Class 9 Geography Chapter 1 Notes (April 2025)

Chapter 1 of Class 9 Geography, India – Size and Location, gives an overview of India’s geographical position, size, and its importance in the world. It covers the latitudinal and longitudinal extent, the Standard Meridian, and India’s strategic location between important trade routes. The chapter also discusses India’s neighboring countries, coastline, and time difference across different regions.

To help students understand the chapter better, we have included concise notes along with practice questions and answers. These questions will help reinforce key concepts and prepare for exams.

Class 9 Geography Chapter 1 Notes (with Practice Questions and Answers)

India, Size and Location

India is a large and diverse country with a rich history and a unique geographical position. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and has made significant progress in various fields such as agriculture, industry, technology, and economy. Due to its location and size, India plays an important role in global trade and cultural exchange.

Location of India

India is situated entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. It lies between latitudes 8°4’N and 37°6’N and longitudes 68°7’E and 97°25’E. The Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N) passes through the middle of the country, dividing it into two almost equal halves.

India is surrounded by various water bodies. To the west, it has the Arabian Sea. To the east, it has the Bay of Bengal. To the south, it extends into the Indian Ocean.

Apart from the mainland, India also has two major island groups:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal (southeast of the mainland)
• Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea (southwest of the mainland)

India’s geographical location has influenced its history, trade, and culture for thousands of years.

Size of India

India covers a total area of 3.28 million square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest country in the world. It occupies about 2.4% of the Earth’s total land area.

India has a land boundary of approximately 15,200 km and a coastline of 7,516.6 km, which includes the shores of its islands. The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean, giving India a significant maritime advantage.

Geographical Boundaries

India is bordered by:

• Young fold mountains in the north, such as the Himalayas, which separate it from China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
• Pakistan in the northwest.
• Myanmar and Bangladesh in the east.
• Sri Lanka and the Maldives lie to the south, separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar.

India’s landmass narrows as it extends southward into the Indian Ocean, dividing it into two large water bodies:

1. The Arabian Sea (on the west)
2. The Bay of Bengal (on the east)

This location provides India with access to important sea routes and makes it a major player in international trade.

Time Zones and the Standard Meridian of India

India spans about 30° of longitude from Gujarat in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east. This means there is a time difference of nearly two hours between these regions. However, the entire country follows one standard time zone.

India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is based on the 82°30’E longitude. This Standard Meridian passes through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and is considered the central reference for time across the country.

Although the sun rises earlier in Arunachal Pradesh than in Gujarat, all of India follows the same time to maintain uniformity in communication, trade, and governance.

India and Its Global Position

India occupies a strategic position in South Asia. It is often referred to as a subcontinent due to its size, population, and diverse geographical features.

India serves as a bridge between the eastern and western parts of Asia. The Indian Ocean provides an important route for global trade, connecting Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

One of the most significant historical events in global trade was the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which reduced the distance between India and Europe by 7,000 km. This allowed faster and more efficient movement of goods and people.

The Importance of India’s Central Location

• The Deccan Peninsula extends into the Indian Ocean, allowing easy access to both the western and eastern trade routes.
• India shares its coastline with the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, helping in maritime trade with Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
• No other country has such a long coastline along the Indian Ocean, making India an important player in regional trade and politics.

India and Its Neighbors

India shares its borders with several countries, making it an essential part of South Asia. Its neighboring countries are:

• Pakistan and Afghanistan (northwest)
• China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan (north)
• Myanmar and Bangladesh (east)
• Sri Lanka and the Maldives (south, across the ocean)

Geographical and Cultural Connections

India has had long-standing trade, cultural, and historical relationships with its neighbors. Some key facts about its connections include:

• Trade and Ideas: Since ancient times, trade routes have connected India to the world. Goods like spices, muslin, silk, and precious stones were exported, while India also imported art, architecture, and cultural influences from other regions.
• Cultural Influence: Indian religions, languages, and philosophies have influenced many parts of Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
• Impact of the Himalayas: The Himalayas act as a natural barrier, limiting movement but also protecting India from extreme weather and invasions in the past.
• Exchange of Knowledge: Indian contributions such as the decimal system, numerals, and scientific knowledge have influenced global learning.

India’s size and geographical position have played a key role in its development and interactions with the world. Its vast landmass, rich natural resources, and access to important trade routes have helped shape its history.

The country’s strategic location in South Asia, surrounded by important sea and land routes, makes it a center of cultural, economic, and political activities. India’s unique geography has contributed to its growth and will continue to influence its future.

Class 9 Geography, Chapter 1 Question and Answer

50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from Class 9 Geography, Chapter 1: India – Size and Location, along with four options for each question and the correct answer.

1. Location and Extent of India

1. India lies in which hemisphere?
   a) Southern
   b) Northern
   c) Western
   d) Eastern
   Ans: b) Northern
2. What is the latitudinal extent of India?
   a) 8°4’N to 37°6’N
   b) 5°4’N to 40°6’N
   c) 10°4’N to 45°6’N
   d) 2°4’N to 50°6’N
   Ans: a) 8°4’N to 37°6’N
3. What is the longitudinal extent of India?
   a) 60°7’E to 100°25’E
   b) 70°7’E to 105°25’E
   c) 68°7’E to 97°25’E
   d) 50°7’E to 80°25’E
   Ans: c) 68°7’E to 97°25’E
4. Which important latitude passes through the middle of India?
   a) Equator
   b) Tropic of Capricorn
   c) Tropic of Cancer
   d) Arctic Circle
   Ans: c) Tropic of Cancer
5. Which is the southernmost point of India?
   a) Kanyakumari
   b) Indira Point
   c) Port Blair
   d) Rameshwaram
   Ans: b) Indira Point

2. Size and Shape of India

6. What is the total area of India?
   a) 2.4 million sq. km
   b) 3.28 million sq. km
   c) 4.5 million sq. km
   d) 5.6 million sq. km
   Ans: b) 3.28 million sq. km
7. India ranks __ in terms of area in the world.
   a) 3rd
   b) 5th
   c) 7th
   d) 10th
   Ans: c) 7th
8. What percentage of the world’s total land area does India occupy?
   a) 1.2%
   b) 2.4%
   c) 3.6%
   d) 4.8%
   Ans: b) 2.4%
9. What is the total land boundary of India?
   a) 10,000 km
   b) 12,500 km
   c) 15,200 km
   d) 18,000 km
   Ans: c) 15,200 km
10. What is the total length of India’s coastline, including islands?
    a) 5,000 km
    b) 6,200 km
    c) 7,516.6 km
    d) 8,000 km
    Ans: c) 7,516.6 km

3. Time Zones and Standard Meridian

11. What is the Standard Meridian of India?
    a) 80°E
    b) 81°E
    c) 82°30’E
    d) 83°E
    Ans: c) 82°30’E
12. Which city does the Standard Meridian of India pass through?
    a) Delhi
    b) Mirzapur
    c) Mumbai
    d) Kolkata
    Ans: b) Mirzapur
13. India has a time difference of __ between its easternmost and westernmost points.
    a) 30 minutes
    b) 1 hour
    c) 2 hours
    d) 3 hours
    Ans: c) 2 hours
14. Why does India follow a single time zone despite its wide longitudinal extent?
    a) To maintain uniformity
    b) Because of international laws
    c) Due to the Prime Meridian
    d) None of these
    Ans: a) To maintain uniformity
15. Which state experiences sunrise first in India?
    a) Gujarat
    b) West Bengal
    c) Arunachal Pradesh
    d) Assam
    Ans: c) Arunachal Pradesh

4. India’s Position in the World

16. Which continent is India a part of?
    a) Europe
    b) Asia
    c) Africa
    d) South America
    Ans: b) Asia
17. Which ocean lies to the south of India?
    a) Pacific Ocean
    b) Atlantic Ocean
    c) Indian Ocean
    d) Arctic Ocean
    Ans: c) Indian Ocean
18. India is located between which two regions of Asia?
    a) East Asia and West Asia
    b) North Asia and South Asia
    c) Central Asia and South Asia
    d) South Asia and Southeast Asia
    Ans: d) South Asia and Southeast Asia
19. Which water body separates India from Sri Lanka?
    a) Arabian Sea
    b) Palk Strait
    c) Gulf of Kutch
    d) Gulf of Aden
    Ans: b) Palk Strait
20. Which sea lies to the west of India?
    a) Caspian Sea
    b) Black Sea
    c) Arabian Sea
    d) Red Sea
    Ans: c) Arabian Sea

5. India’s Borders and Neighbors

21. Which country does NOT share a land border with India?
    a) Nepal
    b) China
    c) Myanmar
    d) Sri Lanka
    Ans: d) Sri Lanka
22. How many neighboring countries does India have?
    a) 5
    b) 6
    c) 7
    d) 9
    Ans: c) 7
23. Which of the following states shares a border with China?
    a) Gujarat
    b) Sikkim
    c) Maharashtra
    d) Kerala
    Ans: b) Sikkim
24. Which of these countries does NOT have a common border with India?
    a) Afghanistan
    b) Pakistan
    c) Bangladesh
    d) Thailand
    Ans: d) Thailand
25. Which is the smallest neighboring country of India (by area)?
    a) Nepal
    b) Bhutan
    c) Bangladesh
    d) Sri Lanka
    Ans: b) Bhutan

6. India’s States and Union Territories

26. How many states are there in India?
    a) 25
    b) 28
    c) 29
    d) 30
    Ans: b) 28
27. How many Union Territories does India have?
    a) 5
    b) 6
    c) 7
    d) 8
    Ans: d) 8
28. Which is the largest state in India by area?
    a) Maharashtra
    b) Uttar Pradesh
    c) Rajasthan
    d) Madhya Pradesh
    Ans: c) Rajasthan
29. Which is the smallest state in India by area?
    a) Sikkim
    b) Goa
    c) Manipur
    d) Tripura
    Ans: b) Goa
30. Which Union Territory is the largest in terms of area?
    a) Jammu and Kashmir
    b) Ladakh
    c) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    d) Delhi
    Ans: b) Ladakh

7. India’s Geography and Physical Features

31. Which two island groups are part of India?
    a) Maldives and Lakshadweep
    b) Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar
    c) Sri Lanka and Andaman Islands
    d) Andaman Islands and Fiji
    Ans: b) Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar
32. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in which water body?
    a) Arabian Sea
    b) Bay of Bengal
    c) Indian Ocean
    d) Pacific Ocean
    Ans: b) Bay of Bengal
33. Lakshadweep Islands are located in which sea?
    a) Arabian Sea
    b) Bay of Bengal
    c) Andaman Sea
    d) South China Sea
    Ans: a) Arabian Sea
34. Which state of India is entirely covered by the Himalayas?
    a) Sikkim
    b) Himachal Pradesh
    c) Arunachal Pradesh
    d) Uttarakhand
    Ans: a) Sikkim
35. Which of the following states does NOT share a border with Nepal?
    a) Uttarakhand
    b) Sikkim
    c) West Bengal
    d) Assam
    Ans: d) Assam

8. Historical and Cultural Significance

36. Which ancient trade route connected India to other parts of Asia and Europe?
    a) Spice Route
    b) Silk Route
    c) Trans-Siberian Route
    d) Maritime Silk Route
    Ans: b) Silk Route
37. Which of the following was a major export from ancient India?
    a) Oil
    b) Muslin
    c) Silver
    d) Coffee
    Ans: b) Muslin
38. Which ancient text originated from India and influenced the world?
    a) Iliad
    b) Upanishads
    c) Bible
    d) Quran
    Ans: b) Upanishads
39. Which number system was first developed in India?
    a) Binary system
    b) Decimal system
    c) Roman numerals
    d) Egyptian numerals
    Ans: b) Decimal system
40. Which form of architecture was influenced by Persian and West Asian styles in India?
    a) Stupas
    b) Temples
    c) Minarets and domes
    d) Rock-cut caves
    Ans: c) Minarets and domes

9. India’s Strategic Importance

41. Which of the following makes India’s location important for trade?
    a) It is located in the Northern Hemisphere
    b) It has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean
    c) It is a landlocked country
    d) It has high mountains in the north
    Ans: b) It has a long coastline along the Indian Ocean
42. Which of the following sea routes is closest to India?
    a) Atlantic Ocean Route
    b) Arctic Ocean Route
    c) Suez Canal Route
    d) Panama Canal Route
    Ans: c) Suez Canal Route
43. What is the significance of the Deccan Peninsula?
    a) It is the largest desert in India
    b) It extends into the Indian Ocean, helping trade
    c) It has the highest mountains in India
    d) It is the coldest part of India
    Ans: b) It extends into the Indian Ocean, helping trade
44. Which factor helped India develop trade relations with West Asia, Africa, and Europe?
    a) Its mountain ranges
    b) Its central location in Asia
    c) Its large rivers
    d) Its dense forests
    Ans: b) Its central location in Asia
45. Which ocean is named after India?
    a) Pacific Ocean
    b) Atlantic Ocean
    c) Indian Ocean
    d) Arctic Ocean
    Ans: c) Indian Ocean

10. Miscellaneous Questions

46. Which country has the longest land boundary with India?
    a) China
    b) Pakistan
    c) Bangladesh
    d) Nepal
    Ans: c) Bangladesh
47. Which Indian state shares a border with Pakistan?
    a) Assam
    b) Gujarat
    c) Madhya Pradesh
    d) Bihar
    Ans: b) Gujarat
48. Which of the following states is landlocked?
    a) Maharashtra
    b) Kerala
    c) Madhya Pradesh
    d) Odisha
    Ans: c) Madhya Pradesh
49. Which country is to the west of India?
    a) Bangladesh
    b) Nepal
    c) Pakistan
    d) Myanmar
    Ans: c) Pakistan
50. Which of the following is an Indian island territory?
    a) Sri Lanka
    b) Maldives
    c) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
    d) Sumatra
    Ans: c) Andaman & Nicobar Islands