India is home to some of the most majestic mountain ranges in the world, including the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, and the Eastern Ghats. These mountains not only provide stunning natural beauty but also shape the unique lifestyles of the people who live in their shadows.
The mountain terrain in India varies greatly, from towering peaks to rolling hills, dense forests to barren slopes. The most famous mountain range in India is the Himalayas, which runs along the northern border of the country. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is located in the Himalayas, along with many other notable peaks such as K2, Kangchenjunga, and Nanda Devi. The Himalayas are also home to several of the largest glaciers in the world, including the Gangotri and the Siachen glaciers.
The Western Ghats, located along the western coast of India, are another important mountain range in the country. These mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their rich biodiversity. The Eastern Ghats, located along the eastern coast of India, are smaller in comparison but still have a significant impact on the region's climate and ecology.
The lifestyle of people living in mountainous areas in India is heavily influenced by their environment. Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in many mountain regions, with crops such as wheat, maize, and potatoes being grown on terraced fields. The traditional practice of transhumance, or seasonal migration of people and livestock between highland and lowland areas, is still prevalent in some regions.
The mountain terrain also shapes the culture and traditions of the people living in these regions. The Himalayas, for example, are home to several ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs and traditions. The Sherpas, for instance, are renowned for their mountaineering skills and are often employed as guides for climbers attempting to summit Everest.
Religion also plays a significant role in the lives of people living in mountainous regions. The Himalayas, in particular, are considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The town of Rishikesh, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is regarded as the yoga capital of the world and attracts spiritual seekers from around the globe.
Tourism is another important aspect of the mountainous regions in India. Millions of tourists visit these regions each year to take in the stunning scenery, go trekking or hiking, and experience the unique culture and traditions of the people living there.
However, the impact of tourism on the environment and the local communities is a concern. Careful management of tourism is necessary to ensure that the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these regions are preserved for future generations.
List of mountain terrain and lifestyle in india
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The Himalayas - The highest mountain range in the world, running along the northern border of India. People living in the Himalayan region have a unique way of life shaped by the environment, including agriculture on terraced fields, transhumance, and mountaineering.
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The Western Ghats - Located along the western coast of India, this mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rich biodiversity. People living in the Western Ghats region are involved in agriculture and horticulture, and the region is also a popular tourist destination.
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The Eastern Ghats - Located along the eastern coast of India, this mountain range is smaller than the Western Ghats but still has a significant impact on the region's climate and ecology. People living in the Eastern Ghats region are involved in agriculture and fishing.
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The Aravalli Range - A mountain range in western India that runs through the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The Aravalli Range is known for its unique geology and supports a variety of flora and fauna.
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The Satpura Range - A range of hills and mountains in central India, spanning across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. People living in the Satpura region are involved in agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
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The Nilgiri Mountains - A mountain range in southern India, located on the border of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The Nilgiris are known for their tea and coffee plantations and are a popular tourist destination.
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The Vindhya Range - A range of hills and mountains in central India, running through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. People living in the Vindhya region are involved in agriculture and forestry.
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The Siwalik Range - A range of hills in northern India, running along the foothills of the Himalayas. The Siwaliks are known for their unique geology and support a variety of wildlife.
Top ten key points on mountain terrain and lifestyle in india:
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The mountain terrain in India is incredibly diverse, ranging from towering peaks to rolling hills, and supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna.
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The Himalayas, located along the northern border of India, are the highest mountain range in the world and have a significant impact on the region's climate and culture.
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Agriculture is a major source of livelihood in many mountainous regions of India, with crops such as wheat, maize, and potatoes being grown on terraced fields.
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The traditional practice of transhumance, or seasonal migration of people and livestock between highland and lowland areas, is still prevalent in some regions.
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The mountainous terrain also shapes the culture and traditions of the people living in these regions, with each ethnic group having its own unique customs and practices.
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Religion plays a significant role in the lives of people living in mountainous regions, with the Himalayas considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains.
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Tourism is an important aspect of the mountainous regions in India, with millions of visitors each year coming to experience the stunning scenery and unique culture.
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Careful management of tourism is necessary to ensure that the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these regions are preserved for future generations.
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Mountaineering is a popular activity in the Himalayas, with many climbers attempting to summit the world's highest peak, Mount Everest.
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The mountainous regions in India offer not just breathtaking natural beauty but also a unique way of life shaped by the environment, making them a fascinating destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, mountainous regions in India offer not just breathtaking natural beauty but also a unique way of life shaped by the environment. The people living in these regions have developed their own traditions and culture, and visitors can learn much from their experiences. As long as tourism is managed carefully, the mountains of India will continue to be a destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers for years to come.
Exercise-1
- What is the highest mountain range in the world?
A) Rocky Mountains
B) Andes Mountains
C) Himalayas
D) Alps
Answer: C) Himalayas - Which mountain range runs along the western coast of India and is known for its rich biodiversity?
A) Himalayas
B) Western Ghats
C) Eastern Ghats
D) Aravalli Range
Answer: B) Western Ghats - Which traditional practice involves the seasonal migration of people and livestock between highland and lowland areas?
A) Terracing
B) Forestry
C) Transhumance
D) Horticulture
Answer: C) Transhumance - Which religion considers the Himalayas to be sacred?
A) Christianity
B) Islam
C) Hinduism
D) Buddhism
Answer: C) Hinduism - What is a major source of livelihood in many mountainous regions of India?
A) Fishing
B) Mining
C) Agriculture
D) Manufacturing
Answer: C) Agriculture - Which mountain range is known for its tea and coffee plantations?
A) Himalayas
B) Western Ghats
C) Nilgiri Mountains
D) Vindhya Range
Answer: C) Nilgiri Mountains - Which activity is a popular tourist attraction in the mountainous regions of India?
A) Skiing
B) Surfing
C) Scuba diving
D) Mountaineering
Answer: D) Mountaineering - What is necessary for careful management of tourism in mountainous regions?
A) Promotion of mass tourism
B) Preservation of natural beauty and cultural heritage
C) Exploitation of resources
D) Overcrowding of tourist destinations
Answer: B) Preservation of natural beauty and cultural heritage - Which mountain range runs along the foothills of the Himalayas?
A) Siwalik Range
B) Satpura Range
C) Aravalli Range
D) Vindhya Range
Answer: A) Siwalik Range - Which aspect of the mountainous regions in India shapes the culture and traditions of the people living there?
A) Tourism
B) Agriculture
C) Religion
D) Mining
Answer: C) Religion
Exercise-2
- Which state in India has the highest number of mountain peaks above 7000 meters?
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Uttarakhand
C) Sikkim
D) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: B) Uttarakhand - Which is the highest mountain peak in India?
A) Kanchenjunga
B) Nanda Devi
C) Mount Everest
D) Kangchenjunga
Answer: D) Kangchenjunga - Which mountain range is located in the eastern part of India?
A) Western Ghats
B) Himalayas
C) Aravalli Range
D) Eastern Ghats
Answer: D) Eastern Ghats - Which river originates from the Himalayas and is considered sacred by Hindus?
A) Ganga
B) Yamuna
C) Brahmaputra
D) Indus
Answer: A) Ganga - What is the name of the highest road in the world, located in the Himalayas?
A) Silk Road
B) Karakoram Highway
C) Leh-Manali Highway
D) Khardung La Pass
Answer: D) Khardung La Pass - Which is the most popular pilgrimage site located in the Himalayas?
A) Kedarnath Temple
B) Badrinath Temple
C) Vaishno Devi Temple
D) Harmandir Sahib
Answer: B) Badrinath Temple - Which mountain range is known for its sandstone formations and is located in the central part of India?
A) Western Ghats
B) Himalayas
C) Aravalli Range
D) Satpura Range
Answer: D) Satpura Range - Which festival is celebrated by the people of Ladakh region, located in the Himalayas?
A) Diwali
B) Bihu
C) Losar
D) Onam
Answer: C) Losar - Which is the largest glacier in India located in the Himalayas?
A) Gangotri Glacier
B) Siachen Glacier
C) Yamunotri Glacier
D) Pindari Glacier
Answer: B) Siachen Glacier - Which is the famous trekking route located in the Himalayas, known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain?
A) Chadar Trek
B) Roopkund Trek
C) Valley of Flowers Trek
D) Great Lakes Trek
Answer: B) Roopkund Trek
