Summary
Chapter-6
Overview of India’s Geographical Extent
India, nestled in the northern hemisphere, boasts diverse geographical features. The majestic Himalayas guard the northern boundary, while the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean cradle the peninsula. Encompassing approximately 3.28 million sq. km, the nation spans 3,200 km from Ladakh to Kanyakumari and 2,900 km from Arunachal Pradesh to Kuchchh.
Landforms and Climate Mosaic
India’s topography, comprising lofty mountains, expansive deserts, plains, plateaus, and coastlines, unfolds a varied landform tapestry. This diversity extends to climate, vegetation, wildlife, language, and culture, creating unity within the nation. With a population exceeding 120 crores since 2011, India stands as the second most populous country globally.
Location and Regional Divisions
Geographical Coordinates
Positioned in the northern hemisphere, India spans between latitudes 8 4’N and 37 6’N, with longitudes stretching from 68 7’E to 97 25’E. The Tropic of Cancer nearly bisects the nation. The expansive longitudinal extent causes a two-hour time difference between the eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) and western (Gujarat) points, with the Indian Standard Time pegged to the 82 30’E meridian.
Neighbouring Nations
India shares land boundaries with seven countries Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and maritime borders with Sri Lanka, fostering geopolitical interactions. To the south, the Indian Ocean neighbors Sri Lanka and the Maldives, connected by the Palk Strait.
Administrative Divisions
Political and Administrative Landscape
India, vast and diverse, is administratively divided into 28 States and 8 Union Territories, with Delhi serving as the national capital. The states primarily align with linguistic considerations, fostering cultural representation.
Physical Features and Divisions
Himalayan Guardians
The northern sentinel, the snow-capped Himalayas, unfolds in three parallel ranges – the Great Himalaya or Himadri, the Middle Himalaya or Himachal, and the southernmost Shiwalik. These grand mountains house the world’s highest peaks.
River-Formed Plains and Arid Deserts
South of the Himalayas lie the fertile Northern Indian plains, formed by river alluvial deposits, boasting high agricultural productivity. In the west, the Great Indian Desert, arid and sandy, stretches across the landscape.
Peninsular Plateau and Ghats
The triangular Peninsular plateau, rich in minerals, features hills, valleys, and ranges like Aravali, Vindhyas, and Satpuras. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats border the plateau, with rivers like Narmada and Tapi flowing westwards.
Coastal Plains and Island Retreats
The Coastal plains, flanked by the Western and Eastern Ghats, thrive with rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Islands, such as Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea and Andaman-Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal, enrich India’s geographical diversity.
Environmental Challenges and Natural Disasters
The Sunderban delta, formed by the Ganga and Brahmaputra, highlights the dynamic interaction between rivers and oceans. Tsunami impacts in 2004 revealed the vulnerabilities and resilience of coastal communities.
India, a testament to geographical richness, embraces diversity within unity, weaving traditions that unify the nation across varied terrains and climates.