India and Her Neighbours


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



A maritime neighbour is a country that is connected to another country through a sea or ocean, even if they do not share a land border.


Examples with respect to India:


  1. Sri Lanka – It is separated from India by the Palk Strait.
  2. Maldives – It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India.



Thus, countries connected by water bodies are called maritime neighbours. 





2. How has Buddhism created links with India’s neighbours? Give examples.



Buddhism originated in India and spread to many neighbouring countries through trade routes, monks, and pilgrims.


Examples:


  • Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka during Emperor Ashoka’s time through his children Mahendra and Sanghamitra.
  • It travelled to China through Indian monks and scholars.
  • Myanmar, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal also follow Buddhism and have important Buddhist sites.



Thus, Buddhism created strong cultural and spiritual links between India and her neighbours. 





3. What does ‘open border’ policy mean? How does the India–Nepal open border policy affect people living along the border?



An open border policy means that people can cross the border without a passport or visa.


Effects of India–Nepal open border policy:


  • People can travel freely for work, education, trade, and religious visits.
  • Families living on both sides can stay connected.
  • Border areas have active markets and cultural exchange.



This policy strengthens friendship and cooperation between India and Nepal. 





4. The chapter says, “Being neighbours is not just about geography.” Explain with an example.



Being neighbours is not only about sharing borders but also about history, culture, trade, and cooperation.


Example:

India and Sri Lanka are neighbours because of the sea, but they share:


  • Buddhism and Hindu traditions
  • Trade relations
  • Cultural exchanges



Hence, relationships depend on people, culture, and cooperation, not only geography. 





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



India has helped neighbouring countries in many ways:


  • Disaster relief: Helped Maldives during water crisis and tsunami.
  • Infrastructure: Built roads and Parliament building in Afghanistan.
  • Energy cooperation: Helped Bhutan with hydroelectric projects.
  • Health and aid: Provided medicines and humanitarian help.



These efforts show India’s role as a helpful and responsible neighbour. 





6. How do shared challenges become opportunities for cooperation? Give examples from the chapter.



Countries facing similar problems can work together to find solutions.


Examples:


  • India and Indian Ocean countries cooperated to set up tsunami warning systems.
  • India and Bangladesh jointly protect the Sundarban mangrove forests.
  • Climate change issues have led to cooperation with Maldives on sustainability.



Thus, common challenges bring countries closer. 





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



If borders were based on culture and connections:


  • Parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka might appear closely connected.
  • Regions sharing languages, festivals, and religions would form cultural zones.
  • Trade routes and rivers would connect countries instead of dividing them.



Such a map would show friendship and cooperation, not separation. 



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