Facts about Each State and UT | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

States

1. Andhra Pradesh

• The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, including classical dance forms like Kuchipudi and Carnatic music.
• Andhra Pradesh is home to Tirupati, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees every year.
• It is the largest producer of rice in India and is known as the "Rice Bowl of India."
• It is the eighth-largest state in India by area and has the second-longest coastline. 
• It is known for its rich history, culture, and architectural marvels such as the Charminar and Tirupati Temple.

2. Arunachal Pradesh

• It is the northeasternmost state of India and shares borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.
• Arunachal Pradesh is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the Tawang Monastery and the Ziro Valley.
• The state is home to a diverse range of tribes and ethnic groups, each with its distinct culture and traditions.

3. Assam

• Assam is famous for its tea plantations, producing some of the finest tea in the world.
• The Kaziranga National Park in Assam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to two-thirds of the world's population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
• The state has a strong tradition of silk production, with Muga and Pat silk being the most famous varieties.

4. Bihar

• Bihar is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world, with a history dating back to the Magadha Empire.
• It is the birthplace of two major religions, Buddhism and Jainism.
• Nalanda, located in Bihar, was once a renowned ancient center of learning, attracting scholars from all over the world.

5. Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh is known for its rich tribal culture and is home to several indigenous tribes.
• It has vast mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite, making it an important mining state in India.
• The state is famous for its unique folk dances, such as Panthi, Raut Nacha, and Karma.

6. Goa

• Goa is India's smallest state by area and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese colonial architecture.
• It has a unique blend of Indian and Western culture and cuisine.
• The state hosts the popular Goa Carnival, a colorful celebration featuring music, dance, and floats.

7. Gujarat

• Gujarat is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation.
• It is known for its rich industrial heritage and is often referred to as the "Manchester of the East."
• The state is famous for its vibrant handicrafts, including Patola silk sarees, Bandhani textiles, and traditional jewelry.

8. Haryana

• Haryana is known for its agricultural prowess, especially in wheat and rice production.
• It has a rich sporting culture and has produced many renowned athletes in various sports, particularly wrestling.
• The state is home to several historical sites, including the Kurukshetra, a place of religious and mythological significance.

9. Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque hill stations, such as Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala.
• It is home to several major rivers, including the Beas, Chenab, and Satluj.
• The state has a strong Tibetan influence, and Dharamshala is the residence of the Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

10. Jharkhand

• Jharkhand is rich in mineral resources, including coal, iron ore, copper, and mica.
• The state has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Betla National Park and Palamau Tiger Reserve.
• It is known for its tribal culture and traditions, with a significant population of indigenous tribes.

11. Karnataka

• Karnataka is home to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru, which is a major hub for information technology and innovation.
• It has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its classical dance form, Bharatanatyam, and classical music, particularly the Carnatic style.
• The state boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Hampi, Pattadakal, and the Western Ghats.

12. Kerala

• Kerala is known as "God's Own Country" for its pristine backwaters, beautiful beaches, and lush green landscapes.
• It has the highest literacy rate among Indian states and is renowned for its quality healthcare and social indicators.
• Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that is widely practiced and attracts medical tourists from around the world.

13. Madhya Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Khajuraho Group of Monuments and the rock shelters of Bhimbetka.
• The state has a rich wildlife heritage and is home to several national parks, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench.
• It has a strong cultural heritage, with traditional art forms like Gond painting and folk music being popular.

14. Maharashtra

• Maharashtra is the wealthiest state in India and has a thriving film industry centered in Mumbai, known as Bollywood.
• It is home to the financial capital of India, Mumbai, which is a major center for trade, commerce, and entertainment.
• The state has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali.

15. Manipur

• Manipur is known for its natural beauty and is often called the "Switzerland of India."
• The state has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its classical dance form, Manipuri, and its unique music, theater, and handicrafts.
• Manipur is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park and the habitat of the endangered Sangai deer.

16. Meghalaya

• Meghalaya is known for its abundant rainfall, lush green landscapes, and beautiful waterfalls.
• It is home to Mawlynnong, a village known as the cleanest village in Asia.
• Meghalaya is also famous for its living root bridges, which are made by training the roots of rubber trees across rivers.

17. Mizoram

• Mizoram is located in the northeastern part of India and is known for its picturesque landscapes and moderate climate.
• The state has a rich tribal culture, and its traditional dance forms, music, and handicrafts are popular.
• Mizoram is one of the highest literate states in India, with education being highly valued among its population.

18. Nagaland

• Nagaland is known for its vibrant tribal culture and is often referred to as the "Land of Festivals."
• The state is home to several indigenous tribes, each with its unique customs, music, and traditional attire.
• Nagaland is famous for its Hornbill Festival, a week-long extravaganza showcasing the state's cultural heritage.

19. Odisha

• Odisha has a rich history and is known for its ancient temples, including the famous Konark Sun Temple and the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
• The state is renowned for its classical dance form, Odissi, which is one of the oldest surviving dance forms in India.
• Odisha's coastline is home to the largest population of nesting Olive Ridley turtles in the world.

20. Punjab

• Punjab is known as the "Land of Five Rivers" and is famous for its agricultural productivity, particularly in wheat and dairy farming.
• The state is the birthplace of Sikhism, and the Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest site for Sikhs.
• Punjab has a vibrant music and dance culture, with Bhangra being one of its most popular folk dance forms.

21. Rajasthan

• Rajasthan is famous for its royal heritage, majestic palaces, and vibrant culture.
• The state is home to several magnificent forts and palaces, including the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the City Palace in Jaipur.
• Rajasthan is known for its colorful festivals, such as Pushkar Camel Fair and the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer.

22. Sikkim

• Sikkim is the least populous state in India and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.
• It is the first fully organic state in India, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
• Sikkim has a rich Buddhist heritage, and the Rumtek Monastery is one of its most important religious sites.

23. Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu is known for its rich cultural heritage, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam, and classical music, particularly the Carnatic style.
• The state is home to several ancient temples, including the famous Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Tamil Nadu is the second-largest contributor to India's GDP and is a major hub for the automobile, IT, and healthcare industries.

24. Telangana

• Telangana is the youngest state in India, formed in 2014, and has Hyderabad as its capital, known for its IT industry.
• The state has a rich cultural heritage, with the Qutub Shahi Tombs and Charminar in Hyderabad being notable landmarks.
• Telangana is renowned for its vibrant festival of Bathukamma, where women create beautiful floral arrangements.

25. Tripura

• Tripura is known for its diverse ethnic communities and their distinct cultural traditions.
• The state has several beautiful lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites, such as the Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala.
• Tripura is famous for its traditional handloom and handicraft products, including tribal weaves and bamboo crafts.

26. Uttar Pradesh

• Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India and has a rich historical and cultural heritage.
• It is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the holy city of Varanasi.
• The state has a diverse cuisine, known for its kebabs, biryanis, and sweets like the famous 'petha' from Agra.

27. Uttarakhand

• Uttarakhand is known as the "Land of the Gods" due to its numerous temples and pilgrimage sites.
• The state is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan ranges, rivers, and lakes.
• It is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest national park in India.

28. West Bengal

• West Bengal is known for its intellectual and cultural heritage, with Kolkata being the center of art, literature, and cinema.
• The state is famous for its grand Durga Puja celebrations, which attract visitors from all over the world.
• West Bengal is renowned for its cuisine, including mouth-watering sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh.

Union Territories

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of picturesque islands in the Bay of Bengal, known for their stunning beaches, coral reefs, and biodiversity.
• The islands have a rich history, with Cellular Jail in Port Blair being a significant monument from the Indian freedom struggle.
• The indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have preserved their unique culture and way of life.

2. Chandigarh

• Chandigarh is a well-planned city and serves as the capital for two states, Punjab and Haryana.
• It is known for its modern architecture, with several iconic buildings designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier.
• The city has a high standard of living and is known for its well-maintained gardens and parks.

3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

• These union territories are located on the western coast of India and are known for their scenic beauty and Portuguese colonial influence.
• They have a diverse cultural heritage, with a mix of tribal traditions, Gujarati and Portuguese cultures.
• The union territories are popular for their beaches, historic forts, and churches.

4. Delhi

• Delhi serves as the capital territory of India and is a major political, cultural, and commercial center.
• The city has a rich historical heritage, with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb.
• Delhi is known for its diverse culinary scene, representing cuisines from all over India.

5. Lakshadweep

• Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea, known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.
• It is the smallest union territory in India and has a unique culture influenced by the traditions of its indigenous population.
• The islands offer excellent opportunities for water sports, including snorkeling and scuba diving.

6. Puducherry

• Puducherry, also known as Pondicherry, is a former French colony and is famous for its French architecture, cuisine, and culture.
• The union territory is known for its serene beaches, colonial buildings, and spiritual centers.
• Auroville, an experimental township near Puducherry, attracts people from around the world who seek spiritual and communal living.

7. Ladakh

• Ladakh is located in the Himalayan region and is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including high-altitude deserts, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes.
• The region has a rich Buddhist heritage, with monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Diskit attracting visitors.
• Ladakh is renowned for its adventure tourism, offering activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and river rafting.

8. Jammu and Kashmir

• Jammu and Kashmir is often referred to as "Paradise on Earth" due to its breathtaking landscapes, including the picturesque valleys of Kashmir and the stunning mountains of Ladakh.
• The state has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by a blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist traditions.
• Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its handicrafts, particularly Kashmiri carpets, Pashmina shawls, and wooden artifacts.