Geographical Location of India
- India is located in South Asia and is the 7th largest country in the world by area.
- It lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere.
- The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ N) passes through 8 Indian states.
📌 Fact: India is the 2nd most populous country in the world after China.
Latitudinal & Longitudinal Extent
| Extent | Values | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Latitude 📍 | 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N | Affects climate & vegetation |
| Longitude 📍 | 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E | Determines time zones |
| Standard Meridian of India ⏰ | 82°30′ E | Indian Standard Time (IST) |
📌 Fact: India has a time difference of ~2 hours from its easternmost to westernmost point.
Borders & Neighboring Countries
- Total Land Borders: 15,200 km
- Coastline: 7,516.6 km (including islands)
- India shares borders with 7 countries:
| Country | Border Length (km) | Border States |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan 🇵🇰 | 3,323 km | J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat |
| China 🇨🇳 | 3,488 km | Ladakh, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Nepal 🇳🇵 | 1,751 km | Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, WB, Sikkim |
| Bhutan 🇧🇹 | 699 km | WB, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Bangladesh 🇧🇩 | 4,096 km | WB, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram |
| Myanmar 🇲🇲 | 1,643 km | Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram |
| Afghanistan 🇦🇫 | 106 km (POK area) | Gilgit-Baltistan (Disputed) |
📌 Fact: India shares its longest border with Bangladesh (~4,096 km).
India’s Nearest Countries by Sea 🌊
- Sri Lanka – Separated by the Palk Strait & Gulf of Mannar.
- Maldives – Located to the southwest of India in the Indian Ocean.
📌 Fact: The Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu) once connected India & Sri Lanka.
Physical Extent & Dimensions
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 3.28 million km² (7th largest in the world) |
| North to South Distance 📏 | 3,214 km (Kashmir to Kanyakumari) |
| East to West Distance 📏 | 2,933 km (Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat) |
| Land Frontier Length 🌍 | 15,200 km |
| Coastline Length 🌊 | 7,516.6 km (including Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep) |
📌 Fact: India occupies 2.4% of the world’s land area.
Geographical Divisions of India
India is divided into five major physical regions:
| Region | Characteristics | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| The Himalayas ⛰️ | Young fold mountains, highest peaks | Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga |
| Northern Plains 🌾 | Fertile alluvial soil, major rivers | Ganga, Brahmaputra Plains |
| Peninsular Plateau 🏜️ | Oldest landmass, rich in minerals | Deccan & Chotanagpur Plateau |
| Coastal Plains 🌊 | Narrow fertile plains near seas | Malabar, Coromandel |
| Islands 🏝️ | Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep | Havelock, Minicoy Islands |
📌 Fact: Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) is India’s highest peak.
Time Zone & Standard Meridian
- Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on 82°30′ E longitude (Mirzapur, UP).
- Time difference with GMT: +5:30 hours.
- India has one time zone, unlike the USA (multiple time zones).
📌 Fact: North-eastern states experience sunrise ~1 hour earlier than western states.
India’s Strategic Location 🌏
✔ Central Location in South Asia – Connects East & West Asia.
✔ Indian Ocean Advantage – Major sea trade routes.
✔ Gateway to Southeast Asia – Trade & cultural exchange.
✔ Proximity to Oil-Rich Middle East – Energy imports & trade.
📌 Fact: India is the only country with an ocean named after it – the Indian Ocean.
MCQs on India’s Location
1. Which of the following latitudes does not pass through India?
a) 8°4′ N
b) 37°6′ N
c) 0° (Equator)
d) 23°30′ N
Answer: c) 0° (Equator)
2. Which country shares the longest border with India?
a) China
b) Pakistan
c) Bangladesh
d) Nepal
Answer: c) Bangladesh (4,096 km)
3. Which Indian state is closest to Sri Lanka?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Karnataka
d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: b) Tamil Nadu
4. Which is the southernmost point of India?
a) Indira Point
b) Kanyakumari
c) Lakshadweep
d) Port Blair
Answer: a) Indira Point
5. What is the longitudinal extent of India?
a) 8°4′ N – 37°6′ N
b) 68°7′ E – 97°25′ E
c) 23°30′ N
d) 78°9′ E
Answer: b) 68°7′ E – 97°25′ E
Short Answer Questions
1. What is the total land area of India?
✔ 3.28 million km² (7th largest in the world).
2. Name two neighboring countries of India.
✔ Pakistan, China.
3. What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer?
✔ It divides India into two climatic zones (Tropical & Subtropical).
4. Name the northernmost and southernmost points of India.
✔ North: Indira Col (J&K, POK area)
✔ South: Indira Point (Nicobar Islands)
5. Which longitude is considered the Standard Meridian of India?
✔ 82°30′ E (Mirzapur, UP).
Conclusion
India’s strategic location, vast land and coastal boundaries, and diverse geography make it an important country in global trade, culture, and geopolitics.
Would you like a map, diagram, or quick revision PDF for this topic? 😊