Geography: Chapter-1 India
Size and Location
Introduction
India is a vast country located in South Asia. It is the 7th largest
country in the world by area and the 2nd most populous
country after China. The geographical location of India gives it a
distinct identity in terms of cultural diversity, natural resources,
and strategic importance. This chapter helps us understand
India’s size, extent, location, and its significance on the world
map.
1. Location of India
India is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere.
The mainland of India extends between 8°4'N to 37°6'N
latitudes and 68°7'E to 97°25'E longitudes.
The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) passes through the middle of
India dividing it into almost two equal parts.
The country is bounded by the Himalayas in the north, Indian
Ocean in the south, Bay of Bengal in the east, and Arabian Sea
in the west.
The longitudinal extent (29°) affects the local time; hence India
uses Indian Standard Time (IST) based on 82°30'E longitude.
2. Size of India
The total area of India is 3.28 million square kilometres.
It accounts for 2.4% of the world’s land area.
India has a land boundary of about 15,200 km and a coastline of
about 7,516.6 km.
India is the seventh-largest country in the world in terms of land
area.
From Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, and
from Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west, India
has vast geographical diversity.
3. India and the World
India is centrally located between East and West Asia.
The Indian Ocean provides a strategic route and connects India
with Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
India's location helps in establishing maritime trade links.
The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean and has
contributed to India's important position in international trade
since ancient times.
India has strong cultural, economic, and historical ties with
many countries due to its central location.
4. Neighbours of India
India shares its land boundaries with Pakistan, Afghanistan,
China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
In the south, across the sea, Sri Lanka and Maldives are India’s
maritime neighbours.
India and its neighbours form the region of South Asia.
These neighbouring countries have cultural, historical, and
economic connections with India.
Peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbours are
important for India’s development and security.
Conclusion
India's geographical size and strategic location make it a
significant country on the world map.
Its vast extent influences its climate, culture, and economy.
The central location in the Indian Ocean has helped India
maintain cultural and trade links for centuries. Understanding
India’s size and location helps us appreciate its natural and
political features. It also highlights India's role in global affairs.
Important Questions with Explained Answers
Q. Why is the difference between the durations of day and night
hardly felt at Kanyakumari but not so in Kashmir?
Kanyakumari lies close to the equator where the sun’s rays fall
more directly, making day and night almost equal throughout
the year. In contrast, Kashmir is located in the northern part of
India, far from the equator. Due to the Earth’s tilt, it
experiences longer days in summer and shorter days in winter.
Therefore, the variation in the duration of day and night is more
noticeable in Kashmir than in Kanyakumari.
Q. Why 82°30'E has been selected as the Standard Meridian of
India?
India has a wide longitudinal extent, causing a time difference of
about two hours from east to west. To maintain uniformity in
time across the country, 82°30'E longitude was chosen as the
Standard Meridian. This line passes almost through the centre
of the country (near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh). It helps in
synchronizing time for all regions, making administration and
communication more efficient.
Q. Name the countries which are larger than India.
The six countries larger than India in area are Russia, Canada,
the United States of America, China, Brazil, and Australia. India
is the seventh-largest country in terms of total land area. These
countries occupy more geographical space than India.
Q. How has India’s geographic location helped in the exchange
of ideas and commodities since ancient times?
India’s central position between East and West Asia facilitated
trade, travel, and cultural exchange. Ancient trade routes, both
land and sea, passed through India. Through these routes, ideas
such as the Indian numerals and religious beliefs like Buddhism
spread to other countries. Likewise, India also absorbed
influences from other cultures, enriching its own heritage.
Q. Name the neighbouring countries of India.
India shares land borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the
northwest, China, Nepal, and Bhutan in the north, and
Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east. In the south, across the
sea, it has maritime neighbours: Sri Lanka and Maldives. These
neighbouring countries form the Indian subcontinent and share
cultural and economic ties with India.
Q. Explain the significance of the Tropic of Cancer passing
through the middle of India.
The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) divides India into two distinct
climate zones. The southern part lies in the tropical zone, which
is hotter and more humid. The northern part lies in the
subtropical zone with more variation in climate. This division
also affects the types of vegetation, agriculture, and lifestyle of
people in different regions of India.
Q. How does India’s longitudinal extent affect its time difference
from east to west?
India extends over 29 degrees of longitude, causing about two
hours' difference in sunrise and sunset times between the
easternmost and westernmost states. For example, the sun
rises earlier in Arunachal Pradesh than in Gujarat. To maintain
consistency, India follows a single time zone based on 82°30'E
longitude, known as IST. This avoids confusion and ensures
uniform time across the country.
Q. Describe the strategic importance of India’s location in the
Indian Ocean.
India's peninsular shape juts into the Indian Ocean, giving it a
strategic maritime position. It helps India control vital sea lanes
used for international trade. The Indian Ocean also connects
India to Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, increasing
its geopolitical importance. This location enhances trade, naval
power, and international influence.
Q. How is India’s location advantageous for international trade?
India’s central location in the Indian Ocean enables it to serve as
a bridge between East and West. Ancient and modern sea
routes pass close to India, reducing the cost and time of trade.
The long coastline with many ports facilitates exports and
imports. India’s location also attracts global business and
investment.
Q. What is the importance of India’s neighbouring countries in
South Asia?
India’s neighbours share long historical, cultural, and trade
relations. Peaceful cooperation with them is vital for regional
stability and economic growth. Countries like Nepal and Bhutan
depend on India for trade and transit. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka
have strong cultural and linguistic ties with India. Healthy
relations promote shared development and security in South
Asia.
