Geography of India Quiz

Study Notes

Geography of India

India is located in South Asia, occupying most of the Indian subcontinent with its land area covering approximately 3.287 million square kilometers. It shares borders with Pakistan to the west, China, Bhutan, and Nepal to the north, Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east, and Sri Lanka across the Palk Strait to the south. India's geographical coordinates span from 8°4' N to 37°6' N latitude and from 68°7' E to 97°25' E longitude.

Physical Features of India

The physical landscape of India is diverse, featuring a mix of rolling plains, high plateaus, flat-topped mountains, deep gorges, and valleys, with altitudes ranging from sea level to over 8,586 meters above sea level. The Himalayan mountain range forms the northern boundary, while the Ganges Plain lies along the eastern side of these ranges. To the southwest lie the Western Ghats mountains and the Deccan Plateau, which stretches across most of peninsular India.

India's climate varies greatly due to its vast size and topological differences, ranging from tropical monsoon climates to temperate snowy conditions in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. Major rivers, including the Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Kaveri, and Kshipra, flow through the country.

States and Union Territories of India

India is divided into 28 states and eight union territories, each with their own distinct cultural, social, and linguistic identities. State boundaries are not aligned with natural features or historical regions but instead reflect political considerations and decisions made by British colonial administrators. Some well-known Indian states include Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, etc., while notable union territories include Delhi, Goa, Jammu, and Kashmir, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and so on.

Location of India in the World

India is located in the northern hemisphere, lying between latitudes 8.4° N and 37.6° N, and longitudes 68.7° E and 97.25° E. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to its south, the Bay of Bengal to its east, the Arabian Sea to its west, and the Himalayas to its north. India shares land borders with seven countries: Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh to the north, and Myanmar and Sri Lanka across narrow strips at the extreme southeast.

India plays an important role in global politics and economics due to its size, population, and strategic location connecting Asia with Europe and Africa. Its unique geography has influenced its historical development, economic activities, and social dynamics, shaping modern India into one of the world's most populous nations and a significant player in international affairs.

Description

Test your knowledge about the physical features, states, union territories, and location of India in the world. Learn about the diverse landscape, major rivers, climate variations, and geopolitical significance of India.