Chapter 8 Some Neighbouring Countries Of India And Its Relationship With Them Synopsis
People living around us are our neighbours. Similarly, the countries located around a particular country, are called neighbouring countries.
For example, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Maldives are India’s neighbouring countries.
India and its neighbouring countries hold similar social cultures. Among all of these countries, India is situated in the middle and is the largest in terms of both population and area.
In a word, India is called the main centre of this region. So the region is called the Indian subcontinent.
The neighbouring countries of India are Nepal, Bhutan and China in the north, Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east, Pakistan and Afghanistan in the west and Sri Lanka and Maldives in the south.
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In 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was formed to increase interaction and cooperation between India and her neighbouring countries, concerning political, economic, educational, cultural and scientific development. The headquarters of SAARC is situated in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Situated to the north of India, Nepal is an important neighbouring country of India. The main language of Nepal is Nepali and its capital is Kathmandu. Tourism is the largest and primary source of foreign exchange in Nepal.
Bhutan is situated to the north of India. The main language of Bhutan is Dzongkha and the capital is Thimpu. It rainfall with heavy experiences thunderstorms regularly in the monsoon season.
So Bhutan is also called the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. The food processing industry is the major industry of Bhutan.
Nepal geography and culture
Bangladesh is situated to the east of India. The main language is Bengali and the capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka. Bangladesh is an agrarian country. Jute, paper, clay and cotton textile industry are the major industries of this country.
Myanmar lies to the east of India. The main language of Myanmar is Burmese and the capital is Naypyidaw. Myanmar is rich in minerals and forest resources.
Sri Lanka is situated to the south of India. The principal language of Sri Lanka. is Sinhalese. Tamil is also an official language here. The capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Sri Lanka. This country is famous for the production and export of coconut, tea, coffee, rubber, cotton and spices.
Pakistan is situated to the west of India. Urdu is the principal language of Pakistan, and the capital is Islamabad. Pakistan is agriculturally prosperous despite less rainfall because of improved irrigation techniques.
Karez irrigation is also practised in Pakistan, especially in the dry area of Balochistan province.
Chapter 8 Topic A Neighbouring Countries Of North And South Nepal Bhutan And Sri Lanka Analytical Type Questions
Question 1. Discuss the necessity of maintaining good relations with our neighbouring countries.
Answer:
Necessity Of Maintaining Good Relations With Our Neighbouring Countries:-
India is surrounded by her neighbouring countries. Bangladesh and Myanmar lie on her eastern side, while Pakistan and Afghanistan lie on her western side. To the north, there is Nepal, Bhutan and China.
To the south, Sri Lanka is separated from India by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. Maldives lies to the south of the Lakshwadeep islands.
It is always important for a country to be on friendly terms with her neighbouring countries. The reasons behind maintaining such friendly relations are discussed below-
1. Trade relations:
Every country needs to maintain a balance between the commodities produced and consumed by it. A country can neither produce all the essential commodities by itself nor can it utilise all its products by itself.
Thus, India must share her surplus and make up for her deficits by negotiating with her neighbouring countries.
2. Proper utilisation of water resources:
Many rivers originate from or flow through or converge within the territorial boundaries of India’s neighbouring countries.
Thus, India needs to maintain good terms with its neighbours to utilise the water of such rivers and to sustain economic development.
3. Prevention of illegal trade and smuggling:
Nowadays, smuggling, illegal entry, drug peddling, etc., are common occurrences along the borders. To check and prevent these anti-social activities, collaboration and cooperation among neighbouring countries are extremely important.
Bhutan’s environmental conservation efforts
4. Joint voice in the international platform:
In order to voice issues and concerns or to protest against any kind of exploitation or deprivation on an international platform (such as the United Nations), a cohesive, united voice is extremely important.
This is another reason for India to maintain friendly relations with her neighbours.
5. Assistance in the event of natural disasters:
India needs to maintain good relations with her neighbouring countries so as to receive financial assistance and relief in case of natural calamities like floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, etc.
6. Reduce hostility and warfare:
Hostility and warfare benefit none. So, peaceful relations between India and her neighbouring countries is important. Since a peaceful relationship negates the necessity of budget allocations for defence, more resources are available for development.
Question 2. Discuss the factors that have facilitated the tourism industry in Nepal.
Answer:
Factors That Have Facilitated The Tourism Industry In Nepal:-
Tourism is an important as well as the largest industry of Nepal. Since Nepal is situated in the lap of the Himalayas, it is a place of great natural beauty.
Tourists and mountain climbers from different countries of the world come here to experience the beauty of the majestic Himalayas. The factors which have facilitated the tourism industry in Nepal are as follows-
1. Presence of peaks:
Eight of the ten highest peaks of the world are located in Nepal. The highest peak of the world, Mt. Everest, is also situated in Nepal. So, this country is a favourite spot for mountain climbers.
Nepal earns a huge amount of foreign exchange through levies for foreign nationals who climb peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Annapurna, etc.
2. Infrastructure facilitating tourism:
Since a large number of tourists come to visit the mountains here, various facilities for mountain climbing are available.
For example, people can hire the services of ‘sherpas’ and can also get the specialised garments and equipment required for climbing the mountains. Training centres for amateur and new climbers are also present.
These encourage more and more tourists to come and take part in these activities.
Sri Lanka tourism and geography
3. Hospitality industry:
The hospitality industry in Nepal is well developed with hotel proper accommodation and transportation facilities.
4. Ancient architecture:
The ancient architectural treasures like Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kapilavastu, Muktinath, Janakpur, Nagarkot, Pokhara and Lumbini are major tourist spots.
Question 3. Why is the fruit processing industry in Bhutan so famous?
Answer:
Fruit Processing Industry In Bhutan Is So Famous:-
The fruit processing industry in Bhutan is famous because of the following reasons-
1. Cultivation of fruits:
Due to its topography, Bhutan faces difficulties in developing agriculture and industry. As a result, fruit orchards have been planted along the hill slopes of the country.
Apples, oranges, pineapples and grapes are mainly grown here. These are the raw materials used by the fruit-processing industries of Bhutan.
2. Favourable climate:
Bhutan has a temperate type of climate, which is favourable for the growth of fruits.
3. Modern technology:
Intensive use of modern technology in factories has led to the production of jams, jellies, squashes, sauces and pickles. This ensures tasty and hygienic products that have gained worldwide popularity.
4. Global market:
The demand for fruit-based wine and fruit-based products like jams, jellies, squashes, etc. of Bhutan is gradually increasing in the global market.
India Nepal border relations
5. Infrastructural development:
There is sufficient infrastructure to store fresh fruits in cold storage and also for the transport of raw fruits to the factories. Phuentsholing and Khamsi of Bhutan are famous for fruit preservation industries.
Question 4. Give an idea about the agriculture of Sri Lanka.
Answer:
An Idea About The Agriculture Of Sri Lanka:-
Agriculture is one of the significant occupations in Sri Lanka. A brief discussion about agriculture in Sri Lanka is provided in the table below-
Apart from the above-mentioned crops, Sri Lanka also produces wheat, jute, sugarcane, maize, millets, oilseeds and cinchona.
Chapter 8 Topic A Neighbouring Countries Of North And South Nepal Bhutan And Sri Lanka Short Analytical Type Questions
Question 1. Write a brief note on SAARC.
Answer:
SAARC:-
SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation. It is an association that was established on 8 December 1985. At the beginning, it consisted of 7 member countries but now, the total number of member countries is 8.
The member countries at present are India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. The headquarters of SAARC is at Kathmandu in Nepal.
The purpose of this association is to increase interaction and cooperation among the members with regard to development in the political, economic, educational, cultural, scientific and technological spheres, as well as in sports.
Question 2. Discuss the trade relationship between India and Nepal.
Answer:
Trade Relationship Between India And Nepal:-
There is a close trade relationship between India and Nepal. Nepal exports pulse, oilseeds, raw jute, jute goods, leather, textiles, carpets and drugs to India and imports rice, butter, wood, cars, machineries and equipment, cotton, chemical fertilisers and garments from India.
Nepal uses Kolkata and Haldia ports for the purpose of carrying out trading through waterways. Nepal and India carry out trade with each other through roadways via Raxaul and Jogbani in Bihar and Biratnagar in Nepal.
Question 3. What do you know about the Chukha Hydel Power Project?
Answer:
Chukha Hydel Power Project:-
The Chukha Hydel Power Project was developed on the river Wangchhu by a collaboration between Bhutan and India. It is situated in the Chukha district, between Thimpu and Phuentsholing.
The power generated by this power plant is around 336 MW. Most of the energy generated by this hydel power plant is exported to India, especially to West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Sikkim.
Bhutan’s economic relationship with India
The Chukha Hydel Power Project was Bhutan’s first mega power project.
Question 4. Discuss the major minerals and mines of Sri Lanka.
Answer:
Major Minerals And Mines Of Sri Lanka:-
Graphite, precious stones and limestone are the three important mineral resources found in Sri Lanka.
Graphite is mainly found in Kurunegala, Bogala and Ragedara districts of central Sri Lanka while precious stones are found in the southern part of the Central Highlands near Sabaragamuwa of Ratnapura.
Jaffna, in the northern part of Sri Lanka, is famous for limestone. Sri Lanka occupies a leading position in the world in graphite production.
Chapter 8 Topic A Neighbouring Countries Of North And South Nepal Bhutan And Sri Lanka Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. How many neighbouring countries does? India has and what are their names?
Answer:
Neighbouring Countries Of India:-
India has 9 neighbouring countries.
They are
- Bangladesh,
- Myanmar,
- Nepal,
- Bhutan,
- Pakistan,
- Afghanistan,
- Sri Lanka,
- Maldives and
- China.
Question 2. Which neighbouring country is situated on which side of India?
Answer:
India is bordered by Bangladesh and Myanmar in the east and Pakistan and Afghanistan in the west. To the north, there are Nepal, Bhutan and China while Sri Lanka and Maldives are to the south of India.
Question 3. Which countries share the border with the landmass of India?
Answer:
India shares her land borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Myanmar.
Question 4. Name two states of India which touch the boundaries with three neighbouring countries.
Answer:
- West Bengal-It shares its borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
- Arunachal Pradesh-It shares its borders with Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
Question 5. Why do mountain climbers from different parts of the world visit Nepal?
Answer:
Mountain Climbers From Different Parts Of The World Visit Nepal:-
Nepal is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Out of the ten highest peaks in the world, eight, including Mt. Everest, are located in this country.
Cultural similarities between India and Sri Lanka
There are provisions to climb these peaks and hence, mountain climbers come here from different parts of the world.
Question 6. What are the major crops grown in Nepal?
Answer:
Major Crops Grown In Nepal:-
The major crops that are grown in Nepal are rice, wheat, millet, barley, jute, cotton and sugarcane. Besides these, different types of fruits, such as oranges and pineapples are grown here. Nepal also has some tea plantations.
Question 7. Briefly write about the mineral resources of Nepal.
Answer:
Mineral Resources Of Nepal:-
Mineral resources in Nepal are scarce. Small quantities of lignite coal, limestone, iron ore, copper, cobalt, mica, marble, etc. are found in different parts of Nepal.
However, due lack of technological development. these mineral resources are yet to be explored thoroughly.
Question 8. Mention the capital of Nepal and state its importance.
Answer:
Capital Of Nepal:-
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Being situated in the Bagmati Valley, Kathmandu is Nepal’s largest city and the main attraction for tourists.
The headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is located in this city.
Question 9. Which port does Nepal use for trade purposes?
Answer:
Nepal, being a landlocked country, uses Kolkata and Haldia ports in West Bengal, India to conduct trade with other countries through waterways.
Question 10. Why is Bhutan called the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’?
Answer:
Bhutan Called The ‘Land Of The Thunder Dragon’:-
Bhutan is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. So, it experiences heavy rainfall with thunderstorms because of the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon winds. That is why Bhutan is called the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’.
Question 11. Mention the important agricultural crops of Bhutan.
Answer:
Important Agricultural Crops Of Bhutan:-
The important agricultural crops of Bhutan are paddy, maize, wheat, barley, potato, cardamom, apple and orange.
Question 12. What do you know about the forest resources of Bhutan?
Answer:
Forest Resources Of Bhutan:-
Coniferous trees like pine, fir and spruce are seen in the Alpine regions of Bhutan.
In the southern part of Bhutan, i.e., in the terai region, forests containing bamboo, cane and long grasses are found. Honey, lac, wax, and timber are obtained from these forests.
Question 13. Write about the mineral resources of Bhutan.
Answer:
Mineral Resources Of Bhutan:-
Bhutan’s mineral resources have not been fully explored as yet. Dolomite and limestone are found in Gomtu which is in Samchi (Samtse) district.
Gypsum, quartzite and coal are found in south-east Bhutan. Apart from these, marble, slate, talc and various types of construction stones are also mined in different parts of Bhutan.
Geographical features of Bhutan
Question 14. Name the items of export and import between Bhutan and India.
Answer:
Items Of Export And Import Between Bhutan And India:-
Bhutan imports paper, drugs, coal, steel, salt, machineries and sugar from India. On the other hand, it exports black cardamom, different fruits, jams, jellies, wool and woollen products to India.
Question 15. Why does Sri Lanka experience two rainy seasons a year?
Answer:
Sri Lanka Experience Two Rainy Seasons A Year:-
Sri Lanka experiences two rainy seasons in a year because of the southwest and the retreating monsoon winds. The southwest monsoon winds bring monsoon to Sri Lanka in May just after summer and cause abundant rainfall in this country.
The retreat of the monsoon winds also causes rainfall in the eastern part of the country in autumn.
Question 16. Name the major crops grown in Sri Lanka.
Answer:
Major Crops Grown In Sri Lanka:-
The major crops grown in Sri Lanka are rice, tea, rubber, sugarcane, oilseeds, coconut, various types of spices, maize, banana, millet and potato.
Question 17. Why is Sri Lanka called the ‘Cinnamon Island”?
Answer:
Sri Lanka Called The ‘Cinnamon Island”:-
Different types of spices are cultivated in the hilly tracts and coastal parts of Sri Lanka, depending on the variations in rainfall, topography and soil types.
Among these, clove, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon are the major spices grown here. Sri Lanka produces huge amounts of cinnamon and so, is known as the ‘Cinnamon Island’.
Question 18. Mention some important mineral resources of Sri Lanka.
Answer:
Important Mineral Resources Of Sri Lanka:-
Some important mineral resources of Sri Lanka are graphite, bauxite and limestone. Moreover, some precious stones are also found in this country such as, ruby, cat’s eye and sapphire.
Impact of Indian policies on Nepal
Question 19. Write the names of the industries found in Sri Lanka.
Answer:
Names Of The Industries Found In Sri Lanka:-
Some notable industries of Sri Lanka are- tea industry, rubber industry, cement industry, leather industry, paper industry and garment industry.
Question 20. Name the items of export and import between Sri Lanka and India.
Answer:
Items Of Export And Import Between Sri Lanka And India:-
Sri Lanka imports sugar, steel, coal, jute products, drugs, garments, etc., from India. On the other hand, it exports clove, cinnamon, and graphite,. leather, precious stones, coconut products, etc., to India.
Chapter 8 Topic A Neighbouring Countries Of North And South Nepal Bhutan And Sri Lanka Multiple Choice Questions Choose the correct option
Question 1. In terms of foreign trade, Nepal deals mostly with-
- Sri Lanka
- Bhutan
- India
- China
Answer: 3. India
Question 2. The capital of Nepal is-
- Islamabad
- Colombo
- Dhaka
- Kathmandu
Answer: 4. Kathmandu
Question 3. The main language of Bhutan is-
- Dzongkha
- Sinhalese
- Bengali
- Urdu
Answer: 1. Dzongkha
Question 4. The only international airport in Bhutan is in-
- Thimpu
- Punakha
- Paro
- Phuentsholing
Answer: 3. Paro
Biodiversity in Sri Lanka
Question 5. The longest river in Sri Lanka is-
- Aruvi Aru
- Kalan Oya
- Mahaweli Ganga
- Parangi
Answer: 3. Mahaweli Ganga
Question 6. The chief cash crop of Sri Lanka is-
- Cotton
- Tea
- Coconut
- Jute
Answer: 3. Coconut
Question 7. Which of the following country is known as the ‘Cinnamon Island”?
- Sri Lanka
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
Answer: 1. Sri Lanka
Question 8. The smallest neighbouring country of India is-
- Maldives
- Bhutan
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
Answer: 1. Maldives
WBBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answers
Fill In The Blanks
Question 1. The longest river in Nepal is _____________.
Answer: Karnali
Question 2. The neighbouring countries of Nepal are _____________ and _____________.
Answer: India, China
Question 3. _____________ is the largest lake in Nepal.
Answer: Rara Lake
Question 4. The doon valley in Nepal is called _____________.
Answer: Rapti
Question 5. The capital of Bhutan is _____________.
Answer: Thimphu
Question 6. Most of the rivers in Bhutan fall in the _____________ river
Answer: Brahmaputra
Question 7. is known as the ‘Land of Thunder _____________ Dragon’
Answer: Bhutan
Question 8. The name of a hydel power project in Bhutan is _____________.
Answer: Chukha
Question 9. Bhutan conducts its foreign trade through the _____________ port.
Answer: Kolkata
Question 10. The highest peak of Sri Lanka is _____________.
Answer: Pidurutalagala
Question 11. Gulf of _____________ is located in between India and Sri Lanka.
Answer: Mannar
Question 12. _____________ is the main language spoken in Sri Lanka.
Answer: Sinhalese
WBBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answers
Chapter 8 Topic A Neighbouring Countries Of North And South Nepal Bhutan And Sri Lanka Write True Or False
Question 1. The longest river in Nepal is Kali Gandak.
Answer: False
Question 2. The highest peak in Nepal is Karakoram.
Answer: False
Question 3. The primary mineral resource of Sri Lanka is graphite.
Answer: True
Question 4. The longest river in Bhutan is Manas.
Answer: True
Question 5. The Mahabharat Lekh is in Nepal.
Answer: True
Question 6. Sri Lanka exports sugar to India.
Answer: False
Question 7. Nepal uses the Guwahati port for its foreign trade.
Answer: False
Question 8. India imports cardamom from Sri Lanka.
Answer: False
Question 9. Dubai is a member country of SAARC.
Answer: False
Question 10. Biratnagar is one of the important cities of Nepal.
Answer: True
WBBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answer
Match The Columns
1.
Answer: 1. C, 2. E, 3. A, 4. B, 5. D
Chapter 8 Topic A Neighbouring Countries Of North And South Nepal Bhutan And Sri Lanka Answer In One Or Two Words
Question 1. What are the numbers of neighbouring countries of India?
Answer: 9.
Question 2. Which neighbouring country is surrounded on three sides by Indian territory?
Answer: Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Question 3. Name two neighbouring countries of India that are completely landlocked.
Answer: Nepal and Bhutan.
Question 4. Mention two neighbouring countries which have no seaport.
Answer: Nepal and Bhutan.
Question 5. Name the two neighbouring countries that depend upon Kolkata port for foreign trade.
Answer: Nepal and Bhutan.
Question 6. In which neighbouring countries does. India makes a trade by waterways?
Answer: Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Historical ties between India and Bhutan
Question 7. Which three neighbouring countries share boundaries with our state West Bengal?
Answer: Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Question 8. By which strait India and Sri Lanka are separated?
Answer: Palk strait.
Question 9. Which is the main river in Nepal?
Answer: Kali Gandak.
Question10. Name two glaciers in Nepal.
Answer: Khumbu and Langtang.
Question 11. Which is the main crop of Nepal?
Answer: Rice.
Question 12. Which is the main industry in Nepal?
Answer: Tourism.
Question 13. Name one of the passes in Bhutan.
Answer: Dochu La.
WBBSE Class 8 Geography Chapter 8 Question Answer
Question 14. On which river was Chukha hydel power project developed?
Answer: Wangchhu.
Question 15. Which is the major industry in Bhutan?
Answer: Food processing.
Question 16. Which neighbouring country shares the smallest borderline with India?
Answer: Sri Lanka.
Question 17. Name two cash crops of Sri Lanka.
Answer: Tea and rubber.