India: Size and Location

Geographical Setting of India

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.
It lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere.
India’s location is strategically important—both geographically and politically.

Location of India

The mainland of India extends between 8°4’N and 37°6’N latitudes.
The longitudinal extent is between 68°7’E and 97°25’E.
The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) divides the country into almost two equal parts.
The southernmost point of India is Indira Point (in Great Nicobar Island), which got submerged in 2004 due to the Tsunami.
India is bordered by the Indian Ocean in the south, the Bay of Bengal in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the west.

Time and Standard Meridian

India has a longitudinal extent of about 30°.
Due to this, there is a time difference of 2 hours between the eastern and western parts.
To maintain uniform time, Indian Standard Time (IST) is adopted.
IST is calculated from the 82°30’E longitude, passing through Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh).

India’s Size

Total land area: 3.28 million sq. km.
India accounts for about 2.4% of the world’s land area.
It has a land frontier of about 15,200 km.
The total length of the coastline is 7,516.6 km, including islands.
India is bounded by:
- Himalayas in the north
- Indian Ocean in the south
- Arabian Sea to the west
- Bay of Bengal to the east

Neighbouring Countries

India shares its borders with 9 countries:

Land Borders:

Pakistan and Afghanistan (northwest)
China, Nepal, and Bhutan (north)
Bangladesh and Myanmar (east)

Maritime Neighbours:

Across the sea: Sri Lanka and Maldives

India and the Indian Subcontinent

India is the largest country in the Indian Subcontinent.
The subcontinent includes: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
These countries share historical and cultural ties.

India’s Strategic Location

India is located at the head of the Indian Ocean.
Important sea routes pass through the Indian Ocean, making India a center of trade and cultural exchange.
India’s location between East and West Asia has helped in economic and cultural interactions for centuries.

India’s Political Divisions

India is a federal republic consisting of 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
Each state has its own government, while union territories are governed by the Central Government.

Latitude and Longitude Significance

The latitudinal extent affects climate, with northern regions having cold winters, and southern regions being tropical.
The longitudinal extent leads to time differences between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat.
The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram.

Geographical Advantages of India’s Location

Gateway to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Access to international trade routes through the Indian Ocean.
Easy connectivity with countries in Africa, Europe, and East Asia.
The Indian Peninsula facilitates strong maritime trade.

Important Geographical Features

The Himalayas act as a natural barrier and influence the monsoon winds.
The Indian Peninsula is a triangular-shaped landmass that extends into the Indian Ocean.
The Thar Desert, Northern Plains, Deccan Plateau, and coastal plains create varied physical divisions.

Importance of India’s Location in Global Context

India’s location is central to the world trade map.
It has influenced the movement of:
- Ideas and religions like Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Spices and textiles, leading to colonial interest.
- Scientific and mathematical knowledge.
India’s ports like Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Kolkata support heavy trade traffic.

Historical Significance of India’s Location

Ancient trade routes like the Silk Route connected India to China and Europe.
Sea routes from India helped spread Indian culture to Southeast Asia.
Invaders and travelers entered through northwestern passes, like the Khyber Pass.

Natural Borders of India

North: Bounded by Himalayas – world’s highest mountain range.
East: Surrounded by Purvanchal Hills and dense forests.
West: Bordered by the Thar Desert and Pakistan.
South: Surrounded by three major water bodies, giving it a peninsular shape.

India’s Size Compared to the World

India is the 7th largest country after Russia, Canada, USA, China, Brazil, and Australia.
It covers approximately 2.4% of the Earth’s total land area.
India’s population is over 1.4 billion, making it the 2nd most populated nation after China.

Climatic Diversity Due to Location

Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia.
The Peninsula moderates the temperature, giving coastal regions a more equable climate.
The Tropic of Cancer divides the country into tropical and sub-tropical zones.

India’s Maritime Importance

India has a long coastline which connects it to major international sea routes.
It plays a key role in naval defense, trade, and cultural exchange.
Islands like the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep increase its strategic advantage.

Conclusion

India’s location and size make it a geopolitical power in Asia. Its position in the Indian Ocean Region, its rich culture, and climatic variety provide it with natural, economic, and strategic advantages.

Short Answer Questions (2 Marks)

1. What is the latitudinal extent of India?

Ans: Between 8°4’N and 37°6’N.

2. Which line divides India into two equal halves?

Ans: The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N).

3. What is the significance of 82°30’E longitude?

Ans: It is the Standard Meridian of India, used to calculate IST.

4. Name two countries that share a maritime boundary with India.

Ans: Sri Lanka and Maldives.

5. How much area does India cover of the world’s land surface?

Ans: About 2.4%.

6. What is the southernmost point of India?

Ans: Indira Point (Great Nicobar Island).

7. Name the water bodies surrounding India.

Ans: Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.

8. What is the longitudinal extent of India?

Ans: From 68°7’E to 97°25’E.

9. Name any two countries that share land borders with India.

Ans: Pakistan and Nepal.

10. Why does India need a Standard Time?

Ans: Due to its wide east-west extent, different parts of India have time differences.

Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain India’s geographical location and how it affects its climate.

Ans:
India is located between 8°4’N and 37°6’N latitudes, and 68°7’E to 97°25’E longitudes.

The Tropic of Cancer divides it into tropical and sub-tropical zones.
The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia, protecting the northern plains.
The Indian Ocean moderates the coastal climate, making it equable.
The monsoon winds also influence rainfall and agriculture.
Thus, location affects India’s climate, biodiversity, and agriculture.

2. Describe the significance of India’s location in Asia and the world.

Ans:
India’s location at the crossroads of Asia makes it important:

Serves as a link between East and West Asia.
Lies along important sea routes in the Indian Ocean.
Facilitates international trade.
Cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia, Arab world, and Europe.
Plays a central role in regional politics and security.

3. What are India’s geographical advantages due to its location?

Ans:

Strategic position in the Indian Ocean region.
Cultural and economic contact with the world.
Facilitates trade via sea routes.
Natural borders (Himalayas, oceans) offer security.
Connects Asia, Africa, and Europe, enhancing global connectivity.

4. Discuss the impact of India’s size and population on its resources.