**Why 82° 30'E has been selected as the standard meridian of India?**

**Introduction**
The standard meridian of India is an imaginary line that is used to divide the country into two time zones. The standard meridian for India is located at 82° 30'E longitude. This meridian was chosen for a variety of reasons, including geographical, historical, and administrative factors.

**Geographical Factors**
1. Center of Gravity: The 82° 30'E longitude is considered to be the center of gravity of the country. It is located near the city of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, which is close to the geographical center of India.
2. Equidistant from Extreme Points: The standard meridian is equidistant from the easternmost point (Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh) and the westernmost point (Ghurmi in Gujarat) of India. This ensures that the time difference between the two points is roughly the same.
3. Avoidance of Major Cities: The chosen meridian avoids passing through major cities to minimize the impact of time zone differences on urban centers.

**Historical Factors**
1. Colonial Influence: The selection of the 82° 30'E meridian as the standard meridian of India can be traced back to the British colonial period. It was during this time that the concept of standard meridians and time zones was introduced globally.
2. Establishment of Time Zones: In 1906, the British Indian government established the Indian Standard Time (IST) based on the 82° 30'E meridian. This was done to synchronize railway timetables across the country.

**Administrative Factors**
1. Uniform Timekeeping: Having a standard meridian allows for uniform timekeeping across the country. It ensures that everyone in India is following the same time, which is crucial for various administrative functions.
2. Coordination and Communication: A standard meridian facilitates coordination and communication between different parts of the country. It helps in organizing events, scheduling transportation, and conducting business transactions efficiently.

**Conclusion**
The selection of the 82° 30'E meridian as the standard meridian of India takes into account geographical, historical, and administrative factors. It provides a central reference point for timekeeping, coordination, and communication purposes. By following a standard meridian, India ensures uniformity in time across the country, simplifying various aspects of daily life and administrative functions.

Because it is the meridian which passes through almost centre of india. I thinks so