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.