Geography
India is a vast country located in South Asia, primarily in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth.
- Geographical Location:
- It is situated in the northern hemisphere.
- It lies in the eastern hemisphere.
- It occupies a major part of the Indian subcontinent in South Asia.
- Latitudinal Extent:
Mainland India extends from approximately 8°4' North to 37°6' North latitude.
Including its islands, the southernmost point, Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is located at 6°45' North latitude.
- Longitudinal Extent:
India stretches from approximately 68°7' East to 97°25' East longitude.
- Extent (Area and Dimensions):
- Area: India covers an area of approximately 3.287 million square kilometers (3,287,263 sq km), making it the seventh-largest country in the world by land area.
- North-South Extent: The distance from North to South (Kashmir to Kanyakumari) is about 3,214 kilometers.
- East-West Extent: The distance from East to West (Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat) is about 2,933 kilometers.
- Land Frontier: India has a land frontier of about 15,200 kilometers.
- Coastline: The total length of the coastline of the mainland is 6,100 kilometers. Including the coastlines of the Andaman and Nicobar, and Lakshadweep islands, the total coastline is approximately 7,516.6 kilometers.
- Neighboring Countries:
India shares land borders with seven countries:
- Pakistan to the west
- Afghanistan to the northwest (a short border in disputed territory)
- China to the north
- Nepal to the north
- Bhutan to the north
- Bangladesh to the east
- Myanmar (Burma) to the east
- Water Bodies:
India is bordered by three major water bodies:
- The Arabian Sea to the west
- The Bay of Bengal to the east
- The Indian Ocean to the south
The primary difference between a physical map and a political map lies in the information they depict:
- Physical Map: These maps illustrate the physical features of an area, such as mountains, rivers, deserts, and elevation. They focus on the natural landscape.
- Political Map: These maps show governmental boundaries of countries, states, and counties. They often include the locations of major cities, capitals, and other administrative divisions.
In essence, physical maps highlight the Earth's natural features, while political maps emphasize human-defined boundaries and political entities.
For example:
- A physical map of the United States would show the Rocky Mountains, the Mississippi River, and the Great Plains.
- A political map of the United States would show the boundaries of each state, the location of Washington, D.C., and the state capitals.
For more information, you can refer to resources like the National Geographic Education website:
National Geographic - Maps
Yes, wells and baoris are important traditional water resources, especially in regions where surface water is scarce. They play a significant role in water conservation and supply.
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Wells are excavated holes or drilled shafts that reach groundwater.
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They have been used for centuries to provide water for drinking, irrigation, and other domestic purposes.
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Wells can be categorized into open wells and tube wells, each having different construction and extraction methods.
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Baoris, also known as stepwells, are unique water storage systems primarily found in India.
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They involve descending sets of steps into the ground to reach the water level.
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Baoris are not only functional but also architecturally significant, often serving as community gathering places.
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They help in groundwater recharge and reduce water evaporation.
Both wells and baoris are crucial for sustainable water management, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, by providing a reliable water source and promoting water conservation.
For more information, you can refer to these resources:
Life in the hills can be difficult for a variety of reasons, stemming from the terrain, climate, and limited infrastructure.
- Steep slopes: Make construction and agriculture challenging.
- Isolation: Remote locations often lack easy access to markets, services, and emergency assistance. Travel can be hazardous, especially during bad weather.
- Harsh weather conditions: High altitudes experience extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and strong winds, making daily life difficult and increasing the risk of natural disasters like landslides.
- Shorter growing seasons: Limited sunlight and lower temperatures restrict agricultural productivity.
- Limited infrastructure: Roads, communication networks, and utilities (water, electricity) are often underdeveloped or unreliable due to the challenging terrain and remoteness.
- Economic opportunities: Fewer employment opportunities can lead to poverty and out-migration, particularly among young people.
- Healthcare and education: Access to quality healthcare and educational facilities can be limited, impacting the well-being and future prospects of residents.
These factors combine to create a challenging environment for people living in hilly regions, impacting their livelihoods, health, and overall quality of life.
Plains, often characterized by their vast, relatively flat expanses of land, can be considered natural treasures due to a combination of factors:
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Biodiversity Hotspots:
Plains can support a wide variety of plant and animal species. Grasslands, a type of plain, are known for their diverse flora, which in turn supports a variety of fauna, including grazing animals, birds, and insects.
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Agricultural Significance:
The fertile soils of many plains make them ideal for agriculture. They are often the "breadbaskets" of regions and countries, providing essential food resources.
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Carbon Sequestration:
Grasslands and other plains vegetation play a role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change by storing carbon in the soil.
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Water Resources:
Plains can act as important watersheds, collecting and filtering water that replenishes rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
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Geological and Historical Significance:
Some plains hold geological importance, showcasing unique landforms or formations. Additionally, many plains have historical significance as sites of human settlement, migration, and cultural development.
It's important to note that the value of plains as natural treasures is increasingly recognized, leading to conservation efforts aimed at protecting their biodiversity, ecological functions, and cultural heritage.