Location and Extent of India

India is a subcontinent located in the southern part of the continent of Asia. This country is famous for its geographical location , natural diversity , and historical importance. The location of India and its boundaries are as follows :

Location of India :

Latitude and Longitude :

1. India is located in the Northern Hemisphere.
   1. Its geographical extent is from 8°4′ North latitude to 37°6′ North latitude.
   1. Its extension in longitude is from 68°7′ East longitude to 97°25′ East longitude.

Tropic of Cancer :

1. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ North latitude ) passes through the middle of India , dividing it into almost two equal parts.

Sea Condition :

1. The southern end of India lies along the Indian Ocean , giving it the appearance of a ” peninsula ” .
   1. It has the Arabian Sea on its west and the Bay of Bengal on its east.

Border of India :

total area :

1. The total area of India is 32,87,263 square kilometers , making it the seventh largest country in the world.

Site Limitations :

1. India’s land border is 15,200 kilometers long.
   1. India shares its borders with 7 countries :
      1. In the north and north – west : Pakistan and Afghanistan.
      1. In the answer : China , Nepal and Bhutan.
      1. In the past : Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Maritime boundary :

1. India’s maritime boundary is approximately 7,516.6 kilometres long.
   1. Mainly Lakshadweep and Andaman – Nicobar islands come under this.

States sharing border :

1. 28 states and 8 union territories in India , 17 states share borders with international borders.
   1. Example : Jammu – Kashmir , Punjab , Rajasthan , Gujarat ( from Pakistan ); Sikkim , Arunachal Pradesh ( from China ); West Bengal , Assam ( from Bangladesh ) .

Natural boundaries :

Himalayas in the north :

1. The Himalayan mountain range provides natural protection to India towards the north.
   1. It is also a geographical division between China and India.

Sea to the south :

1. In the south, India is surrounded by water on three sides , making it a peninsular country.
   1. Kanyakumari is situated at the southern end.

Western and Eastern Border :

1. The Thar Desert and the Indus River region in the west.
   1. Brahmaputra River and Eastern Ghats in the east.

features :

• makes it a centre of trade and cultural exchange with countries in Asia and Europe .
• India’s position in the Indian Ocean makes it strategically important for maritime trade.

This geographical expanse and boundaries make India a diverse and culturally rich nation.

Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and Longitude​ Geographic coordinates are the main components of the coordinate system , which is used to indicate the exact position of a place on Earth.

1.Latitude :​

• Definition : Latitudes are imaginary lines measuring the position of a place north or south of the Earth’s equator .
• It is degree (°) It is measured in.
• The equator is considered to be 0° .

Main Features :

1. Latitude lines are eccentric ( west to east ) .
2. divide the Earth into Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere .
3. a total of 180 latitude lines :
   1. 90° North ( to the North Pole ) .
   1. 90° south ( to the South Pole ) .

Important Latitude Lines :

• 0° – Equator .
• 23.5° North – Tropic of Cancer .
• 23.5° South – Tropic of Capricorn .
• 66.5° North – Arctic Circle .
• 66.5° South – Antarctic Circle .

Situation in India :

Latitudinal extent of India :
8°4′ North latitude to 37°6′ North latitude Till then.

2. Longitude :

• Definition : Longitude lines are imaginary lines drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole.
• It is degree (°) It is measured in.
• Prime Meridian of Greenwich ( London ) is considered to be 0° .

Main Features :

1. Longitude lines perpendicular and these divide the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
2. a total of 360 longitude lines :
   1. 180 ° East and 180 ° West .​​​​
3. Longitude plays an important role in time determination.

Important longitude lines :

• 0° – Prime Meridian .
• 180° – International Date Line .

Situation in India :

Longitudinal extent of India :
68°7′ East longitude to 97°25′ East longitude The Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on 82°30′ East longitude .

Importance of latitude and longitude :

1. Positioning : To give the exact location of a place on Earth.
2. Climate and time : Latitude affects climate zones , while longitude determines time zones.
3. Map making : These are used in maps and navigation.

India is a country with diverse climate and biodiversity due to its latitudinal and longitudinal position.

Tropic of Cancer

Tropic of Cancer An important latitude line is located on the Earth at 23.5° N latitude. This line represents the places on Earth where the Sun shines directly overhead (at a 90 -degree angle ) once a year.

Important facts about Tropic of Cancer :

place :

• It is located in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Latitudinal position : 23°30′ North latitude.

Position of the Sun :

• Sun only during Summer Solstice It shines directly above the Tropic of Cancer at the time of 21st or 22nd June every year. It happens to.

Importance :

• Tropic of Cancer Tropic of Cancer Defines the northern boundary of.
  • is situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn .

Tropic of Cancer and India :

India is one of the countries through which the Tropic of Cancer passes. It divides the country into almost two equal parts. The Tropic of Cancer passes through 8 states of India :

1. Gujarat : From Jasod ( Kutch ) and Ahmedabad districts.
2. Rajasthan : From Sirohi and Dungarpur districts.
3. Madhya Pradesh : From Ratlam , Ujjain and Vidisha districts.
4. Chhattisgarh : From Jashpur and Ambikapur areas.
5. Jharkhand : From Ranchi district.
6. West Bengal : From Durgapur and Jalpaiguri.
7. Tripura : From Unnakoti and Dhalai districts.
8. Mizoram : From Champhai district.

Natural and cultural impacts :

Effect on Climate :

• The areas near the Tropic of Cancer have hot climate.
  • In these areas the days are longer and the sun is hotter during summer.

Farming and lifestyle :

• Due to the tropical climate, crop production and vegetation diversity is high in these areas.
  • The impact of monsoon is also greater here.

Geographical identification :

• Monuments and indicators have been built at many places in India related to the Tropic of Cancer.

The Tropic of Cancer is important not only from the geographical point of view but also for its climate , agriculture and cultural significance.

Sea Condition

sea condition It refers to the geographical location of India , which makes it a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides. India’s maritime position makes it extremely important from a strategic , commercial , and cultural point of view.

Maritime Status of India :

Surrounded by sea on three sides :

• In the West : Arabian Sea.
  • In the past : Bay of Bengal.
  • In the south : Indian Ocean.

Length of sea border :

• India has a maritime border of approximately 7,516.6 km It is long.
  • It includes the maritime boundaries of the mainland and the Andaman – Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.

Oceanic Expanse :

• India’s position is in the northern part of the Indian Ocean , making it important for international maritime trade.
  • India’s maritime position makes it a hub of trade routes linking Asia , Africa, and Europe.

Importance of sea condition :

Trade and Transport :

• India’s maritime position makes it a major hub of maritime trade.
  • India’s major ports such as Mumbai , Chennai , Kolkata , Cochin , and Kandla play an important role in international trade.

strategic approach :

• India’s position in the Indian Ocean gives it a strategic strength in maritime security and naval operations.
  • India has several naval bases , which strengthen its maritime security.

Effects on weather and climate :

• The ocean controls India’s climate.
  • southwest monsoon of India depends mainly on the winds coming from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Cultural and historical influences :

• provided India with opportunities for cultural and trade exchange with other countries ( such as Rome , Greece , and Southeast Asia ) in ancient times.
  • India’s naval power was very impressive during the Chola and Maurya empires.

Fisheries Industry :

• India’s vast maritime area makes it a leader in the export of fisheries and marine products.

Islands associated with maritime position :

1. Lakshadweep :
   1. Located in the Arabian Sea.
   1. 36 small islands.
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands :
   1. Located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
   1. This is very important from the strategic point of view.

Global importance of India’s maritime position :

• India’s maritime position makes it the ” Jewel of the Indian Ocean “ Makes it.
• India’s role is central in maritime trade between the countries of Asia , Africa and Europe.
• India has a blue economy due to its maritime status and provides extensive benefits of energy resources.

India’s maritime position makes it economically , culturally and geographically special.

The Border of India (Boundary of India)

India is a vast and diverse country , whose borders are very important from geographical , cultural , and historical point of view. India’s border is connected to both land and sea. Here is a detailed description of India’s border :

Expansion of India’s borders :

total area :

• The total area of India is approximately 32,87,263 square kilometers. Is.
  • The geographical extent of India is from 8°4′ North latitude to 37°6′ North latitude and from 68°7′ East Longitude to 97°25′ East Longitude Till then.

Total length of the border :

• The total length of India’s land border is approximately 15,200 km Is.
  • The total length of the maritime border is approximately 7,516.6 km Is.

International Borders of India :

India shares its border with 7 countries The country shares its borders with the following countries :

1. Pakistan :

• Border Length : Approximately 3,323 kilometres.
• The border between India and Pakistan lies in the north – west.
• The following states of India share their borders with Pakistan :
  • Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Punjab.
  • Rajasthan.
  • Gujarat.
• Important Limit Line :
  • Radcliffe Line : It was taken in 1947 during the partition of India and Pakistan.

2. China :

• Border Length : Approximately 3,488 kilometres.
• The border between India and China lies in the north and passes through the Himalayan mountain range.
• The following states of India share border with China :
  • Ladakh.
  • Himachal Pradesh.
  • Uttarakhand.
  • Sikkim.
  • Arunachal Pradesh.
• Important controversies :
  • Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh There is a dispute between India and China over the territories.
  • – China war of 1962 was fought over these regions.

3. Nepal :

• Border Length : Approximately 1,751 kilometres.
• The border between India and Nepal lies to the north.
• The following states of India share their borders with Nepal :
  • Bihar.
  • Uttar Pradesh.
  • Uttarakhand.
  • West Bengal.
  • Sikkim.
• ” Roti and Beti relation ” between India and Nepal , that is , cultural and social relations are very close.

4. Bhutan :

• Border Length : Approximately 699 kilometers.
• The border between India and Bhutan lies in the north – east.
• The following states of India share their border with Bhutan :
  • Sikkim.
  • West Bengal.
  • Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Assam.

5. Bangladesh :

• Border Length : Approximately 4,096 kilometres.
• The border between India and Bangladesh lies to the east. This is India’s longest international border.
• The following states of India share their borders with Bangladesh :
  • West Bengal.
  • Assam.
  • Meghalaya.
  • Tripura.
  • Mizoram.
• Important Features :
  • India and Bangladesh signed a border land agreement in 2015 resolved their border disputes under.

6. Myanmar :

• Border Length : Approximately 1,643 kilometres.
• The border with India and Myanmar lies to the east.
• The following states of India share their border with Myanmar :
  • Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Manipur.
  • Mizoram.
  • Nagaland.

7. Afghanistan :

• Border Length : Approximately 106 kilometers.
• Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) is the border between India and Afghanistan Located in the area.
• This border is known as Durand Line . Is a part of.

Maritime Boundary of India :

• India has maritime boundaries connected to three oceans :
  • In the West : Arabian Sea.
  • In the south : Indian Ocean.
  • In the past : Bay of Bengal.
• Two major island groups of India form part of its maritime boundaries :
  • Lakshadweep Islands ( Arabian Sea ) .
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands ( Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal ) .

Natural limit :

1. Himalaya Mountains :
   1. form the natural boundary between India and China , Nepal , and Bhutan.
2. River Border :
   1. The Ganges , Brahmaputra , and Sutlej rivers flow along the borders of several countries.
3. Desert :
   1. In the west the Thar Desert forms the natural division between India and Pakistan.

Geographical and Strategic Importance :

1. cultural exchange :​
   1. are a medium of cultural and economic exchange with many neighbouring countries .
2. Security :
   1. Many border areas of India are strategically important.
   1. The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Army guard the borders.
3. Business :
   1. India’s land and sea borders are important for trade and transportation.

conclusion :

India’s border connects it with diverse natural , cultural, and geographical features. It is vital to the country’s security , trade , and global relations.

Total Area of India

The total area of India is approximately 32,87,263 square kilometers. This makes it the seventh largest country in the world by area. Makes it.

Geographical extent of India :

Latitudinal extent :

• India stretches from 8°4′ North latitude to 37°6′ North latitude Till then.

Longitude Limit :

• The country extends from 68°7′ East longitude to 97°25′ East longitude Till then.

Distance from north to south :

• The length of India from north to south is approximately 3,214 kilometers Is.

Distance from East to West :

• The width of India from east to west is approximately 2,933 kilometers Is.

Global position by area :

• The total area of India is approximately 2.4% of the total land area of the earth Is.
• Based on area, India is behind Russia , Canada , China , America , Brazil , and Australia. It comes after.

Area and states of India :

The contribution of states and union territories to the total area of India is as follows :

1. Largest state :
   1. Rajasthan ( 10.4% of total area , approximately 3,42,239 square kilometres ) .
2. Smallest State :
   1. Goa ( 0.11% of total area , approximately 3,702 square kilometres ) .
3. Largest Union Territory :
   1. Ladakh ( about 59% area ) .
4. Smallest Union Territory :
   1. Lakshadweep (32 square kilometers ) .

Maritime and Land Boundary :

Terrestrial extent :

• India has a land border of approximately 15,200 km It is long.

Maritime boundary :

• India has a maritime border of approximately 7,516.6 km It is long.

conclusion :

India’s vast area makes it a country rich in diverse geography , climate , and natural resources. Its geographical location and regional diversity make it unique globally.

Natural Boundaries of India

India’s natural boundaries separate it from other countries and have a profound effect on its geography , climate , and culture. These boundaries are made up of geographical elements such as mountains , rivers , deserts , and seas.

1. Mountain Boundaries

himalay mountains

• place :
  • separates India from China , Nepal and Bhutan.
• Importance :
  • The Himalayas act as a natural wall that prevents the cold northern winds from entering India.
  • It is the source of the country’s rivers such as the Ganga , Yamuna , and Brahmaputra.
• Main part :
  • Karakoram Mountain Range : It is located in Jammu – Kashmir and Ladakh.
  • Ladakh Range , Zaskar Range , and Sivalik Mountains : These are other parts of the Himalayas.
• Strategic Importance :
  • Ensures security on the borders between India – China and India – Nepal.

2. River Boundaries

Many of India’s international boundaries are also determined by rivers.

Indus River System :

• flows towards Pakistan.
• These include the Jhelum , Chenab , Ravi , Beas and Sutlej.

Ganga River System :

• It is important on the borders with Nepal and Bangladesh.
• Tributaries of the Ganges , such as the Kosi and Gandak , demarcate the border between India and Nepal.

Brahmaputra River :

• It flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and enters Bangladesh.
• It forms a natural division on the India – Bangladesh border.

3. Desert Boundaries

Thar Desert :

• place :
  • It is located in the western part of India and forms India’s border with Pakistan.
• State :
  • Rajasthan , Gujarat , Haryana and Punjab are part of this desert.
• Importance :
  • Due to the desert, the border area has less population , which makes this area strategically important.

4. Maritime Boundaries

India is surrounded by sea on three sides , which makes it a peninsular country.

• In the West : Arabian Sea.
• In the south : Indian Ocean.
• In the past : Bay of Bengal.

Role of the sea :

• The total length of India’s maritime border is 7,516.6 km Is.
• This border makes India important for trade and security.
• The Andaman – Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep form an integral part of India’s maritime boundary.

5. Forests and Hilly Boundaries

Satpura and Vindhya Mountains :

• Located in the central part of India and form a natural division between northern and southern India.

Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats :

• These mountain ranges extend parallel to the eastern and western coastal areas of India.
• The Western Ghats are famous for the biodiversity of India.

Shillong and Patkoi Hills :

• It is located in the northeastern part of India and defines the boundaries of Arunachal Pradesh , Mizoram , Nagaland , and Assam.
• The Patkoi Mountains form the border between India and Myanmar.

6. Effect on vegetation and climate :

• India’s natural boundaries , such as the Himalayas , block cold winds and promote monsoon in India.
• Deserts and seas contribute to India’s climatic diversity.
• The maritime border is of immense importance for trade , fisheries , and mineral resources.

conclusion :

India’s natural borders are important not only geographically , but also strategically , economically , and culturally. These borders ensure India’s security and affect the country’s climate , environment , and natural resources.

Features of India

India , an ancient and diverse country , is renowned throughout the world for its geography , culture , history , and economic contributions. Its peculiarities make it a unique nation.

1. Geographical Features

Expansion :

• The total area of India is 32,87,263 square kilometers. Is.
  • the seventh largest country in the world by area Is.
  • is surrounded by sea ( Arabian Sea , Bay of Bengal , Indian Ocean ) on three sides .

Natural diversity :

• India includes areas like high mountains like the Himalayas , great rivers like the Ganga – Jamuna , the Thar Desert , and tropical rainforests.
  • The Western Ghats are here and the Sundarbans Delta There are also world heritage sites like these.

climate :

• India has a diverse climate , with the cold Himalayan climate warm to tropical climates It extends up to.
  • Monsoon has a profound impact on India’s agriculture and climate.

2. Cultural Features

cultural diversity :

• India has different religions , languages , traditions and festivals.
  • Major religions : Hinduism , Islam , Christianity , Sikhism , Buddhism , and Jainism.
  • India is called ” the land of religions “ It is also called.

Languages :

• 22 official languages in India . and there are over 1,600 dialects are spoken.
  • Hindi and English are the major official languages of India.

Festival :

• India is called ” The Land of Festivals “ It is said.
  • Diwali , Holi , Eid , Christmas , and Guruparva are the major festivals here.

Arts and Crafts :

• is famous for classical music , dance ( Bharatnatyam , Kathak , Kathakali ), and sculpture.
  • The traditional handicrafts here , like Banarasi sarees and Kashmir shawls , are famous all over the world.

3. Historical Features

ancient civilization :

• India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world.
  • The Indus Valley Civilization , Maurya Empire , and Gupta Empire are the historical heritages here.

Religious centers :

• India is the birthplace of many of the world’s major religions , such as Hinduism , Buddhism , Jainism, and Sikhism.
  • Varanasi , Ayodhya , Haridwar , and Bodh Gaya are religiously important.

Heritage sites :

• The Taj Mahal , Khajuraho Temples , Qutub Minar , and Ajanta – Ellora Caves are World Heritage Sites.

4. Economic Features

Agriculture based economy :

• 60% of India’s population depends on agriculture.
  • , wheat , sugarcane , tea and spices are majorly produced here .

industrial development :

• the largest provider of IT services in the world and pharmaceutical industry Is a leader in the field of.
  • Steel , automobile , and textile industries are the major industries here.

International Trade :

• India’s ports , such as Mumbai , Chennai and Kolkata , are major centres for international trade.
  • India is a leading exporter of spices , textiles , and gems is the major exporter of.

5. Social Features

Democracy :

• India is the largest democratic country in the world Is.
  • there is a parliamentary system and the constitution It is the supreme law of the country.

population :

• India has a population of approximately 1.4 billion (2023) , making it the most populous country in the world Makes it.

Education and Science :

• IIT , IIM , ISRO in India Such institutions are famous all over the world.
  • India has made remarkable progress in the fields of space science , information technology , and medicine.

Family values :

• The tradition of joint family is still prevalent in India.
  • Family and collective life are given importance in Indian society.

6. Strategic and Geographical Location

place :

• India is located in the south of the continent of Asia.
  • is surrounded by three oceans ( Arabian Sea , Bay of Bengal , and the Indian Ocean ) .

Strategic Importance :

• India’s geographical location makes it the centre of the trade route between Asia , Africa and Europe.

7. Environmental and Biodiversity Features

Biodiversity :

• India has about 8% of the world’s total species of animals and plants. Is.
  • the Ganges river dolphin , Bengal tiger , and the Indian peacock are found here.

National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries :

• India has more than 100 national parks and over 500 wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Kaziranga , Ranthambore , and Sunderbans are the major parks.

conclusion :

The diverse characteristics of India make it a unique nation. This country is not only famous for its ancient civilization and cultural heritage , but is also making rapid progress in the field of science , technology , and economy. India’s diversity and richness gives it an important place on the world stage.