The latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India is about 30°, with the latitudinal extent being around 8°4'N to 37°6'N and the longitudinal extent being around 68°7'E to 97°25'E. Despite this, the east-west extent appears to be smaller than the north-south extent.
- Reasons for the Perception:
- India's north-south extent of about 3,214 km is greater than its east-west extent of about 2,933 km.
- The tapering of the Indian landmass towards the south gives the illusion of a greater north-south extent compared to the east-west extent.
- The triangular shape of India, with the widest part in the north and narrowing down towards the south, contributes to this perception.
- Geographical Features:
- The northern part of India is wider due to the presence of the Himalayan mountain range, which spreads across several states.
- The southern part of India tapers towards the Indian Ocean, resulting in a narrower width.
- The east-west extent is limited by the presence of the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, further accentuating the perception of a smaller east-west extent.
- Impact of Perception:
- The perceived smaller east-west extent has implications for climatic variations, cultural diversity, and economic activities within the country.
- The diverse geographical features across the north-south extent contribute to the varying climates and ecosystems present in India.
- The perception of a smaller east-west extent also influences transportation networks, trade routes, and regional connectivity within the country.
In conclusion, while the latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India may be around 30°, the perception of a smaller east-west extent compared to the north-south extent is influenced by the geographical features and tapering shape of the Indian landmass.