Explain the aim of Geography.
Ans. Geography is an areal or spatial science. It studies the relevant aspects of an area in its totality as an animated aspect of nature's creation. It studies the natural setting of an area and the human response.

Explain the view point of Geography as studied in earlier times.
Ans. The word 'Geography' is derived from the Greek words (`Ge' = earth and `Graphe'= description). Hence Geography means description of the earth. In earlier times, its aim was to know facts about places and people, so as to get acquainted with the world. This description was brought through the narratives of explorers, conquerors, travellers and traders. Some Indian, Greek and Arab scholars laid the foundation of Geography as a science by studying the shape and size of the earth, latitude and longitude, the solar system etc. Till the eighteenth century, geography was purely descriptive in nature.

Explain the modern viewpoint of Geography.
Ans. Modern Geography as a discipline, is a separate branch of science which describes the surface of the earth. Just as Botany is a study of plants. Geology of rocks, Zoology of animals, Geography is the study of an area and its environment. Geography studies natural and man-made features of an area. Geography is concerned with a real difference and distributional relationship. It is therefore known as a chronological science also. Geography studies difference of places.

How does the study of Geography help us in becoming a good citizen ?
Ans. Geography like other social sciences, history and civics, helps us to become good citizens. It helps us in the study of man-environment relationship. We know human reaction to environment in different parts of the world. We come to know why some countries are rich through the utilization of resources. We thus analyse the causes of variation in the stage of development in different parts. Geography makes us aware of our position on the globe and our relations with other countries of the world. Thus Geography cultivates a spirit of international undemanding between us. It provides us with wisdom for a truly civic outlook. Thus Geography like other social sciences helps us to be better citizens by learning our duties in a wider and broader outlook.
Geography is the base of Human Geography. It studies the different social, political and cultural problems of the world. It tries to solve many problems by a planned utilization of world resources. Thus in a broader perspective, it works for human welfare.

Why is Geography known as 'body of knowledge' ?
Ans. In ancient times, the aim of geography was to collect all general information concerning the earth. This knowledge was based on travels by traders, travellers, settlers and conquerors. Geography included the knowledge about the shape and size of earth, latitude, longitude, solar system etc. The subject of Geography gathered much knowledge from other subjects. Therefore it is known as body of knowledge.

'Geography is a physical science as well as a social science.' Discuss.
Ans. Geography is a science of synthesis. It represents the total picture of an area by studying the physical and human aspects of an area. Physics, chemistry, botany etc. (Physical sciences) are used to study the natural environment. The social science helps to study the human activities such as agriculture, settlements etc. Therefore Geography like the physical sciences and social sciences is included in both the groups.

"Geography is known as a science of integration or synthesis." Discuss.
Ans. The subject of Geography has a close relationship with other subjects. Different subjects provide useful information. but only those factors are studied which help in the aim of Geography. There are many inter-disciplinary areas in the study of geography. Therefore it is called a science’ of integration and synthesis. The maps of Relief, Agriculture, Transportation etc. are studied individually, but these maps studied in an integrated way, give very useful results.

What is Systematic Geography ? Name its sub-branches.
Ans. Geography studies the earth surface from two approaches :
(a) Systematic (b) Regional.
Systematic Geography is the study of specific natural or social phenomenon that gives rise to certain spatial patterns and structures on the earth surface. In this method, we select a geographical factor such as climate. We study the causes and effects of its spatial distribution. The focus is on climate and climatic types. A study of agriculture is done with the help of agricultural regions. Thus it is a detailed study of a single geographical factor. Ordinarily Systematic Geography is divided into four main branches
(i)    Physiography : It is conventionally known as Physical Geography.
(ii)    Human Geography : It is referred as Cultural Geography.
(iii)    Bio-Geography : It includes Environmental Geography.
(iv)    Geographic methods and techniques : These are used for making maps.

What is regional Geography ? Describe its sub-branches.
Ans. Regional Geography is the integrated study of Geographical factors of an area. One can start with a region, a state, or a river basin and then study it from different approaches. Each region is studied in its total setting. Regions could be based on a single factor like relief, rainfall, vegetation, literacy etc. There could also be multifactor regions. Administrative areas can be treated as regions. Planning regions are also formed.
The main sub-branches of Regional Geography are :
(i)    Regional Studies
(ii)    Regional Analysis
(iii)    Regional development
(iv)    Regional planning.

What is the role of Geography as a part of Social Science ? What aspects of earth are studied ? Give three examples.
Ans.(i) The study of Geography provides us the knowledge of the world, its people and places.
(ii)    Distribution of various cultural and natural features and phenomena over the earth's surface.
(iii)   The emerging patterns of human environment interactions at local, regional and global level.

Describe the importance of Physical Geography.
Ans. The study of physical geography includes the study of Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere. Till 19th century, physical environment was considered a dominant factor in human development. Later on Geography became a broad based discipline and natural environment was considered as resources. These resources constituted the life support system on the earth. Resource exploitation has led to pollution and degradation of Physical environment. So due to this environmental crisis, Physical Geography has again become important.

'There can be no geography without physical or human geography.' Explain the statement by giving suitable examples.
Ans. Geography is a Science of synthesis. It represents the total picture of an area by studying the Physical and human aspects of an area. Physical Geography studies the natural environment and Human Geography studies the human activities. In early stages, Physical Geography was main basis of Geography. But later on, social determinism led to the development of Human Geography. More emphasis was laid on Human Geography due to new theories of economic growth. But due to environmental destruction, geography has sought to return to its physical base. It has become a balanced and integrated discipline. There can be no geography without physical geography; no there can be one without human geography.