Rivers, Mountains and Seas of India: Class 3 Study Guide
Rivers give water and mountains give rain and snow. India has high mountains, wide plains, a desert and a long coast.
India has many natural features. In the north are the Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world. Kangchenjunga, on the border of Sikkim and Nepal, is the highest mountain in India. In the west of India, in Rajasthan, lies the Thar Desert.
Great rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna and Brahmaputra flow across the northern plains. In the south, the Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri flow towards the Bay of Bengal. India's coast is washed by the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Features and where they are
| Feature | Where |
|---|---|
| Himalayas | North |
| Thar Desert | North-west (Rajasthan) |
| Ganga | North India, towards the Bay of Bengal |
| Brahmaputra | North-east (Assam) |
| Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri | South India, towards the Bay of Bengal |
| Western Ghats | West coast hills |
| Arabian Sea | West |
| Bay of Bengal | East |
Why are they important?
Rivers give us water to drink and to water crops. Farmers grow rice, wheat and sugarcane on the plains. Mountains bring snow that melts into rivers. Seas give fish and carry ships. People also love these places and visit them.
Water for people and crops.
Snow, rain and forests.
Dry land with special plants.
Fish, ports and ships.
Looking after water
Throwing rubbish into rivers makes them dirty and harms fish. We should use water carefully, keep rivers clean and never waste a drop.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: Which sea is on the east? The Bay of Bengal. Example: Name a river that flows in the south. The Kaveri. Common mistakes: mixing up the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and thinking that rivers start in the sea. Rivers start in hills or mountains and end in the sea.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. For example the Ganga and the Yamuna. 2. The Arabian Sea. 3. Rivers give water for crops like rice and wheat.
✨ Key Takeaways
- The Himalayas are in the north.
- The Thar Desert is in the west, in Rajasthan.
- Rivers give water for people and crops.
- Keep rivers clean.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Name two rivers of North India.
- Which sea is on the west of India?
- Why do farmers need rivers?