The Great Indian Desert/Thar Desert

India – Size and Location

Location of India...

Location of India

India is entirely situated in the Northern Hemisphere and falls longitudinally within the Eastern Hemisphere. Its latitudinal extent spans from 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N, covering a range from south to north. The longitudinal extent of India stretches from 68°7′ E to 97°25′ E, spanning from west to east. The Tropic of Cancer at 23°30′ N divides India almost into two equal parts, passing through eight states: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. Positioned southeast of the mainland are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. To the southwest of the mainland are the Lakshadweep Islands, situated in the Arabian Sea. The southernmost point of India, known as “Indira Point” on the Great Nicobar Island, submerged under seawater during the 2004 Tsunami....

Size of India

India covers an area of approximately 3.28 million square kilometers, accounting for about 2.4% of the world’s total geographical area. Ranking as the seventh largest country globally, India follows Russia, Canada, USA, China, Brazil, and Australia in terms of size. Its land boundary stretches approximately 15,200 kilometers, while the total length of its coastline, including the Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar islands, measures 7517 kilometers. Despite having a relatively similar longitudinal and latitudinal extent of approximately 30°, India’s north-south extent appears larger than its east-west span. The mainland of India extends from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south, covering a distance of 3214 kilometers, and from Arunachal Pradesh in the east to Gujarat in the west, spanning 2933 kilometers. India’s territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles (approximately 21.9 kilometers) from the coast. Positioned within the Tropics in the south and the sub-tropical or warm temperate zone in the north, India experiences significant variations in landforms, climate, soil types, and natural vegetation. Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh marks the location of the Standard Meridian of India at 82°30′ E, serving as the basis for Indian Standard Time. There is a two-hour time difference from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Standard Time precedes Greenwich Mean Time by 5 hours and 30 minutes. The Standard Meridian of India passes through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh....

India and the World

Geographically situated in the south-central region of the Asian continent, India shares its borders with seven neighboring countries. India’s land boundaries are contiguous with Pakistan and Afghanistan to the northwest, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north, and Myanmar and Bangladesh to the east. Among these neighbors, Bangladesh shares the longest border with India, stretching approximately 4096.7 kilometers, while the shortest border is with Afghanistan, spanning just 106 kilometers. Across the sea, India’s southern neighbors include Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Sri Lanka is separated from India by a narrow sea channel comprising the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar, while the Maldives islands lie south of the Lakshadweep islands....

Physical Features of India – Indian Geography

The physiography of a region reflects its structural composition, ongoing processes, and evolutionary stage. India’s terrain showcases considerable diversity. Geologically, the Peninsular Plateau stands as one of the oldest landmasses, constituting one of the most stable land formations on the planet’s surface. In contrast, the Himalayas and the Northern Plains are relatively recent geological formations. The Himalayan range displays a youthful topography characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and swiftly flowing rivers. Conversely, the Northern Plains have emerged from alluvial sediment deposits, while the Peninsular Plateau is primarily composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, featuring gently sloping hills and expansive valleys....

Major Physiographic Divisions

The physical features of India can be grouped under the following physiographic divisions:...

The Himalayan Mountains

The Himalayas stand as one of the tallest and most rugged mountain ranges globally, characterized by their youthfulness and structural folding. Spanning approximately 2500 km from east to west, the Great Himalayan range, also known as the central axial range, varies in width from 400 km in Kashmir to 150 km in Arunachal Pradesh....

The Northern Plains

Situated south of the Shiwalik range, the expansive plains in northern India serve as a transitional zone bridging the Himalayas in the north and Peninsular India in the south. These plains are formed by the sedimentary deposits of major rivers like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra, along with their tributaries, covering an extensive area of 7 lakh sq. km. Stretching approximately 2400 km in length and 240-320 km in width, these plains benefit from fertile soil, abundant water resources, and favorable climatic conditions, making them highly conducive to agriculture....

The Peninsula Plateau

Constituting the largest physiographic division of India, the Peninsular upland forms an irregular triangle with a general elevation ranging from 600 to 900 meters. Its outer boundaries include the Delhi ridge in the northwest (an extension of the Aravallis), the Raj Mahal hills in the east, the Gir range in the west, and the Cardamom hills in the south. The northeast extension features the Shillong and Karbi-Anglong plateau. Originating from the fragmentation and movement of the Gondwana landmass, the Peninsular Plateau stands as one of India’s oldest and most stable landmasses, comprising ancient crystalline, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. Notable plateaus within Peninsular India include the Hazaribagh, Palamu, Ranchi, Malwa, Coimbatore, and Karnataka plateaus....

The Great Indian Desert/Thar Desert

A desert is characterized by aridity, where evaporation surpasses precipitation. More than 60% of the Thar desert is situated within Rajasthan. Located northwest of the Aravalli hills, the Great Indian Desert/Thar Desert features undulating terrain punctuated by longitudinal dunes and crescent-shaped barchans. Receiving minimal rainfall, typically below 150 mm annually, the region boasts an arid climate with sparse vegetation, earning it the moniker Marusthali....

The Coastal Plains

Flanking the Peninsular plateau are narrow coastal strips along the Arabian Sea in the west (Western Coastal Plains) and the Bay of Bengal in the east (Eastern Coastal Plains)....

The Islands (Indian Geography)

India hosts two primary island groups: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea....

Conclusion: Indian Geography

The geography of India presents a diverse and fascinating tapestry of landforms, climates, and ecosystems. From the lofty peaks of the Himalayas to the expansive plains of the Ganges basin, and from the arid deserts of Rajasthan to the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, India boasts a rich variety of natural features. The intricate network of rivers, including the sacred Ganges and the mighty Brahmaputra, sustains agriculture and livelihoods across the country....

Indian Geography: FAQs

What is India’s main geography?...