Geography of India​

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India - Size and Location

1. Location of India

- Geographical Position:

- India lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and partially in the Eastern Hemisphere.

- Latitudinal Extent: From 8°4'N (southernmost tip at Indira Point) to 37°6'N (northernmost
point in Jammu and Kashmir).

- Indira Point: Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at 6°45'N; submerged after the
2004 tsunami but still considered the southernmost point for geographical purposes.

- This latitudinal span places India in both tropical (southern part) and subtropical (northern
part) zones, influencing its diverse climate.

- Longitudinal Extent: From 68°7'E (westernmost point in Gujarat, near Sir Creek in Kutch) to
97°25'E (easternmost point in Arunachal Pradesh, near Kibithu).

- The 30° longitudinal difference results in a time difference of approximately 2 hours

between the easternmost and westernmost points (1° longitude = 4 minutes, so 30° × 4
= 120 minutes).

- Standard Meridian:

- India adopts 82°30'E as its Standard Meridian, which passes through Mirzapur in Uttar
Pradesh.

- This meridian determines Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

- The choice of 82°30'E ensures a uniform time across the country despite its vast
longitudinal extent, avoiding the need for multiple time zones.

- Significance: Prevents time discrepancies in administrative and economic activities across

India’s vast expanse.​

2. Size of India

- Area:

- India’s total geographical area is 3.28 million square kilometers (3,287,263 sq km, to be
precise).
 - This accounts for approximately 2.4% of the world’s total land area (world’s land area: ~148
million sq km).

- India ranks as the 7th largest country globally by area, following Russia, Canada, China, the
USA, Brazil, and Australia.

- Land Boundary:

- India’s total land boundary length is 15,200 km, shared with neighboring countries.

- The boundary is diverse, ranging from mountainous terrain (Himalayas with China) to
deserts (Thar with Pakistan) and plains (with Bangladesh).

- Coastline:

- India’s total coastline length is 7,516.6 km, including the mainland, Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, and Lakshadweep.

- Mainland coastline: Approximately 6,100 km.

- The coastline supports major ports like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kochi, facilitating
maritime trade and fishing.

- Population:

- As per the 2011 Census (data referenced in the NCERT), India’s population was 1.21 billion.

- By May 2025 (current context), India’s population is estimated to have surpassed 1.4 billion,
making it the most populous country (overtaking China in 2023, as per UN estimates).

- India ranks 2nd in population in 2011 data but is a key fact for exams to note its growth
trajectory.

3. India and the World

- Strategic Location:

- India is positioned at the head of the Indian Ocean, giving it a commanding presence in the
region.

- Lies on the ancient trade routes connecting Europe (via the Middle East) to East Asia,
historically known as the Silk Route and Spice Route.

- Trans-Indian Ocean routes link West Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with Southeast
and East Asia, making India a pivotal maritime hub.

- Maritime Significance:

- India’s peninsular shape provides a coastline surrounded by:

- Arabian Sea to the west.

 - Bay of Bengal to the east.

- Indian Ocean to the south.

- This geographical advantage enhances India’s role in international trade, with major ports
handling exports (e.g., textiles, spices) and imports (e.g., oil, machinery).

- India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles from its coast, covering
2.2 million sq km, rich in marine resources.

- Cultural Influence:

- India’s location facilitated historical cultural exchanges with Southeast Asia (e.g., spread of
Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Indonesia) and the Middle East (e.g., trade with Arabs).

4. India’s Neighbours

- Bordering Countries:

- Northwest: Pakistan and Afghanistan (Afghanistan shares a short border in the Wakhan
Corridor via PoK).

- North: China (Tibet Autonomous Region), Nepal, Bhutan.

- East: Bangladesh, Myanmar.

- South: Sri Lanka (separated by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar).

- Southwest: Maldives (in the Arabian Sea, an island nation).

- Himalayan Barrier:

- The Himalayas act as a natural barrier in the north, protecting India from:

- Cold Siberian winds, moderating India’s climate.

- Historical invasions from Central Asia (though some invasions like the Mughals occurred
via passes like Khyber).

- The Himalayas also influence the monsoon by blocking rain-bearing winds, causing heavy
rainfall on the Indian side.

- Maritime Neighbours:

- Sri Lanka and Maldives are maritime neighbors, significant for India’s strategic interests in
the Indian Ocean Region (e.g., countering China’s String of Pearls strategy).

5. Important Geographical Facts

- Tropic of Cancer:

- Located at 23°30'N, it passes through the middle of India, dividing the country into two
climatic zones:

- Tropical Zone: South of the Tropic of Cancer (e.g., Kerala, Tamil Nadu).

- Subtropical/Temperate Zone: North of the Tropic of Cancer (e.g., Rajasthan, Uttar

Pradesh).

- States through which it passes: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,

Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram (8 states).

- Significance: Influences climate—southern India experiences a tropical climate (hot and

humid), while northern India has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons.

- Island Territories:

- Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

- Located in the Bay of Bengal, southeast of the mainland.

- Consists of 572 islands, of which 36 are inhabited.

- Strategic for India’s naval presence (Port Blair hosts a naval base).

- Features: Tropical rainforests, coral reefs, biodiversity (e.g., Jarawa tribes).

- Lakshadweep Islands:

- Located in the Arabian Sea, west of Kerala.

- Consists of 36 islands, of which 10 are inhabited.

- Coral origin (atolls); supports coconut cultivation and marine biodiversity.

- Distances:

- North-South Extent: 3,214 km (from Kashmir to Kanyakumari).

- East-West Extent: 2,933 km (from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat).

- These distances highlight India’s vast size and diverse geographical features.

Physiographic Divisions of India

1. Introduction to Physiographic Divisions

- India’s physical landscape is diverse due to its ancient geological history and tectonic activity.
- The country is divided into six major physiographic divisions based on relief, structure, and
geomorphic processes:

1. The Himalayan Mountains.

2. The Northern Plains.

3. The Peninsular Plateau.

4. The Indian Desert.

5. The Coastal Plains.

6. The Islands.

- Significance:

- These divisions influence climate, agriculture, population distribution, and economic

activities.

- Understanding their features is crucial for map-based questions in exams.

2. The Himalayan Mountains

- Formation:

- Formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate around 50 million
years ago.

- Sedimentary rocks from the ancient Tethys Sea were compressed and folded, creating the
Himalayas.

- Classified as young fold mountains (geologically recent, still rising due to tectonic activity;
e.g., Mount Everest rises ~5 mm per year).

- Extent:

- Stretch over 2,400 km from the Indus River (west) to the Brahmaputra River (east).

- Width varies: 400 km in Kashmir, narrowing to 150-200 km in Arunachal Pradesh.

- Covers five states: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim,
Arunachal Pradesh (plus parts of West Bengal, e.g., Darjeeling).

- Divisions (North to South):

- Himadri (Greater Himalayas):

- Innermost and highest range, average height: 6,000 m.

 - Peaks: Mount Everest (8,848 m, highest in the world, Nepal-India border), Kanchenjunga
(8,586 m, India’s highest, Sikkim).

- Features: Perennial snow, glaciers (e.g., Gangotri Glacier: source of Ganga; Siachen
Glacier: world’s highest battlefield).

- Asymmetrical: Steep northern slopes (Tibet side), gentler southern slopes (India side).

- Himachal (Lesser Himalayas):

- Middle range, height: 1,500-3,000 m.

- Features: Rugged terrain, valleys (e.g., Kashmir Valley, Kullu Valley), hill stations (e.g.,
Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital).

- Composed of compressed sedimentary rocks; prone to landslides.

- Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas):

- Outermost range, height: 900-1,500 m.

- Features: Foothills with forests, longitudinal valleys called Duns (e.g., Dehradun, Kotli
Dun).

- Composed of unconsolidated sediments (gravel, sand) brought by Himalayan rivers.

- Longitudinal Divisions (West to East):

- Punjab Himalayas: Between Indus and Satluj rivers (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh).

- Kumaon Himalayas: Between Satluj and Kali rivers (Uttarakhand).

- Nepal Himalayas: Between Kali and Teesta rivers (Sikkim, parts of Nepal).

- Assam Himalayas: Between Teesta and Dihang rivers (Arunachal Pradesh).

- Purvanchal (Eastern Hills): Beyond Dihang River; includes Patkai Hills, Naga Hills, Manipur
Hills, Mizo Hills.

- Features: Lower elevation, dense forests, tribal communities.

- Significance:

- Hydrological Role: Source of perennial rivers like Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra,
supporting agriculture in the Northern Plains.

- Climatic Influence: Blocks monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall in India; prevents cold
Siberian winds from reaching India.

- Defensive Role: Acts as a natural barrier against invasions from the north.
 - Tourism and Biodiversity: Hill stations, trekking (e.g., Everest Base Camp), biodiversity
hotspots (e.g., Himalayan flora and fauna like snow leopards).

3. The Northern Plains

- Formation:

- Formed by the deposition of alluvium (fine silt, sand, clay) by the Indus, Ganga, and
Brahmaputra river systems over millions of years.

- Alluvium was deposited in a large basin (geosyncline) created during the uplift of the
Himalayas.

- One of the world’s largest alluvial plains, known for its fertility.

- Extent:

- Length: 2,400 km (west to east, from Punjab to Assam).

- Width: 150-300 km (varies across regions).

- Area: 7 lakh sq km, making it one of India’s most densely populated regions.

- Divisions:

- Bhabar:

- Narrow belt (8-16 km wide) at the foothills of the Shiwaliks.

- Rivers deposit pebbles and coarse material; streams disappear underground due to
porous soil.

- Terai:

- South of Bhabar, width: 10-20 km.

- Marshy, wetland area where underground streams re-emerge.

- Features: Dense forests, rich wildlife (e.g., tigers, rhinos in Dudhwa National Park).

- Bhangar:

- Older alluvium, higher elevation (above floodplains).

- Less fertile, contains kankar (calcareous nodules).

- Khadar:

- Newer alluvium, found in floodplains.

- Highly fertile, renewed annually by floods.

- River Systems:

- Indus System: Covers Punjab and Haryana; tributaries like Satluj, Beas.

- Ganga System: Spans Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal; tributaries like Yamuna,
Ghaghara, Kosi.

- Brahmaputra System: Dominates Assam; known for frequent flooding.

- Significance:

- Agriculture: Fertile soil supports crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, making it India’s “food
basket.”

- Population: Flat terrain and water availability lead to high population density (e.g., Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar).

- Transportation: Rivers and flat land facilitate navigation and road/rail networks.

4. The Peninsular Plateau

- Formation:

- Part of the ancient Gondwanaland (supercontinent that broke apart 200 million years ago).

- Formed by volcanic activity (e.g., Deccan Trap) and tectonic movements; one of the oldest
landmasses on Earth.

- Composed of igneous (basalt) and metamorphic rocks, making it stable and resistant to
erosion.

- Extent:

- Triangular shape, covering central and southern India.

- Bordered by:

- North: Vindhya and Satpura ranges.

- West: Western Ghats.

- East: Eastern Ghats.

- Area: 16 lakh sq km, the largest physiographic division of India.

- Divisions:

- Central Highlands:

- North of the Narmada River.

 - Includes: Malwa Plateau (Madhya Pradesh), Bundelkhand (Uttar Pradesh), Chotanagpur
Plateau (Jharkhand).

- Rivers: Chambal, Sind, Betwa, known for creating ravines (badlands) due to erosion.

- Features: Rolling hills, forests, mineral deposits (e.g., coal, iron in Chotanagpur).

- Deccan Plateau:

- South of the Narmada River, covering Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh,

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.

- Deccan Trap: Volcanic basalt rocks formed 60 million years ago; black soil (regur) ideal for
cotton.

- Rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, flowing west to east into the Bay of Bengal.

- Features: Gently sloping eastward, semi-arid climate.

- Western Ghats:

- Continuous range along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau.

- Average height: 900-1,600 m.

- Peaks: Anamudi (2,695 m, highest in South India, Kerala), Doddabetta (2,637 m, Tamil
Nadu).

- Features: Steep escarpment on the western side, receives heavy orographic rainfall (e.g.,
2,000-4,000 mm annually), biodiversity hotspot (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve).

- Eastern Ghats:

- Discontinuous range along the eastern edge, broken by river valleys.

- Average height: 600 m.

- Peaks: Mahendragiri (1,501 m, Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border).

- Features: Rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri cut through, forming deltas.

- Significance:

- Minerals: Rich in resources like coal, iron ore, manganese, bauxite (Chotanagpur Plateau).

- Agriculture: Black soil supports cotton, red soil supports millets and pulses.

- Hydrology: Rivers provide water for irrigation and hydroelectricity (e.g., Koyna Dam on
Krishna River).

5. The Indian Desert

- Location:

- West of the Aravali Hills in Rajasthan; extends into Gujarat (Rann of Kutch).

- Also known as the Thar Desert or Great Indian Desert.

- Features:

- Area: 2 lakh sq km.

- Arid climate with low rainfall (<150 mm annually), high temperature (up to 50°C in summer).

- Landscape: Sandy plains, dunes (e.g., barchans), sparse vegetation (xerophytes like cacti).

- Luni River: Only major river, flows into the Rann of Kutch; seasonal and saline.

- Significance:

- Thar Desert: One of the most populated deserts globally; supports pastoralism (e.g., camel,
sheep rearing).

- Tourism: Desert safaris, cultural festivals (e.g., Jaisalmer Desert Festival).

- Challenges: Water scarcity, desertification; mitigated by the Indira Gandhi Canal (brings
water from Satluj to Rajasthan).​

6. The Coastal Plains

- Western Coastal Plain:

- Between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.

- Narrow, width: 50-80 km.

- Divisions:

- Konkan Coast: Maharashtra-Goa; rocky coastline, estuaries (e.g., Mumbai harbor).

- Kannad Coast: Karnataka; narrow, with ports like Mangalore.

- Malabar Coast: Kerala; features lagoons, backwaters (e.g., Vembanad Lake), coconut
groves.

- Features: Sandy beaches, ports (e.g., Mumbai, Kochi), supports fishing and tourism.

- Eastern Coastal Plain:

- Between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.

- Wider, width: 100-150 km.

- Divisions:
 - Utkal Coast: Odisha; includes Chilika Lake (largest brackish water lake in India).

- Andhra Coast: Andhra Pradesh; Krishna Delta.

- Coromandel Coast: Tamil Nadu; Kaveri Delta, port of Chennai.

- Features: Fertile deltas, supports rice cultivation, major ports (e.g., Chennai,
Visakhapatnam).

- Significance:

- Agriculture: Eastern plains are fertile, known as the “rice bowl” of India.

- Trade and Fishing: Ports facilitate trade; coastal areas support marine fisheries.

- Tourism: Beaches (e.g., Goa, Marina Beach in Chennai), backwaters in Kerala.

7. The Islands

- Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

- Location: Bay of Bengal, southeast of the mainland.

- Number: 572 islands (Andaman: 550, Nicobar: 22); 36 inhabited.

- Features:

- Tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs (e.g., Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park).

- Barren Island: India’s only active volcano.

- Indigenous tribes: Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese (isolated).

- Strategic Importance: Port Blair hosts a naval base; key for maritime security in the Bay of
Bengal.

- Lakshadweep Islands:

- Location: Arabian Sea, 200-440 km off Kerala’s coast.

- Number: 36 islands; 10 inhabited.

- Features:

- Coral origin (atolls formed by coral reefs).

- Coconut cultivation, fishing, marine biodiversity (e.g., tuna fishing).

- Capital: Kavaratti.

- Strategic Importance: Enhances India’s EEZ, supports naval surveillance.

- Significance:

- Biodiversity: Both island groups are biodiversity hotspots (e.g., Andaman’s endemic species
like the Andaman Wood Pigeon).

- Tourism: Beaches, scuba diving, coral reefs attract tourists.

- Maritime Security: Strategic for monitoring shipping lanes and countering piracy.