This chapter introduces India’s geographical size, location, and strategic importance. As an ancient civilization, India has made significant progress in agriculture, industry, and technology, contributing to world history. The chapter covers its latitudinal and longitudinal extent, land and coastal boundaries, global position, historical trade routes, and neighboring countries.
Geographical Position: India lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, extending between latitudes 8°4′N and 37°6′N and longitudes 68°7′E and 97°25′E.
Tropic of Cancer: The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′N) divides India into nearly two equal parts, influencing climate and agriculture.
Island Territories:
Note: Indira Point, the southernmost point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was submerged during the 2004 Tsunami.
Area: India’s landmass covers 3.28 million square kilometers, accounting for 2.4% of the world’s geographical area.
Global Rank: India is the seventh largest country, after Russia, Canada, USA, China, Brazil, and Australia.
Boundaries:
Shape: South of 22°N, India tapers toward the Indian Ocean, dividing it into the Arabian Sea (west) and Bay of Bengal (east).
Extent Comparison: The latitudinal and longitudinal extent is about 30°, but the east-west extent appears smaller than the north-south extent due to the Earth’s curvature.
Time Zone: The Standard Meridian (82°30′E) at Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, sets India’s standard time. From Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh, a two-hour time lag exists, but standard time unifies the country.
Day and Night Variation: Latitudinal extent affects day-night duration. Kanyakumari (southern tip) experiences minimal variation, while Kashmir (northern region) has noticeable differences due to its higher latitude.
Strategic Location: India is centrally located between East and West Asia, extending southward from the Asian continent. The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, facilitating trade with West Asia, Africa, Europe (west coast), and Southeast/East Asia (east coast).
Indian Ocean: India’s long coastline gives it a dominant position, justifying the ocean’s name. Trans-Indian Ocean routes connect Europe and East Asia via India.
Suez Canal Impact: Since 1869, the Suez Canal reduced India’s distance from Europe by 7,000 km, enhancing trade.
Historical Trade Routes:
South Asian Position: India occupies a strategic position in South Asia, with 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
Land Neighbors:
Maritime Neighbors:
Historical Context: Before 1947, India had British-ruled provinces and princely states with local autonomy.
Key Facts:
Table of India’s Geographical Profile:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 3.28 million sq km (2.4% of world) |
| Latitudinal Extent | 8°4′N to 37°6′N |
| Longitudinal Extent | 68°7′E to 97°25′E |
| Land Boundary | 15,200 km |
| Coastline | 7,516.6 km |
| Standard Meridian | 82°30′E (Mirzapur, UP) |
| Island Territories | Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar |
| Neighbors | Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives |
Significance of Location: India’s position at the head of the Indian Ocean enhances its role in international trade and cultural exchange, supported by its long coastline and historical routes like the Silk Route.
Learning Resource: School Bhuvan (NCERT portal) offers map-based learning for India’s geography, accessible at https://bhuvan-app1.nrsc.gov.in/mhrd_ncert/.
Location: India’s Northern Hemisphere position and Tropic of Cancer division shape its climate and geography.
Size: As the seventh largest country, India’s vast area and coastline support its global presence.
Strategic Importance: Central location in the Indian Ocean and historical trade routes make India a key player in global commerce and culture.
Neighbors: India’s diverse borders with seven countries and two island nations highlight its South Asian significance.