Overview
The lecture covers India's geographical size, location, strategic importance, boundaries, neighbours, and related map-based concepts as found in the first chapter of the NCERT Contemporary India-I textbook.
India's Size and Location
- The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) divides India into nearly two equal halves.
- India's total area is 3.28 million square km, about 2.4% of the world's land.
- India is the seventh largest country in the world.
- The mainland extends from 8°4'N to 37°6'N latitudes and 68°7'E to 97°25'E longitudes.
- The southernmost point, Indira Point, submerged during the 2004 Tsunami.
- India's land boundary is about 15,200 km; the total coastline is 7,516.6 km including islands.
- The country is surrounded by young fold mountains in the north, northwest, and northeast.
- The east-west extent causes a two-hour time difference between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat.
- 82°30'E longitude through Mirzapur is the Standard Meridian of India.
India and the World
- India has a central location between East and West Asia, acting as a link between Europe and East Asia.
- The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean, facilitating maritime contact.
- India’s position led to an ocean being named after it.
- The Suez Canal reduced India’s distance from Europe by 7,000 km.
- Mountain passes allowed ancient land-based exchanges, influencing global ideas and goods.
India's Neighbours
- India shares boundaries with Pakistan, Afghanistan (NW), China, Nepal, Bhutan (N), Myanmar, Bangladesh (E).
- Southern neighbours: Sri Lanka (separated by Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar) and Maldives (south of Lakshadweep).
- India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
- Before 1947, India had provinces ruled by the British and princely states ruled by local rulers.
Map Skills & Questions
- Identify island groups, subcontinent countries, states the Tropic of Cancer passes, and key geographical points using maps.
- Importance of India's central location for trade and historical exchanges.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tropic of Cancer — Latitude 23°30'N dividing India nearly in two.
- Standard Meridian — 82°30'E longitude setting India’s standard time.
- Deccan Peninsula — Southward extension of India into the Indian Ocean.
- Palk Strait — Narrow sea channel between India and Sri Lanka.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and answer textbook multiple choice and short answer questions.
- Practice map skills as listed in the exercise section.
- Research the Silk Route and recent developments in high-altitude communications.
- Find the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of your own state.
- Explore maps on the School Bhuvan NCERT portal.