Chapter 1: India – Location
- Where is India located?
India is located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. It lies between latitudes 8°4’N to 37°6’N and longitudes 68°7’E to 97°25’E, in South Asia. - What is the latitudinal extent of India?
India stretches from 8°4’N (Kanyakumari) to 37°6’N (Jammu & Kashmir). This wide range affects the country’s climate, with tropical conditions in the south and temperate in the north. - What is the longitudinal extent of India?
India extends from 68°7’E to 97°25’E. This span of nearly 30° causes a time difference of about 2 hours from east to west. - What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer in India?
The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) divides India into two zones—subtropical (north) and tropical (south), influencing the diversity of climate and vegetation. - What is the standard meridian of India?
82°30’E is the Indian Standard Time (IST) meridian, passing through Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh). It helps maintain a uniform time across the country. - What is India’s total area?
India covers 3.28 million square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest country in the world. It accounts for 2.4% of the world’s land area. - Which countries border India?
India shares land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It also shares a maritime border with Sri Lanka and Maldives. - What is the length of India’s coastline?
India has a coastline of about 7,516.6 km, including the mainland and islands. It plays a major role in trade, fishing, and climate influence. - How does India’s location influence its climate?
India’s central location between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator gives it tropical monsoon climate, while its varied latitude causes regional climate differences. - Why is India called a subcontinent?
Due to its large size, distinct geography, and isolation by natural boundaries like the Himalayas and oceans, India is referred to as a subcontinent. - What are India’s southernmost and northernmost points?
Southernmost: Indira Point (Great Nicobar Island).
Northernmost: near Siachen Glacier (Jammu & Kashmir). - What is the significance of India’s central location?
India’s central position in the Indian Ocean provides strategic advantages for trade, maritime control, and cultural exchanges with Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia. - Which water bodies surround India?
Arabian Sea (west), Bay of Bengal (east), and Indian Ocean (south). They influence India’s monsoon, trade, and biodiversity. - What are India’s neighboring island nations?
Sri Lanka to the south, separated by Palk Strait, and Maldives to the southwest in the Arabian Sea. - What is the impact of India’s vast size on administration?
India’s diversity in climate, culture, and resources due to its vastness requires decentralized governance and regional development policies. - Why is the Indian Ocean named after India?
India’s long coastline and historical maritime influence led to the ocean being named after it—a unique distinction among world nations. - Which states in India share an international border?
States like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and others share borders with neighboring countries. - How does India’s location affect its biodiversity?
Its latitudinal spread and climatic zones make India a mega-diverse country, home to varied ecosystems from rainforests to alpine meadows. - What is the time difference between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat?
Despite being in the same time zone, Arunachal sees sunrise about two hours earlier than Gujarat due to India’s wide longitudinal spread. - How does India’s location help in international trade?
Located at the crossroad of East and West, India’s location in the Indian Ocean allows efficient trade routes with Asia, Africa, and Europe. - What is India’s latitudinal and longitudinal extent in degrees?
Latitude: 8°4’N to 37°6’N
Longitude: 68°7’E to 97°25’E - Why is IST important despite time difference across India?
IST helps maintain administrative uniformity across all states. Without it, states in the east and west would follow different timings, causing confusion. - How does India’s location benefit regional integration?
India serves as a connecting hub for South Asia, enhancing economic, cultural, and strategic integration with neighboring countries. - Which Indian state is closest to the Equator?
Tamil Nadu, especially Kanyakumari, lies closest to the Equator, giving it a tropical climate and long daylight hours throughout the year. - Which Indian state is closest to the Tropic of Cancer?
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are prominently crossed by the Tropic of Cancer, affecting their climate and agriculture patterns. - Why does India have so many climates?
Due to its vast latitudinal spread, varied relief, altitude differences, and proximity to the sea, India experiences diverse climate zones from tropical to alpine. - What is the geopolitical importance of India’s location?
India’s strategic central position in Asia and access to the Indian Ocean makes it a key player in international politics, defense, and trade. - Which seas does India lie between?
India lies between the Arabian Sea (west) and the Bay of Bengal (east), providing vast maritime advantages and access to regional sea trade. - What separates India from Sri Lanka?
The Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar separate India and Sri Lanka. The two countries are connected via historical and cultural ties. - Which is the easternmost state of India?
Arunachal Pradesh is the easternmost state, seeing the first sunrise in India and sharing borders with China, Bhutan, and Myanmar.