NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 14
India and Her Neighbours
This chapter examines India's geographical and political relationships with its neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Students explore the importance of good neighbourly relations, shared cultural ties, and the challenges of border disputes and trade. The chapter promotes understanding of South Asia as an interconnected region.
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Key Terms
- Neighbouring Countries
- Countries that share a land or maritime border with India, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
- SAARC
- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, an organization of eight South Asian nations promoting economic cooperation and regional peace.
- Border
- The dividing line between two countries' territories, which can be natural (rivers, mountains) or demarcated by international treaties.
- Bilateral Relations
- The political, economic, and cultural relationships between two countries, based on mutual interests and cooperation.
- Himalayan Frontier
- The mountain range forming India's northern border with China and Nepal, serving as both a natural barrier and a source of border disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries share a border with India?▾
India shares its borders with seven countries: Pakistan to the northwest, China and Nepal to the north, Bhutan to the northeast, Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east, and Sri Lanka across the Palk Strait to the south.
What is SAARC and what are its objectives?▾
SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is a regional organization of eight South Asian nations — India, Pakistan, China is not a member but Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka are. Its objectives include promoting welfare, accelerating economic growth, and fostering friendship.
Why is maintaining good relations with neighbours important for India?▾
Good neighbourly relations are important for trade, regional stability, combating terrorism and drug trafficking, resolving border disputes peacefully, and ensuring security. Friendly neighbours help India focus resources on development rather than defense.
What are the major rivers shared between India and its neighbours?▾
Several rivers flow between India and its neighbours: the Indus system is shared with Pakistan, the Ganga-Brahmaputra system flows through Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, and the Mekong originates near Tibet and flows through Myanmar.
What cultural ties does India share with its neighbours?▾
India shares deep cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with its neighbours. Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan share Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Sri Lanka has strong Buddhist connections, and Pakistan shares the common heritage of the Indus Valley Civilization and Mughal period.
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