1. Location and Size of India

• India is located in the northern and eastern hemispheres.
• The mainland extends approximately from 8°4′N to 37°6′N latitudes.
• India extends approximately from 68°7′E to 97°25′E longitudes.
• The Tropic of Cancer, at 23°30′N, passes through India.
• The Standard Meridian of India is 82°30′E.
• Indian Standard Time is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
• India is the seventh-largest country in the world by area.
• India has a land boundary with several countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• India’s southernmost point, Indira Point, is located in the Nicobar Islands.

2. Physical Features of India

India can be divided into six major physiographic divisions.

Himalayan Divisions

• Himadri: The Great Himalaya; contains some of the highest peaks.
• Himachal: The Lesser Himalaya; includes ranges such as Pir Panjal.
• Shiwalik: The outermost and lowest Himalayan range.

Important Peaks

• Kangchenjunga is the highest peak in India according to the commonly used Indian geographical classification.
• Nanda Devi is one of the highest peaks located entirely within India.
• Anamudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

3. Rivers of India

Indian rivers are broadly divided into Himalayan rivers and Peninsular rivers.

Himalayan Rivers

• These rivers are generally perennial because they receive water from glaciers, snow and rainfall.
• The major Himalayan river systems are the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra.
• The Ganga is formed at Devprayag by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda.
• The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier.
• The Brahmaputra is known as Tsangpo in Tibet.

Peninsular Rivers

• Most Peninsular rivers are seasonal and depend mainly on rainfall.
• The Godavari is the longest Peninsular river and is often called the “Dakshin Ganga.”
• The Krishna, Kaveri, Mahanadi and Narmada are important Peninsular rivers.
• The Narmada and Tapi flow westwards and form estuaries.
• Most major east-flowing rivers form deltas before entering the Bay of Bengal.

4. Climate of India

India has a monsoon type of climate, characterised by seasonal reversal of winds.

Major Seasons

Important Climate Facts

• The southwest monsoon generally reaches Kerala in early June.
• The two branches of the southwest monsoon are the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
• Mawsynram in Meghalaya is widely known for receiving very high annual rainfall.
• The Loo is a hot, dry wind that blows across parts of northern India during summer.
• Western disturbances bring winter rainfall to northwestern India.
• Tamil Nadu receives a significant share of its rainfall from the northeast or retreating monsoon.

5. Soils of India

6. Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

Natural vegetation varies according to rainfall, temperature, soil and relief.

Major Types of Natural Vegetation

• Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in areas of heavy rainfall, such as parts of the Western Ghats and the Northeast.
• Tropical Deciduous Forests: Also called monsoon forests; widely distributed in India.
• Tropical Thorn Forests: Found in dry regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and parts of the Deccan.
• Mountain Vegetation: Changes with altitude in the Himalayan region.
• Mangrove Forests: Found in tidal coastal areas, especially the Sundarbans.

Wildlife Conservation

• Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
• Gir National Park in Gujarat is famous for Asiatic lions.
• Kaziranga National Park is famous for the one-horned rhinoceros.
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kerala.
• Ranthambore National Park is located in Rajasthan.
• The Sundarbans are known for mangrove forests and Royal Bengal tigers.

7. Agriculture of India

Agriculture is an important economic activity in India and supports a large part of the population.

Types of Cropping Seasons

Important Crops and Conditions

• Rice: Requires high temperature and adequate water.
• Wheat: Requires cool growing conditions and bright sunshine at ripening.
• Cotton: Grows well in black soil and a warm climate.
• Tea: Requires a warm, wet climate and well-drained soil.
• Coffee: Is mainly grown in the hill regions of southern India.
• Jute: Grows well in warm, humid conditions and alluvial soil.

Green Revolution

The Green Revolution increased food-grain production through high-yielding varieties of seeds, irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides and improved agricultural practices. In India, it was particularly associated with wheat and rice production.

8. Minerals and Energy Resources

Renewable Energy

• Solar energy has strong potential in western and central India.
• Wind energy is important in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
• Hydroelectric power is generated in areas with suitable rivers and relief.
• Biomass and geothermal energy are also potential energy sources.

9. Industries of India

Major Industries

• Iron and Steel Industry: Important centres include Jamshedpur, Bhilai, Rourkela, Bokaro, Durgapur and Visakhapatnam.
• Cotton Textile Industry: Major centres include Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Coimbatore and Kanpur.
• Jute Industry: Concentrated mainly along the Hooghly River in West Bengal.
• Sugar Industry: Important in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Bihar.
• Information Technology: Major centres include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Gurugram.
• Petrochemical Industry: Located near petroleum-refining and industrial centres.

10. Transport and Communication

Roadways

• Road transport provides door-to-door services and is important for short and medium distances.
• National Highways connect major cities, ports, industrial areas and state capitals.
• The Golden Quadrilateral connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Railways

• Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world.
• Railways are important for transporting passengers and bulk goods.
• The Konkan Railway passes through difficult terrain along the western coast.

Waterways and Airways

• Water transport is economical for heavy and bulky goods.
• Important ports include Mumbai, Kandla, Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata-Haldia.
• Air transport is the fastest mode of transport over long distances.

11. Population and Settlements

• Population distribution in India is uneven due to differences in relief, climate, water availability, soil and economic opportunities.
• The Northern Plains and coastal regions are generally densely populated.
• Mountainous, desert and forested regions generally have lower population density.
• Urbanisation refers to the increasing proportion of people living in urban areas.
• Migration may occur due to employment, education, marriage, natural disasters or other social and economic factors.

Types of Settlements

• Rural Settlements: Primarily associated with agriculture and other primary activities.
• Urban Settlements: Associated with industries, trade, administration and services.
• Settlement patterns may be compact, dispersed, linear or clustered depending on local conditions.

Quick Revision: Important Indian Geography Facts