Consider the following statements regarding India’s contact with the world: 1. The maritime contacts of India are older than its land routes. 2. The various passes across the mountains in the north provided passages to ancient travellers. 3. The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, helping India establish contact with West Asia and Africa. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation India’s geographical location, bounded by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south, has significantly shaped its historical interactions with the world through both land and sea routes. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The land routes through the mountain passes are much older than the maritime contacts. For a long period in ancient history, the oceans restricted interaction, whereas the mountain passes facilitated the movement of travelers and traders. - Statement 2 is Correct: The various passes across the mountains in the north (such as the Khyber and Bolan passes) provided passages to ancient travelers, invaders, and traders. These routes contributed to the exchange of ideas and commodities long before sea routes were fully explored. - Statement 3 is Correct: The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, creating a vast coastline. This geographical feature helped India establish close contact with West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast. Key Takeaway: India's land routes via northern mountain passes predate its maritime connections, while the peninsular shape facilitates extensive maritime trade links with both the East and the West.

NCERT Class 9 Geography — Chapter 1: India – Size and Location

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Consider the following statements regarding India’s contact with the world:

The maritime contacts of India are older than its land routes.
The various passes across the mountains in the north provided passages to ancient travellers.
The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, helping India establish contact with West Asia and Africa.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

India’s geographical location, bounded by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south, has significantly shaped its historical interactions with the world through both land and sea routes.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The land routes through the mountain passes are much older than the maritime contacts. For a long period in ancient history, the oceans restricted interaction, whereas the mountain passes facilitated the movement of travelers and traders.
Statement 2 is Correct: The various passes across the mountains in the north (such as the Khyber and Bolan passes) provided passages to ancient travelers, invaders, and traders. These routes contributed to the exchange of ideas and commodities long before sea routes were fully explored.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, creating a vast coastline. This geographical feature helped India establish close contact with West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast.

Key Takeaway: India's land routes via northern mountain passes predate its maritime connections, while the peninsular shape facilitates extensive maritime trade links with both the East and the West.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: India – Size and Location

Consider the following statements regarding the location of India: 1. India lies entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. 2. The mainland of India extends between latitudes 8°4'S and 37°6'S. 3. The Tropic of Cancer divides the country into exactly two equal halves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the size of India, consider the following statements: 1. India’s total area accounts for about 2.4 per cent of the total geographical area of the world. 2. India is the fifth largest country in the world. 3. The land boundary of India is approximately 7,516.6 km. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following countries is larger than India in terms of area? 1. Australia 2. Brazil 3. China 4. Russia Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Consider the following statements regarding the "Silk Route" and ancient connectivity: 1. The routes contributed to the exchange of ideas like the decimal system. 2. The influence of Greek sculpture in India is a myth and not supported by evidence. 3. Maritime contacts were established before land routes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean: 1. It is divided into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal by the Indian landmass. 2. India has a peripheral location in the Indian Ocean. 3. The trans Indian Ocean routes connect East Asia to West Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The land routes through the mountain passes are much older than the maritime contacts. For a long period in ancient history, the oceans restricted interaction, whereas the mountain passes facilitated the movement of travelers and traders.
Statement 2 is Correct: The various passes across the mountains in the north (such as the Khyber and Bolan passes) provided passages to ancient travelers, invaders, and traders. These routes contributed to the exchange of ideas and commodities long before sea routes were fully explored.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Deccan Peninsula protrudes into the Indian Ocean, creating a vast coastline. This geographical feature helped India establish close contact with West Asia, Africa, and Europe from the western coast and with Southeast and East Asia from the eastern coast.