INTRODUCTION OF GEOGRAPHY 

Meaning Nature Scope and various concepts of Geography

               ‘Geography means study of earth The word’  Geography was first used by a great philosopher Eratosthenes ‘Geo’ means Earth and Graphics means measurement or information of earth.  The study of earth is not the complete definition of Geography.  Geography Subject considers many natural changes and other related elements or things.  Many experts have defined the word ‘Geography’ Let us see some definitions for the study of Geography Subject-

§  Definitions of Geography

1] “The purpose of geography is to provide a view of the whole earth by mapping the location of places”. – P. Tolemy

2] “Synoptic discipline.  Synthesizing findings of other sciences through the concept of Roum (Area or Space)”—Immanuel Kant.

3] “Man in society and local variations in environment.”—Halford Mackinder.

4] “To understand the earth as the world of man”. – J.O.M. Broek.

5] “Geography is the science of relationship between physical inorganic factors and principles and of organic factors”. – James Fairgrieve.

5] “Geography is concerned with the description and explanation of the areal differentiation of the earth’s surface.”- Richard Hartshorne

6] “Geography studies the differences of phenomena usually related in different parts of the earth’s surface. “  - Hettner

§  Meaning of Geography

              It is always difficult to define a subject and with the passage of time, knowledge grows and culture advances.  The definition of the subject also changes.  It is because of these reasons the definition given of Geography are not universally accepted.

              Geography provides accurate, orderly & rational description and interpretation of the variable character of the earth surface.

              Geography does not mean description of the earth’s surface.  Many changes have occurred due to external and internal forces.  Out of these forces many types, micro-organisms and macro-organisms play an important role of all biological elements on this earth, man is the most important creature, and he is the most intelligent of all the living beings.  Man has used natural resources for his needs and welfare.  All the necessities for the living things are satisfied from natural environment.  He has used natural resources according to his needs, sometimes, adapted his living according to natural laws of the earth while at times he has used it by his own will, thus without submitting to the nature.

§  Nature of Geography

              Geography is a vast and mobile subject in nature.  The field of geography keeps on changing. Due to the progress in science and technology, we get more and more information.  For some centuries ago, Astrology was also supposed to be the knowledge of geography.  The modern concept of geography emerged 400 years ago.  Sea traders and land discoverers were on the forefront in the development of geography.

              From the definition and description of geography it has changed as a knowledge of places and people.  Up to the 10^th century names of rivers, mountain, places was supposed to be the knowledge of geography.  But after 18^th century the development of geographical knowledge extended beyond it.  At those times it was assumed as a science of distribution.  In the 19^th century it was assumed as a branch of social sciences.  But then nature of geographical changed.  It becomes a study of human beings on the earth surface.  Geography became.  The study of the relationship between cause and effect.  During 20^th century it obtains the status as a branch of science.

              Man tries hard for his inventions, but in order to be successful he must take into consideration the stage that has been set up for him in nature.  The stage is the physical environment which he cannot escape.  It is true that man has mobility and can migrate from one place to another.  But where he goes, he must obey or co-operate with the laws of nature.  In the early stages, the savage man was largely at the mercy of his physical the working of nature increased him been to make effective use of the materials and natural force existing around him.  The forces included isolation, gravitation, global rotation, and revolution, volcanoes, earth movement etc.

              It is true that most of the elements of physical environment are capable of only slight modification by man.  Nevertheless, even this slight control that he has over nature means a great deal towards his progress.  For example, man knows very little about atmosphere and can control atmospheric conditions slightly.  But he has studied some of the laws.  Man’s material progress is largely determined by his success in adjusting his actions to his physical environment.

              A country can be said as a developed or developing country according to the physical development of its citizens without human beings, we cannot define Geography.  In geography, we study about the rivers, mountains, seas, oceans, planets, animals, plants and continents as well as those elements which affect human welfare.