Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
India is a vast country located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. Its physical configuration is defined by distinct boundaries, including a massive mountain chain in the north and a tapering peninsular landmass in the south.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Indian landmass is bounded by young fold mountains (the Himalayas) in the northwest, north, and northeast. These mountains act as a formidable physical barrier separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of the Asian continent.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The landmass begins to taper south of 22°N latitude, not 30°N. From this latitude, the landmass extends towards the Indian Ocean, dividing it into the Arabian Sea on the west and the Bay of Bengal on the east.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The north-south extent of India (from Ladakh to Kanyakumari) is approximately 3,214 km, while the east-west extent (from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh) is approximately 2,933 km. Thus, the north-south extent is physically longer than the east-west extent.
Key Takeaway: India's landmass begins to taper south of 22°N latitude, and its North-South physical distance is greater than its East-West distance by approximately 281 km.