Check List of Indian States and Capitals, UT and Capitals

India, the seventh largest country globally and the second most populous, boasts incredible diversity and cultural richness. It consists of 28 states and 8 Union territories, each with its distinct identity, history, and administrative hub. Located in southern Asia, India follows a parliamentary form of government.

Given its vastness, the Indian Constitution allows the central government to create states as needed. This article offers an overview of Indian states and their capitals, highlighting their significance and contributions to the nation.

States and Capitals of India

A lot of folks are unaware of how many states and union territories India has and what their capitals are. In this article, we’ll provide you with the most up-to-date information on India’s states and capitals. There are currently 28 states and 8 union territories in India.

Each state in India has its own capital where administrative, legislative, and judicial activities take place. In some states, all three functions happen in a single capital city. Every state is led by a Chief Minister. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of Indian states, union territories, and their respective capitals.

List of Indian States and Capitals of India

India comprises 28 states and 8 union territories, all contributing to the rich cultural diversity that defines the nation. Below is a list of the 28 states in India along with their respective capitals.

Indian Union Territories and Capitals

Currently, India comprises 28 States and 8 Union Territories. Previously, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories, known as J&K and Ladakh. This change occurred due to a reorganization act passed by the Parliament on August 5-6, 2020. As of now, India has a total of 8 Union Territories.

Indian States with their Specialities

Every state in India has its own unique history and culture. Let’s take New Delhi, the capital of India, for example. It’s a city that combines modernity with its historical roots. Some iconic places, like India Gate and the Istana, symbolize the challenges India has faced in the past and its aspirations for the future.

Now, Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the financial and entertainment hub of the country. It’s famous for Bollywood and houses India’s largest stock exchange.

Indian States and What Makes Them Special

1. Andhra Pradesh – This state is renowned for its spicy cuisine, historic sites like Charminar and Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, and a rich culture of art, music, and dance.
2. Arunachal Pradesh – Known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse tribal cultures, and the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in India.
3. Assam – Famous for its tea plantations, Kaziranga National Park (home to the one-horned rhinoceros), Bihu dance, and traditional silk weaving.
4. Bihar – This state is known for its historical significance, including the ancient city of Patliputra, Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, and Madhubani art.
5. Chhattisgarh – Recognized for its tribal heritage, valuable mineral resources, and the Chitrakote Waterfall, often called the “Niagara of India.”
6. Delhi – Famous for iconic landmarks like India Gate and the Istana, representing the country’s past struggles and future hopes.
7. Goa – Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, and delicious seafood cuisine.
8. Gujarat – Renowned for its industrial and business strength, the Rann of Kutch desert, vibrant festivals like Navaratri and Diwali, and the Sabarmati Ashram associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
9. Haryana – Known for its agricultural productivity, industries, and Chandigarh, a well-planned city celebrated for its architecture and urban design.
10. Himachal Pradesh – Celebrated for its picturesque hill stations, adventure tourism, serene landscapes, and the residence of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.
11. Jharkhand – Rich in mineral resources, known for its tribal culture, and home to the Betla National Park.
12. Karnataka – Distinguished as the “Silicon Valley of India,” known for its IT industry, historical sites like Hampi, and traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam.
13. Kerala – Famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda practices, lush greenery, and the highest literacy rate in India.
14. Maharashtra – Also known as the financial and entertainment capital, home to the Bollywood film industry, historical landmarks like Gateway of India, and culinary delights like Vada Pav.
15. Manipur – Celebrated for its traditional dance forms like Manipuri dance, Loktak Lake, and vibrant festivals.

Indian States and Capitals on Map

To boost your knowledge, consider checking out the latest political map of India. It offers an up-to-date count of India’s states and union territories, along with their current capitals.

States, UTs and Capitals of India Important Points

Let’s start by differentiating between Indian states and union territories and understand how they are governed. In India, there are eight union territories, and three of them have their own legislatures: Delhi, Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry), and Jammu and Kashmir. Both states and union territories have their own capitals.

States:

• States have their own administrative units with elected governments.
• The executive head of a state is the Governor.
• The relationship with the central government is federal.
• States are administered by a Chief Minister elected by the people, making the Chief Minister the real head.

Union Territories:

• Union territories are constituent units controlled and administered by the Central Government.
• The executive head of a union territory is the President.
• Union territories have a unitary relationship with the Centre, meaning all powers are in the hands of the Union.
• Union territories are administered by an Administrator appointed by the President, except for Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir.

Indian States and Capitals Latest Updates

Before we delve into the Union Territories and their capitals, let’s take a moment to catch up on the latest UT news.

As of January 26, 2020, India had 8 union territories. However, a significant change occurred as U.T. Daman and Diu, along with Dadra and Nagar Haveli, merged to form a single union territory.

Additionally, on August 5, the central government made a noteworthy decision to revoke the special status previously granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. This led to the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

With the amalgamation of Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, the total count of Union Territories has been reduced to eight.

FAQs on Indian States and Capitals

How many states and union territories are there in India?

India is comprised of 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own unique identity and administration.

What is the role of the Chief Minister in an Indian state?

The Chief Minister is the elected leader of a state and is responsible for the administration and governance of the state. They are the head of the state government.

How are union territories different from states in India?

Union territories are directly administered by the Central Government of India, while states have their own elected governments. A few union territories, like Delhi and Puducherry, have their own legislatures, but the majority are administered by an appointed Administrator.

Can you name the union territories with their own legislatures?

Yes, the union territories with their own legislatures are Delhi, Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), and Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the special significance of New Delhi and Mumbai among Indian states and capitals?

New Delhi is the capital of India and holds iconic landmarks such as India Gate, symbolizing the nation's history. Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the financial and entertainment hub of the country, known for Bollywood and the largest stock exchange.