States and Capitals of India

This article gives important details about the States and Capitals of India. It is an important topic for banking aspirants as questions about it are often asked in the General Awareness section of exams and during interviews. Candidates should learn all the States and Capitals carefully. Read this article to get complete information on this topic.

States and Capitals of India

India is a diverse country divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. Known for its vibrant culture and stunning geographical diversity, each state and union territory has its own unique importance and charm. Every region is steeped in history, with stories that reflect its deep cultural roots. Located in southern Asia, India operates under a parliamentary system of government. To efficiently manage such a vast country, the Indian Constitution provides for the creation of states to ensure smoother governance under the central government.

The states and union territories are further divided into smaller administrative units, such as districts and subdivisions, for better management. In this article, we bring you a detailed list of India’s states and union territories.

List of States and Capitals Of India

India is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. In 2019, a significant change occurred with the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act. This led to the creation of two new union territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, on 31st October, making this date an important milestone in the country’s history. Keep reading this article for a complete list of the States and Capitals of India, along with details about the Union Territories.

States of India and their Capitals

Union Territories of India and their Capitals

Union Territories in India are regions that are governed directly by the federal government of the country. Unlike states, Union Territories have less autonomy and are usually administered by a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator appointed by the President of India. These territories are often created for various administrative and governance purposes. As of now, there are 8 Union Territories in India:

The two union territories which are Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are added to the list of Union Territories of India under a reorganization act passed by the parliament on 5-6 August 2020. The below table shows the detailed lists of 8 union territories of the country.

About India

India is mainly located in South Asia and is officially known as the Republic of India. It comprises a total area of 3,287,263 sq. km and has an estimated population of 135.26 crores (2019) which makes it the world’s second-most populous country.
India is a federal constitutional republic and is known as the world’s most populous democracy. It is governed by the parliamentary system. Earlier there were 28 states and 8 Union Territories but the Government Of India revoked article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and declared it as a union territory along with Ladakh. After the implementation of the decision, currently, there are 28 states and 8 Union Territories as Daman & Diu is merged with Dadar and Nagar Haveli.

Each state and union territory has an administrative, legislative, and judicial capital of its own. (The Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have a common high court as per the new guidelines)

Types of Capital

Given Below is a brief difference between the different kinds of capitals.

• An administrative capital refers to the one where all the offices of the executive government are situated.
• A legislative capital refers to the one where the state assembly convenes.
• A judicial capital refers to the one where the territorial high courts are located.

All the states along with two union territories, Pondicherry and the National Capital Territory of Delhi, have an elected form of government and legislatures. They are headed by their elected Chief Minister, who is elected for a term of five years. The Central government directly rules all the other union territories and has a representative in each UT known as the governor. Under the States Reorganization Act of 1956, the states were reorganized based on the language which is used there.

Capital of India

New Delhi is the capital of India. The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by Emperor George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker designed it. Finally, Viceroy and Governor-General of India Lord Irwin inaugurated it on 13 February 1931.

Financial Capital of India

Difference Between State And Union Territories

The below table highlights detailed information about the difference between the State and Union Territories of India.

States and Capitals of India: Articles in the Constitution

Under Part 1 of the constitution, Articles 1 to 4  describe India and its territories.

• Article 1 describes India as the “Union of States” and not “Federation of states” The names of states and their territories are mentioned in the first schedule of the constitution.
• Article 2 allows the parliament to ‘admit into the Union of India or establish new states on such terms as it thinks or finds fit.’ Hence, it gives power to parliament to establish new states.
• Article 3 permit the parliament to-
  a) form a new state by separation of existing territory
  b) increase the area of the state as seem fit
  c) diminish the area of any state as seem fit
  d) alter the boundary of any state as seem fit
  e) alter the name of any state as seem fit

Specialties Of Different Indian States

India is a land of diversity, where each state holds its own unique charm and attractions. From the bustling metropolises of Maharashtra to the serene backwaters of Kerala, every state showcases a distinctive cultural, historical, and geographical identity.  Here in this table, we have tried to cover in a minute way the rich diversity of our country.

List of the Indian States and their Languages

In India, every state has its own language, and our country is also well known because of its culture, languages and religion. The table below shows the language of each state.

Delhi, Puducherry, J & K are different from other Union Territories

1. In India, the majority of the states and three union territories, i.e. Puducherry, Delhi, and Jammu, and Kashmir possess elected legislature and government.
2. Currently, there are total of eight union territories in India, out of which 3, i.e. Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, and Puducherry, have their elected members and the Chief Minister and these are granted with partial statehood, by an amendment to the Constitution.
3. Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, and Puducherry are the only union territories that possess their own legislative assembly and executive council and operate like states. The remaining union territories are controlled and regulated by the Union of the country, that’s why named as a union territory.