Question

Which is the most important line of latitude that passes through India? What is its significance?

Answer 1

The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ N) is the most important line of latitude that passes through India.

Significance of the Tropic of Cancer:

1. It divides India into almost two equal parts (useful for describing the country’s latitudinal extent).
2. It marks the northernmost limit of the Sun’s apparent motion (i.e., the furthest north where the Sun can be directly overhead).
3. Because it passes roughly through the middle of India, the southern part lies in the tropical zone and the northern part in the subtropical zone; this latitudinal position helps explain climatic differences between north and south India.
4. On maps, the Tropic of Cancer passes just above the Gulf of Kutch, above the Narmada and below the Damodar, a useful guide for locating it on the Indian map.