Our Country — India
Overview
Our country India — located in Asia, the world's largest continent, below the Himalayas and above the Indian Ocean. Let us learn about India's position, its states and capitals, and its neighbouring countries.
Typed Notes
Where is India — Position and Extent
India is located in Asia, the world's largest continent. Our country lies in the Northern Hemisphere — from latitude 8°4'N to 37°6'N and from longitude 68°7'E to 97°25'E. The Tropic of Cancer (23½°N) passes approximately through the middle of the country (through 8 states) — because of this, the upper part of India remains cooler and the lower part remains warmer. The Himalayan mountains stand above India like a wall, and the Indian Ocean surrounds it on two sides — that is why it is also called the 'Indian Subcontinent'.
How Large is India — Size
India's total area is 3.28 million square kilometres. This makes India the 7th largest country in the world (after Russia, Canada, China, USA, Brazil, and Australia). India holds only 2.42% of the world's total land area — yet approximately 1/6th of the world's population lives here. The largest state by area is Rajasthan and the smallest is Goa.
Standard Meridian — One Time for the Whole Country
India stretches 30° from east to west (from 68°7'E to 97°25'E) — meaning the two ends of the country have a time difference of 2 hours. If every place followed its own local time, trains, schools, and television broadcasts would all fall into confusion. Therefore, India chose a Standard Meridian — 82°30'E — which passes near Mirzapur (UP) and lies approximately in the middle of the country. This gives us Indian Standard Time (IST) — which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
States, UTs, and Neighbouring Countries
India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories (UTs) — such as Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Puducherry. The capital is New Delhi. India shares land borders with 7 neighbouring countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan (to the west and north-west), China, Nepal, and Bhutan (to the north), and Bangladesh and Myanmar (to the east). Two more neighbours lie across the sea: Sri Lanka (to the south, across the Palk Strait) and Maldives (further to the south). India shares a unique relationship and border with each of its neighbours.
Key Concepts
Revision ke liye ek nazar — exam se pehle yahi padhna hai.
- 01Position: India is in the Northern Hemisphere. Latitude ranges from 8°4'N to 37°6'N and longitude ranges from 68°7'E to 97°25'E. The Tropic of Cancer (23½°N) passes approximately through the middle of the country.
- 02Size: India's total area is 3.28 million square km — it is the 7th largest country in the world. India holds 2.42% of the world's total land area.
- 03Standard Meridian: India's time is calculated from the 82°30'E longitude (IST) — which passes through Mirzapur (UP). This ensures the entire country follows a single time (GMT +5:30).
- 04India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories (UTs). The largest state by area is Rajasthan and the smallest is Goa. The capital is New Delhi.
- 05Neighbours: By land — Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar. By sea — Sri Lanka and Maldives. Sri Lanka is to the south, across the Palk Strait.
Questions & Solutions
Pehle khud try karo — phir solution kholo. Yahi tariqa topper banata hai.
How large is India in the world in terms of area?
What is India's Standard Meridian and why is it important?
Which countries share a land border with India?
What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer for India?
Which is the largest and smallest state of India by area?
Which sea passage lies between India and Sri Lanka?
India — located in Asia, 7th largest country (3.28 million km²), 28 states + 8 UTs. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle. Standard Meridian for time is 82°30'E (IST). 7 land neighbours and 2 sea neighbours — Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Chapter-end quiz
4 MCQsOption tap karo — turant pata chalega sahi ya galat, explanation ke saath.
Q1.In terms of area, what is India's rank among the countries of the world?
Q2.How many states does India have in total?
Q3.Which is the largest state by area?
Q4.By how much is IST ahead of GMT?
Mark karo — dashboard par progress dikhega.