The Indian subcontinent occupies a central position in Asia, positioned between the East and West. India serves as the southernmost extension of the Asian continent. Geographically, the Indian mainland extends from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south and from Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west. India's territorial jurisdiction also encompasses the sea, extending up to 12 nautical miles (21.9 kilometres) from its coastline.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

• The Indian mainland spans from latitude 8°4′ north to 37°6′ north and from longitudes 68°7′ east to 97°25′ east. 
• This results in latitudinal and north-south extents of 3214 km and 2933 km, respectively. India is situated entirely in the northern and eastern hemispheres. 
• The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ North) passes through the country's centre, effectively dividing it into nearly equal halves. 
• Regions to the north of this latitude constitute North India, while those to the south make up South India. 
• Additionally, the longitude of 82°30′ East serves as the Indian Standard Meridian, running essentially through the country's centre.

SIZE OF INDIA

• India boasts an immense size, ranking as the world's seventh-largest country by landmass, covering a total area of 3.28 million square kilometres. 
• The country is demarcated by a land boundary of 15,200 km and a coastal limit, inclusive of its islands, extending for 7,516 km. 
• India encompasses approximately 2.4 percent of the world's total land area.
• On examining India's map, prominent natural features become evident, particularly the presence of youthful fold mountains that form boundaries in the north, northwest, and northeast. 
• The geographical expanse of India from east to west and north to south is approximately 3000 kilometres in both directions. 
• However, the east-west stretch is notably shorter than the north-south stretch.
• The considerable distance between the eastern and western extremities of the country results in a time lag in the local time. 
• A notable two-hour time difference exists between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh. 
• Despite this, both regions follow the same time on their clocks due to India adhering to a standard time zone. 
• The Indian Standard Time, aligned with longitude 82.30° E, is observed, with Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh serving as the reference point for this time zone.

INDIA'S COASTLINE

• India's extensive coastline spans a length of 7516.6 kilometres, encompassing both the mainland coastline of 6100 kilometres and the coastline of Indian islands, which extends for 1197 kilometres. 
• This coastal stretch traverses through 13 states and union territories (UTs) of the country.
• The formation of India's coastline can be traced back to the geological events associated with the faulting of Gondwanaland during the Cretaceous period. 
• This tectonic activity led to the creation of India's straight and regular coastline, a consequence of the process known as Continental Drift. 
• Despite the advantageous length of the coastline, the geological origin resulted in a limited number of naturally favourable harbours along India's coast.

Furthermore, the separation and drifting of landmasses following the breakup of Gondwanaland played a crucial role in shaping the Indian subcontinent's coastal features. During the Cretaceous or early Tertiary periods, this geological process gave rise to the formation of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, contributing to the distinctive characteristics of India's coastal geography.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA'S LOCATION

• India's strategic location plays a pivotal role in fostering strong diplomatic ties with other nations. 
• Situated as a subcontinent, India shares land borders with countries to the north and south, enhancing its connectivity with diverse regions.
• The southern half of India, extending into the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, holds significant strategic importance for the country in the realm of international trade. 
• The extensive coastline, coupled with well-established maritime channels, has facilitated heightened interactions between India and the global community. 
• Notably, the Indian Ocean derives its name from India, underscoring the nation's central position within this vital water body.
• In ancient times, prior to the comprehensive exploration of sea routes, traders and travellers relied on mountain passes to traverse in and out of India. 
• This historical context emphasises the enduring significance of India's geographical location in facilitating cross-border movement and trade.

India's advantageous positioning in the heart of Asia has been instrumental in fostering trade and promoting active participation in global affairs. The country's geographic placement has been a catalyst for its economic and diplomatic engagement with the broader international community.

(FAQs) - Geographical Features of India

1. What is the geographical location of the Indian subcontinent within Asia?

Ans. The Indian subcontinent is centrally positioned in Asia, serving as the southernmost extension of the continent. It is located between the East and West.

2. How is India's mainland geographically demarcated?

Ans. Geographically, India's mainland extends from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south and from Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west.

3. What is the extent of India's territorial limit at sea?

Ans. India's territorial jurisdiction extends up to 12 nautical miles (21.9 kilometres) from its coastline.

4. What are the latitudinal and north-south extents of India?

Ans. India spans from latitude 8°4′ north to 37°6′ north, resulting in latitudinal and north-south extents of 3214 km and 2933 km, respectively.

5. In which hemispheres is India entirely located?

Ans. India is situated entirely in the northern and eastern hemispheres.

6. How does the Tropic of Cancer divide India?

Ans. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ North) passes through the centre of India, effectively dividing the country into two nearly equal halves - North India to the north and South India to the south.

7. What is the significance of the longitude 82°30′ East in India?

Ans. Longitude 82°30′ East serves as the Indian Standard Meridian, running through the centre of the country.

8. How large is India in terms of landmass?

Ans. India is the world's seventh-largest country by landmass, covering a total area of 3.28 million square kilometres.

9. What is the length of India's coastline?

Ans. India's coastline stretches for 7516.6 kilometres, including both mainland and island coastlines.

10. What geological events contributed to India's coastline formation?

Ans. The faulting of Gondwanaland during the Cretaceous period resulted in India's straight and regular coastline. The geological process is known as Continental Drift.

11. How many states and union territories does India's coastline pass through?

Ans. India's coastline passes through 13 states and union territories (UTs).

12. What is the significance of India's strategic location?

Ans. India's strategic location fosters strong diplomatic ties, connecting it with countries to the north and south. The southern half's extension into the Indian Ocean is crucial for international trade.

13. Why is the Indian Ocean named after India?

Ans. The Indian Ocean is named after India due to its prime location in this significant water body.

14. How did India's advantageous location impact ancient trade routes?

Ans. In ancient times, traders and travellers used mountain passes for movement in and out of India when sea routes were not well explored.

15. How has India's location influenced its global participation?

Ans. India's advantageous positioning in Asia has been instrumental in fostering trade and promoting active participation in global affairs, leveraging its geographic placement.