Class 9 Geography Chapter 1 Question Answers - Contemporary India - I

Short Answer Type Question

• The teachings of the Upanishads, Ramayana, and Gita have spread globally.
• Indian numerals and the decimal system were introduced to Europe through Arab traders.
• Ancient land routes facilitated the exchange of various goods, including spices and textiles.
• Influences from other cultures, such as Greek sculpture and architectural styles, have enriched Indian heritage.

Q2. Why has India adopted a standard meridian of India with an odd value of 82°30’E?
Ans: The Standard Meridian of India is set at 82°30'E for several reasons:

• It is located nearly in the centre of India.
• This meridian divides the country into two time zones of about 7°30' each, which is a common practice worldwide.
• Using this standard ensures a uniform time across the nation.

Q3. Explain why Ahmedabad and Kolkata can see the noon sun exactly overhead in a year but not Delhi?
Ans: Ahmedabad and Kolkata can experience the noon sun directly overhead, while Delhi cannot. This is due to their different latitudes:

• Ahmedabad: 23°N
• Kolkata: 22.5°N
• Delhi: 28°N

Both Ahmedabad and Kolkata are located within the Tropic of Cancer, where the sun is directly overhead during the Northern solstice. In contrast, Delhi's higher latitude means the sun is never directly overhead there.

Q4. Why is the Indian Ocean named after India? Give three reasons.
Ans: India is linked to the Indian Ocean for several key reasons:

• Long coastline: India has the longest coastline along the Indian Ocean compared to any other country.
• Strategic location: Its central position in Asia makes India strategically important for trade and navigation.
• Geographical significance: The Deccan Plateau extends into the Indian Ocean, further enhancing its importance.

Q5. What is the latitudinal extent of India? What are its implications?
Ans: The Indian Union extends from approximately 8°04'N to 37°06'N latitude. Implications of this latitudinal extent include:

• The southern region receives more sunlight than the northern areas.
• Annual rainfall is generally lower in the south compared to the north.
• There is a time difference of two hours from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh.
• The duration of day and night varies as one moves from south to north.

Q6. How India’s longitudinal extent is helpful for India?
Ans: India's geographical location plays a vital role in its maritime trade:

• It is centrally positioned in the eastern hemisphere, along major trade routes.
• This location has encouraged strong cultural and commercial links with various Asian countries.
• India's extensive coastline along the Indian Ocean improves its connectivity with regions such as West Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Q7. Why is the difference between the durations of day and night hardly felt at Koodankulam but not in Kashmir?
Ans: Koodankulam, located just 9° from the equator, experiences minimal variation in the duration of day and night. This is because the equator receives direct sunlight throughout the year.

In contrast, Kashmir, situated 37° from the equator, has a significant difference in day and night durations, averaging about 5 hours variation.

Q8. State the reason for the time lag between sunrise on the easternmost and the westernmost horizons of India.
Ans: The easternmost longitude of India is 97° 25' E in Arunachal Pradesh, while the westernmost is 68° 7' E in Gujarat. This creates a longitudinal span of approximately 30°, which means about 30 longitudes stretch from east to west across India.

• There is a time difference of 4 minutes for each consecutive longitude.
• For 30 longitudes, the total time difference is 30 x 4 = 120 minutes or 2 hours.
• As a result, there is a time lag of two hours in local time between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

Q9. Give a brief description of India’s neighbours.
Ans: India shares its land borders with:

• Pakistan and Afghanistan in the northwest,
• China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan in the north,
• Myanmar and Bangladesh in the east.

To the south, across the sea, India has two island neighbours:

• Sri Lanka, separated by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar,
• Maldives, located south of the Lakshadweep Islands.

Q10. Give a brief description of the size of India’s landmass.
Ans: The land mass of India spans an area of 3.28 million square km, which is about 2.4% of the world's total geographical area. This makes India the seventh-largest country in the world.

• India has a land boundary of approximately 15,200 km.
• The total length of the coastline, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, is 7,516.6 km.
• From north to south, India measures 3,214 km, and from east to west, it measures 2,933 km.

Q11. How would you justify the naming of the Indian Ocean after India?
Ans: The naming of the Indian Ocean after India can be justified by several key points:

• The Indian landmass is centrally located between East and West Asia.
• The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean, promoting close contact with regions like West Asia, Africa, and Europe to the west, as well as Southeast and East Asia to the east.
• India has the longest coastline along the Indian Ocean, underscoring its significant geographical position.

Q12. Describe the Location of India.
Ans: India is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. Its mainland extends between:

• Latitudes: 8° 4' N to 37° 6' N
• Longitudes: 68° 7' E to 97° 25' E

The Tropic of Cancer at 23° 30' N nearly divides the country into two equal halves. The following islands are near the mainland:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the southeast
• Lakshadweep Islands to the southwest

These islands are located in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, respectively.

Long Answer Type Question

Q1. Describe the geographical importance of India.
Ans: India holds a significant geographical position at the crossroads of four continents: Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. This location provides several advantages:

• Access to the Indian Ocean: With a long coastline, India benefits from extensive maritime trade.
• Control of Trade Routes: Its strategic position allows India to oversee important sea routes.
• Climate Regulation: The Himalayas block cold northern winds, moderating winter temperatures and influencing monsoon patterns.
• Military Strength: Natural features like the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean enhance India's military and naval capabilities.

Overall, India's unique geographical location supports trade, climate stability, and national defence.

Q2. What was the significance of India’s central location in ancient times?
Ans: The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is significant for several reasons:

• India is strategically positioned along the Trans Indian Ocean routes, connecting Europe to East Asia.
• The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean, enhancing contact with West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the west, and with Southeast and East Asia from the east.
• India boasts the longest coastline along the Indian Ocean, underscoring its prominent regional position.
• Historical connections with the world have been strong, with land routes established before maritime links.
• Mountain passes in the north facilitated ancient travel, while oceans limited interactions for a long time.
• These routes enabled the exchange of ideas and goods, spreading concepts like the Upanishads, the Ramayana, and the decimal system globally.
• India exported spices, muslin, and other goods, while also absorbing influences from cultures such as Greek sculpture and architectural styles from West Asia.

Q3. Describe the location and size of India.
Ans: Location and Size of India

• India covers a land area of 3.28 million square kilometres.
• This is about 2.4% of the world's total geographical area.
• It is the seventh largest country in the world.
• India has a land boundary of approximately 15,200 km.
• The total length of the coastline, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, is 7,516.6 km.

Geographically:

• India measures 3,214 km from north to south and 2,933 km from east to west.
• The country lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere.
• It extends between latitudes 8°04'N and 37°06'N, and longitudes 68°07'E and 97°25'E.
• The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) divides India into almost two equal parts.

Q4. Write a note on the location and size of India?
Ans: Location:

• India is a vast country situated in the eastern hemisphere.
• The mainland extends from latitudes 8°04'N to 37°06'N and longitudes 68°07'E to 97°25'E.
• The Tropic of Cancer (23°30'N) divides the country into two nearly equal halves.
• To the southeast and southwest, you will find the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands.

Size:

• India covers a total land area of 3.28 million square kilometres.
• This accounts for about 2.4% of the world's total land area.
• It is the seventh largest country globally.
• India has a land boundary of approximately 15,200 km.
• The total length of the coastline, including islands, is 7,516.6 km.