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CBSE • Class 7 • Social Science • Ch 14

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India and Her Neighbours

In Class 7 Social Science, "India and Her Neighbours" provides an in-depth, curriculum-verified exploration aligned with the 2026–27 NCERT syllabus. This master resource equips students with historical context, geographic analysis, civic principles, and economic frameworks for complete mastery.

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🗺️ Have You Ever Wondered?

Who are the families living in the houses right next to ours on the world map? India occupies a central strategic position in South Asia, sharing land...

Who are the families living in the houses right next to ours on the world map? India occupies a central strategic position in South Asia, sharing land borders with seven nations and maritime boundaries with two.

Why This Chapter Matters

Before You Begin (Prerequisites)

Continents and oceans on a world map.
Neighboring countries like Pakistan, Nepal, and China.
Peaceful coexistence.

What You Will Learn (Core Objectives)

Identify all neighboring countries sharing land and maritime borders with India.
Explain historical and cultural connections with Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Describe SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation).
Analyze strategic trade corridors and border security challenges.
Explain India's 'Neighbourhood First' foreign policy.

Chapter Roadmap & Progression

1 1. India's Land and Maritime Border...

2 2. Shared Cultural and Civilization...

3 3. Regional Cooperation: SAARC and...

Complete Concept Guide (100% Curriculum Coverage)

1. India's Land and Maritime Borders

North-West: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
North: China, Nepal, and Bhutan.
East: Bangladesh and Myanmar (India shares its longest international land border with Bangladesh, over $4,096\text{ km}$).
Island Neighbours (South): Sri Lanka (separated by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar) and the Maldives.

2. Shared Cultural and Civilizational Ties

India shares deep civilizational roots with its neighbours: Buddhism spread from India to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, and China; Sanskrit and Pali literary traditions connect South Asia; Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu cross borders.

3. Regional Cooperation: SAARC and BIMSTEC

India collaborates through SAARC and BIMSTEC to promote cross-border electricity trade, railway connectivity, disaster relief, and anti-terrorism cooperation under India's 'Neighbourhood First' diplomatic policy.

Visual Learning & Conceptual Map

India and Her Neighbours Concept Matrix

Key conceptual frameworks and structural relationships

Core Academic Framework

1. India's Land and Maritime Borders • 2. Shared Cultural and Civilizational Ties • 3. Regional Cooperation: SAARC and BIMSTEC

Chapter Summary & 10 Key Takeaways

Takeaway 1

Bordering Nations: 7 land neighbours (Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar) and 2 maritime (Sri Lanka, Maldives).

Takeaway 2

Longest Border: Shared with Bangladesh ($4,096\text{ km}$).

Takeaway 3

Palk Strait: Narrow marine channel separating India from Sri Lanka.

Takeaway 4

Cultural Heritage: Shared traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, language, and monsoon climate.

Takeaway 5

Diplomatic Vision: 'Neighbourhood First' prioritizing regional peace and connectivity.

Check Your Understanding (Diagnostic Practice Questions)

Diagnostic questions testing core conceptual clarity. Answers are hidden initially — solve each problem first, then click to reveal the step-by-step verified solution.

Which country shares the longest land border with India?

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Answer: Bangladesh, sharing a border of over 4,096 kilometers.
Bangladesh.

What geographical feature separates India from Sri Lanka?

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Answer: The Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.
Palk Strait.

Name the two island nations that are maritime neighbours of India in the Indian Ocean.

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Answer: Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Sri Lanka and Maldives.

What is the primary objective of regional bodies like SAARC?

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Answer: To promote regional peace, trade, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual development among South Asian nations.
Regional economic and diplomatic cooperation.

Explain India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Reveal Answer & Explanation

Answer: It is a foreign policy framework where India gives top priority to strengthening political, infrastructural, economic, and humanitarian ties with its immediate neighbors.
Prioritizing friendly ties with immediate neighbors.

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Timed CBT Practice Tests (Exam Simulator)

Put your concepts to the test with official curriculum-aligned Foundation and Advanced practice tests. Get instant accuracy scores, time metrics, and step-by-step verified explanations.

Foundation Test

15 MCQs • Core Concepts

Advanced Test

15 MCQs • HOTS & Traps