CLASS- IX GEOGRAPHY: CONTEMPORARY INDIA
01. INDIA - SIZE AND LOCATION
1. Introduction
- India is one of
the oldest civilizations in the world.
- Over thousands
of years, it has developed a rich cultural heritage.
- Today, it is also
recognized as the seventh-largest country in the world in
terms of area.
- India is also
the second most populous country in the world after
China.
- Politically,
India is the largest democracy in the world.
- Economically,
India is growing fast, becoming an important nation in the world stage.
👉 Explanation:
This paragraph introduces India’s importance. It highlights culture,
size, population, political system, and economy as the main identities
of India in the world.
2. Location
- India is located
in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The mainland of
India stretches between:
- 8°4' North
latitude (near Kanyakumari, Tamil
Nadu) and
- 37°6' North
latitude (near Jammu & Kashmir).
- Longitudinally,
it stretches between:
- 68°7' East
longitude and
- 97°25' East
longitude.
- The Tropic
of Cancer (23°30' N) passes almost through the middle of India,
dividing it into two parts:
- Northern half
(temperate zone)
- Southern half
(tropical zone)
👉 Explanation:
This tells us India’s exact latitudinal and longitudinal position.
It also shows the importance of the Tropic of Cancer, which divides
the country climatically and geographically.
3. Size
- The landmass of
India is 3.28 million sq. km.
- India’s total
area is about 2.4% of the world’s land area.
- Despite its
small percentage, India is the seventh largest country in the
world.
- India’s total
land boundary is about 15,200 km long.
- Its coastline,
including the islands (Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep), measures
about 7,516.6 km.
- From north to
south, the extent of India is 3,214 km.
- From east to
west, it measures about 2,933 km.
- India’s Standard
Meridian is taken as 82°30' East longitude, which passes
through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. This is used as the Indian
Standard Time (IST).
👉 Explanation:
Here, the statistics of India’s area and length/width are
discussed. The idea is that India is not only vast but also has a long boundary
and coastline. The IST helps maintain a common time across the
country.
4. India and the World
- India is a southward
extension of the Asian continent.
- The Indian
Ocean is named after India.
- India’s central
location at the head of the Indian Ocean helps it to establish close
contact with West Asia, Africa, and Europe on the west, and with Southeast
Asia and East Asia on the east.
- The trans-Indian
Ocean routes connect India with many countries, making it important
for trade and commerce.
- India has
a long coastline, which helps in maintaining overseas trade
since ancient times.
- India’s central
location has also helped in the spread of culture (ideas,
traditions, goods, and religions) to other parts of Asia.
👉 Explanation:
This section highlights how India’s location made it a bridge between
East and West, influencing culture and trade. That’s why the Indian Ocean
is named after India.
5. India and Its Neighbours
- India shares its
land boundaries with 7 countries:
- Pakistan and
Afghanistan (north-west)
- China (Tibet),
Nepal, Bhutan (north)
- Myanmar and
Bangladesh (east)
- The southern
neighbours across the sea are Sri Lanka (separated by the
Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar) and the Maldives (situated
to the south of Lakshadweep Islands).
- India has always
had strong historical and cultural ties with its
neighbours.
👉 Explanation:
This tells us about India’s neighbourhood policy and
geographical neighbours. India is surrounded by many countries, which makes it
an important nation in South Asia.
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