India – Size and Location

Chapter 1 


EXERCISE


Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.

(i) The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through

(a) Rajasthan (c) Chhattisgarh

(b) Odisha (d) Tripura

Ans: (b) Odisha

(ii) The easternmost longitude of India is

(a) 97° 25' E (c) 77° 6' E

(b) 68° 7' E (d) 82° 32' E

Ans: (a) 97° 25' E.

(iii) Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim have common frontiers with

(a) China (c) Nepal

(b) Bhutan (d) Myanmar

Ans: (c) Nepal.

(iv) If you intend to visit Kavarati during your summer vacations, which one of the following Union Territories of India you will be goi  ng to

(a) Puducherry (c) Andaman and Nicobar

(b) Lakshadweep (d) Daman and Diu

Ans: (b) Lakshadweep

(v) My friend hails from a country which does not share land boundary with India. Identify the country.

(a) Bhutan (c) Bangladesh

(b) Tajikistan (d) Nepal

Ans: (b) Tajikistan 

2 Answer the following questions briefly.

(i) Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea.

Ans: The group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea is the Lakshadweep Islands.

(ii) Name the countries which are larger than India.

Ans: Here are the six countries that are larger than India in terms of total land area:

Russia: 17,098,242 km²

Canada: 9,984,670 km²

United States: 9,826,675 km²

China: 9,596,961 km²

Brazil: 8,515,767 km²

Australia: 7,692,024 km²

(iii) Which island group of India lies to its south-east?

Ans: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie to the south-east of India.

(iv) Which island countries are our southern neighbours?

Ans: India's two southern island neighbors are the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Both countries are located in the Indian Ocean, south of India. The Maldives is a small archipelago of over 1,000 coral islands, while Sri Lanka is a larger island with a diverse landscape. Both countries are popular tourist destinations, known for their beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and rich cultural heritage.

3. The sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh as compared to Gujarat in the west but the watches show the same time. How does this happen?

Ans: The reason why the sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh than in Gujarat, even though the watches show the same time, is because India follows a single standard time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST), which is based on the longitude of 82.5°E. This means that the entire country observes the same time, regardless of their actual longitude.

Arunachal Pradesh is located in the easternmost part of India, at approximately 97°E, while Gujarat is located in the westernmost part of India, at approximately 69°E. This difference in longitude means that Arunachal Pradesh experiences sunrise two hours earlier than Gujarat.

To understand why this is the case, consider the Earth's rotation. The Earth rotates on its axis from west to east, causing the sun to appear to rise in the east and set in the west. As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet receive sunlight at different times. Places located further east receive sunlight earlier than places located further west.

Since Arunachal Pradesh is located further east than Gujarat, it experiences sunrise two hours earlier. However, since India follows a single standard time zone, the watches in both states show the same time. This is because the standard time is based on the longitude of 82.5°E, which is located in the central part of India.

As a result of this discrepancy, people in Arunachal Pradesh adjust their daily schedules to align with the actual sunrise and sunset times, while people in Gujarat follow the standard time zone. This means that people in Arunachal Pradesh typically wake up and start their day earlier than people in Gujarat.

4. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance. Why?

Ans: India's strategic location at the head of the Indian Ocean has been a source of significant economic, cultural, and geopolitical advantages throughout history. Here are some of the key reasons why India's location is considered so important:

1. Maritime Trade and Connectivity:

India's position at the head of the Indian Ocean places it at the crossroads of major maritime trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. This has facilitated the flow of goods, ideas, and people across continents, contributing to India's long history as a major trading hub.

2. Access to Natural Resources:

The Indian Ocean is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and fisheries. India's proximity to these resources provides it with access to energy security and economic opportunities.

3. Cultural and Religious Interchange:

India's location has made it a melting pot of cultures and religions. Over the centuries, traders, travelers, and missionaries from various parts of the world have brought their cultures and beliefs to India, enriching its cultural diversity.

4. Geopolitical Influence:

India's strategic location has given it a significant role in regional and global politics. It has played an important role in maintaining stability and security in the Indian Ocean region and has emerged as a major player in international affairs.

5. Tourism Potential:

India's coastline and diverse landscapes make it an attractive tourist destination. The Indian Ocean's beaches, coral reefs, and marine life further enhance its tourism potential.

6. Strategic Military Position:

India's control over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands gives it a strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean. These islands provide India with a naval outpost and a buffer zone against potential threats.

    In summary, India's central location at the head of the Indian Ocean has been a key factor in its economic prosperity, cultural diversity, and geopolitical influence. The Indian Ocean continues to play a vital role in India's development and global engagement.


MAP SKILLS

1. Identify the following with the help of map reading.

(i) The island groups of India lying in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

(ii) The countries constituting Indian subcontinent.

(iii) The States through which the Tropic of Cancer passes.

(iv) The northernmost latitude in degrees.

(v) The southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland in degrees.

(vi) The eastern and the western-most longitude in degrees.

(vii) The place situated on the three seas.

(viii) The strait separating Sri Lanka from India.

(ix) The Union Territories of India.

PROJECT/ACTIVITY

(i) Find out the longitudinal and latitudinal extent of your state.

(ii) Collect information about the ‘Silk Route’. Also find out the new developments, which are improving communication routes in the regions of high altitude.


Questions and Answer Type By : Himashree Bora.

  

Post ID: DABP002250