1. India – Location

Competency Based Questions:

 

  1. India’s location between 8°4’N and 37°6’N latitudes place it in the Northern Hemisphere. How does this influence its climate?

Ans: India’s location in the tropical and subtropical zones results in a monsoon-type climate, high temperatures, long summers, and distinct seasonal variations. The Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical (south) and subtropical (north) climatic regions.

 

  1. A map shows that the Tropic of Cancer passes almost through the middle of India. What is the significance of this line for India’s climate?
    Ans:     The Tropic of Cancer divides India nearly into two halves:

a) Southern India: Tropical climate with high temperatures year-round.

b) Northern India: Subtropical climate with greater seasonal contrast.

 

  1. How does India’s longitudinal extent (68°7’E to 97°25’E) affect its time and standard meridian?
    Ans:     The large longitudinal spread would create a time difference of nearly 2 hours, so India uses 82°30’E as the Standard Meridian to maintain one common time zone—IST across the country.

 

  1. India’s central location at the head of the Indian Ocean has made it a “southward extension of the Asian continent.” Explain how this benefits India.
    Ans:     India’s central location enables it to control major sea routes of the Indian Ocean, it facilitates trade with West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and supports cultural exchange and strategic connectivity.

 

  1. “India occupies a central and strategic position in the world.” Justify this statement.
    Ans:     India lies at the crossroads of Europe – Africa – Asia, close to major maritime routes. This helps India influence trade, defense, and cultural interactions between East and West.

 

  1. The northeastern states are connected to the mainland by a narrow corridor (the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken’s Neck). Why is it important for administrative and economic integration?
    Ans:     The Siliguri Corridor or Chicken’s Neck ensures transport, communication, and trade between the northeast and the rest of India. It is vital for national security and movement of goods and people.

 

  1. Evaluate how India’s size (3.28 million sq. km) affects its economic and cultural diversity.
    Ans:     India’s vast area supports diverse climates, soils, crops, languages, and cultures. This leads to varied agricultural patterns, economic activities, and regional traditions, making India highly diverse and culturally rich.

 

  1. How does India’s location influence the biodiversity found in the country?
    Ans:     India’s latitudinal spread includes tropical, subtropical, and mountain ecosystems. This results in diverse natural vegetation—rainforests, deserts, alpine forests—and rich biodiversity.

 

  1. Despite its wide physical extent, India follows a single standard time. Discuss one advantage and one disadvantage of this practice.
    Ans:     India follows a single standard time, one advantage and one disadvantage of this practice is:

Advantage: Helps maintain national unity, administrative efficiency, and synchronized communication.

Disadvantage: Causes “time lag” issues in eastern states where sunrise and sunset occur earlier, affecting daily routines, and in the similar way to the west where the sunrise and sunsets later.

 

  1. A company wants to set up shipping operations using India’s location advantage.
    Q: How does India’s coastline and Indian Ocean position support such operations?
    Ans:     India has a long 7,516 km coastline, well-connected ports, and central access to shipping routes linking Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, making it ideal for maritime trade.

 

CASE STUDY 1: India’s Latitudinal & Longitudinal Extent

Read the passage and answer the following questions:

India extends from 8°4’N to 37°6’N latitudes and 68°7’E to 97°25’E longitudes. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) passes almost through the middle of India. The north–south extent is 3,214 km, and the east–west extent is 2,933 km. Despite its wide longitudinal extent, India follows a single Standard Time based on 82°30’E.

 

Questions

  1. What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer passing through the middle of India?

Ans: The Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical (south) and subtropical (north) climatic zones, creating climatic diversity.

  1. Why does India follow a single Standard Time despite having a wide longitudinal spread?

Ans: India follows a single Standard Time (IST) for administrative unity, smooth communication, and national integration.

  1. How does the latitudinal extent influence India’s climate?

Ans:  The latitudinal extent influence India’s climate as India lies in tropical and subtropical zones, it experiences a monsoon climate, high temperatures, and clear seasonal variations.

  1. What would be the approximate time difference between India’s easternmost and westernmost points if local time were followed?

Ans: In case the local time followed the time difference would be approximately of 2 hours between 68°7’E and 97°25’E.

 

CASE STUDY 2: India’s Central Location

Read the case given below and answer the questions:

India is centrally located between West Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The Indian Ocean, named after the country, enhances its strategic and commercial importance. India’s long coastline and proximity to major sea routes have allowed it to establish historical trade connections with many countries.

 

Questions:

  1. How does India’s central location in the Indian Ocean benefit its trade?

Ans: India’s location allows it to control major maritime routes linking Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, boosting trade.

  1. Why is the Indian Ocean named after India?

Ans: India occupies a dominant position in the Indian Ocean due to its long coastline and central location; hence the ocean is named after it.

  1. Give one example of India’s historical trade links related to its location.

Ans: India had maritime trade with Roman Empire, Southeast Asia, and Arabian countries, facilitated by its coastal position.

  1. Explain any one strategic advantage India gets from its geographical location.

Ans: India’s location helps in naval control, defence, and monitoring of sea lanes, making it strategically powerful.

 

CASE STUDY 3: India’s Neighbours & Connectivity

Read the passage and answer the following:

India shares land boundaries with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It also has maritime borders with Sri Lanka and Maldives. The Himalayas act as a strong natural barrier, while the Indian Ocean connects India to distant lands.

 

Questions:

  1. How do the Himalayas help India in its relations with neighbouring countries?

Ans: The Himalayas act as a natural protective barrier, preventing invasions and influencing cultural exchange through mountain passes.

  1. Why is Sri Lanka said to have close cultural ties with India?

Ans: Sri Lanka shares Buddhist traditions, languages (Tamil connections), and historical trade links with India.

  1. What role does the Indian Ocean play in India’s connectivity?

Ans: The Indian Ocean facilitates maritime trade, cultural exchange, and strategic naval connectivity.

  1. Give one economic advantage of sharing borders with many countries.

Ans: Shared borders help in cross-border trade, tourism, and movement of goods/services with neighbouring nations.

 

—x—x—x—

Scroll to Top