Tropic of Cancer India – The Tropic of Cancer, also known as the Northern Tropic, is 23°26′13.4″ (or 23.43705°) north of Equator. This line of latitude was named around 2,000 years ago. When it was named, the Sun was in constellation Cancer at June solstice, the time every year that Sun will reaches its zenith at this latitude. Due to the precession of equinoxes, it is no longer the case; the Sun is in the Taurus at June solstice. The word “tropic” originated from Greek “trope (τροπή)”, which means turn (change of circumstances or direction), inclination, citing to the reality that the sun appears to “turn black” at solstices. The position of Tropic of Cancer is not fixed but changes in a complex manner over time. The Tropic of Cancer passes through eight states in India: Gujarat (Jasdan), Rajasthan (Kalinjarh), Madhya Pradesh (Shajapur), Chhattisgarh (Sonhat), Jharkhand (Lohardaga), West Bengal (Krishnanagar), Tripura (Udaipur) and Mizoram (Champhai).
Tropic of Cancer India
When we think about the Tropic of Cancer India, the thing that immediately comes to our mind is that the Tropic of Cancer India passes through which states ? The answer for this is that the tropic of cancer India passes through 8 states. They are mentioned below
- Mizoram (Champhai) 23.45
- Tripura (Udaipur) 23.53
- West Bengal (Krishnanagar) 23.4
- Jharkhand (Lohardaga) 23.4
- Chattisgarh (Sonhat) 23.47
- Madhya Pradesh (Shajapur) 23.43
- Rajasthan (Kalinjarh) 23.43
- Gujarat (Jasdan) 22.03
At the tropic of Cancer, the Sun appears directly overhead at its culmination. Every year, 2.7 billion units of electricity is saved by India by shifting the IST meridian eastward (from the 82.5E longitude in UP to 90E near Assam-Bengal border), calculated by the scientists. Tarun Gogoi, the Chief Minister of Assam, announced his decision to reset the clock in the state an hour ahead of the Indian Standard Time (IST) in order to increase productivity and save energy.
The Indian States Passing through the Tropic of Cancer and having Boundaries with Other Countries
- Afghanistan Bordering: Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistan-Occupied Area).
- Bhutan Bordering: West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam bordering Myanmar Arunachal pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
- Bangladesh Bordering: West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura and Assam.
- Nepal Bordering: Bihar: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal.
- China Bordering: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Pakistan Bordering: Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
City Nearest to Tropic of Cancer India
The Indian city closest to the Tropic of Cancer is Udaipur city of Tripura. Tropic of Cancer is the imaginary line at 23.50 degree North of Equator.
Few major cities situated nearer to Tropic of Cancer are:
- Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand — 23.36°N 85.33°E
- Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh — 23.25°N, 77.416667°E
- Gandhinagar, capital of Gujarat — 23.22°N 72.650°E
- Aizawl, capital of and largest city in Mizoram — 23.727222°N, 92.717778°E
- Agartala, capital of and largest city in Tripura — 23.833333°N, 91.266667°E
Note: that the Tropic of Cancer does not mark India’s centre. The centre of India is at approximately 21.15°N (around northern Maharashtra).
The Tropic of Cancer runs through the middle of India. The areas that lie south of Tropic of Cancer are closer to Equator and throughout the year, they experience very high temperature. On the other hand, the northern parts lie in warm temperature zone. Because of this, they experience low temperatures comparatively. Especially in winter, few places record considerably low temperatures. The water bodies comprising the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea surround the peninsular India and they make the climatic conditions mild along the coastal areas. Thus, the Tropic of Cancer has a significant effect on the climate of India.
A River Runs Through It
Mahi River is the only river in India that cuts the Tropic of Cancer twice, first in Madhya Pradesh from where it flows towards Rajasthan and enters Gujarat where it cuts for the second time. If you are the adventurous type and was looking for something different, following the Tropic of Cancer line across India would definitely qualify as something different. Follow the river all through Dhar and Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh, follow it some more as it enter Banswara in Rajasthan (you are on the Tropic of Cancer here!) and then follow the river back as it passes through Panchmahal in Gujarat and finally joins Arabian Sea at the mouth of Gulf of Khambhat. While you are still in Gujarat, head to Jasdan. The city is known for its beautiful handicrafts and diamond polishing. Looks like sun brought bling with it. Don’t forget, Tropic of Cancer passes through this city.
Solstice Facts
During Summer Solstice, that is, June 21, sun falls perpendicularly on the Tropic of Cancer. The “right angle” means it’s the wrong time to wander outside. Because it is hot, earth is at it’s hottest. And on December 21, the same thing happens on the southern hemisphere, on the Tropic of Capricorn. That’s Winter Solstice for you.
