Which latitude, also called a major circle of latitude, passes approximately through the middle of the Indian mainland and divides the country into almost two equal halves?

Introduction / Context:
This question is from Indian geography and asks about the important latitude that passes through the central part of India. Knowing the position of major parallels of latitude in relation to India is important for understanding climate, day length, and the division of the country into tropical and subtropical zones.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which latitude passes through the middle of India.
• The options list major latitudes: Equator, Arctic Circle, Tropic of Capricorn, and Tropic of Cancer.
• We assume standard geographical positions of these lines on the globe.

Concept / Approach:
The Earth has several important circles of latitude: the Equator at 0 degrees, the Tropic of Cancer at about 23.5 degrees north, the Tropic of Capricorn at about 23.5 degrees south, the Arctic Circle at about 66.5 degrees north, and the Antarctic Circle at about 66.5 degrees south. The Indian mainland lies mostly between about 8 degrees north and 37 degrees north. The latitude that passes approximately through the middle of India is the Tropic of Cancer, which cuts across several Indian states.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the approximate latitudinal extent of India: from about 8 degrees north to about 37 degrees north. Step 2: Identify the latitude that lies roughly midway in this range. Step 3: The Tropic of Cancer is at about 23.5 degrees north, which is near the central latitudes of India. Step 4: The Equator is at 0 degrees and passes far south of India, not through it. Step 5: The Tropic of Capricorn is at about 23.5 degrees south and lies well south of India. Step 6: The Arctic Circle is at about 66.5 degrees north and is far to the north of India. Step 7: Therefore, the only circle of latitude among the options that passes through the middle of India is the Tropic of Cancer.

Verification / Alternative check:
On a political or physical map of India, you can see the Tropic of Cancer cutting across states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. This line roughly divides India into two climatic zones, with a large portion to the south in the tropical zone and the northern part in the subtropical zone. No other major parallel listed in the options intersects the Indian mainland in this way.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, the Equator, lies to the south of India and passes through countries such as Indonesia and Kenya, not through India. Option B, the Arctic Circle, is far to the north near the polar region and does not come close to the Indian subcontinent. Option C, the Tropic of Capricorn, is in the southern hemisphere and passes through countries such as Australia and South Africa, not India. Therefore, only option D, the Tropic of Cancer, fits the description.

Common Pitfalls:
A common confusion is between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, because they are both at about 23.5 degrees but in different hemispheres. Students may also mistakenly think that the Equator passes through India, which it does not. Memorising both the latitudinal extent of India and the positions of the major parallels helps avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
The latitude that passes through the middle of India is the Tropic of Cancer.