CBSE Class 9 Geography Important Questions Chapter 1 India Size and Location

1. Why was 82°30'E chosen to be India's Standard Meridian?

Ans:

1. Central Location: The meridian at 82°30’E longitude passes almost through the middle of India, near the town of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. This central location helps in maintaining a uniform standard of time across the entire country.

2. Uniform Time Zone: Having a single time zone for the entire country simplifies the administration and management of time. It ensures that all regions of India follow the same standard time, which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+5:30).

3. Avoiding Confusion: By selecting a central meridian, India avoids the confusion and inconvenience that multiple time zones could cause, especially given the country's vast east-west expanse. This uniformity aids in national communication, travel, and broadcasting.

4. Historical and Practical Considerations: The choice of 82°30’E as the Standard Meridian of India has historical precedents and practical benefits, aligning with the long-established practice of using a central meridian to standardise timekeeping in large countries.

2. Why is the variation in day and night length so minimal in Kanyakumari yet not sensed at all in Kashmir?

Ans:

1. Proximity to the Equator: Kanyakumari is located close to the equator, at about 8°4'N latitude. Near the equator, the duration of day and night remains fairly consistent throughout the year, with approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. This minimal variation occurs because the equator receives nearly direct sunlight year-round, resulting in almost equal lengths of day and night.

2. Higher Latitude: Kashmir, situated at approximately 34°N latitude, experiences significant variation in the length of day and night across different seasons. This variation occurs because the higher latitudes receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year due to the tilt of the Earth's axis. During summer, Kashmir experiences long days and short nights, while in winter, the days are short, and the nights are long.

3. Seasonal Changes: In higher latitudes like Kashmir, the angle of the sun changes significantly with the seasons. During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, leading to longer days. Conversely, during the winter solstice, it is tilted away from the sun, resulting in shorter days. This seasonal variation is much less pronounced near the equator, where Kanyakumari is located.

3. What are India's latitude and longitude?

Ans: The geographical coordinates of India are defined by its latitudinal and longitudinal extent:

• Latitude: India stretches from 8°4'N to 37°6'N latitude.

• Longitude: India stretches from 68°7'E to 97°25'E longitude.

4. List the Indian states that share borders with Bhutan, their neighbour.

Ans: The Indian states that share a common frontier with Bhutan are:

1. Arunachal Pradesh

2. Assam

3. West Bengal

4. Sikkim

5. Name the nations that make up the Indian Subcontinent.

Ans: The countries constituting the Indian Sub-Continent are:

1. India

2. Pakistan

3. Bangladesh

4. Nepal

5. Bhutan

6. Sri Lanka

7. Maldives

6. In terms of area, which state in India has the largest and smallest size?

Ans: Area-wise, the smallest and largest states of India are:

• Smallest State: Goa

• Goa is the smallest state in India in terms of area, covering approximately 3,702 square kilometres.

• Largest State: Rajasthan

• Rajasthan is the largest state in India in terms of area, covering approximately 342,239 square kilometres.

7. Divide the states into four groups, each with a shared border.

(i) Pakistan

(ii) China

(iii) Myanmar

(iv) Bangladesh

Ans:

(i) Pakistan:

1. Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory)

2. Punjab

3. Rajasthan

4. Gujarat

(ii) China:

1. Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory)

2. Himachal Pradesh

3. Uttarakhand

4. Sikkim

5. Arunachal Pradesh

(iii) Myanmar:

1. Arunachal Pradesh

2. Nagaland

3. Manipur

4. Mizoram

(iv) Bangladesh:

1. West Bengal

2. Assam

3. Meghalaya

4. Tripura

5. Mizoram

8. Identify the chain of islands situated within the Arabian Sea.

Ans: The group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea is the Lakshadweep Islands. This Union Territory of India is located off the southwestern coast of the country and consists of 36 islands, known for their beautiful coral reefs and clear blue waters.

9. Although the watches indicate the same time, the sun rises in Arunachal Pradesh two hours earlier than in Gujarat in the west. How does something like this occur?

Ans: The sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh compared to Gujarat due to India's wide longitudinal extent. However, the watches show the same time across the country because India follows a single time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST).

Explanation:

• Single Time Zone: Despite the geographic distance between the eastern and western parts of the country, India uses one standard time for the entire country. Indian Standard Time is based on the 82°30'E longitude, which passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. This central meridian is used to maintain uniformity in time across the nation.

• Longitude Difference: Arunachal Pradesh is located in the eastern part of India, while Gujarat is in the western part. Due to the Earth's rotation, the sun rises earlier in the east. For every 15 degrees of longitude, there is a one-hour difference in solar time. The longitudinal difference between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat causes a two-hour difference in the actual sunrise time.

• Practicality: Having a single time zone simplifies scheduling, communication, and administrative processes across the country. It avoids confusion and ensures consistency in official and daily activities.

10. India's strategic placement at the head of the Indian Ocean is highly significant. Why?

Ans:

• The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean holds great significance due to its strategic maritime position, which controls major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia.

• This advantageous location boosts international trade and commerce, facilitating economic growth and strengthening trade relationships. 

• Geopolitically, it allows India to project influence and power across the region, ensuring security over key shipping lanes. 

• Historically, India's position has enabled rich cultural exchanges and interactions with other civilisations. 

• Additionally, it enhances regional connectivity, acts as a bridge between neighbouring regions, and plays a crucial role in defence and security by monitoring and countering potential threats in the Indian Ocean.

11. Gather data regarding the "Silk Route." Learn about the most recent advancements that are enhancing communication pathways in high-altitude areas.

Ans: The Silk Route, or Silk Road, was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. It spanned from China through Central Asia to the Mediterranean, covering a distance of about 7,000 kilometres. The route was named after the lucrative silk trade that was carried out along its length, but many other goods, such as spices, tea, precious metals, art, and even ideas and technologies, were also exchanged.

12. Which bodies of water divide India and Sri Lanka?

Ans:

1. Palk Strait: The Palk Strait is a narrow stretch of water between the Tamil Nadu state of India and the northern part of Sri Lanka. It is named after Robert Palk, who was a governor of the Madras Presidency during the British Raj.

2. Gulf of Mannar: The Gulf of Mannar is located to the south of the Palk Strait, between the southeastern tip of India and the western coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for its rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs.

13. The northeastern hemisphere contains India. How do you defend this assertion?

Ans:

• Northern Hemisphere: The equator, which is the zero-degree latitude line, divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. India is entirely located north of the equator, with its southernmost point at 8°4'N latitude and its northernmost point at 37°6'N latitude. This places India in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Eastern Hemisphere: The Prime Meridian, which is the zero-degree longitude line, divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. India is located east of the Prime Meridian, with its westernmost point at 68°7'E longitude and its easternmost point at 97°25'E longitude. This places India in the Eastern Hemisphere.

14. How can the time difference between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat be determined?

Ans: To calculate the time difference between Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh, you need to consider their longitudinal positions and the fact that the Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours. This means it rotates 15 degrees per hour (360 degrees / 24 hours = 15 degrees per hour).

1. Determine the Longitudes:

• The westernmost point of Gujarat: is approximately 68°E longitude.

• The easternmost point of Arunachal Pradesh: is approximately 97°E longitude.

2. Calculate the Difference in Longitude:

• The difference in longitude between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat: 97°E - 68°E = 29°.

3. Convert Longitude Difference to Time Difference:

• The Earth rotates 15 degrees per hour. Therefore, every degree of longitude represents a time difference of 4 minutes (60 minutes / 15 degrees = 4 minutes per degree).

• Time difference = 29° x 4 minutes per degree = 116 minutes.

4. Convert Minutes to Hours and Minutes:

• 116 minutes is equivalent to 1 hour and 56 minutes.

15. Provide a succinct overview of the Suez Canal.

Ans: The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. It is one of the world's most significant maritime routes, playing a crucial role in international trade by providing a direct shipping route between Europe and Asia, bypassing the need to navigate around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.

16. What kinds of goods does India export?

Ans:

Textiles and Garments:

• Cotton textiles

• Ready-made garments

• Silk and silk products

• Woollen and synthetic textiles

Agricultural Products:

• Rice (including Basmati rice)

• Spices (such as pepper, turmeric, and cardamom)

• Tea and coffee

• Fruits and vegetables (such as mangoes, bananas, and onions)

• Oilseeds and vegetable oils

Pharmaceuticals:

• Generic medicines

• Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)

• Vaccines and biologicals

Engineering Goods:

• Automobiles and auto components

• Machinery and equipment

• Iron and steel products

• Electrical machinery

Petroleum Products:

• Refined petroleum products (such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene)

• Lubricants and petrochemicals

Gems and Jewelry:

• Diamonds (cut and polished)

• Gold Jewellery

• Precious and semi-precious stones

Chemical Products:

• Organic and inorganic chemicals

• Dyes and pigments

• Fertilizers and agrochemicals

Leather and Leather Products:

• Finished leather

• Leather garments and accessories

• Footwear

IT and Software Services:

• Software development and services

• IT-enabled services (ITES)

• Business process outsourcing (BPO)

Handicrafts and Carpets:

• Handmade carpets and rugs

• Handicrafts and artisanal products

Marine Products:

• Fish and seafood (such as shrimp and prawns)

• Processed and frozen fish

Minerals and Ores:

• Iron ore

• Manganese ore

• Bauxite and other minerals

17. Compose a little essay discussing India and its neighbours.

Ans: India is a South Asian country that shares its borders with several neighbouring countries, each with its unique historical, cultural, and geopolitical significance. Here’s a brief overview of India and its neighbours:

1. Pakistan:

• Border Length: Approximately 3,323 kilometers.

• Important Points: India and Pakistan have a complex and often contentious relationship, marked by historical conflicts over the Kashmir region. Both countries have engaged in several wars since their independence in 1947. Despite tensions, there are ongoing efforts to improve bilateral relations through diplomacy and dialogue.

2. China:

• Border Length: Approximately 3,488 kilometres.

• Important Points: India and China share a long border that has been a point of dispute, leading to conflicts such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Recent skirmishes and standoffs, such as those in the Galwan Valley, highlight ongoing tensions. However, both countries also engage in significant trade and are part of various regional forums.

3. Nepal:

• Border Length: Approximately 1,751 kilometres.

• Important Points: India and Nepal share a close relationship based on cultural, historical, and economic ties. The open border allows for the free movement of people and goods. Despite occasional disputes, such as those over territorial claims, the relationship remains strong and cooperative.

4. Bhutan:

• Border Length: Approximately 699 kilometers.

• Important Points: India and Bhutan enjoy a friendly and cooperative relationship. India plays a significant role in Bhutan’s development and provides economic aid. The two countries share strong cultural ties and mutual interests in regional stability and security.

5. Bangladesh:

• Border Length: Approximately 4,096 kilometers.

• Important Points: India and Bangladesh share a long border and have a strong relationship characterized by cooperation in trade, water sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts. Historical ties and cultural connections underpin their relations. The resolution of border disputes, such as the Land Boundary Agreement in 2015, has further strengthened their bond.

6. Myanmar:

• Border Length: Approximately 1,643 kilometers.

• Important Points: India and Myanmar share a border that is vital for connectivity between South and Southeast Asia. Both countries cooperate on issues like trade, infrastructure development, and counter-insurgency operations. India is involved in various development projects in Myanmar, enhancing bilateral ties.

7. Sri Lanka:

• Maritime Border.

• Important Points: India and Sri Lanka share a maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean. Their relationship is characterized by strong cultural and economic ties. India has been involved in various development projects in Sri Lanka and provides support in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

8. Maldives:

• Maritime Border.

• Important Points: India and the Maldives share close bilateral relations, with India being a key partner in the Maldives' economic development. The strategic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean makes it an important partner for India in maintaining regional security and maritime cooperation.

18. Explain the importance of India's geographic centre.

Ans:

• India's central location in South Asia, particularly at the head of the Indian Ocean, holds significant strategic, economic, and cultural importance. It provides control over key maritime routes crucial for international trade, connecting major economies of the East and West. 

• This enhances India's trade potential with regions like the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe, making ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata vital trade hubs. 

• Geopolitically, India's position allows it to influence regional dynamics and project its power, ensuring security and strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region. Historically, this central location facilitated cultural exchanges and the spread of religions, enriching India's cultural heritage. 

• It also enhances regional connectivity through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. 

• India's strategic position strengthens its defence capabilities, enabling effective monitoring and securing of maritime boundaries. The diverse geography attracts global tourists, while the location influences India's varied climatic conditions, crucial for agriculture and biodiversity.

19. Describe the historical significance of India's land routes.

Ans:

• India’s land routes have been vital since ancient times, significantly shaping its cultural, economic, and political landscape. These routes facilitated extensive trade and commerce, allowing the movement of spices, textiles, precious stones, and metals, and connecting India with Central Asia, China, and the Mediterranean via the Silk Road. 

• They enabled cultural exchanges, spreading Buddhism and Hinduism to other regions, and fostering a rich blend of traditions through the interaction of diverse cultures. Politically, these routes helped maintain control over vast territories and mobilise armies for ancient empires like the Maurya and Gupta. 

• The migration along these paths led to new settlements and demographic diversity, while the exchange of scientific and technological knowledge enriched both India and other civilisations. 

• The wealth generated from trade contributed to the prosperity of cities like Taxila and Varanasi, making them centres of commerce and learning. Overall, India’s land routes have been crucial in its historical development and continue to impact its cultural and economic dynamics.

20. India's longitudinal extent is _______.

(a) 8°4′N and 37°6′N

(b) 68°7′N and 97°25′E

(c) 68°7′E and 97°25′W

(d) 8°4′E and 37°6′E

Ans: (c) 68°7′E and 97°25′W

21. The collection of islands known as ____ are located in the Arabian Sea and are part of Indian territory. 

(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

(b) Sri Lanka

(c) Lakshadweep

(d) Maldives

Ans: (c) Lakshadweep

22. The Cancer Tropic crosses through _______.

(a) Orissa

(b) Tripura

(c) Bihar

(d) Punjab

Ans: (b) Tripura

23. The earliest method of communication between India and other nations is _______. 

(a) Ocean routes

(b) Maritime contact

(c) Land routes

(d) Air routes

Ans: (c) Land routes

Important Topics of Class 9 Geography Chapter 1 Important Questions and Answers 

India Size and Location Class 9 Important Questions are important for understanding India's geographical context, encompassing its size, location, and strategic importance.

Benefits of Learning with India Size and Location Class 9 Important Questions and Answers PDF

Studying Class 9 Geography Chapter 1 Important Questions and Answers offers students several benefits.

• The PDF provides a structured overview of India's geographical context, helping students grasp essential concepts such as the country’s size, location, and latitudinal and longitudinal extent.

• By focusing on important questions and answers, students can efficiently prepare for exams. The targeted content ensures that it covers key topics likely to appear in assessments.

• The PDF breaks down complex geographical concepts into simpler explanations, aiding in better comprehension. This clarity helps students retain information more effectively.

• The organised format of the PDF supports self-study, enabling students to learn at their own pace and revisit difficult topics as needed.

• The digital format allows students to access the material anytime and anywhere, making it convenient for continuous learning and revision, even on the go.

Conclusion 

India Size and Location Class 9 Important Questions provide a foundational understanding of India's vast and diverse geographical landscape. By exploring the country's latitudinal and longitudinal extent, size, borders, and strategic location, students gain valuable insights into the factors that shape India's climate, time zones and geopolitical significance. This chapter also highlights the importance of India's unique geographical identity and its impact on regional and global dynamics. It also covers the class 9 geography chapter 1 extra questions and answers.

Important Study Materials for Class 9 Geography  Chapter 1

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