✅ 10 Short Answer Questions (1-3 marks each)
1. What is the latitudinal extent of India?
👉 Answer: India stretches from 8°4’N to 37°6’N in latitude.
2. What is the longitudinal extent of India?
👉 Answer: India lies between 68°7’E and 97°25’E longitude.
3. Which line of latitude divides India into two equal halves?
👉 Answer: The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) divides India into nearly two equal halves.
4. Why is the time difference between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat nearly two hours?
👉 Answer: Due to India’s wide longitudinal extent (about 30°), there’s a time gap of nearly 2 hours in sunrise between Arunachal Pradesh (east) and Gujarat (west).
5. What is Indian Standard Time (IST) and why is it used?
👉 Answer: IST is the time observed throughout India based on 82°30’E longitude. It is used to maintain uniform time across the country.
6. Name the southernmost point of India. Why is it important?
👉 Answer: The southernmost point is Indira Point in the Nicobar Islands. It is important as it extends India’s geographical reach deep into the Indian Ocean.
7. Which countries share land boundaries with India?
👉 Answer: India shares borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
8. Why is India considered a subcontinent?
👉 Answer: India is considered a subcontinent due to its large size, distinct geographical features, and its natural boundaries like the Himalayas and surrounding oceans.
9. What is the significance of India’s location in the Indian Ocean?
👉 Answer: India’s central location in the Indian Ocean allows it to control major sea trade routes and influence maritime security in the region.
10. How does the Tropic of Cancer affect India’s climate?
👉 Answer: The Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical (south) and subtropical (north) zones, leading to regional climatic differences.
✅ 5 Long Answer Questions (4-5 marks each)
1. Explain the significance of India’s geographical location.
👉 Answer:
India is strategically located in the center of the Asian continent, with access to both East and West Asia. Its peninsular shape allows access to important sea routes in the Indian Ocean, enhancing trade, diplomacy, and maritime security.
It acts as a link between Africa, Europe, and Southeast Asia, playing a key role in geopolitical affairs. India’s natural boundaries (Himalayas in the north and oceans in the south) also protect and define its geographical identity.
2. What are the advantages of India’s size and location?
👉 Answer:
- India’s large size provides a variety of natural resources and climatic conditions.
- Its central position in the Indian Ocean Region gives it access to global sea routes.
- It shares borders with important countries, allowing regional influence.
- The varied geography supports diverse agriculture, tourism, and culture.
- India can act as a hub for international trade, both maritime and overland.
3. How does India’s location influence its climate and biodiversity?
👉 Answer:
India’s latitudinal spread from tropical to subtropical zones results in diverse climates, from arid deserts to wet rainforests.
The Himalayas block cold winds, giving North India a milder winter, while the Indian Ocean influences the monsoon.
This geographical diversity supports a rich biodiversity, making India one of the megadiverse countries in the world.
4. Discuss the importance of the Indian Ocean to India.
👉 Answer:
- The Indian Ocean is named after India, showing its central maritime position.
- India controls major naval routes for oil, trade, and global shipping.
- Islands like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep extend India’s strategic reach.
- It supports coastal trade, fishing industries, and naval defense.
- It strengthens India’s role in regional and global diplomacy.
5. Why does India follow a single time zone despite its vast east-west extent?
👉 Answer:
To maintain uniformity in administrative operations, India follows a single time zone based on 82°30’E longitude (IST).
Despite a 2-hour time difference between the easternmost and westernmost states, using one time zone avoids confusion in railways, airlines, and broadcasting.
However, there are ongoing discussions about a separate time zone for northeastern states to improve productivity and energy usage.