CBSE Class 9 Social Science: India – Size and Location NCERT Solutions

1. The correct answer is (c) Orissa. The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight states of India: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. Orissa is not among these states.
2. The correct answer is (a) 97°25′E. This longitude represents the easternmost extent of India, located in Arunachal Pradesh.
3. The correct answer is (b) Nepal. Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim share their borders with Nepal.
4. The correct answer is (b) Lakshadweep. Kavarati is the capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, which is located in the Arabian Sea.
5. The correct answer is (b) Tajikistan. While Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar share land boundaries with India, Tajikistan does not share a direct land boundary with India.

1. The group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea is Lakshadweep. These islands are located off the southwestern coast of India.
2. The countries which are larger than India in terms of geographical area are: Russia, Canada, China, USA, Brazil, and Australia. India is the seventh-largest country in the world by area.
3. The island group of India that lies to its south-east is the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands. These islands are located in the Bay of Bengal.
4. The island countries that are our southern neighbours are Maldives and Sri Lanka. These island nations are situated to the south of the Indian mainland.

This phenomenon occurs due to the vast longitudinal extent of India. India stretches approximately 30 degrees from west (Gujarat) to east (Arunachal Pradesh). Since the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, it covers 15 degrees in one hour and 4 degrees in four minutes. Therefore, a difference of 30 degrees in longitude accounts for a time difference of about two hours between the easternmost and westernmost parts of India. To ensure a uniform time across the country and avoid confusion in daily activities, a standard meridian is adopted. The Indian Standard Time (IST) is based on the longitude 82°30′E, which passes through Mirzapur near Allahabad (Prayagraj). This line is considered the mean solar time for the entire country, which is why watches show the same time everywhere in India, despite the difference in sunrise times.

India's central location at the head of the Indian Ocean is of great significance for several reasons:

1. Strategic Advantage: Its position provides a strategic advantage by facilitating access to the Trans-Indian Ocean sea routes. These routes connect India with countries in Europe to the west and East Asia to the east.
2. Trade and Commerce: The vast coastline and numerous natural harbours have historically benefited India in carrying out extensive trade and commerce with its neighbouring and distant countries.
3. Cultural Exchange: This location has enabled India to establish close cultural and trade contacts with West Asia, Africa, and Europe from its western coast, and with Southeast and East Asia from its eastern coast.
4. Climate Influence: India's unique position influences its climate, giving it a distinct climate compared to the rest of the Asian continent.
5. Maritime Identity: No other country possesses such a long coastline on the Indian Ocean as India does. This prominent position has led to the Indian Ocean being named after India, highlighting its maritime importance.