Question

Which of the following latitudes passes through India? 

A) Equator 

B) Arctic circle

C) Tropic of Capricorn

D) Tropic of Cancer

Answer 1

Hint: The latitude passing through India divides India into two equal parts, one lying in the tropical zone and the other in the subtropical zone.

Complete answer: 

The latitudinal extent of India is vast but not all prominent latitudes pass through India. The major latitude passing through India is marked at 23.5 degrees N. 

Now, let’s take a look at the options one by one.

A) Equator: The equator is the longest latitude and is marked at zero degrees which divides the Earth into two equal parts. Since India lies completely in the northern hemisphere, the equator cannot pass through India. So, it is an incorrect option.

B) Arctic circle: The Arctic circle is a latitude in the northern hemisphere which marks the 

boundary of the Arctic Ocean, where the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans meet. It remains frozen for most part of the year and lies in the Frigid zone. Since India lies in the tropical and subtropical zones, it cannot pass through India. So, it is an incorrect option.

C) Tropic of Capricorn: The Tropic of Capricorn lies in the southern hemisphere and is marked at 23.5 degrees S. Since India lies in the northern hemisphere, this option goes out of bounds as it cannot pass through India. So, it is an incorrect option. 

D) Tropic of Cancer: The Tropic of Cancer is marked at 23.5 degrees N and passes through India. It also divides India into tropical and subtropical zones. So, it is the correct option.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: The Tropic of Cancer passes through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Mizoram and Tripura states in India.