Overview
This lecture covers India's size, location, boundaries, neighboring countries, geographical features, and its strategic importance, with supporting review questions and activities.
India's Location and Extent
- India is entirely in the Northern Hemisphere, spanning latitudes 8°4'N to 37°6'N and longitudes 68°7'E to 97°25'E.
- The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) divides India into nearly two equal halves.
- India's land area is 3.28 million square km, about 2.4% of the world’s total area.
- India is the seventh largest country in the world.
- The land boundary is about 15,200 km, and the total coastline is 7,516.6 km including islands.
Geographical Features
- India is bounded by young fold mountains in the northwest, north, and northeast.
- South of 22°N, India tapers towards the Indian Ocean, dividing it into the Arabian Sea (west) and Bay of Bengal (east).
- The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean, enhancing maritime connections.
- The latitudinal extent affects the duration of day and night across India.
Standard Time and Longitude
- From Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh, there is a 2-hour time difference.
- The Standard Meridian (82°30'E) passes through Mirzapur and is used as India's standard time.
Strategic and Historical Importance
- India's central position in South Asia connects West Asia, Africa, Europe, Southeast, and East Asia through sea routes.
- India has a long coastline on the Indian Ocean, which is unique.
- Mountain passes enabled ancient exchanges of culture and commodities, such as Upanishads, Ramayana, numerals, spices, and muslin.
Neighbors and Administrative Divisions
- India shares land borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan (NW), China, Nepal, Bhutan (N), Myanmar, and Bangladesh (E).
- Southern maritime neighbors are Sri Lanka (separated by Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar) and Maldives (south of Lakshadweep).
- India consists of 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tropic of Cancer — A latitude line at 23°30'N dividing India into northern and southern halves.
- Standard Meridian of India — 82°30'E longitude used for official time across the country.
- Deccan Peninsula — Triangular southern part of India extending into the Indian Ocean.
- Palk Strait — Narrow sea channel separating India and Sri Lanka.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Use an atlas to find the extent of the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
- Review map-based questions about island groups, latitudes, longitudes, and borders.
- Find your state's latitudinal and longitudinal extent.
- Collect information on the Silk Route and recent high-altitude transport developments.