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Questions and Answers
Which physiographic province in India is known for having famous peaks like Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga?
Which two water bodies are adjacent to the two major peninsulas of India?
Which country does NOT share a land border with India?
The physiographic province covering most of central India is known as the:
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What geographical influence has led to the formation of states and union territories within India?
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Which geographical region in India is known for being a mountain range running parallel to the western coast of the country?
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Which neighboring country of India is separated from mainland India by the Palk Strait?
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Which Indian state has a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President who manages the affairs of the National Capital Territory?
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Which neighboring country shares a border with Indian states like Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram?
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In India, which administrative division comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Government of India and has lesser autonomy compared to states?
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Study Notes
India Overview
India is a vast country located mostly within the Indian Plate, a portion of the Indo-Australian tectonic plate situated north of the equator in South Asia. It shares its land borders with seven countries – Pakistan, China, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar (Burma), Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. India's territory includes two major peninsulas jutting into the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal and separates the Himalayas from the Deccan Plateau.
The geography of India has influenced its political boundaries and has led to the formation of states and union territories within the country. These administrative divisions help manage the diverse cultural, social, economic, and linguistic needs of its population.
Geographical Regions
India can broadly be divided into six principal physical features known as physiographic provinces, which were recognized by the Surveyor General of India and are still used today:
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Himalaya Mountains: These mountains run along the northern border of India and form part of the great mountain system that extends across the entire width of Asia. They include famous peaks like Mount Everest (Nepal) and Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.
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Peninsular Plateau: This region covers most of central India and consists largely of flat to rising ground. It encompasses several distinct elevated areas separated by deep valleys and gorges.
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Delhi Rift Valley: Located between the Yamuna River valley and the Shiwalik Hills, this rift zone has drained itself into the Ganges plains.
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Eastern Mountain System: Also called Purvanchal, it consists chiefly of the Patkai, Naga, Manipur, Mizo, Jaintia-Khasi, and Garo ranges.
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Western Ghats: A mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India, extending over 1600 km from North to South.
These regions have shaped the landscape, climate, and natural resources of India, contributing to the unique character of each area.
Borders and Neighboring Countries
India shares international borders with seven nations:
- Pakistan - Situated towards the west, sharing a boundary of approximately 298 kilometers(-).
- China - To India's northeast and shared with Chinese Tibet Autonomous Region, stretching across Arunachal Pradesh, the state bordering Bhutan, and Uttarakhand.
- Bhutan - Adjoined to the Indian state of Assam, lying eastward, and is bordered by West Kameng district of the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Sri Lanka - An island nation southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from mainland India by the Palk Strait.
- Myanmar - Also known as Burma, lies southeast of India, bordering several Indian states such as Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
- Bangladesh - Situated toward the easternmost edge of India, adjacent to three regions of Assam, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
- Afghanistan - In the far north, bordering Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh states.
These neighbors play significant roles politically, economically, culturally, socially, and historically for India.
States and Union Territories
India is administratively divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, which serve as the primary units of government and development. Each state and union territory fulfills specific functions delegated by the federal government, including maintaining law and order, providing education, health services, local planning, and infrastructure development.
Some key points about these administrative divisions include:
- States: Each state has its own constitutional status and legislature, enabling them to pass laws applicable to certain subjects.
- Union Territories: With lesser autonomy compared to states, they come under direct jurisdiction of the Government of India. However, some union territories enjoy special powers, such as Delhi, where the president appoints a Lieutenant Governor who acts as an agent of the President while managing the affairs of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
In conclusion, understanding India's geography helps us appreciate how various factors shape its diverse environment, culture, economy, history, politics, and society. From the towering Himalays and dynamic river systems to the vibrant urban centers and rural landscapes, India offers a fascinating tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored.
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Description
Explore the diverse geographical regions, borders, and administrative divisions of India. Learn about the physiographic provinces, international boundaries, neighboring countries, states, and union territories that shape the country's landscape and governance.
