Question 1

Q1: 1. Explain who a maritime neighbour is with two examples with respect to India.

Accepted Answer

A maritime neighbour is a country that is connected to another country by a shared sea or ocean, even if they do not share a direct land border. The ocean serves as a crucial link for trade, cultural exchange, and historical connections that have developed over centuries. Based on the chapter, two o...

Question 2

Q2: 2. How has Buddhism created links with India's neighbours? Give examples to explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

Buddhism, originating in India, has been a powerful cultural and spiritual link connecting India with many of its neighbours for centuries. It spread peacefully through trade routes, pilgrimage, and the efforts of monks and scholars. Examples from the chapter include:    China: Buddhism reached Chin...

Question 3

Q3: 3. What does 'open border' policy mean? How does the India-Nepal 'open border' policy affect the lives of people living along the border?

Accepted Answer

An 'open border' policy is an arrangement between two countries where people can travel across the border without needing a visa or a passport. It is a symbol of trust and friendship between the nations. The India-Nepal 'open border' policy has a significant impact on the lives of people living in t...

Question 4

Q4: 4. The chapter says, "Being neighbours is not just about geography." Explain this statement with an example.

Accepted Answer

The statement "Being neighbours is not just about geography" means that the relationship between neighbouring countries is defined by more than just sharing a physical border. It is shaped by deep-rooted historical connections, shared culture, economic interdependence, and the need for cooperation o...

Question 5

Q5: 5. What are the different ways in which India has helped smaller countries in her neighbourhood? Explain with examples.

Accepted Answer

India has provided significant support to smaller countries in its neighbourhood in various ways, including infrastructure development, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and economic cooperation. This assistance reinforces its role as a key partner in the region. Examples from the chapter include:...

Question 6

Q6: 6. How do shared challenges become opportunities for cooperation? Were there examples in this chapter to illustrate this?

Accepted Answer

Shared challenges, such as natural disasters, climate change, and regional security threats, often compel neighbouring countries to work together. These challenges transcend borders and require joint efforts, thus becoming opportunities to build trust, share resources, and strengthen relationships f...

Question 7

Q7: 7. If borders were drawn only by culture and connections, how would the map look different?

Accepted Answer

If borders were drawn based on culture and connections rather than political lines, the world map, especially around India, would look vastly different. Instead of sharp, rigid national boundaries, we would see larger, overlapping zones of shared heritage.    A Bengali Cultural Region: The border be...

Question 8

Q8: 8. On blank maps: → Label India’s neighbours. → Draw arrows showing cultural flows (e.g., food, festivals, languages) between India and her neighbours...

Accepted Answer

This is an activity-based question that requires drawing on maps and collecting images. Here is a description of how to complete each part based on the chapter's content. → Label India’s neighbours: On a map of South and Southeast Asia, you would label the following neighbours:    Land Neighbours: P...

NCERT Solutions