The Tropic of Cancer is the latitude 23.5 degrees North. It runs across the middle of India and separates the country into a tropical southern half and a sub-tropical northern half. Questions on the states it crosses and on India's standard meridian appear in almost every general studies paper.
Tropic of Cancer in India
The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight Indian states. From west to east these are Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura and Mizoram.
- It divides India into nearly equal halves of climate.
- Areas south of it lie in the tropical zone; areas north of it lie in the sub-tropical zone.
- A common memory aid for the states is 'Gujarat Rajasthan Mein Chhipe Jharkhand West Tripura Mizoram'.
Indian Standard Meridian
India follows a single time zone based on the Standard Meridian of 82.5 degrees East longitude. This meridian passes through Mirzapur near Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
- Indian Standard Time (IST) is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT.
- India's longitudinal extent is about 68 degrees 7 minutes East to 97 degrees 25 minutes East, a span of about 30 degrees.
- The east-west extent causes a time difference of about 2 hours between Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat, but one standard time is used for the whole country.
Latitudinal and Longitudinal Extent
India lies entirely in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres. The mainland stretches from about 8 degrees 4 minutes North to 37 degrees 6 minutes North.
- The southernmost point of the mainland is Kanyakumari; the southernmost point of Indian territory is Indira Point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- The Equator lies south of India and does not touch it.
- The latitudinal and longitudinal extent of India is each roughly 30 degrees.
Why These Lines Matter
The Tropic of Cancer controls the strong heating that triggers the monsoon. The standard meridian gives the country one uniform clock, which is vital for railways, administration and communication.
Quick Revision Points
- Tropic of Cancer = 23.5 degrees North.
- It passes through 8 states of India.
- Indian Standard Meridian = 82.5 degrees East, through Mirzapur (UP).
- IST is GMT + 5:30.
- Mainland extent: 8 degrees 4 minutes N to 37 degrees 6 minutes N.
- Southernmost point of India = Indira Point.
- India lies fully in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres.