States and Capitals of India – India is a diverse country with 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its unique culture, history, and governance. This article provides a detailed overview of each state and union territory, their capitals, formation dates, and highlights their distinctive characteristics. Knowing the states and capitals is vital for general knowledge and is often tested in competitive exams across the nation.
Indian States and Their Governance – Overview
India, the 7th largest country by area and the 2nd most populous globally, operates under a parliamentary form of government. To efficiently manage such a vast and diverse country, the Indian Constitution provides states with their own administrative, legislative, and judicial bodies. Each state is headed by a Chief Minister and has a capital serving as its administrative center.
List of Indian States, Capitals, and Formation Dates
| S.No. | State | Capital | Formation Date | Highlights |
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati | 1 November 1956 | Known for its spicy cuisine, rich culture, and historic sites like Charminar and Golconda Fort. |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | 20 February 1987 | Famous for Tawang Monastery and its scenic landscapes. |
| 3 | Assam | Dispur | 1950 | Renowned for tea plantations, Kaziranga National Park, and silk weaving. |
| 4 | Bihar | Patna | 1950 | Known for ancient cities like Patliputra and Buddhist sites like Bodh Gaya. |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | Raipur | 1 November 2000 | Known for its rich mineral resources, tribal culture, and Chitrakote Waterfall. |
| 6 | Goa | Panaji | 30 May 1987 | Famous for its beaches, nightlife, and Portuguese-influenced culture. |
| 7 | Gujarat | Gandhinagar | 1 May 1960 | Known for its industries, vibrant festivals, and association with Mahatma Gandhi. |
| 8 | Haryana | Chandigarh | 1 November 1966 | Recognized for agricultural productivity and modern city planning. |
| 9 | Himachal Pradesh | Shimla | 25 January 1971 | Celebrated for its picturesque hill stations and serene landscapes. |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Ranchi | 15 November 2000 | Rich in minerals and tribal culture, with attractions like Betla National Park. |
| 11 | Karnataka | Bengaluru | 1 November 1956 | Known as the “Silicon Valley of India” and home to historical sites like Hampi. |
| 12 | Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | 1 November 1956 | Famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda, and high literacy rates. |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | 1 November 1956 | Known for its rich wildlife, heritage sites like Khajuraho, and cultural diversity. |
| 14 | Maharashtra | Mumbai | 1 May 1960 | India’s financial and entertainment capital, famous for Bollywood and the Gateway of India. |
| 15 | Manipur | Imphal | 21 January 1972 | Known for Manipuri dance, Loktak Lake, and vibrant festivals. |
| 16 | Meghalaya | Shillong | 21 January 1972 | Known for its rainfall, Khasi culture, and natural attractions like Living Root Bridges. |
| 17 | Mizoram | Aizawl | 20 February 1987 | Known for its lush green landscapes and cultural festivals. |
| 18 | Nagaland | Kohima | 1 December 1963 | Known for its Naga heritage, Hornbill Festival, and scenic beauty. |
| 19 | Odisha | Bhubaneswar | 1950 | Known for ancient temples, Konark Sun Temple, and classical dance form Odissi. |
| 20 | Punjab | Chandigarh | 1 November 1966 | Known for its agricultural prosperity, Golden Temple, and vibrant culture. |
| 21 | Rajasthan | Jaipur | 30 March 1949 | Famous for royal palaces, deserts, and cultural festivals. |
| 22 | Sikkim | Gangtok | 16 May 1975 | Known for biodiversity, organic farming, and monasteries. |
| 23 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai | 1 November 1956 | Known for Dravidian architecture, classical music, and dance forms. |
| 24 | Telangana | Hyderabad | 2 June 2014 | Known for Charminar, IT industry, and rich heritage. |
| 25 | Tripura | Agartala | 21 January 1972 | Known for its royal palaces, temples, and vibrant tribal culture. |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | 24 January 1950 | Known for historic monuments, including the Taj Mahal, and cultural festivals. |
| 27 | Uttarakhand | Dehradun | 9 November 2000 | Known for pilgrimage sites, scenic hill stations, and wildlife. |
| 28 | West Bengal | Kolkata | 1950 | Known for its literary heritage, colonial architecture, and Durga Puja festival. |
Indian Union Territories and Their Capitals
India’s 8 union territories are smaller administrative divisions governed directly by the Central Government, though three have their own legislative assemblies (Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir).
| Union Territory | Capital | Highlights |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair | Known for beaches, marine life, and historical sites like Cellular Jail. |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | A well-planned city with beautiful architecture and modern infrastructure. |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman | Known for beaches, Portuguese culture, and coastal beauty. |
| Delhi | New Delhi | Capital of India, famous for historic sites like India Gate and Red Fort. |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) | Known for breathtaking landscapes, Dal Lake, and Mughal gardens. |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | Known for coral reefs, clear waters, and pristine beaches. |
| Puducherry | Pondicherry | Known for French architecture, beaches, and vibrant culture. |
| Ladakh | Leh | Known for Buddhist monasteries, high-altitude desert, and adventure tourism. |
Special Characteristics of Indian States and Union Territories
Each state and union territory in India has something unique to offer in terms of culture, natural beauty, or economic contribution:
- Rajasthan – Known as the “Land of Kings,” Rajasthan boasts grand palaces, deserts, and festivals like Pushkar Camel Fair.
- Kerala – Dubbed “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is famous for its backwaters, wellness tourism, and natural beauty.
- Delhi – India’s capital, Delhi is a blend of historical and modern landmarks, from ancient monuments to government structures.
- Goa – Known for its beaches, nightlife, and unique Indo-Portuguese culture.
- Ladakh – Known as the “Land of High Passes,” Ladakh is famous for its mountainous terrain, monasteries, and adventure tourism.
Differences Between Indian States and Union Territories
| Feature | State | Union Territory |
| Administrative Structure | Governed by a Chief Minister | Governed by an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor |
| Legislature | Has its own legislative assembly | Some have legislative powers (Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir) |
| Relation with the Centre | Federal | Unitary (under the Central Government) |
| Head of Government | Chief Minister | Lieutenant Governor (or Administrator) |
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FAQs on Indian States and Capitals
India has 28 states and 8 union territories.
Rajasthan, covering 342,239 km².
Mumbai.
Kerala.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Uttar Pradesh (Agra).
Known for its Dravidian-style temples and rich cultural heritage.
Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Karnataka (Bengaluru).
Uttar Pradesh.
Goa.
It has its own legislative assembly and elected Chief Minister.
The union territories merged in January 2020.
Its high-altitude terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and adventure sports.
Kerala.
Chandigarh (capital of Punjab and Haryana).
It’s a seasonal salt marsh located in Gujarat.
Assam.
Kolkata, West Bengal.
Kavaratti
