NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society Part 2 Chapter 02 India and Her Neighbours

Question 1. What defines a 'neighbour'? Is it just shared land borders?
Answer: A neighbour is most commonly understood as a country that shares a direct boundary with another country. India and Nepal serve as an example, since they have a shared land border. Nations separated by relatively short distances of sea or ocean also qualify as neighbours. India considers Sri Lanka and the Maldives to be maritime neighbours.

Scholars in geography point out that neighbouring countries are those located near one another and have an effect on each other by way of movement of people, buying and selling goods, cultural practices, and international relations.

Therefore, in geographic terms, a "neighbour" extends beyond just sharing land borders - it also takes in countries that are in close vicinity, including maritime neighbours.
In simple words: Neighbours are countries that touch each other or are close by across the ocean. They affect each other through trade, people moving, and shared culture.

Exam Tip: Remember that neighbour nations include both land borders (like India-Nepal) and sea borders (like India-Sri Lanka). Mention how geography and culture bind neighbours together.

Question 2. How do geography and history influence the nature of India's relationships with her neighbours?
Answer: Geography and history work together to determine how India connects with its neighbouring nations. India's extensive land boundaries with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, along with its ocean closeness to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, shape matters related to defence, commercial ties, and the sharing of customs.

Common water systems, landforms, and seaways bring chances for working together but can also lead to disagreements about land and natural resources. On the history side, India has long-standing spiritual and cultural links - such as the growth of Buddhism and the spreading of Hindu customs - which have brought nations closer. However, historical events like the 1947 partition and wars involving Pakistan, plus boundary disagreements with China, have created strain. In essence, India's relations with its neighbours blend friendship and tension, shaped by the land that brings them near and by events that have united and separated them in turn.
In simple words: Geography makes India close to its neighbours, which helps them work together. But history - wars, partition, old conflicts - sometimes makes them rivals too.

Exam Tip: Link geography (borders, rivers, seas) with historical events (1947 partition, wars with Pakistan, Chinese border clashes) to show how both factors shape India's neighbourhood relations.

Question 3. In what ways are India and her neighbours interconnected today?
Answer: Today, India and its neighbouring nations maintain close ties via buying and selling of goods, artistic and cultural practices, movement of people, and joint efforts. People move across national lines for jobs, schooling, and the celebration of holidays, while nations exchange beliefs, customs, and heritage. They also work side by side on matters of national security, weather and environment, and efforts toward peace in the region, making clear that neighbouring nations are linked in many different ways beyond simple geography.
In simple words: India and its neighbours are connected through trade, culture, and people moving between them. They also work together on big problems like climate and safety.

Exam Tip: Give concrete examples of interconnection - trade routes, cultural festivals, student exchange, and joint security initiatives - to show the varied nature of neighbourhood relations.

Let's Explore

Question 1. Identify the three large water bodies that surround India in the map below.
Answer: The three major water bodies surrounding India are:

- Indian Ocean (to the South)
- Arabian Sea (to the West)
- Bay of Bengal (to the East)
In simple words: Three seas surround India on three sides - the Arabian Sea on the west, the Bay of Bengal on the east, and the Indian Ocean on the south.

Exam Tip: Always locate and name these three water bodies with their correct directions. Remember that these seas are crucial for India's maritime trade and security.

Question 2. The scene in Fig. 2.21 depicts the well-known Hindu myth of samudra manthana or the churning of the ocean. The devas (gods, on the right here) and the asuras (demons, on the left) decided to join forces to churn the cosmic ocean in search of amrita or the nectar of immortality, with the serpent Vasuki as the churning rope and Vişhnu (above) presiding over the operation – he will eventually deceive the asuras to make sure that the amrita goes to the devas alone. Note also the airport's official name of 'Suvarnabhumi Airport' – does it remind you of something?
Answer: Yes, the name 'Suvarnabhumi Airport' brings to mind the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Malaya. In ancient times, Indian traders journeyed to these islands while seeking gold and other precious materials. Through these trade expeditions, these regions became known as "Suvarnabhumi" (meaning the land of gold) or "Suvarnadvipa" (meaning the island of gold).
In simple words: The airport name "Suvarnabhumi" means "golden land". Long ago, Indian traders went to these islands looking for gold, so they called the area the land of gold.

Exam Tip: Connect the ancient Sanskrit term "Suvarnabhumi" with India's historical trade routes to Southeast Asia and the cultural influence India had in the region through commerce.

Question 3. Seeing that Tamil is one of Singapore's official languages, what does this suggest to you about the relationship between south India and Singapore?
Answer: The fact that Tamil holds official language standing in Singapore signals deep cultural and historical bonds between South India and Singapore. The nation maintains significant cultural and trade links with India. In centuries past, Buddhist monks and traders made their way to Singapore, leaving a lasting mark on its society and traditions.
In simple words: Tamil being an official language in Singapore shows how connected South India and Singapore are. Indian traders and monks went there long ago and left their mark.

Exam Tip: Recognise that the presence of Indian languages and Buddhist heritage in Southeast Asian countries like Singapore reflects ancient trade networks and cultural exchange that continue to influence these nations today.

Don't Miss Out

Question 1. Can the Kartarpur Corridor be a model for the possible progress of peace and dialogue?
Answer: The Kartarpur Corridor serves as a meaningful symbol and first move toward peace between India and Pakistan. It permits Indian Sikh worshippers to make journeys to a revered holy location in Pakistan without needing travel permits, showing that mutual faith and cultural heritage can break through walls created by politics. Although the two countries still face bigger challenges that divide them, the corridor demonstrates that when nations seek to work jointly in areas of mutual regard, they can establish confidence and open paths toward talking things through.
In simple words: The Kartarpur Corridor lets Indian Sikhs visit a holy place in Pakistan without visas. It shows that shared religion and culture can help bring peace between two countries.

Exam Tip: Use the Kartarpur Corridor as a concrete example of how cultural and religious cooperation can bridge political divides and serve as a stepping stone toward broader peace initiatives.

India and Her Neighbours Class 7 Solutions (Exercise)

Question 1. Explain who a maritime neighbour is with two examples with respect to India.
Answer: A maritime neighbour is a nation that shares a sea or ocean border with another nation even when they do not have a direct land boundary. Regarding India, Sri Lanka and Thailand stand as two clear cases.

Sri Lanka sits to the southeast of India. A narrow body of water known as the Palk Strait divides the two nations. The distance between them is just around 32 km, making them very close maritime neighbours.

Thailand occupies the eastern side of India, lying across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The two nations share a boundary that runs through the sea. India and Thailand maintain a land connection via the Trilateral highway, which runs from Manipur through Myanmar to Thailand.
In simple words: Maritime neighbours are countries separated by ocean but still very close. Sri Lanka is 32 km from India across the sea. Thailand is across the Bay of Bengal, and the two are linked by the Trilateral highway through Myanmar.

Exam Tip: When explaining maritime neighbours, always specify the water body that separates them and give the approximate distance or route of connection to show how they remain closely linked despite being separated by water.

Question 2. How has Buddhism created links with India's neighbours? Give examples to explain your answer.
Answer: Buddhism forged powerful cultural and spiritual ties between India and its neighbouring nations through the movement of teachings, creative traditions, and customs across the Asian continent. The faith travelled from India to Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and extended further into Tibet, China, and the lands of Southeast Asia, leaving its imprint on how people there think and what they trust in.

Nepal maintains strong bonds with India through Lumbini, the place where Buddha was born. Sri Lanka welcomed Buddhism from India around the 3rd century BCE under Emperor Ashoka, and it became woven into the nation's identity. In the same manner, Bhutan and Tibet formed enduring connections with India by way of Buddhist study centers and learned teachers. Myanmar too absorbed Buddhist teachings by means of commercial activity and travel by pilgrims. Via these kinds of cultural meetings, people built lasting ties rooted in faith, knowledge, and artistic traditions, revealing how Buddhism served as a connector uniting India with the lands around it throughout the ages.
In simple words: Buddhism spread from India to many neighbours like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Tibet. This spread created strong cultural and spiritual bonds that still connect these countries today.

Exam Tip: Give specific examples of Buddhist heritage sites or periods when Buddhism spread - such as Emperor Ashoka's role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka or the importance of Lumbini in connecting Nepal to India - to illustrate the depth of these cultural links.

Question 3. What does 'open border' policy mean? How does the India-Nepal 'open border' policy affect the lives of people living along the border?
Answer: An open border policy permits individuals from two nations to go back and forth across the shared boundary without needing visas or travel documents. The 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed between India and Nepal made borders open, allowing free travel of people and movement of commodities across both lands.

This arrangement has made a big difference in the daily lives of people on both sides. It has allowed citizens from either nation to reach medical facilities, schooling, work possibilities, and to keep family ties intact. Many Nepali residents make trips to India for economic work, health services, and education. People living on either side have formed such deep links that they even marry across borders. However, the policy has also brought new risks from unlawful conduct. To address this, the authorities of both India and Nepal collaborate to keep the border area safe and take steps against those who misuse the system or participate in forbidden acts.
In simple words: Open border means people can cross between India and Nepal without passports. It lets them find jobs, go to school, and visit family. But it also makes it easier for bad activities, so both countries work to keep it safe.

Exam Tip: Balance the positive impacts (free movement, economic opportunities, family ties) with the challenges (illegal activities, security concerns) when discussing open border policies to show a complete understanding.

Question 4. The chapter says, "Being neighbours is not just about geography." Explain this statement with an example.
Answer: "Being a neighbour extends beyond simple geography." It encompasses bonds rooted in time, culture, and money matters. It reaches further than just the land and borders that separate or join nations. India has maintained cultural links and trade with its neighbours dating back to ancient eras.

For instance, China maintains a lengthy and critical bond with India that draws from ancient times, regional position, artistic traditions, and governmental concerns. Buddhism made its journey to China from India over many hundreds of years in the past. Scholars journeyed from China to study at Indian places of learning, and Indian scholars brought Buddhist ideas to China. During old times, India and China carried on trade by means of the 'Silk route.' Even in modern times, the bond stays positive. Though India and China face numerous political tensions and disagreements about their mutual frontier, efforts continue toward settling these issues by way of conversation, mechanisms for addressing border issues, and buying and selling goods between them.
In simple words: Being neighbours means sharing history, culture, and trade - not just having a border. India and China trade and share Buddhism even though they sometimes have conflicts.

Exam Tip: When explaining that neighbourliness transcends mere geography, provide historical examples (ancient trade routes, religious/cultural exchanges) alongside modern diplomatic efforts to demonstrate the multi-layered nature of international relationships.

Question 5. What are the different ways in which India has helped smaller countries in her neighbourhood? Explain with examples.
Answer: India has rendered assistance to smaller neighbouring nations in various meaningful ways:

(i) In Myanmar, India took action to repair the Ananda temple in Bagan after a quake destroyed it. India also offered Myanmar a 16-foot reproduction of the Sarnath Buddha statue as a mark of friendship.

(ii) In Afghanistan, India has supported the growth of schooling, healthcare provision, and public works. India is actively engaged in helping build the Afghan Parliament building and the Zaranj-Delaram Highway, both major undertakings that demonstrate India's commitment to the nation's development.

(iii) In Maldives, India stepped in swiftly during the 2004 Tsunami disaster, the 2014 drinking water emergency in Male, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This timely aid has allowed the two nations to forge robust bonds across culture, society, commerce, and governance.
In simple words: India helps smaller neighbours by fixing temples and sharing culture (Myanmar), building schools and roads (Afghanistan), and sending help during emergencies (Maldives).

Exam Tip: Provide specific examples of India's aid initiatives - temple restoration, infrastructure projects, and disaster relief - to demonstrate India's regional leadership and commitment to neighbourhood stability and development.

Question 6. How do shared challenges become opportunities for cooperation? Were there examples in this chapter to illustrate this?
Answer: Shared challenges work as springboards for nations to join forces and cooperate.

Issues like acts of violence, defence worries, wealth gaps, regional strife, shifts in weather patterns, and handling of catastrophes have opened doors for neighbouring nations to work jointly.

Several cases from this section illustrate this principle:

Border and territory rows and mounting friction between India and China are being tackled through commercial ties, talking things through, and official ways to handle border matters.

The Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan allows thousands of followers of Sikhism to journey to the Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, turning a potential point of friction into a shared space of worship and peace.

The care and oversight of the Sundarbans National Park has served as a uniting force for India and Bangladesh relations, showing how managing a shared natural resource brings two nations closer.

A deal made in 2018 between India and Myanmar regarding their shared ground border makes it easier for individuals residing in these border zones to move back and forth, strengthening people-to-people connections and trade. India and Indonesia have also strengthened their strategic partnership, chiefly in ocean safety, armed forces work, and crisis help. The two lands have mutual concerns about ship robbery, environmental shifts, and keeping sea pathways protected.
In simple words: When countries face big problems together - like border issues, terrorism, or natural disasters - they must work together. This working together turns challenges into chances to become friends and build trust.

Exam Tip: Always connect shared challenges with specific cooperative outcomes - show how problem-solving initiatives (treaties, joint management, dialogue mechanisms) strengthen relationships between neighbours.

Question 7. If borders were drawn only by culture and connections, how would the map look different?
Answer: Should borders be drawn according to cultural ties and shared heritage rather than political lines, the world map would appear entirely unlike what we see in atlases today. It would take on the look of a complicated patchwork rather than the clear straight lines shown on political maps.

This kind of mapping would capture overlapping identities, ways of speaking, belief systems, customs, and ties to the past rather than government structures and lawful lines. In actual practice, developing such a map would be an extremely difficult and complicated undertaking. In my view, such a reorganisation would also spark new rows and befuddle existing arrangements.
In simple words: If we drew borders based on culture and history instead of politics, the map would look messy and complicated, not clean. Many cultures would overlap, and it would be hard to decide where one nation ends and another starts.

Exam Tip: When answering this question, acknowledge that cultural borders would overlap significantly, making political administration nearly impossible, and that current political borders, while sometimes arbitrary, provide necessary order and governance structures.

Question 8. On blank maps: (a) Label India's neighbours. (b) Draw arrows showing cultural flows (e.g, food, festivals, languages) between India and her neighbours. (c) Imagine and redraw new "borders of friendship" that connect neighbours through rivers, trade routes, or cultural zones. (d) Collect pictures of the flags of the countries listed in this chapter and write your observations.
Answer:
(a) [Map showing India's neighbours labelled: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, Indonesia]

(b) The flow of food, holidays, and speech forms among India and the nations around it stretches back hundreds of years, influenced by buying and selling, motion of populations, and long-standing customs.

Food Exchanges

India-Nepal: Both nations enjoy dal-bhat (beans and grain), momos (filled pastries), and seasonings such as turmeric and cumin.

India-Bangladesh: Common to both is Bengali fare - fish preparations, sweet treats like rasgulla and sandesh, plus grain-based plates.

India-Pakistan: Mughlai and Punjabi cooking traditions intertwine - featuring biryani, roasted meat on skewers, oiled breads, and thick sauces.

India-Sri Lanka: An exchange of grain-centred meals, curries made with milk from coconuts, and pastries like hoppers (appa) and dosas.

India-Myanmar: Alike in their curries, use of beans, and street meals bearing Indian touches.

India-Afghanistan: Coming from the north, naan bread, meat on skewers, preserved fruit, and pilau rice shaped North India's food scene through ancient buying and selling paths.

Festivals Celebrations

Diwali: Marked in India, Nepal, and by Hindu groups in Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Eid: Honoured in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and across the area.

Buddha Purnima: Kept in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, a sign of their shared Buddhist roots.

Durga Puja: Big in India and Bangladesh, often with performance groups making journeys across the line.

Holi: Known in India and Nepal, spreading to folks in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Harvest Festivals: Pongal (India-Sri Lanka), Baisakhi (India-Pakistan), and other crop-time holidays show how villagers share the rhythms of farming life.

Language Literature Flow

Sanskrit Pali: Old writings reached Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Tibet, touching the ways Buddhists and Hindus do things.

Hindi Urdu: Mutual to India and Pakistan; film-making from Bombay and soul-songs tie them in language.

Bengali: Used in India (West Bengal, Tripura) and Bangladesh, with a shared store of poems and tales (Tagore, Nazrul).

Tamil: Heard in India and Sri Lanka, with strong giving back and forth of customs and prose.

Punjabi: Common to India and Pakistan, chiefly in verse and village song forms.

(c) This is a personal creative task - draw your own borders based on cultural zones, trade routes (like the Silk Route), or shared river systems like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Irrawaddy.

(d) This is a personal observational task - collect flags and note colours, symbols, and what each design represents about that nation's history and values.
In simple words: India shares food, holidays, and languages with all its neighbours. Diwali, momos, and Hindi are enjoyed across borders. These exchanges go back many centuries and tie the whole region together.

Exam Tip: When discussing cultural flows, provide specific examples of food items, festival dates, and literary figures to demonstrate the depth and age of cultural connections across the region. Use maps to show how ancient trade routes facilitated these exchanges.