8°4'N to 37°6'N
Explanation
India is entirely located in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. The latitudinal extent measures the distance from North to South. It is essential to distinguish between the extent of the "Indian Mainland" and the "Indian Union," which includes the island territories.
Analysis of Options:
- 8°4'S to 37°6'S is Incorrect: The suffix 'S' denotes the Southern Hemisphere. India lies completely north of the Equator; therefore, its latitudes are designated with 'N'.
- 8°4'N to 37°6'N is Correct: The mainland of India extends from 8°4'N (Cape Comorin/Kanyakumari) in the south to 37°6'N (Indira Col) in the north.
- 68°7'N to 97°25'N is Incorrect: The figures 68°7' and 97°25' correspond to the longitudinal extent of India (West to East). Furthermore, the correct designation for longitude in India is East ('E'), not North ('N').
- 6°4'N to 37°6'N is Incorrect: The latitude 6°4'N (specifically 6°45'N) corresponds to Indira Point in the Great Nicobar Island. This is the southernmost point of the Indian Union, but it is not part of the mainland.
Key Takeaway:
The latitudinal extent of the Indian mainland is 8°4'N to 37°6'N. If the question asks for the southernmost point of the Indian Union, the answer is 6°45'N (Indira Point).