta, Jaynagar, Sagar islands, Sundarbans, etc.
(18) Purulia: Baghmundi, Ayodhya Hills, Panchet lake, etc.
Question 20. Write a note on Ports of West Bengal.
Answer: A port is actually a town with a harbour where ships load or unload especially one where customs officers are stationed. A large hinterland often backs a state that owns the coast. West Bengal is endowed with two most well-known ports of India namely Kolkata and Haldia.
Kolkata :
The Kolkata Port is a riverine port in the city of Kolkata. It is located around 203 km from the sea. It is the oldest operating port in India constructed by the British East India Company. The Port has two distinct dock systems. Kolkata docks on the left bank of Hugli river (kidderpore dock and Netaji Subhas dock) at Kolkata and a deep water dock at Haldia dock complex, Haldia.
Hinterland :
West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, North East hilly states and neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bhutan. The port has the largest dry dock facility in India. Repair work and maintenance needs of the vessels are done here. For navigational assistance, the port has several lighthouses namely Sagar lighthouse on the Sagar Island and Dariapur Lighthouse situated on the right bank of Hugli river south of Rasulpur river.
Haldia is another port in West Bengal. Due to oversiltation of Hugli river, the Kolkata port is not able to function properly. So to relieve Kolkata port’s workload, a satellite port at Haldia has become Operative. It is a major seaport about 50 km southwest of Kolkata near the mouth of the Hugli river. Haldia is mainly developed as a trade port for Kolkata port. It mainly deals with bulk cargoes. Haldia is a city and a municipality in Purba Medinipur of West Bengal. The Haldia townships is bordered by the Haldi river, an offshoot of the Ganga.
Question 21. State the reasons for the concentration of Jute – mills on the Bank of river Hoogly.
Answer: Reasons for the Great Concentration of Jute-mills on the Bank of the Hugli :
(1) Easy availability of raw Jute :
The Hugli basin which lies in the Ganga Delta Region of West Bengal is the most suitable region for the production of jute. Thus the availability of jute encouraged the development of this industry.
(2) Nearness to coal mines:
The Raniganj of Asansol coalfields are located nearby (at a distance about 200 km). It supplies power to this industry.
(3) Transport facilities :
The network of transport provided by rivers and canals (the Ganga and their tributaries), roads and railways facilitate the collection and distribution of raw jute and finished jue products respectively.
(4) Availability of water :
The river Hugli, flowing in this region, provides water for the industry.
(5) Humid climate :
The humid climate of the region facilitates the spinning of the jute fibre and favours the industrial growth.
Class 9 Geography Solution WBBSE
(6) Port facilities :
The port of Kolkata has been helping the industrial growth from the beginning in importing machinery and exporting industrial products.
(7) Supply of capital :
The jute industry was developed with the British capital during the British rule. Afterwards, the capital for the industry has
been supplied by the Indian traders, merchants, banks and other financial organisations.
(8) Supply of cheap labour :
The densely populated neighbouring states of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh supply cheap labour required for jute mills.
Question 22. Give an account of the soils of West Bengal.
Answer:
Classification of soils of West Bengal according to regional basis :
(1) Brown Podsol soil of northern hilly region :
Originating from Darjeeling gneiss, this soil has been formed by influences of heat and moisture. This is an eluviated soil and is found only in hilly regions. This is rich in humus.
Characteristics :
(1) Rich in potash and phosphorus.
(2) Moist, deep and peaty soil.
(3) Acidic soil, mostly found in coniferous forest regions.
(4) Level of nitrogen in the soil is less.
(5) Podsol is seen till the tree line in high altitudes.
(6) Higher the altitude, more acidic is the soil.
(7) Best for tea, orange, cinchona and squash.
(2) Lateritic soil of Western plateau region: Found in Purulia, Bankura and Birbhum districts.
Characteristics :
(1) Brick-red and hard type of soil.
(2) Not very fertile
(3) Agriculture is possible only with the help of irrigation and the use of fertilisers.
(4) Low water-holding capacity.
(5) Lack of humus.
(6) Oil seeds, vegetables, etc. can be grown.
(3) Terai soils :
Found in the foothills of the Himalayas. Formed by the deposition of materials brought in by the rivers from the high mountains.
Characteristics :
(1) Coarse sandy loamy soil,
(2) Mixed with granular rock and pebbles.
(3) Immature soil.
(4) Young silt is found in this soil.
(5) Helps in growing rice, tobacco, fruits and tea.
(4) Soil of the plains of north Bengal :
Found in southern Jalpaiguri, Koch Bihar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur and Maldah. Formed by depositional work of rivers.
Characteristics :
(1) Presence of alluvial soil.
(2) Coarse sand particles are present.
(3) Immature soil.
(5) Red soil or old alluvial soil :
Class 9 Geography Solution WBBSE
Found in some region of Maldah, South Dinajpur and Western Birbhum. Formed Partly due to lateralisation process.
Characteristics :
(1) Upper layers of the soil are static and fertile.
(2) Colour varies from reddish to yellowish.
(3) Layer of ferric oxides present.
(4) Amount of iron in the soil is high.
(5) Texture can be sandy-loam to coarse mud particles.
(6) Produces rice, wheat, and sugarcane with the help of irrigation.
(6) Soils of Rarh region: Formed by deposition of lateritic and other soils brought in from the plateau region.
Characteristics :
(1) Low water-holding capacity
(2) Low fertility
(3) Produces rice, potato, and oilseeds with the help of irrigation. :
(7) Soils of the plains of South Bengal :
Found in almost the whole region of southern West Bengal except the coastal region. Formed mainly by the depositional work of river Ganga and its tributaries.
Characteristics :
(1) This soil is deposited by rivers.
(2) Somé sea-borne alluvium can be found in the coastal regions.
(3) Greyish, yellowish or ligh brownish in colour.
(4) Particles are very very small.
(5) Soil profile is not complete or well-defined.
(6) Abundance of phosphorus and potassium but lack of nitrogen and humus.
(7) Very good for producing rice, jute, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, and vegetables. etc.
(8) Coastal salty soil :
Found in the Sunderban region of South 24 Parganas, and the coastal regions of East Medinipur. Formed by the deposition of silt by rivers as well as sea waves in the coastal areas.
Characteristics :
(1) Usually tidal influences make the soil salty.
(2) Immature soil.
(3) Amount of mud particles is high in the Sunderban region.
(4) More salty near the coastal area of Digha.
(5) The soil is basically salty and alkaline.
(6) Infertile soil only produces coconut, beetle nut, dates and few vegetables.
Question 23. Write a note on Ganga Delta plain.
Answer: Ganga Delta Plains
Location :
The Ganga Delta plains comprise the districts like Nadia, Calcutta, North 24-Parganas, South 24-Parganas, Howrah and Hooghly and the eatern parts of Murshidabad and parts of Burdwan and Midnapur. The Ganga Delta extends southwards from the right banks of the Ganga to the shores of the Bay of Bengal.
Its western boundary coincides with the Rarh plain. The extensive delta that was built up by the depositional work of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna has been called ‘Ganga Delta’. Owing to the partition of India most of a delta is now in Bangladesh.
Description :
The Ganga delta rises northwards imperceptibly to about 30 m from the Bay head to the head of the delta at Farrakhan. It has a gradient of less than 2. cm per kilometre. Only a narrow strip along the northern border of this delta region exhibits gradients up to 100 cm. Because of this low relief, tidal water reaches from the Bay as far as Nabadwip through the channel of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly.
The Ganga delta plain is the product of fluvial action. The sites brought down by the Bhagirathi-Hooghly flows over here after crossing nearly 2,971 km distance. The valley here is very shallow and the river appears to be cut off from the Ganga. The water of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river flows through very narrow and meandering channels.
Class 9 Geography Solution WBBSE
Bills, swamps and marshes, levees and deltas are the remarkable components of the physical landscape. The tract southwest of the Hooghly-Bhagirathi basin has a typical coastal sandy landform (Midnapur sandy coast) which is the outcome of the changing sea level and the prevailing winds sweeping the coast.
There is hardly any backshore. To the east of this shoreline lies the active deltas (Sundarbans) where the depositional action of the streams is very high and new lands are being continuously formed. There are three physiographic subdivisions of the Ganga Delta Plains. They are as follows :
Moribund Delta Plain :
It comprises the eastern Murshidabad district and the entire Nadia plain. This region was once crisscrossed by numerous rivers which are now choked and transformed into bils and natural canals. This part of the eastern Murshidabad and Nadia plain having scattering bils is locally known as Bagri (bagdi).
Mature Delta Plain :
It comprises Burdwan plain, Howrah plain, Hooghly plain, Midnapur plain, northern parts of North 24-Parganas and South 24- Parganas. This is the Ganga delta plain formed by the chocked rivers.
Active Delta Plain :
It is found in the southern parts of South 24-Parganas and North 24-Parganas districts. It is the land of marshes levees, saline water lakes and the tidal forests. It is known as Sundarban.
Question 24. State the favourable factors for the production of Rice.
Answer:
It is grown under the following geographical environment :
Physical Conditions :
1. Climatic Conditions :
Rice thrives best under the hot and moist climatic condition of the tropical monsoon.
Rainfall :
It requires plenty of rainfall. The region which gets rainfall between 150 cm. is most favourable for rice cultivation. From the time of planting rice needs rainfall; heavy rainfall is also required during its growing period.
Temperature :
Rice cultivation requires hot weather with a temperature ranging between 16°C and 27°C. It needs an average temperature of 22°C.
Other climatic conditions :
Moist weather favours the growth of rice. During ripening period and harvesting season, a dry and sunny climate is necessary. Rainfall during this perid is injurious to crops.
2. Soil Condition :
Rice grows on fertile alluvial soil. Alluvial soil of river valleys and deltas are very much suitable for the cultivation of rice. It grows on a wide variety of soils, but alluvial loam with clayey sub-soil is ideal because the clay-like impermeable sub-soil holds water in the field.
3. Nature of the land :
Fertile-level plains are ideal for rice cultivation. Water can easily stand on lowlands, and rice thrives best in water-logged
area particularly during its growing season and that is why rice is produced on low-lying plains, valleys and deltaic plains. Rice is also grown on sitewide terraces on hilly slopes.
Socio-economic conditions :
1. Supply of Labour :
Rice cultivation requires abundent supply of cheap labour as it cannot be cultivated only with the aid of machine. Tractor can be used for tilling the land, but other works, such as, transplanting, weeding, cutting, harvesting, boiling, drying, husking etc., have to be carried out with hands. In these works, machine is not useful. For all these works abundant labour is required at cheap rate. Rice is, generally, cultivated in densely populated areas and so there is no problem in the supply of labour.
Class 9 Geography Solution WBBSE
2. Supply of Capital :
At present, agriculture has become a capital-intensive industry. It requires an abundant supply of chemical fertilizer, manure, high-yielding seed, irrigation facilities, insecticides and pesticides. Besides these, abundant labour is needed. Thus, the cultivation of rice requires the involvement of a good deal of capital.
3. Demand and Market:
Rice is produced in regions where it is the staple food of the people. It is popular than other cereals, and hence it has heavy demand. Therefore people prefer to cultivate rice.
Question 25. Write a note on the Durgapur Plant of West Bengal.
Answer:
Introduction: Originally Durgapur Iron and Steel Plant was established as one of the three integrated iron and steel plants of the then Hindusthan Steel Ltd. (abbreviated as HSL). Now it is run under the name and style of the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (abbreviated as SAIL). Durgapur Iron and Steel Plant was started at Durgapur in the Burdwan district. West Bengal with the technical know-how of ISCON, a British organisation, it started production in December 1962.
The locational advantages of the Durgapur Iron and Steel Plant are as follows :
1. Iron ore is being supplied from Nuamundi of the Bihar-Orissa iron ore belt (326.8 kilometres).
2. Coke Coal is brought from Jharia 111.09 kilometres of Bihar. Limestone for flux is being supplied from Birmitrapur (367.1 kilometres) of Orissa.
3. Manganese is obtained from Bonai mines (335.8 kilometres) of Orissa.
4. The plant is situated on the bank of the Damodar river that provides a water supply.
5. Thermal power is available from the DPL.
6. The market-cum-port facilities are provided by Calcutta (157.8 kilometres).
7. The Eastern Railway and N.H. No. 2 provides excellent transport facilities.
Products :
The Durgapur Plant makes pig iron, billets and blooms, and medium structurals. It specialises in the production of medium and light structures, railway wheels, tyres and axles, fish plates, sleepers, etc.
Question 26. Write a note on IISCO.
Answer: In the year 1919, The Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO) was established at Burnpur in West Bengal. The IISCO is now operated under the name of the Steel Authority of India Ltd., abbreviated as SAIL. It had 3 separate plants, one at Hirapur (about 6.5 km south of Asansol), other at Kulti (about 16 km west of Asansol) and the third at Burnpur (about 5 km south-west of Asansol).
The forerunner of IISCO was the Bengal Iron Works Company set up at Kulti in West Bengal in 1870. In July 1972 and finally, in 1976 IISCO was_ nationalised. The plants are situated at Kulti-Hirapur-Burnpur near Asansol about 210 kilometres from Calcutta. All the plants under the then IISCO are now running at a loss. Talks are going on for the privatisation of the plants.
The locational advantages of the IISCO plant are as follows :
1. Iron ores are obtained from Guo, Jamda and Manoharpur areas in Bihar (279.7 kilometres).
2. Coke coal is brought from Ramnagar collieries nearby and from Jharia (136.8 kilometres).
3. Limestone and Dolemite are brought from the Singhbhum region in Bihar (157.7 kilometres).
4. Manganese is available from Birmitrapur in Orissa (317 kilometres).
5. Refractories are brought from Raniganj belt.
6. Supplies of water are drawn from the Domadar river which is about 4 kilometres away.
7. Port facilities of Calcutta (217.2 kilometres) help the movement of finished products.
8. Electricity is supplied from its own generating unit.
Products: The IISCO specialises in iron castings like pipes, rail tyres and various steel products.
Class 9 Geography Solution WBBSE
Question 27. How does the seasons of West Bengal influence human life?
Answer:
Influence of Seasons on human life: Season changes influence the life of people directly or indirectly.
(1) Use of clothes :
Light clothes are used during summer while dark and heavy clothes are used during winter.
(2) Working capacity :
People become tired during summer, while their working capacity increases during winter.
(3) Vacations :
In the hilly region, schools and colleges enjoy a long vacation during winter, while in the plateau and plain region, the vacation is longer during summer.
(4) Agriculture :
The crop calendar of West Bengal is totally connected to the seasons. Example. — Rice and jute plants are planted during summer and different vegetables are grown during winter.
(5) Business :
The items of trade go on changing in the local markets according to the change of seasons. Eg— sweaters and cardigans in winter and light clothes in summer.
(6) Festivals :
Different kinds of festivals are celebrated during different times of the year.
Example— Nabanna, Poush parban.
