Introduction
The structure of the Indian political system has often been a topic of debate. While some argue that India is a federal state with unitary features, others contend that it is a unitary state with federal features. This essay will argue that the Indian union is more accurately described as a unitary state with subsidiary federal features.

Unitary State
A unitary state is a form of governance in which power is concentrated at the national level, with the central government having the ultimate authority. In a unitary state, the central government can create, modify, or abolish subnational units at its discretion. It can also allocate powers and responsibilities to these units as it sees fit.

Subsidiary Federal Features
Federalism, on the other hand, is a system in which power is divided between the central government and subnational units, with each level of government having autonomous powers and responsibilities. In a federal state, the subnational units have their own constitutionally guaranteed powers, and the central government cannot unilaterally alter or abolish these units.

Features of the Indian Union
1. Constitutional Allocation of Powers: The Indian Constitution clearly defines the powers and responsibilities of the central government and the state governments. While the central government has a wide range of powers, including defense, foreign affairs, and currency, the state governments have powers in areas such as health, education, and agriculture.

2. Unitary Control over States: The Indian union has the power to impose President's Rule in a state, which effectively suspends the state government and places the administration under the direct control of the central government. This indicates a higher level of central authority compared to a federal system.

3. Uniformity of Laws: The Indian union has the power to legislate on matters that are in the state list, in certain circumstances such as national emergency or when it is in the national interest. This allows the central government to override state laws, further indicating the unitary nature of the Indian political system.

4. Financial Dependence of States: The Indian union has significant control over the finances of the states. The central government controls the distribution of tax revenues and can impose conditions on the states for receiving financial assistance. This financial dependence reduces the autonomy of the states and strengthens the unitary character of the Indian political system.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while India has certain federal features such as the division of powers between the central government and the state governments, the overall structure of the Indian political system is that of a unitary state with subsidiary federal features. The central government has a higher level of authority and control over the states, and the states are financially dependent on the central government. These characteristics distinguish India from a true federal state and support the argument that it is a unitary state with federal features.