Introduction
India is the seventh largest country in the world and second largest country in Asia. It is separated by the Himalayas from the rest of the continent. India accounts for about 2.4 % of the total area of the world with an area of 32,87,263 sq.km. many of the India states are larger than several countries of the world.
India’s Land and Water Frontiers
India shares its 15,200 km long land frontier with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the north -west, China, Nepal and Bhutan in the north and Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east.
India’s longest border is with Bangladesh (4156 km)while the shortest border is with Afghanistan.(106 km)
About 6,100 km long coastline of India is washed on three sides of the country by the Indian Ocean and its two arms namely the Arabian sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east. The total length of the coast line of India including the islands is 7,516.6 km. India and Sri Lanka are separated by a narrow and shallow sea called Palk Strait.
India and the World
The Indian land mass has a central location between, the East and the West Asia and the southward extension of the Asian continent. The trans Indian ocean routes which connect the countries of Europe in the west and the countries of East Asia provide a strategic central location to India. Thus it helps India to establish close trade contact with West Asia, Africa and Europe from the western coast and with South East, east Asia from the eastern coast.
India: A Subcontinent
India along with the countries of Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka is called a subcontinent.
This region possesses a distinct continental characteristics in physiography, climate, natural vegetation, minerals, human resources etc. Hence India is known as ‘subcontinent’.
Location and Extent
India extends from 8°4 'N to 37°6 'N latitudes and 68°7 'E to 97°25 'E longitudes. Hence India is located in the north Eastern hemisphere
The southern most point of the country is Pygmalion Point or Indira Point (6°45'N latitude) located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The southern most point of main land of India is Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari). The northern point is Indira Col.
The north-south extent of India is 3,214 km and it extends from Indira Col in Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. The east-west extension is 2933 km and it stretches from Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’ N) passes through the middle of the country dividing it into two halves as northern temperate and southern tropical lands.
Indian Standard Time (IST)
The longitudinal difference between Gujarat in the west and Arunachal Pradesh in the east is about 30°.
Since Arunachal Pradesh is towards east, it will have sunrise about two hours earlier than the sunrise at Gujarat which is in the west. In order to avoid these differences, Indian standard time is calculated. The local time of the central meridian of India is the standard time of India. India’s central meridian is 82°30’ E longitude. It passes through Mirzapur and roughly bisects the country in terms of longitude. The IST is 5.30 hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
India has been politically divided into 28 states and 9 union territories for administrative convenience.
Conclusion
India's vast geographical diversity, strategic location, and historical significance make it a unique country with immense cultural and economic importance. Bordered by several countries and surrounded by the Indian Ocean, India enjoys a central position in global trade and connectivity.
The division into states and union territories ensures effective governance and administration. Its geographical expanse, from the towering Himalayas in the north to the coastal plains in the south, further enhances its distinct identity as a subcontinent. With its rich natural resources, varied climate, and thriving population, India continues to play a crucial role in global affairs.
FAQs
1. What is the total area of India?
India covers an area of 3,287,263 sq. km, making it the seventh-largest country
in the world.
2. Which countries share a border with India?
India shares its land borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan,
Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
3. What is the longest and shortest international border of India?
India's longest border is with Bangladesh (4,156 km), while the shortest is
with Afghanistan (106 km).
4. How long is India’s coastline?
India’s mainland coastline is approximately 6,100 km, and including islands, it
extends to 7,516.6 km.
5. What separates India from Sri Lanka?
India and Sri Lanka are separated by the Palk Strait, a narrow and shallow sea.
6. Why is India called a subcontinent?
India, along with neighboring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan,
Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, forms a distinct geographical unit with unique
climate, vegetation, and resources, making it a subcontinent.
7. What is the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India?
India extends from 8°4'N to 37°6'N latitude and 68°7'E to 97°25'E longitude.
8. What is the northernmost and southernmost point of India?
The northernmost point is Indira Col, and the southernmost point is Indira
Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
9. What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer in India?
The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’ N) passes through the middle of India, dividing it
into the northern temperate and southern tropical zones.
10. What is Indian Standard Time (IST)?
IST is based on the 82°30’E longitude, which passes through Mirzapur. It is 5
hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
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