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SECTION A — THE PRE-MODERN  WORLD

• Globalisation is an economic system associated with the free movement of capital goods, technology, ideas and people across the globe. It developed mainly through trade, migration of those who were seeking better life and movement of
• Travellers, traders, priests and pilgrims travelled vast distances in search of knowledge, opportunity, spiritual fulfilment or to escape persecution. They carried articles, values, skills and even
• The Silk Route is a pre-modern trade route over land and sea which affected cultures of China, Central Asia and the Besides trade, art, literature and philosophical ideas were also exchanged.
• Food travelled : Potatoes from North & South America and the Caribbean islands travelled to the rest of the world, when it was accidently discovered by Christopher
• Precious metals from mines of Peru and Mexico enhanced European trade with Asia. The Europeans conquered and carried diseases like “small pox,” to South
• Europe leaped ahead of other continents due to Renaissance, Industrial Revolution, capitalism, ideas of the French and American
• Colonies were established by Europeans all over the

SECTION B — THE 19TH CENTURY (1815–1914)    ECONOMY

• The 19th century saw international economic exchange by 3 types of movements or flows – Trade flow, Larbour flow and Capital
• Industrial Revolution changed the consumption and production pattern of the
• Demand for food increased, England imposed Corn Laws but tried to withdraw them under pressure from urban dwellers and industrialists. It led to import of cheap agricultural products into
• Countries like Eastern Europe, Russia, America and Australia increased their food productivity to meet British needs, and became
• Global Migration took place and nearly 50 million people migrated from Europe to America and Australia in the 19th century due to poverty, hunger and to escape religious
• Technology reached its highest peak in Europe with the invention of Railways, Steamships, Telegraph and Shipbuilding. Meat trade at this time is a fine example of interdependence of teachnology and

Late 19th century saw colonisation at huge scale by Britain, France and followed by Spain, Portugal, Germany and Belgium. The USA also became a colonial power by the 1890s. Most regions of Asia and Africa became colonies of the West.

• Rinderpest or the Cattle Plague arrived in Africa from Europe. It destroyed nearly 90% of the livestock and destroyed the livelihood of the Natives. Mine owners and colonial powers benefitted by it and Africa ceased to be a free
• A new system of slavery — Indentured labour imigration from India started to the Caribbean Islands, Mauritius, Fiji, Ceylon and
• Though cheated and treated badly, they adapted to their new environment and cultural fusion took place as a result of this process of
• Indian entrepreneurs, some bankers like Nattukottai and Chettiars financed export of agriculture to Central and South-East They even followed the Europeans to Africa.
• Industrial Revolution in England changed the balance of trade between England and India. Indian handicraft and agriculture were destroyed and Britain enjoyed a trade surplus with India. Their exports increased and imports

SECTION  C  — THE  INTER-WAR ECONOMY

• The First World War (1914–1918) transformed the socio-economic and political structure of  the world.
• The war killed 9 million and injured 20 million people by using new, modern weapons of mass
• Economic Transformation took place in the form of shift in investment and capital The war encouraged war-related goods.
• The USA became international creditor of Europe, Russia beame a communist country in 1917.
• The League of Nations was formed to end all future
• Post-war Britain faced a steep war-debt and her position as a world economic power ended. Unemployment increased, grain prices fell due to overproduction. After the war Eastern Europe revived its wheat production, leading to a glut.
• The US recovered from the post-war crisis at a great speed due to the introduction of mass production.
• Henry Ford introduced the assembly line production. His T-model Ford was the world’s first mass produced
• Mass production lowered the costs and prices of engineered goods. These was a housing and consumer boom in the 1920s, which ultimately led to the Great Depression of 1929.
• Markets crashed in 1929, and led to failure of banks, and the American crisis affected other countries. By 1933, over 4000 banks closed and between 1929-32 about 110,000 companies collapsed.
• India was also affected by the Great Depression. Indian exports and imports declined extensively, prices fell. Bengal jute growers suffered the most. Large scale migration took place from villages to towns and

SECTION D — REBUILDING OF A WORLD ECONOMY : THE    POST-WAR  ERA

• The Second World War (1939–1945) was even more devastating than the
• About 3% of the world population perished, more civilians than fighting
• Two countries — USA and the USSR emerged as superpowers in the post-war
• International organisations like the UNO and others were established to maintain peace and stability.
• Two lessons were learnt by the economists and the politicians in the post-war system
  • to ensure mass consumption in an industrial society by high and stable
  • to ensure full employment and government control of flows of goods, capital and
• Bretton Woods Agreement (July 1944). To ensure a stable economy a framework was agreed upon at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference held at Bretton Woods in New Hampshire, USA. It established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World
• The IMF was to deal with external surpluses and deficits of its member
• The World Bank was an International Bank for reconstruction and development and was to finance the post-war
• Bretton Woods System was based on a fixed exchange rate. National currencies were pegged to the American dollar at a fixed rate. The western powers, the USA specially, controlled the decision-making provisions such as the right to veto. It linked national currencies and the monetary
• The Bretton Woods System benefitted the Western industrial nations and Japan and brought immense trade and income to
• Post-war era saw rapid decolonisation and many countries in Asia and Africa became independent nations, supported by UNO and
• Group of 77 or G-77 was organised by developing countries to demand a new international economic order (NIEO) which would give these countries real control over their national resources, raw materials, manufactured goods in their
• MNCs or multinational companies were established in the 1950s and 1960s and operated in several

SECTION A — THE FIRST WORLD WAR,  KHILAFAT AND   NON-COOPERATION

• The First World War (1914-1918) was a turning point in the history of Indian National Movement.
• It created a new political and economic
• National Movement spread to new areas, influenced new social groups, developed new modes of Nationalists could demand new concessions from Great Britain.
• But the war did not end hardships caused by it to millions of the poor in
• Hardships suffered during the war – Huge defence expenditure, rise in prices, famines or crop failure (1918-19-20-21). Nearly 12 to 13 million people died (Census 1921) due to the famine.
• Anger caused by forced recruitment of army in the villages. At this stage Gandhiji emerged on the  national
• New Ideas – Satyagraha, a novel way of fighting the colonial rule in India. A non-aggressive, peaceful mass agitation against oppression and injustice. Gandhiji knew India could never match the British in
• Satyagraha means insistence on A moral force, not passive resistance.
• Gandhiji organised Satyagraha Movements in Champaran, Bihar (1916), Kheda district of Gujarat (1917) and amongst cotton mill workers in Ahmedabad (1918).
• These campaigns established him as the leader of the
• Rowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala Bagh massacre (13 April, 1919) and the Khilafat Movement led Gandhiji to start his Non-Cooperation Movement in
• Khilafat Movement was led by two brothers Shaukat Ali and Muhammad Ali; was founded to fight for Khilafat rights, and was against the harsh treatment given to the Khalifa, Emperor of the Turkish Empire, after the First World
• Gandhiji convinced the Congress to join hands with the Khilafat Movement and start a Non-Cooperation Campaign for
• Non-Cooperation with the British rule, programme adopted at the Nagpur Session of Congress in

SECTION B — DIFFERING STRANDS WITHIN THE    MOVEMENT

• Non-Cooperation began in January
• Many groups joined it for their own specific
• Swaraj did mean the same to
  • Movement in Towns : Middle class took up the fight. Students, teachers, lawyers gave up studies, jobs, practice and joined it in thousands. Council elections boycotted. Foreign goods    Liquor shops picketed.
    • Movement in the countryside : Peasants and tribals took over the struggle which turned violent at times. In Awadh, Baba Ramchandra fought against landlords and talukdars. In 1920, Jawaharlal Nehru and Baba Ramchandra formed Oudh Kisan

    In Andhra Pradesh : The peasants of Gudem Hills led a guerilla movement against the British. Their leader, Alluri Sitaram Raju, advocated use of force. He was captured and executed  in 1924.

    • Movement in Plantations : Workers in Assam agitated to move freely, a protest against the Inland Emigration Act (1859) which prevented them from leaving the plantation without
    • The Chauri-Chaura incident of 1922 made Gandhiji call off the

     

    SECTION C — TOWARDS  CIVIL  DISOBEDIENCE

    • R. Das and Motilal Nehru founded the Swaraj Party within the Congress to fight elections for the Councils and demand reform.
    • The Simon Commission (1928) led to protests throughout
    • At the Lahore Session of the Congress (Dec. 1929) the Congress adopted the resolution of Complete Swaraj as its 26th January, 1930 to be celebrated as Independence Day.
    • Gandhiji gave the call for Civil Disobedience
    • He chose ‘Salt’ as the symbol of unity of the nation. Called the ‘Salt Tax’ as most inhuman. The movement started on 31 January, 1930. He made eleven demands in a letter to the Viceroy Lord His demands covered every class from industrialists to peasants.
    • Famous Dandi March began on March 12, 1930. On 6th April 1930, Gandhiji reached Dandi, a village in Gujarat and broke the Salt Law by boiling water and manufacturing salt. Thus began the Civil Disobedience
    • The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) attempted to bring the government to a standstill by non-cooperating with the
    • The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed at paralysing the government by performing illegal
    • Boycott of foreign goods, non-payment of taxes, breaking forest laws were its main
    • The British Government followed a policy of brutal repression. Arrested all the leaders including Gandhiji and Nearly 100,000 people were arrested.
    • Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, signed a pact with Gandhiji on 5 March, 1931. Gandhiji agreed to attend the Second Round Table Conference and the British agreed to release all political prisoners.
    • Gandhiji returned from the Second Round Table Conference disappointed in December Civil Disobedience started  again.
    • By 1934 the Movement lost its
    • What Swaraj meant to different social groups who joined the Civil Disobedience
    • To the countryside : Rich peasant communities expected the revenue tax to be reduced, when the British refused to do so, they did not rejoin the movement in 1932.
      • The Poor were the peasants who rented the land from landlords. Depression made them unable to pay rent and wanted it to be reduced. Their relationship with the Congress became
      • The Business Classes. After the war, their huge profits were reduced, wanted protection against import of foreign goods. The failure of the Round Table Conference, curbed their enthusiasm for the Civil Disobedience
      • The industrial working class did not participate in a large number. They joined because of low wages and poor working conditions. Congress was reluctant to include workers’ demands as it would alienate the
      • Women and the Civil Disobedience Movement. 1930 was the year when women entered the struggle for Independence on a massive scale. During Gandhiji’s  Dandi March, they joined protest marches, picketed foreign clothes and shops. But Congress did not encourage them or gave  them important posts in the

      Limits  of  Civil Disobedience

      • The Dalits or the Untouchables did not actively participate in the movement, they demanded reservation of seats, separate electorates. Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the leader of the Dalits, formed an association in 1930, called the Depressed Classes Association. He clashed with
      • Gandhiji began a fast unto death against separate electorate. Finally Poona Pact between the two leaders (1932) gave reserved seats in Provincial and Central Councils but were voted by general
      • Muslim political organisations also kept away from the
      • Congress seemed more visibly associated with Hindu religious nationalist groups. The leader of the Muslim League M.A. Jinnah wanted reserved seats for Muslims in Central Assembly. Civil Disobedience Movement started in an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion between the two

       

      SECTION D — THE SENSE OF COLLECTIVE    BELONGING

      • Collective belonging comes through experiences of common struggles. A common history and fiction, through folklore, songs and popular prints and
      • Bharat Mata became the symbol of
      • Bakim Chandra Chattopadhyay created the image in his song “Vande Mataram” in his novel ‘Anand Math’ (1870s). Abanindranath Tagore painted Bharat Mata as a calm, composed, divine and spiritual
      • Rabindranath Tagore of Bengal and Natesa Sastri of Madras compiled songs, ballads, myths and
      • Reinterpretation of History : Indians delved in the past history and discovered India’s greatness and achievements in mathematics, literature, religion, culture, philosophy, crafts and

      Conclusion : Gandhiji channelised the anger against colonial government into a common struggle for freedom in the first half of the 20th century. He saw the emergence of a nation wanting to liberate itself from the colonial rule, in spite of all its differences.

Chapter 1 India – Size and Location

Social Science Geography [Class IX]

Content’s

• Concept’s of The Story of India – Size and Location Class 9th Social Science Geography
• Notes of The Story of India – Size and Location Class 9th Social Science Geography
• NCERT Textbook Questions Solution’s of India – Size and Location Class 9th Social Science Geography
• Multiple Choice Questions [Solved] [1 Marks] of India – Size and Location Class 9th Social Science Geography
• SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 MARKS) of India – Size and Location Class 9th Social Science Geography
• LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (4 MARKS) of India – Size and Location Class 9th Social Science Geography

LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (4 MARKS)
Q.1. Which are the countries with which India shares land boundaries? Write a short note about India’s position among its neighbours.
Ans. India shares its land boundaries with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the northwest, China (Tibet), Nepal and Bhutan in the north and Myanmar and Bangladesh in the east.
India stands apart from the rest of Asia with the Himalayas acting as a natural barrier to the north and northwest and the Purvanchals in the northeast. Thus, the land boundary of India is protected by mountain ranges, giving India a safer location with respect to its neighbours. India occupies the most eminent position within the Indian subcontinent and has strong geographical and historical links with its neighbours. India shares strong bilateral relationships with its neighbours socially, culturally and economically. Social and cultural exchange with our neighbours has strengthened our position on account of our rich cultural heritage. Economically, we have good trade relations with our neighbours. Politically also, we share good relations with most of our neighbours. The SAARC endeavours to maintain good relations among the neighbouring countries in South Asia.
Q.2. Write a note on the location and size of India [Importnat]
Ans. India is a vast country. It is located in South Asia. From south to north India’s mainland extends between 8°4’N and 37°6’N latitudes. It is located in the Northern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) passes roughly through the middle of the country.
From west to east India extends between 68°7’E and 97°25’E longitudes. It is located in the Eastern Hemisphere.
To the southeast of India’s mainland lie the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and to the southwest lie the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
The landmass of India covers an area of 3.28 million square km. From the point of view of size it is the seventh largest country of the world. It accounts for 2.4 per cent of the total

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie to the southeast of Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal. The Lakshadweep Islands lie in the Arabian Sea to the southwest of India’s mainland, close to the Malabar coast of Kerala.The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie to the southeast of Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal. The Lakshadweep Islands lie in the Arabian Sea to the southwest of India’s mainland, close to the Malabar coast of Kerala.
The Andaman and Nicobars are formed of the Great Andamans and the Little Andamans in the
north and Nicobar Islands in the south. They are groups of numerous big and small islands.
The southernmost point of the Indian Union is located in one of these Islands. These islands are of great strategic importance to India. They lie close to the equator and have equatorial climate. They lie along the trans-Indian Ocean route and close to the south and southeast Asia. Port Blair is the official headquarters of Andaman and Nicobar.
The Lakshadweep Islands are a group of small coral islands lying close to the southern section of the west coast of India. In 1973 the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindive Islands were renamed as Lashadweep. It covers a small area of 32 sq. km. Kavaratti island is the administrative headquarters of Lakshadweep. Both the group of islands are rich in flora and fauna and natural beauty, enhancing India’s geographical entity.
Q.6. How has India’s geographic location aided the nation?
Ans. India is a southward extension of the Asian Continent. It has a central location between the East and the West Asia. To the north of India lie the lofty mountain ranges of the Himalayas which serve as a natural barrier separating Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia. The land routes through the mountain passes had served as channels for exchange of culture and commodities since ancient times. To its south the landmass tapers and the Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean providing opportunities for flourishing maritime trade. The trans-Indian Ocean routes which connect the countries of Europe in the west and the countries of East Asia provide a strategic central location to India. India is able to establish close contacts with oil rich countries of West Asia and countries of Africa and Europe from its western coast via the Arabian Sea. The Suez Canal sea-route provides India the shortest route to industrial Europe and America. India has commercially favourable contacts with Southeast and East Asia and Australia from its eastern coast via the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. Thickly populated countries of Southeast Asia and China lie close to India. This augments the development of trade and cultural relations. Thus, India’s geographical location has aided in the development and progress of the nation.
Q.7. The Tropic of Cancer passes half-way through the country. What does this imply?
Ans. The mainland of India extends between latitudes 8°4/N and 37°6/N. The Tropic of Cancer, 23°30/N, passes halfway through the country. This has its implications for the climate of India as well as influences the duration of day and night.
Places on either side of the Tropic of Cancer experience tropical climate. The tropical monsoon type of climate that India experiences is extreme on account of the Tropic of Cancer. Places further south of Indian Union away from the Tropic of Cancer have more equable climate being closer to equator. Places further north of the Tropic of Cancer have subtropical climate. The sun shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer on 21st June or Summer Solstice. Countries in the Northern Hemisphere including India experience summer during this part of the year. It is also associated with maximum heating of tropics during this period that influences advance of monsoons or rainy season.
Areas along the Tropic of Cancer have their longest day on 21st June. These areas have their shortest day on 22nd December or Winter Solstice when the sun rays are directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (3 MARKS)

Q.1. What is the longitudinal extent of India? State its two implications. [Important]
Ans. The mainland of India extends between longitudes 68°7’E and 97°25’E. The east-west extent is 2933 km in length.
The longitudinal extension shows that India is located in the Eastern Hemisphere and places can be located with reference to longitudes.
On account of the 30° longitudinal extension (97°25′-68°7′ = 29°18′, approximately 30°) there is a time difference of 2 hours (30° *4 min = 120 mins or 2 hours) in local time between the eastern and western limits of India. However, a standard time (5 hours 30 min ahead of GM.T.) is adopted according to the local time of the central meridian of the country, 82°30’E.

Q.2. Describe briefly the geographic location of India in Asia. What is the significance of India’s geographic location?

Ans. The Indian landmass has a central location between the East and the West Asia. India is a southward extension of the Asian Continent.

The trans-Indian Ocean routes which connect the countries of Europe in the west and the countries of East Asia provide a strategic central location to India. The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, thus helping India to establish close contact with oil rich countries of West Asia as well as Africa and Europe from the western coast and the Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast via sea and ocean routes and air routes.

Q.3. What is the latitudinal extent of India? How does it affect India?

Ans. The latitudinal extension of the mainland of India is between 8°4′ N and 37°6′ N. The north-south extension is 3214 km in length.

The latitudinal extension shows that India is located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. The wide latitudinal extent of nearly 30 degrees results in wide variation in climate. The southern parts gets more heat from the sun than the northern parts.

Differences in the duration of day and night is much less in the south of India at lower latitudes, e.g. as in Kanniyakumari. But the difference increases further north, e.g. as in Jammu and Kashmir, as it is further away from the equator.

Q.4. What is the southernmost point of the Indian Union called? Describe its location in India and its current situation.

Ans. The southern-most point of the Indian Union is known as the Indira Point. It is located on the Nicobar Islands, the southern section of the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands. The islands are located in the Bay of Bengal lying to the southeast of India’s mainland.

The Indira Point got submerged under the seawater in December 2004 during the destructive Tsunami that hit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Q.5. Why is the difference in the duration of day and night very little in Kanniyakumari while it is not so in the northern part of the country? Give specific reasons for your answer.

Ans. Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu is located at the southern-most tip of India’s mainland. The latitude 8°4′ N passes close to it. The place is thus near the equator and lies close to the equatorial region. As the sun shines directly over the equator all throughout the year, the duration of day and night is almost equal here. Hence, in Kanniyakumari the difference in the duration of day and night is very little, maximum around 45 minutes only.

But in the northern part of the country located to the north of the Tropic of Cancer away from the equator, the difference between the length of day and night becomes increasingly greater.

Q.6. How have mountain passes been helpful to India since historic times?

Ans. The various mountain passes across the Himalayan range and other mountains in the north have provided passages to travellers since ancient time. The land routes via mountain passes have contributed in the exchange of ideas and commodities since historic times. The ideas of Upanishads and the Ramayana, the stories of Panchtantra, the Indian numerals and the decimal system could thus reach many parts of the world. The spices, muslin and other merchandise were taken from India to different countries. On the other hand, the architectural styles of dome and minarets from West Asia and influence of Greek sculpture, which can be seen in different parts of India, came from other countries to India.

Q.7. How has the long coastline been beneficial to India?Q.7. How has the long coastline been beneficial to India?
Ans. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, extensions of the Indian Ocean, lie to the west and east of Indian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean lies to its south. The total length of the coastline of the mainland of India including Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep is 7516.6 km. The long coastline of India has helped in maritime trade since ages. The central location of India at the head of Indian Ocean has provided it a strategic location along the trans-Indian Ocean routes. India is able to establish close contact with West Asia, Africa and Europe from western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast. The long coastline has also played a major role in influencing the climate of India. It provides opportunities for fishing and extraction of petroleum. It serves as a natural boundary protecting India.
Q.8. Which ocean is named after India? Give two reasons as to why it was named after India.
[important]
Ans. The Indian Ocean is named after India. India is the only country which has the credit of an ocean named after it.
The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, extensions of the Indian Ocean, lie to the west and east of Indian Peninsula, and the Indian Ocean lies to its south. No other country has a long coastline on the Indian Ocean as India. The central location of India at the head of the Indian Ocean has provided India a strategic location of great significance along the trans-Indian Ocean route.
It is India’s eminent position in the Indian Ocean which justifies the naming of the ocean after India.
Q.9. What is the Standard Meridian of India? From where does it pass? [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. The Standard Meridian of India (82°30′ E) passing through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh is taken as the Standard time for the whole country.
Q.10. What was the contribution of land routes to India in ancient times? Explain any three.
[2010 (T-1)]
Ans. India’s contacts with the outside world have continued through the ages, through the land routes and sea routes.
(i) These routes have contributed in the exchange of ideas and commodities since ancient times. The ideas of Upanishads and the Ramayana, the stories of Panchtantra, the Indian numerals and the decimal system could reach many parts of the world.
(ii) The spices, muslin and other merchandise were taken away from India to different countries through this land routes.
(iii) The influence of Greek sculpture and the architectural styles of domes and minarets from West Asia can be seen in different parts of our country.
Q.11. Which meridian has been selected as the Standard Meridian of India? [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. (i) 82°32′ E has been selected as the Standard Meridian of India.
(ii) From Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh, there is a time lag of two hours. To bring the whole country under one time set, 82°32′ E latitude which passes at the centre of the country is taken as a standard time for the whole country in order to maintain uniformity of time. Q.12. Why India is called a subcontinent? Write any three points. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. India is called a subcontinent because of the following reasons :
(i) It is a distinct geographic unit separated from the Asian continent by the majestic
Himalayas and its extensions.

(ii) It has its own culture as distinct from the rest of Asia.(ii) It has its own culture as distinct from the rest of Asia.
(iii) The climate of Indian subcontinent is characterised by monsoon type of climate.
Q.13. What is latitude? What is the latitudinal extent of India? [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. (i) The position of a place, measured in degrees North or South of the equator. It is mostly
calculated on the basis of angular distance of a place north-south of the equator.
(ii) The main land of India extends between latitutdes 8°4′ N and 37°6′ N and longitudes 68°7′ E and 97°25′ E.
Q.14. Name the southernmost point of Indian Union. It is visible today? [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. The southernmost point of the Indian union is ‘Indira point’. It submerged under the sea water in 2004 during the Tsunami. The entire landmass was erased from the map of India.
Q.15. Do you think naming the Indian Ocean after a country is justified. Why? [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. Yes, because no other country has a long coastline on the Indian Ocean as India has. It is because of India’s eminent position in the Indian Ocean which justifies the naming of an ocean after it.
Q.16. How does India occupy an important strategic position in South Asia? Illustrate your answer by explaining three suitable points. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. India occupies an important strategic position in South Asia on the following points :
(i) The Indian landmass has a central location between the East and the West Asia.
(ii) The trans-Indian ocean routes which connect the countries of Europe in the west and the countries of East Asia provide a strategic central location to India.
(iii) The Deccan peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean has helped India to establish close contact with West Asia, Africa and Europe from the western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast.
Q.17. What is latitudinal extent of India? How is the latitudinal spread in India advantageous to her? State two points. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. The latitudinal extent of India lies between 8°4′ N and 37°6′ N. This means that the longitudinal expanse is about 30° from west to east. The advantages of longitudinal spread :
(i) influences the duration of the day and night as one moves from South to North (ii) It also helps to take advantages of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on its east for sea movements.
Q.18. Give a reason for the following statement : [2010 (T-1)]
(a) 82° 30 E Latitude has been selected as the Standard Meridian of India.
(b) The distance between India and Europe has been reduced by 7000 km. with the opening of Suez Canal.
(c) Days and night are almost of equal duration at Kanniyakumari.
Ans. (a) There is a time lag of at least 2 hours if one moves from west to east – from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh. The local time at Arunachal Pradesh would be at least 2 hours ahead of Gujarat. To avoid such differences in local time, Indian Standard Time (IST) has been fixed on 82°30′ E to give the whole country a uniform time.
(b) Before the opening up of Suez Canal in 1869, ships from Europe had to make detour journey via (Cape of Good Hope) African coast after traversing a distance of about 15000 km.
(c) Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu is located at the southern-most tip of India’s mainland. The latitude 8°4′ N passes close to it. The place is thus near the equator and lies close to the

equatorial region. As the sun shines directly over the equator throughout the year, the durations of day and night are almost equal here. Hence, in Kanniyakumari the difference in the duration of day and night is very little, maximum around 45 minutes only.equatorial region. As the sun shines directly over the equator throughout the year, the durations of day and night are almost equal here. Hence, in Kanniyakumari the difference in the duration of day and night is very little, maximum around 45 minutes only.
Q.19. Why is there a difference of 2 hours in local time between the eastern-most part of Arunachal Pradesh and western-most part of Gujarat? Explain. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. The local time in Arunachal Pradesh is two hours ahead of Gujarat because of longitudinal differences. Time is calcullated on the basis of 4 minutes for every 1° of longitude towards East and West of Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT). The difference between Arunachal and Gujarat is 30° East longitude. Therfore, the differences of time between these two places 30 x 4 = 120 minutes or two hours.
Q.20. Explain why Ahmedabad and Kolkata are able to see the noon sun exactly overhead in
a year but not Delhi. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. Kolkata and Ahmedabad is located very close to the Tropic of Cancer and as such both the places see the noon exactly overhead in a year. Delhi, on the other hand is located far north of the Tropic of Cancer and does not enjoy it.
Q.21. Why do we need a Standard Meridia for India? Explain. [2010 (T-1)]
Ans. Due to vastness of the country there is a difference of time between places as one moves from east to west and vice versa. In order to set right this problem Stardard Meridia is needed.