NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Geography (Contemporary India) Chapter – 1 INDIA – SIZE AND LOCATION
Q. 1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through
(a) Rajasthan
(b) Odisha
(c) Chhattisgarh
(d) Tripura
Answer:-
The correct answer is (b) Odisha! 🌍✨
Explanation:
The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary latitude line located at 23.5° North of the Equator. It passes through eight Indian states:
✅ Gujarat
✅ Rajasthan
✅ Madhya Pradesh
✅ Chhattisgarh
✅ Jharkhand
✅ West Bengal
✅ Tripura
✅ Mizoram
Since Odisha is not on this list, it does not lie on the Tropic of Cancer! 🚀📚
(ii) The easternmost longitude of India is
(a) 97° 25′ E
(b) 68° 7′ E
(c) 77° 6′ E
(d) 82° 32′ E
Answer:-
The correct answer is (a) 97° 25′ E! 🌏✨
Explanation:
India’s easternmost point is Kibithu, a small town in Arunachal Pradesh. The longitude of this point is 97° 25′ E, making it the farthest east in the country! 🚀📚
For reference:
✅ Westernmost longitude → 68° 7′ E (Guhar Moti, Gujarat)
✅ Standard Meridian of India → 82° 30′ E (Used for Indian Standard Time)
(iii) Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim have common frontiers with
(a) China
(b) Bhutan
(c) Nepal
(d) Myanmar
Answer:-
The correct answer is (c) Nepal! 🌏✨
Explanation:
India shares its border with Nepal through five states:
✅ Uttarakhand
✅ Uttar Pradesh
✅ Bihar
✅ West Bengal
✅ Sikkim
These states have a common frontier with Nepal, forming a 1,751 km long border. This boundary was established after the Treaty of Sugauli (1816) between Nepal and the British Raj.
(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
Answer:-
The correct answer is (b) Lakshadweep! 🌊✨
Explanation:
Kavaratti is the capital of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. 🏝️ It is a beautiful island located in the Arabian Sea, known for its pristine white sand beaches, coral reefs, and calm lagoons. 🌿🐠
Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory, consisting of 36 coral islands, out of which only 10 are inhabited. Kavaratti is one of the most developed islands and serves as the administrative headquarters of Lakshadweep. 🚀📚
(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
Answer:-
The correct answer is (b) Tajikistan! 🌍✨
Explanation:
India shares land boundaries with several neighboring countries, including:
✅ Nepal
✅ Bhutan
✅ Bangladesh
✅ China
✅ Pakistan
✅ Myanmar
✅ Afghanistan (via the Wakhan Corridor)
However, Tajikistan does not share a land boundary with India! 🚀📚 It is located north of Afghanistan, and while it is close to India, there is no direct land connection.
Q. 2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea.
(ii) Name the countries which are larger than India.
(iii) Which island group of India lies to its south-east?
(iv) Which island countries are our southern neighbours?
Answer:-
Here are the brief answers to your questions! 📚✨
(i) Name the group of islands lying in the Arabian Sea.
✅ Lakshadweep Islands – This is India’s smallest Union Territory, consisting of 36 coral islands in the Arabian Sea. 🏝️🌊
(ii) Name the countries which are larger than India.
India is the 7th largest country in the world. The six countries larger than India are:
✅ Russia 🌍 (Largest)
✅ Canada 🍁
✅ China 🇨🇳
✅ United States 🇺🇸
✅ Brazil 🇧🇷
✅ Australia 🇦🇺
(iii) Which island group of India lies to its south-east?
✅ Andaman and Nicobar Islands – This archipelago lies in the Bay of Bengal, forming the boundary between the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean. 🌊🏝️
(iv) Which island countries are our southern neighbours?
✅ Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 – Located south-east of India, separated by the Palk Strait.
✅ Maldives 🇲🇻 – Located south-west of India, in the Indian Ocean.
Q. 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:-
🌞 Why Does the Sun Rise Earlier in Arunachal Pradesh Than in Gujarat?
The sun rises two hours earlier in Arunachal Pradesh compared to Gujarat due to India’s longitudinal extent. However, all watches in India show the same time because of the Indian Standard Time (IST) system.
⏳ Explanation:
1️⃣ India’s Longitudinal Range
- India extends from 68°7′ E (Gujarat) to 97°25′ E (Arunachal Pradesh).
- The Earth rotates 15° per hour, meaning a 30° difference causes a 2-hour time lag between the easternmost and westernmost parts of India.
2️⃣ Indian Standard Time (IST)
- To maintain uniformity, India follows IST, based on the Standard Meridian (82°30′ E), passing through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
- This ensures that all regions in India follow the same official time, even though local sunrise and sunset times vary.
🏡 Real-Life Impact:
- If India followed local time zones, different states would have different times, causing confusion in daily activities like travel, business, and communication.
- Countries like the USA and Russia have multiple time zones, but India uses one standard time for simplicity.
Q. 4. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean is considered of great significance. Why?
Answer:-
🌍 Significance of India’s Central Location in the Indian Ocean
India’s strategic location at the head of the Indian Ocean is of great importance due to its geographical, economic, and cultural advantages. 🚀✨
1️⃣ Geographical Importance
✅ India is centrally positioned between East and West Asia, making it a bridge between different regions.
✅ The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean, allowing easy access to sea routes.
2️⃣ Economic Significance
✅ India controls major sea routes connecting Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
✅ The Indian Ocean is a key trade route for oil, spices, and other goods, boosting India’s economy.
✅ India’s ports (like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kochi) facilitate global trade.
3️⃣ Cultural & Historical Influence
✅ India’s location has enabled cultural exchanges with West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia for centuries.
✅ Ancient trade routes helped spread Indian spices, textiles, and traditions worldwide.
🌊 Conclusion
India’s central position in the Indian Ocean makes it a global hub for trade, diplomacy, and cultural interactions. This strategic advantage has shaped India’s history, economy, and international relations. 🌏📚