Indian and World Geography, including Geography of Himachal Pradesh
This section combines Indian and world geography with Himachal Pradesh geography: location, physiographic divisions, climate, monsoon, rivers, soils and map-based distinctions. Expect questions that test direction, latitude-longitude, river source and HP's Himalayan zones.
Core rules
- India lies between 8°4'N and 37°6'N, and 68°7'E and 97°25'E. The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight states, but not through Himachal Pradesh. Standard Meridian is 82°30'E.
- India's physiographic divisions include the Himalayas, Indo-Gangetic Plain, Peninsular Plateau, Coastal Plains and Islands. The southwest monsoon brings most rainfall from June to September; the northeast monsoon affects Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas in winter.
- Himachal Pradesh lies roughly between 30°22'N and 33°12'N and 75°47'E and 79°04'E. Its relief is divided into the Shivalik, Lesser Himalaya and Greater Himalaya.
- HP rivers include the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Yamuna. The state is known for hydropower, horticulture and apple belts.
Worked example
If IST is 5:30 pm, GMT is 12:00 noon. Reason: IST is UTC+5:30, so subtract 5 hours 30 minutes from 5:30 pm; the result is 12:00 noon GMT.
Traps that cost marks
The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through HP. Reo Purgyil, not Kinner Kailash, is HP's highest peak. The Shivalik is the southernmost and lowest Himalayan zone. Do not mix east longitude with west longitude for India.