The Indian Subcontinent: Ranking as the world's 7th largest country and the 2nd most populous, India stands as a vibrant tapestry of diversity and cultural richness. Comprising 28 states and 8 Union territories, each with its distinct identity, history, and administrative hub, India holds a prominent position in Southern Asia. Governed by a parliamentary system, managing such vast territory from a centralized location poses significant challenges. Thus, the Indian Constitution empowers the central government to accommodate the needs of individual states. This article seeks to provide an insight into the Indian states and their capitals, highlighting their significance and contributions to the nation.
A considerable number of individuals lack awareness regarding the total count of States/Union Territories in India and their respective capitals. This article aims to furnish the latest information on India's States and Capitals. Presently, India comprises 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state possesses an administrative, legislative, and judicial capital, with some states consolidating all three functions in one capital. Chief Ministers govern each state. Here, we present a comprehensive list of Indian States, Union Territories, and their capitals.
India has a total of 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state adds to India's cultural tapestry, enriching and energising the country's identity. The 28 Indian States and their capitals are as follows.
The Indian States and their Capitals | |
State Name | Capital |
Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati |
Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
Assam | Dispur |
Bihar | Patna |
Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
Goa | Panaji |
Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
Haryana | Chandigarh |
Himachal Pradesh | Shimla |
Jharkhand | Ranchi |
Karnataka | Bengaluru |
Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram |
Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
Maharashtra | Mumbai |
Manipur | Imphal |
Meghalaya | Shillong |
Mizoram | Aizawl |
Nagaland | Kohima |
Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
Punjab | Chandigarh |
Rajasthan | Jaipur |
Sikkim | Gangtok |
Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
Telangana | Hyderabad |
Tripura | Agartala |
Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow |
Uttarakhand | Dehradun (Winter) |
West Bengal | Kolkata |
At Present India now has 28 States and 8 Union Territories. The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has been bifurcated into two Union Territories (UT) of J&K and Ladakh. The newly formed union territories have been formed under a reorganization act passed by the Parliament on 5-6 August 2020. At present India has 8 Union Territories.
Union Territories Name | Capital |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman |
Delhi | New Delhi |
Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer) |
Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
Puducherry | Pondicherry |
Ladakh | Leh |
Each Indian State has a unique historical and cultural background. For example, New Delhi, India's capital, has a blend of modernity and history, Iconic landmarks such as India Gate and the Istana represent the country's past difficulties as well as its future hopes. Mumbai, the state capital of Maharashtra, is the country's financial and entertainment epicentre, as well as the home of Bollywood and India's largest stock exchange.
Indian States with their Specialities | |
Indian States | Specialisation |
Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Pradesh is known for its spicy cuisine, historical sites like Charminar and Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, and rich culture in art, music, and dance. |
Arunachal Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse tribal cultures, and the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in India. |
Assam | Assam is famous for its tea plantations, Kaziranga National Park (home to the one-horned rhinoceros), Bihu dance, and traditional silk weaving. |
Bihar | Bihar is known for its historical significance, including the ancient city of Patliputra, Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, and Madhubani art. |
Chhattisgarh | Chhattisgarh is recognized for its tribal heritage, rich mineral resources, and the Chitrakote Waterfall, often called the "Niagara of India." |
Delhi | Delhi is famous for iconic landmarks such as India Gate and the Istana represent the country's past difficulties as well as its future hopes. |
Goa | Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, and seafood cuisine. |
Gujarat | Gujarat is renowned for its industrial and business prowess, the Rann of Kutch desert, vibrant festivals like Navaratri and Diwali, and the Sabarmati Ashram associated with Mahatma Gandhi. |
Haryana | Haryana is known for its agricultural productivity, being a hub for industries, and Chandigarh, a well-planned city known for its architecture and urban design. |
Himachal Pradesh | elebrated for its picturesque hill stations, adventure tourism, serene landscapes, and the Dalai Lama's residence in Dharamshala. |
Jharkhand | Jharkhand is rich in mineral resources, known for its tribal culture, and home to the Betla National Park. |
Karnataka | Karnataka is distinguished as the "Silicon Valley of India," known for its IT industry, historical sites like Hampi, and traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam. |
Kerala | Kerala is famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda practices, lush greenery, and the highest literacy rate in India. |
Maharashtra | Maharashtra is also known as financial and entertainment capital, Bollywood film industry, historical landmarks like Gateway of India, and culinary delights like Vada Pav. |
Manipur | Celebrated for its traditional dance forms like Manipuri dance, Loktak Lake, and vibrant festivals. |
You can check the latest political map of India which provides the total number of states and union territories in India and their capitals at present.
Based on their source, the Indian River system is classified into - Himalayan Rivers and Peninsular Rivers. The Himalayan Rivers originate from the Himalayas and flow through the Northern Plains whereas Peninsular River System or Peninsular Drainage emerges mainly from the Western Ghats.
The major Himalayan River systems are The Indus River System, The Ganga River System, The Yamuna River System, and The Brahmaputra River System.
The major Peninsular River Systems are Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery.
Upon obtaining the roster of Indian States & Union Territories alongside their capitals, it's imperative to discern the distinction between a state and a union territory. Among the eight union territories in India, three possess their own legislatures: namely, Delhi, Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), and Jammu and Kashmir. Each state and union territory boasts its own capital.
States and Capitals of India | |
State | Union Territories |
The state has its own administrative units with their own elected government. | Union Territories are constituent units which are controlled and administered by the Central Government. |
Executive Head is the Governor | Executive Head is the President |
The relationship with the Centre is Federal. | Unitary with the Centre. i.e. all the powers rests in the hands of Union. |
Administered by the Chief Minister and elected by the people. | Administered by the Administrator which is appointed by the President. ( except Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir) |
Chief Minister is the real head. | The lieutenant is the real head. |
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