Our Country India on the Map: Class 2 Study Guide
A map is a drawing of a place seen from above. It helps us find where things are.
India is our country. Its capital is New Delhi. India has 28 states and 8 union territories, and each has its own capital. A map is a picture of a place as seen from above, and a globe is a model of the whole Earth.
On a map we use the four main directions: north, south, east and west. North is usually at the top.
India around the edges
| Direction | What lies there |
|---|---|
| North | The Himalayan mountains |
| South | The Indian Ocean |
| East | The Bay of Bengal |
| West | The Arabian Sea |
Reading a simple map
Look at the title first, then the colours. Blue shows water and green or brown often shows land, hills or forest. The key or legend explains the little pictures. Look for the compass sign to find north.
What place is shown?
What do the signs mean?
Check the compass.
Use your finger.
Find your place
Ask a grown-up to show you your town or village on a map of India. Which direction is the capital from there? Which direction is the nearest sea?
Worked examples and common mistakes
Example: The sea on the west of India is the Arabian Sea. Example: The mountains in the north are the Himalayas. Common mistakes: mixing up east and west, and thinking that north is always at the top of a page. On most maps it is, but check the compass.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. The Arabian Sea. 2. The Himalayas. 3. N at the top, S at the bottom, E on the right and W on the left.
✨ Key Takeaways
- India's capital is New Delhi.
- A map shows a place from above.
- North, south, east and west are the four main directions.
- Water and mountains lie around India.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Which sea is on the west of India?
- Which mountains are in the north?
- Draw a compass with N, S, E and W.