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

mcqmedium

The southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland is:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A37°6'N
B23°30'N
C8°4'N
D6°4'N

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

8°4'N

Explanation

The latitudinal extent of India is defined by two distinct southern points: one for the mainland and one for the entire territory of the Indian Union, which includes the island groups.

8°4'N: This is the southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland. It corresponds to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) in Tamil Nadu, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.
6°4'N: This represents the southernmost point of the Indian Union, known as Indira Point (formerly Pygmalion Point). It is located in the Great Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
37°6'N: This is the northernmost latitude of India, located at Indira Col in the trans-Himalayan region.
23°30'N: This corresponds to the Tropic of Cancer, which passes through the middle of the country, dividing it into the tropical southern half and the subtropical northern half.

Key Takeaway: Candidates must carefully distinguish between the "southernmost point of the mainland" (8°4'N) and the "southernmost point of the Indian Union" (6°4'N).

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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Keep practising Chapter 1: India – Size and Location

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The correct option is

8°4'N

Explanation

The latitudinal extent of India is defined by two distinct southern points: one for the mainland and one for the entire territory of the Indian Union, which includes the island groups.

8°4'N: This is the southernmost latitude of the Indian mainland. It corresponds to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) in Tamil Nadu, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.
6°4'N: This represents the southernmost point of the Indian Union, known as Indira Point (formerly Pygmalion Point). It is located in the Great Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
37°6'N: This is the northernmost latitude of India, located at Indira Col in the trans-Himalayan region.
23°30'N: This corresponds to the Tropic of Cancer, which passes through the middle of the country, dividing it into the tropical southern half and the subtropical northern half.

Key Takeaway: Candidates must carefully distinguish between the "southernmost point of the mainland" (8°4'N) and the "southernmost point of the Indian Union" (6°4'N).