The solutions for Chapter 1, “India Size and Location Class 9 Extra Questions” likely focus on the physical geography of India, including its size, location, and position on the globe. These solutions may include information about India’s borders, topography, and climate, as well as its place in relation to other countries and geographical regions. Understanding these concepts can help students understand the ways in which India’s physical geography has shaped its history, culture, and society.
1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
i. The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through
a. Rajasthan
b. Chhattisgarh
c. Odisha
d. Tripura
ii. The easternmost longitude of India is
a. 97° 25′ E
b. 68° 7′ E
c. 77° 6′ E
d. 82° 32′ E
iii. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim have common frontiers with
a. China
b. Bhutan
c. Nepal
d. Myanmar
iv. If you intend to visit Kavarati during your summer vacations, which one of the following Union Territories of India you will be going to
a. Puducherry
b. Lakshadweep
c. Andaman and Nicobar
d. Daman and Diu
v. My friend hails from a country which does not share land boundary with India. Identify the country.
a. Bhutan
b. Tajikistan
c. Bangladesh
d. Nepal
2 Answer the following questions briefly.
a. Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea.
b. Name the countries which are larger than India.
c. Which island group of India lies to its south-east?
d. Which island countries are our southern neighbours?
Answer –
a. Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea – The group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea is known as the Lakshadweep Islands. These are a group of 36 coral atolls and islands, which are located off the western coast of India in the Arabian Sea. The Lakshadweep Islands are the smallest union territory of India in terms of land area, and are known for their white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The main industries on the islands are fishing and coconut production. The largest and only inhabited island in the group is Agatti Island, which is home to an airport and several small villages.
b. Name the countries which are larger than India – There are several countries that are larger than India in terms of land area. Some of the largest countries in the world include:
- Russia: Russia is the largest country in the world, covering an area of over 17 million square kilometers. It is located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, and is the world’s ninth most populous country.
- Canada: Canada is the second largest country in the world, covering an area of almost 10 million square kilometers. It is located in North America and is known for its vast wilderness, natural beauty, and abundant resources.
- China: China is the third largest country in the world, covering an area of over 9 million square kilometers. It is located in East Asia and is the world’s most populous country.
- United States: The United States is the fourth largest country in the world, covering an area of over 9 million square kilometers. It is located in North America and is a federal presidential constitutional republic.
- Brazil: Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, covering an area of over 8.5 million square kilometers. It is located in South America and is known for its diverse culture, natural beauty, and abundant resources.
c. Which island group of India lies to its south-east – The island group of India that lies to its south-east is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of approximately 572 islands located in the Bay of Bengal, to the east of the Indian mainland. The islands are divided into two administrative districts: the Andaman District and the Nicobar District.
The Andaman Islands are home to the indigenous Andamanese people, while the Nicobar Islands are home to the Nicobarese people. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, and diverse marine life. They are also home to several protected areas, including the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
d. Which island countries are our southern neighbours – India’s southern neighbours are the island countries of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
- Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia, just off the southeastern coast of India. It is separated from India by the Palk Strait and is connected to the mainland by the Pamban Bridge. Sri Lanka is known for its ancient cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and diverse landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, and tea plantations.
- Maldives – The Maldives is an archipelago of 26 coral atolls located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India. It is the smallest Asian country in terms of land area and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and coral reefs. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination and is known for its luxury resorts.
3 The sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh as compared to Gujarat in the west but the watches show the same time. How does this happen?
Answer – The fact that the sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh compared to Gujarat, but the watches show the same time, is due to the concept of time zones. Time zones are regions of the Earth that have standardized time, based on the rotation of the Earth on its axis. Each time zone is typically about 15 degrees wide and is separated from the adjacent time zone by a line of longitude.
The Indian subcontinent is located in the Indian Standard Time (IST) zone, which is 5.5 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means that the entire country, including both Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat, follows the same standard time, despite the fact that the sun rises and sets at different times in different parts of the country. The time shown on watches and clocks is therefore the same throughout the country, regardless of the local solar time.
4 The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance. Why?
Answer – India’s central location at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance for several reasons:
- Geographical advantage: India’s central location at the head of the Indian Ocean gives it a strategic advantage, as it is situated at the crossroads of international trade routes between Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. This has made India an important hub for trade and commerce, and has contributed to its economic growth.
- Access to resources: India’s central location in the Indian Ocean also gives it access to a wide range of resources, including oil and natural gas, which are vital for its economic development.
- Military importance: The Indian Ocean is a vital artery of international trade, and control of the region is considered important for military and strategic reasons. India’s central location at the head of the Indian Ocean gives it a significant military advantage, as it can monitor and control the movement of ships and other vessels in the region.
- Cultural exchange: India’s central location at the head of the Indian Ocean has also facilitated cultural exchange and the spread of ideas and technologies between different parts of the world. This has contributed to the diverse and vibrant culture of India.
India Size and Location Class 9 Extra Questions
1. How large is India in terms of land area?
Answer – India is the seventh largest country in the world in terms of land area, covering an area of approximately 3.3 million square kilometers.
2. Where is India located in the world?
Answer – India is located in South Asia, on the Indian subcontinent. It is bordered by Pakistan to the west, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. It is also surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the south.
3. What is the capital of India?
Answer – The capital of India is New Delhi, which is located in the northern part of the country.
4. What are the main physical features of India?
Answer – Some of the main physical features of India include the Himalayan mountain range in the north, the Thar Desert in the northwest, the Western Ghats mountain range in the west, and the Eastern Ghats in the east. India is also home to the world’s second largest river, the Ganges, which flows through the northern part of the country.
5. What are the major rivers in India?
Answer – Some of the major rivers in India include the Ganges, which is the longest and most sacred river in the country, the Godavari, the Brahmaputra, the Yamuna, the Narmada, and the Cauvery. These rivers are important for irrigation, drinking water, and transportation in India.
6. What is the climate of India like?
Answer – The climate of India is varied due to the country’s size and topography. In general, the climate is tropical in the south and temperate in the north. The northern parts of the country experience hot summers and cold winters, while the southern parts are hot and humid throughout the year. The monsoon season, which is characterized by heavy rainfall, occurs between June and September.
7. What are the main languages spoken in India?
Answer – India has a diverse linguistic landscape, with over 1,600 languages spoken in the country. The official language of India is Hindi, which is spoken by around 41% of the population. English is also widely spoken and is used as a second language in many parts of the country. Other major languages spoken in India include Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu.
8. What are the main religions practiced in India?
Answer – India is a multi-religious and secular country, with no official state religion. Hinduism is the dominant religion, practiced by around 80% of the population. Other major religions practiced in India include Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
9. What is the population of India?
Answer – As of 2021, the population of India is estimated to be around 1.4 billion, making it the second most populous country in the world after China.
10. What are the main occupations in India?
Answer – The main occupations in India include agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Around 58% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, while around 22% is engaged in manufacturing and 20% is engaged in services.
11. What are the main crops grown in India?
Answer – The main crops grown in India include rice, wheat, maize, pulses, sugarcane, and cotton. India is one of the world’s largest producers of these crops.
12. What is the literacy rate in India?
Answer – The literacy rate in India is around 74%, with a higher literacy rate among males (82%) compared to females (65%).
13. What are the main festivals celebrated in India?
Answer – India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and there are many festivals celebrated throughout the year. Some of the major festivals include Diwali, the festival of lights; Holi, the festival of colors; Dussehra, the victory of good over evil; and Navaratri, the festival of nine nights.
14. What are the main cultural and artistic traditions of India?
Answer – India has a rich cultural and artistic tradition, with a diverse range of practices and expressions. These include literature, music, dance, theater, cinema, and visual arts. The country is known for its classical and folk music, as well as its dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi. Indian literature includes works in a variety of languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Bengali.
15. What are the main natural resources of India?
Answer – India has a variety of natural resources, including coal, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and oil and natural gas. The country is also rich in minerals such as diamonds, gold, and copper.