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INDIA - SIZE AND LOCATION - Q&A

EXERCISE

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

(i) The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Odisha
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Tripura

Answer: (b) Odisha

Explanation: The Tropic of Cancer (23o30'N) passes through eight Indian states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. Looking at the map of India, Odisha lies south of the Tropic of Cancer, so it does not pass through it.


(ii) The easternmost longitude of India is
(a) 97o 25' E
(b) 68o 7' E
(c) 77o 6' E
(d) 82o 32' E

Answer: (a) 97o 25' E

Explanation: India's mainland extends between longitudes 68o7'E and 97o25'E. The value 97o25'E represents the easternmost point, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.


(iii) Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim have common frontiers with
(a) China
(b) Bhutan
(c) Nepal
(d) Myanmar

Answer: (c) Nepal

Explanation: By observing the political map of India (Figure 1.5 in the chapter), you can see that Nepal is sandwiched between these states. Uttarakhand borders it to the west, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to the south, West Bengal to the southeast, and Sikkim to the east.


(iv) If you intend to visit Kavaratti during your summer vacations, which one of the following Union Territories of India you will be going to
(a) Puducherry
(b) Lakshadweep
(c) Andaman and Nicobar
(d) Daman and Diu

Answer: (b) Lakshadweep

Explanation: Kavaratti is the capital and headquarters of the Lakshadweep island group. Therefore, to visit Kavaratti, you must travel to the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.


(v) My friend hails from a country which does not share land boundary with India. Identify the country.
(a) Bhutan
(b) Tajikistan
(c) Bangladesh
(d) Nepal

Answer: (b) Tajikistan

Explanation: India shares land boundaries with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Tajikistan is located to the north of Kashmir but is separated by a narrow strip of Afghan territory (Wakhan Corridor) and does not share a direct land border with India.


2. Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea.

Answer: The group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea is the Lakshadweep Islands.

Explanation: India has two main island groups. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are in the Bay of Bengal (southeast), while the Lakshadweep Islands are located in the Arabian Sea (southwest).


(ii) Name the countries which are larger than India.

Answer: The countries larger than India are Russia, Canada, USA, China, Brazil, and Australia.

Explanation: According to area (Figure 1.2 in the chapter), India is the seventh-largest country in the world. The six countries with a larger landmass are listed in descending order:
1. Russia
2. Canada
3. USA
4. China
5. Brazil
6. Australia


(iii) Which island group of India lies to its south-east?

Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie to the south-east of India.

Explanation: Looking at the map, the Bay of Bengal is to the southeast of the mainland. This is where the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is situated.


(iv) Which island countries are our southern neighbours?

Answer: Our southern neighbours across the sea consist of the two island countries, namely Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Explanation: Sri Lanka is separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. The Maldives are situated to the south of the Lakshadweep Islands.


3. The sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh as compared to Gujarat in the west but the watches show the same time. How does this happen?

Answer:
Step 1: Calculate the longitudinal difference.
The longitudinal extent of India is from Gujarat (68o7'E) to Arunachal Pradesh (97o25'E).
Difference = 97o25' - 68o7' ≈ 30o.

Step 2: Calculate the time difference.
The earth takes 4 minutes to rotate through 1 degree of longitude.
Time difference = 30o × 4 minutes = 120 minutes = 2 hours.
This means physically, sunrise is 2 hours earlier in the East.

Step 3: Explanation of Standard Time.
To avoid confusion and have a uniform time for the entire country, India has accepted the time of the Standard Meridian of India (82o30'E) as the standard time for the whole country.

Conclusion: Because the watches are set to the Standard Meridian time, they show the same time everywhere in India, regardless of the physical sunrise time.


4. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance. Why?

Answer: India's location is significant for the following reasons:
1. Strategic Position: India is centrally located between East and West Asia. The Trans Indian Ocean routes connecting Europe in the West and East Asia pass close by, making India a key trade hub.
2. Coastline Advantage: The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, providing a long coastline. This helps India establish close contact with:
   - West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the Western coast.
   - Southeast and East Asia from the Eastern coast.
3. Dominance: No other country has such a long coastline on the Indian Ocean, justifying the ocean being named after India.


MAP SKILLS

1. Identify the following with the help of map reading.

(i) The island groups of India lying in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Answer:
Arabian Sea: Lakshadweep Islands
Bay of Bengal: Andaman and Nicobar Islands


(ii) The countries constituting Indian subcontinent.

Answer: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh (Historically, the subcontinent includes these lands which are geographically distinct from the rest of Asia).


(iii) The States through which the Tropic of Cancer passes.

Answer: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram (From West to East).


(iv) The northernmost latitude in degrees.

Answer: 37o6'N


(v) The southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland in degrees.

Answer: 8o4'N (Note: The southernmost point of the Indian Union, Indira Point, was at 6o45'N before the tsunami).


(vi) The eastern and the western-most longitude in degrees.

Answer:
Eastern-most: 97o25'E
Western-most: 68o7'E


(vii) The place situated on the three seas.

Answer: Kanniyakumari (It is located at the confluence of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal).


(viii) The strait separating Sri Lanka from India.

Answer: Palk Strait


(ix) The Union Territories of India.

Answer:
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Chandigarh
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
4. Delhi (NCT)
5. Jammu and Kashmir
6. Ladakh
7. Lakshadweep
8. Puducherry


PROJECT/ACTIVITY

(i) Find out the longitudinal and latitudinal extent of your state.

Answer: (This answer varies depending on where the student lives. Below is the method to find it.)
Step 1: Open an Atlas or Google Maps.
Step 2: Locate your state on the map.
Step 3: Find the horizontal lines (Latitudes) touching the topmost and bottommost parts of your state. Note these degrees North (N).
Step 4: Find the vertical lines (Longitudes) touching the leftmost and rightmost parts of your state. Note these degrees East (E).
Example (for Delhi): Latitude: 28o24'N to 28o53'N; Longitude: 76o50'E to 77o20'E.


(ii) Collect information about the 'Silk Route'. Also find out the new developments, which are improving communication routes in the regions of high altitude.

Answer:
Silk Route Information:
- The Silk Route was an ancient network of trade routes connecting the East (China/India) and West (Europe/Rome).
- It was central to cultural interaction for centuries.
- It got its name from the lucrative trade in silk carried out along its length.
- Indian spices, textiles, and precious stones were traded for items like wool, gold, and silver.

New Developments in High Altitude Communication:
- Tunnels: Construction of strategic tunnels like the Atal Tunnel (Rohtang) to provide all-weather connectivity.
- Optical Fiber: Laying of optical fiber cables in remote Himalayan regions to provide high-speed internet.
- Satellite Phones: Use of satellite communication in areas where towers cannot be installed.
- Border Roads: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is building paved roads at very high altitudes to improve accessibility.

Quick Navigation:
Quick Review Flashcards - Click to flip and test your knowledge!
Question
In which hemisphere is India entirely located?
Answer
The Northern hemisphere.
Question
What is the latitudinal extent of the Indian mainland?
Answer
Between $8^{\circ} 4' \text{N}$ and $37^{\circ} 6' \text{N}$.
Question
What is the longitudinal extent of the Indian mainland?
Answer
Between $68^{\circ} 7' \text{E}$ and $97^{\circ} 25' \text{E}$.
Question
Which latitude divides India into almost two equal parts?
Answer
The Tropic of Cancer ($23^{\circ} 30' \text{N}$).
Question
Where are the Andaman and Nicobar islands located relative to the mainland?
Answer
In the Bay of Bengal, to the southeast.
Question
Where are the Lakshadweep islands located relative to the mainland?
Answer
In the Arabian Sea, to the southwest.
Question
What happened to 'Indira Point' in 2004?
Answer
It got submerged under sea water during the Tsunami.
Question
What is the total land area of India in million square kilometres?
Answer
$3.28$ million square km.
Question
India's total area accounts for _____% of the world's total geographical area.
Answer
$2.4$ per cent.
Question
What is India's rank in the world in terms of total land area?
Answer
Seventh largest country.
Question
What is the approximate length of India's land boundary?
Answer
$15,200 \text{ km}$.
Question
What is the total length of India's coastline, including the island groups?
Answer
$7,516.6 \text{ km}$.
Question
Which geographical feature bounds India in the northwest, north, and northeast?
Answer
Young fold mountains.
Question
At what latitude does the Indian landmass begin to taper towards the south?
Answer
South of about $22^{\circ} \text{N}$ latitude.
Question
What two bodies of water does the tapering Indian peninsula create in the Indian Ocean?
Answer
The Arabian Sea (west) and the Bay of Bengal (east).
Question
What is the approximate latitudinal and longitudinal extent of the Indian mainland?
Answer
About $30^{\circ}$.
Question
What is the time lag between the easternmost point (Arunachal Pradesh) and the westernmost point (Gujarat)?
Answer
Two hours.
Question
What longitude is chosen as the Standard Meridian of India?
Answer
$82^{\circ} 30' \text{E}$.
Question
Through which city in Uttar Pradesh does the Standard Meridian of India pass?
Answer
Mirzapur.
Question
Which geographical factor influences the duration of day and night as one moves from south to north in India?
Answer
Latitudinal extent.
Question
Why is India's location in the Indian Ocean considered strategic?
Answer
It connects Europe in the West with the countries of East Asia.
Question
Which peninsula helps India establish contact with West Asia, Africa, and Europe?
Answer
The Deccan Peninsula.
Question
In what year did the Suez Canal open, reducing India's distance from Europe?
Answer
1869.
Question
By how many kilometres did the opening of the Suez Canal reduce the distance between India and Europe?
Answer
$7,000 \text{ km}$.
Question
Which Indian mathematical concepts reached the world through ancient trade routes?
Answer
Indian numerals and the decimal system.
Question
Name three Indian literary works or collections that spread globally via ancient land routes.
Answer
The Upanishads, the Ramayana, and the stories of Panchatantra.
Question
What were the primary Indian commodities taken to different countries in ancient times?
Answer
Spices, muslin, and other merchandise.
Question
The influence of _____ sculpture and West Asian architectural styles like domes and minarets are visible in India.
Answer
Greek.
Question
How many states and Union Territories does India currently have?
Answer
28 states and 8 Union Territories.
Question
Before 1947, which type of Indian states were ruled directly by British officials?
Answer
Provinces.
Question
Who ruled the Princely states in India before 1947?
Answer
Local, hereditary rulers who acknowledged British sovereignty.
Question
Which countries share land boundaries with India in the northwest?
Answer
Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Question
Name the three countries that share India's northern land boundary.
Answer
China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan.
Question
Which countries share land boundaries with India in the east?
Answer
Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Question
Which two island countries are India's southern neighbours across the sea?
Answer
Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Question
What narrow channel of sea separates Sri Lanka from India?
Answer
The Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.
Question
Where are the Maldives Islands situated relative to the Lakshadweep Islands?
Answer
To the south.
Question
Term: Standard Meridian
Answer
Definition: The longitude used to determine the standard time for a whole country, which for India is $82^{\circ} 30' \text{E}$.
Question
Concept: Time Lag
Answer
Definition: The difference in local time between two regions due to longitudinal distance; in India, this is $2$ hours between east and west.
Question
Why is the difference between day and night durations hardly felt at Kanniyakumari?
Answer
Because it is located close to the Equator.
Question
Which state of India is the easternmost longitude located in?
Answer
Arunachal Pradesh ($97^{\circ} 25' \text{E}$).
Question
Which state of India is the westernmost longitude located in?
Answer
Gujarat ($68^{\circ} 7' \text{E}$).
Question
The north-south distance of the Indian mainland is _____ kilometres.
Answer
$3,214 \text{ km}$.
Question
The east-west distance of the Indian mainland is _____ kilometres.
Answer
$2,933 \text{ km}$.
Question
Which country does not share a land boundary with India: Bhutan, Tajikistan, or Bangladesh?
Answer
Tajikistan.
Question
Name five Indian states that share common frontiers with Nepal.
Answer
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim.
Question
If you visit Kavaratti, which Union Territory are you in?
Answer
Lakshadweep.
Question
Through which Indian state does the Tropic of Cancer NOT pass: Rajasthan, Odisha, or Chhattisgarh?
Answer
Odisha.
Question
Which place in India is situated on the confluence of three seas?
Answer
Kanniyakumari.
Question
What is the degree of India's northernmost latitude?
Answer
$37^{\circ} 6' \text{N}$.
Question
What is the degree of the southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland?
Answer
$8^{\circ} 4' \text{N}$.
Question
What is the name of the ISRO portal providing map-based learning for students based on the NCERT syllabus?
Answer
School Bhuvan.
Question
True or False: India's maritime contacts are older than its relationships through land routes.
Answer
False (land routes are much older).
Question
What architectural features from West Asia influenced Indian buildings?
Answer
Domes and minarets.
Question
Why does the east-west extent of India appear smaller than the north-south extent?
Answer
Because the distance between longitudes decreases towards the poles, while the distance between latitudes remains constant.
Question
Which water body lies to the east of the Indian mainland?
Answer
The Bay of Bengal.
Question
Which water body lies to the west of the Indian mainland?
Answer
The Arabian Sea.
Question
Which ocean is named after India?
Answer
The Indian Ocean.
Question
The _____ Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, helping India maintain maritime contacts.
Answer
Deccan.
Question
India's landmass is a _____ extension of the Asian continent.
Answer
Southward.