Our Country – India | Class 6 Geography Notes

Tip: This chapter is important for identifying key geographical divisions of India. Focus on map-based and directional questions.
Our Country – India
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India, our country, is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and a land of rich diversity. The chapter "Our Country – India" helps students understand the basic geographical features of India, its location, divisions, and political boundaries. Let's explore this chapter in a detailed and exam-friendly way.

India’s Location and Size

India lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. The mainland extends between latitudes 8°4'N and 37°6'N, and longitudes 68°7'E and 97°25'E.

  • India is the seventh-largest country in the world by area.
  • The total area of India is about 3.28 million square kilometers.
  • It is bounded by the Himalayas in the north and surrounded by the Arabian Sea (west), Bay of Bengal (east), and Indian Ocean (south).

India’s Neighbors

India shares borders with several countries:

  • Pakistan and Afghanistan in the northwest
  • China, Nepal, and Bhutan in the north
  • Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east
  • India is also close to Sri Lanka and Maldives in the south

Political and Administrative Divisions

India is a Union of States. As of now, it has:

  • 28 states and 8 Union Territories
  • Each state and UT has its own capital
Exam Tip: Learn the map of India showing all states and capitals. It’s a favorite for diagram-based questions.

Physical Divisions of India

India can be divided into six major physical divisions:

  1. The Northern Mountains: Includes the Himalayas which cover Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  2. The Northern Plains: Fertile flat lands formed by rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
  3. The Peninsular Plateau: Triangular-shaped landmass with hills and valleys, including the Deccan Plateau.
  4. The Indian Desert: The Thar Desert located in Rajasthan.
  5. The Coastal Plains: Include the Eastern and Western Coastal Plains.
  6. The Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar (Bay of Bengal) and Lakshadweep (Arabian Sea).

India’s Political Map

India’s political map shows states, UTs, and their capitals. It’s a must-know for students.

  • Delhi is the capital of India
  • Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru are major metro cities

Direction and Distance

Understanding directions (north, south, east, west) helps locate cities and places easily on maps. Delhi lies north of Bhopal. Mumbai lies west of Nagpur.

Geography Trick: Use the acronym "NEWS" to remember all four main directions – North, East, West, and South.

Significance of India’s Location

India’s location is of strategic importance:

  • It lies at the head of the Indian Ocean
  • Good trade links with Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa
  • Access to global maritime routes

Class 6 Map Practice

Students must practice locating the following on the map of India:

  • Neighboring countries
  • Major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra
  • Mountains – Himalayas, Western and Eastern Ghats
  • Desert – Thar
  • Capitals of all 28 states

Conclusion

Understanding the geography of India gives us a strong foundation of our nation’s diversity and vastness. This chapter connects us with the spatial aspect of our country, helping us become more aware of our surroundings and India's position in the world.

More Resources: Explore more Class 6 Study Material