India Mainland Latitudinal Extent Explained

The latitudinal extent of a place or region refers to the range of latitude lines that encompass it. Latitude measures the angular distance, north or south, of a point on the Earth's surface from the Equator.

Understanding India's Latitudinal Limits

The question asks for the latitudinal extent of the mainland of India. This means we need to consider the southernmost and northernmost points of the primary landmass of India, excluding its island territories.

• The southernmost point of the mainland of India is at Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) in Tamil Nadu. Its latitude is approximately $8^\circ 4'$ North.
• The northernmost point of the mainland of India is located at Indira Col, near the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh. Its latitude is approximately $37^\circ 6'$ North.

Therefore, the correct latitudinal extent of the mainland of India is from $8^\circ 4'$ N to $37^\circ 6'$ N.

Comparing Options

Let's review the given options:

• Option 1: $6^\circ 45'$ N to $37^\circ 6'$ N - This range includes the southernmost tip of India, which is Indira Point on the Nicobar Islands, not the mainland.
• Option 2: $6^\circ 4'$ N to $36^\circ 7'$ N - This option is incorrect for both the northern and southern extents of the mainland.
• Option 3: $8^\circ 4'$ N to $36^\circ 12'$ N - The southern extent is correct, but the northern extent is incorrect.
• Option 4: $8^\circ 4'$ N to $37^\circ 6'$ N - This option accurately represents the southernmost point (Kanyakumari) and the northernmost point (Indira Col) of the mainland of India.

Based on this geographical information, the correct latitudinal extent for the mainland of India is captured by the range $8^\circ 4'$ N to $37^\circ 6'$ N.