NCERT Class 6 Social Science Chapter 5
India, That Is Bharat
This chapter introduces students to India's geographical identity, its names and their significance, and its position on the world map. Students explore India's physical boundaries including the Himalayas in the north, the ocean on three sides, and its neighboring countries. The chapter also discusses the diversity of India's landscape and the pride of being part of a civilization with ancient roots.
Read Online
Key Terms
- Bharat
- The ancient and official Sanskrit name for India, derived from the legendary king Bharata, recognized in the Indian Constitution alongside India.
- Subcontinent
- A large landmass that is part of a continent but is geographically or politically distinct, such as the Indian subcontinent which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and neighboring countries.
- Himalayas
- The world's highest mountain range forming India's northern boundary, playing a crucial role in India's climate, river systems, and historical isolation.
- Peninsula
- A piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. India is a peninsula as it is bounded by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean on three sides.
- Neighboring Countries
- Countries sharing borders with India: Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, plus Sri Lanka and Maldives across the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is India called Bharat?▾
India is called Bharat after the legendary king Bharata, mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. The name Bharat is Sanskrit in origin and is the official name of India recognized in Article 1 of the Indian Constitution, which states: 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.'
How many countries share a border with India?▾
India shares land borders with seven countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan to the northwest, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. Sri Lanka and the Maldives are island neighbors across the sea.
Why is India called a subcontinent?▾
India is called a subcontinent because it is a large landmass that was once separated from Asia by the Tethys Sea and later collided with Asia to form the Himalayas. It is geographically distinct and large enough to be considered almost like a continent in itself.
What are the physical boundaries of India?▾
India is bounded by the Himalayan mountain ranges to the north, the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. The Thar Desert forms a natural boundary in the northwest.
What is India's position on the world map?▾
India is located in South Asia in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. It lies between latitudes 8°4'N and 37°6'N and longitudes 68°7'E and 97°25'E. The Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) passes roughly through the middle of the country.
Disclaimer & Attribution
- All NCERT textbook PDFs displayed on this page are served directly from NCERT's official servers at ncert.nic.in. We do not host, store, or redistribute any PDF files on our servers.
- This website is free to use. We do not sell, charge for, or commercially exploit any NCERT content.
- All textbook content is the intellectual property of NCERT, Government of India and is published under their open-access policy for educational purposes.
- This page is provided purely for educational reference in compliance with NCERT's guidelines for non-commercial use of their freely available materials.