The total geographical area of the Republic of India is of the order of which of the following approximate values in million square kilometres?

Introduction / Context:
Knowing the total geographical area of India is a basic fact in general geography and is often asked in competitive examinations. The figure is usually rounded off to one decimal place and compared with areas of other large countries. This question asks you to identify the correct order of magnitude of India total area in million square kilometres.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question refers to the total area of the Republic of India. • Options are approximate values expressed in million square kilometres: 2.3, 3.3, 4.3 and 5.3. • The exact figure often quoted is about 3.28 million square kilometres. • We assume that the question uses a rounded off value for easier memory.

Concept / Approach:
India area is approximately 3.28 million square kilometres. When a question asks for the order of magnitude, it expects you to choose the nearest rounded value, which is 3.3 million square kilometres. The other options are either too low or too high when compared with the known factual figure. Therefore, the method is to recall the precise number and then match it to the closest option provided.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember that the total geographical area of India is about 3.28 million square kilometres. Step 2: Note that 3.28 is usually rounded to 3.3 for ease of learning and quick recall. Step 3: Examine the options. Among 2.3, 3.3, 4.3 and 5.3, only 3.3 lies close to 3.28. Step 4: Recognise that 2.3 million square kilometres would underestimate India size by a very large margin. Step 5: Realise that 4.3 and 5.3 million square kilometres would overestimate India area significantly and do not match standard references.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most standard atlases and school geography textbooks state India area as approximately 3.28 million square kilometres. Competitive exam preparation books also repeat that India occupies about 2.4 percent of the world land area with this approximate size. When rounded to one decimal place, 3.28 becomes 3.3, confirming that 3.3 million square kilometres is the correct option among those given.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
2.3 million square kilometres is roughly one million square kilometres smaller than the accepted figure and would place India well below its real size in world rankings. 4.3 million square kilometres is larger than India and would move the country closer to the size of countries like China or the United States, which is not accurate. 5.3 million square kilometres is even farther from the true value and does not match any commonly cited measure of India area.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to misremember the decimal part and confuse 3.28 with numbers like 2.38 or 4.38. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the phrase of the order of, which signals that an approximate nearest value is being asked for. To avoid errors, students should firmly memorise the rounded figure of 3.3 million square kilometres for India area.

Final Answer:
The total area of the Republic of India is of the order of 3.3 million square kilometres.