India, known for its vibrant culture, diverse traditions, and rich history, is a vast country divided into 29 states (though, post-2019, there are 28 states and 8 Union Territories). Each state has its own unique identity, language, and capital that acts as its administrative hub. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or simply curious, here’s an easy-to-read guide to 28 states of India and their capitals.
Meaning
India is a federal union comprising 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own administrative and political structure. The states are regional entities with their own governments, legislative powers, and elected Chief Ministers. These states enjoy significant autonomy in matters such as education, health, agriculture, and law enforcement.
In contrast, the union territories (UTs) are regions that are directly governed by the Central Government of India through an appointed administrator or lieutenant governor. Some union territories, like Delhi and Puducherry, have been granted partial statehood with their own legislative assemblies.
The capital of each state and union territory serves as its administrative and political hub, often housing key government offices, the legislative assembly, and judicial institutions. Understanding the structure and significance of states, union territories, and their capitals is essential to grasping the administrative framework of the Indian Republic.
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List of 28 States of India and Their Capitals
| S.No. | State | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| 3 | Assam | Dispur |
| 4 | Bihar | Patna |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | Raipur |
| 6 | Goa | Panaji |
| 7 | Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
| 8 | Haryana | Chandigarh |
| 9 | Himachal Pradesh | Shimla |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Ranchi |
| 11 | Karnataka | Bengaluru |
| 12 | Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
| 14 | Maharashtra | Mumbai |
| 15 | Manipur | Imphal |
| 16 | Meghalaya | Shillong |
| 17 | Mizoram | Aizawl |
| 18 | Nagaland | Kohima |
| 19 | Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
| 20 | Punjab | Chandigarh |
| 21 | Rajasthan | Jaipur |
| 22 | Sikkim | Gangtok |
| 23 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| 24 | Telangana | Hyderabad |
| 25 | Tripura | Agartala |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
| 28 | West Bengal | Kolkata |
| 29 | Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
List of 8 Union Territories of India and Their Capitals
| S.No. | Union Territory | Capital |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| 2 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| 3 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Daman |
| 4 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| 5 | Delhi (National Capital Territory) | New Delhi |
| 6 | Puducherry | Puducherry |
| 7 | Ladakh | Leh (Summer), Kargil (Winter) |
| 8 | Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
Note:
- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh became Union Territories in 2019 after the bifurcation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu were merged into a single Union Territory in January 2020.
Overview of 28 States of India and Capitals
1. Andhra Pradesh – Amaravati
Famous for its rich cultural heritage, Andhra Pradesh is known for its classical dance form, Kuchipudi, and the scenic Godavari and Krishna rivers. Amaravati, still under development, is poised to be a modern and sustainable capital city.
2. Arunachal Pradesh – Itanagar
Tucked away in the northeastern part of India, Arunachal Pradesh is known for its lush green valleys and majestic mountains. Itanagar is a beautiful town surrounded by scenic landscapes and ancient monasteries.
3. Assam – Dispur
Assam, renowned for its tea gardens and the mighty Brahmaputra River, has its capital at Dispur, a serene locality within the bustling city of Guwahati.
4. Bihar – Patna
One of the oldest inhabited places in the world, Patna is a city with historical significance and is located on the banks of the Ganges River.
5. Chhattisgarh – Raipur
Rich in minerals and culture, Raipur is a rapidly growing city and the industrial hub of Chhattisgarh.
6. Goa – Panaji
Goa’s vibrant beaches, Portuguese heritage, and lively nightlife make Panaji a popular tourist destination.
7. Gujarat – Gandhinagar
Located near Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar is known for its greenery and planned infrastructure. Gujarat itself is famous for its cultural festivals and historic significance.
8. Haryana – Chandigarh
Chandigarh, also the capital of Punjab, is a beautifully planned city designed by the French architect Le Corbusier.
9. Himachal Pradesh – Shimla
A picturesque hill station, Shimla is known for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and cool climate.
10. Jharkhand – Ranchi
Rich in natural resources and waterfalls, Ranchi is the hub of mineral industries and tribal culture.
11. Karnataka – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India, is the IT capital and is renowned for its pleasant weather and vibrant nightlife.
12. Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram
God’s Own Country, Kerala is known for its backwaters, beaches, and rich culture, with Thiruvananthapuram being a bustling city of traditions and modernity.
13. Madhya Pradesh – Bhopal
Bhopal, known as the City of Lakes, is a blend of history, culture, and urbanization.
14. Maharashtra – Mumbai
The financial capital of India, Mumbai is a bustling metropolis known for Bollywood, skyscrapers, and the iconic Gateway of India.
15. Manipur – Imphal
Famous for its scenic landscapes and vibrant culture, Imphal is surrounded by lush green hills.
16. Meghalaya – Shillong
Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is known for its rolling hills, waterfalls, and musical heritage.
17. Mizoram – Aizawl
Aizawl, nestled among the hills, is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant tribal culture.
18. Nagaland – Kohima
Kohima, steeped in history and culture, is known for its indigenous group and the annual Hornbill Festival.
19. Odisha – Bhubaneswar
An ancient city known for its temples and architecture, Bhubaneswar is a blend of history and modernity.
20. Punjab – Chandigarh
Shared with Haryana, Chandigarh stands out for its modernist architecture and well-planned urban design.
21. Rajasthan – Jaipur
The Pink City, Jaipur is famous for its majestic forts, palaces, and vibrant cultural heritage.
22. Sikkim – Gangtok
Nestled in the Himalayas, Gangtok offers breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and a rich blend of Buddhist culture.
23. Tamil Nadu – Chennai
A cultural hub of South India, Chennai is known for its music, dance, and historical landmarks.
24. Telangana – Hyderabad
A city of pearls and IT hubs, Hyderabad is known for its rich history and delicious cuisine, including the famous Hyderabadi biryani.
25. Tripura – Agartala
Bordering Bangladesh, Agartala is known for its palaces, temples, and rich cultural heritage.
26. Uttar Pradesh – Lucknow
Famous for its nawabi culture, Lucknow is known for its historical architecture, gardens, and vibrant street food.
27. Uttarakhand – Dehradun
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is known for its scenic beauty and educational institutions.
28. West Bengal – Kolkata
The cultural capital of India, Kolkata is known for its colonial architecture, art, and literary heritage.
29. Jammu and Kashmir – Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Known as ‘Paradise on Earth,’ the region is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, lakes, and rich cultural heritage.
A Note on Recent Changes
After the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, India now officially has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. However, the list above reflects the traditional division into 29 states for those still familiar with the older structure.
Conclusion
Understanding the 28 States of India, Union Territories and Capitals is essential for anyone seeking to grasp the administrative and political structure of the country. Each state and union territory plays a vital role in shaping the diverse cultural, economic, and social fabric of India. From the snow-covered regions of Himachal Pradesh to the coastal beauty of Kerala and the strategic importance of Delhi as both a capital and a union territory, every region holds unique significance. Whether for academic, professional, or general knowledge purposes, familiarizing oneself with the names and capitals of all 28 states and 8 union territories enhances civic awareness and national understanding.
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Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
1. How many states are there in India?
- India currently has 28 states. Earlier, there were 29 states, but after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the count became 28.
2. How many Union Territories are there in India?
- There are 8 Union Territories in India. This includes the newly formed Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu.
3. What is the capital of India?
- New Delhi is the capital of India. It serves as the seat of all three branches of the Government of India.
4. Which state has two capitals?
- Jammu and Kashmir has two capitals: Srinagar (Summer) and Jammu (Winter).
- Himachal Pradesh also has two capitals: Shimla (Summer) and Dharamshala (Winter, for the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly).
5. Why does Jammu and Kashmir have two capitals?
- The practice of shifting capitals between Srinagar and Jammu is to escape the extreme weather conditions—Srinagar is cooler in summer, and Jammu is more comfortable in winter.
6. Which is the newest state in India?
- Telangana is the newest state in India, formed on 2nd June 2014, after being separated from Andhra Pradesh.
7. Why was Jammu and Kashmir bifurcated?
- In August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, to improve governance and security in the region.
8. Which is the smallest Union Territory in India by area?
- Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory by area.
9. Which Union Territory has its own legislature?
- Delhi and Puducherry have their own legislative assemblies.
10. Is Chandigarh the capital of two states?
- Yes, Chandigarh is the capital of both Haryana and Punjab. It is also a Union Territory administered directly by the Central Government.