Chapter 7 – Our country – India

These NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 7 notes explain India’s location, physical divisions, neighbours, and unity in diversity.

1. Location of India

•  India is located in South Asia.
•  It lies in the Northern Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere.
•  The latitudinal extent of India is from 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N.
•  The longitudinal extent of India is from 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E.
•  This wide extent results in diverse climate conditions.
•  It also leads to rich cultural diversity across the country.

2. Tropic of Cancer

•  The Tropic of Cancer (23½° N) passes almost through the middle of India.
•  It divides India into tropical and subtropical regions.
•  Areas south of the Tropic lie in the tropical zone.
•  Areas north of it lie in the subtropical zone.
•  This division affects climate and vegetation patterns.

3. Indian Standard Time

•  Indian Standard Time (IST) is used throughout the country.
•  IST is based on 82½° East longitude.
•  This longitude passes near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.
•  Using one standard time ensures uniformity.
•  It avoids confusion caused by different local times.

4. Neighbours of India

•  India shares land boundaries with several countries.
•  Pakistan and Afghanistan lie to the north-west.
•  China, Nepal, and Bhutan lie to the north.
•  Bangladesh and Myanmar lie to the east.
•  Sri Lanka is separated by the Palk Strait.
•  Maldives lies in the Arabian Sea.

5. Physical divisions of India

•  India is divided into six major physical divisions.
•  The Northern Mountains include the Himalayas.
•  The Northern Plains are formed by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.
•  The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest landmass and rich in minerals.
•  The Indian Desert or Thar Desert lies in Rajasthan.
•  Coastal Plains and Islands complete the physical divisions.

6. Coastal plains and islands

•  The Western Coastal Plains lie along the Arabian Sea.
•  The Eastern Coastal Plains lie along the Bay of Bengal.
•  These plains are important for ports and trade.
•  The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal.
•  The Lakshadweep Islands lie in the Arabian Sea.
•  Islands are important for strategic and economic reasons.

7. Political divisions of India

•  India has 28 States.
•  It has 8 Union Territories.
•  These divisions help in administration.
•  Each state has its own government.
•  New Delhi is the capital of India.

8. National symbols

•  The National Flag of India is the Tricolour.
•  The National Anthem is Jana Gana Mana.
•  The National Emblem is the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
•  National symbols represent India’s identity.
•  They promote unity and patriotism.

9. Unity in diversity

•  India has many languages.
•  People follow different religions.
•  There are various customs and traditions.
•  Despite differences, India remains one nation.
•  India is often described as unity in diversity.
•  It is like a garland of different flowers tied with one thread.

10. Important keywords

•  Subcontinent refers to a large geographical unit.
•  Tropic of Cancer is an important latitude.
•  Peninsula is land surrounded by water on three sides.
•  Plateau is an elevated flat land.
•  Strait is a narrow water passage.
•  Island is land surrounded by water on all sides.

11. Why this chapter is important

•  This chapter builds a basic understanding of India.
•  It forms the foundation of Indian geography.
•  It helps in understanding Indian polity.
•  It explains physical and political features together.
•  It is very important for BPSC, State PCS, and UPSC foundation.
•  It strengthens map-based and static geography concepts.

This chapter builds a strong foundation for Indian geography and polity.

Continue reading Class 6 Geography Chapter 8 – India: Climate, Vegetation and Wildlife to understand India’s environment.

FAQs

Q1. Which latitude passes through India?
Tropic of Cancer.

Q2. How many physical divisions does India have?
Six major physical divisions.