Explore the political map of India showing all the 28 states as the first level administrative divisions with 8 union territrories of India. India comprises 28 states and 8 Union Territories, each with its own distinct cultural, linguistic, and geographical identity. The states, like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, are significant political entities with their own governments, while the Union Territories, including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ladakh, are directly governed by the Central Government, with some enjoying partial statehood. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state, housing over 200 million people, while Maharashtra is the economic powerhouse, contributing around 15% to India’s GDP. Each state and Union Territory plays a vital role in the country’s diverse and dynamic landscape.
India, the world's most populous country, is a union of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, each with its own unique cultural, linguistic, and geographical identity. The states and Union Territories collectively contribute to the country's rich diversity, complex governance structure, and dynamic socio-economic landscape. Each state has its own government, with powers and responsibilities defined by the Indian Constitution, while the Union Territories are administered directly by the Central Government, with some enjoying partial statehood with elected legislatures.
States of India
The states of India vary significantly in size, population, and economic development. Uttar Pradesh, located in the northern part of the country, is the most populous state, with over 200 million residents. It plays a crucial role in Indian politics and has a diverse economy, ranging from agriculture to manufacturing and services. Maharashtra, in the west, is the second-most populous state and the wealthiest in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), contributing around 15% to India’s overall GDP. Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the financial capital of India and home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, the oldest in Asia.
In the south, states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala are known for their high literacy rates, advanced social indicators, and vibrant economies. Tamil Nadu is a leader in automobile manufacturing and information technology, with Chennai serving as a major industrial and cultural hub. Kerala, often cited for its achievements in human development, boasts the highest literacy rate in India at 96.2% and has a well-established healthcare system. Karnataka, with its capital Bengaluru, is known as the "Silicon Valley of India" due to its leading role in the information technology sector.
The eastern states, such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar, are culturally rich and historically significant. West Bengal, with Kolkata as its capital, has been a centre of art, literature, and politics for centuries. Odisha, with its abundant natural resources, is a major producer of minerals, including iron ore and coal, contributing significantly to India’s industrial output. Bihar, while facing challenges in infrastructure and governance, has a rich history and is the birthplace of Buddhism and Jainism.
The northeastern region of India, often referred to as the "Seven Sisters," includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, along with the recently formed Union Territory of Ladakh. This region is known for its ethnic diversity, unique traditions, and strategic importance. Assam is renowned for its tea plantations and oil reserves, while Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China, is noted for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. The northeastern states, despite their rich natural resources and cultural assets, face challenges such as connectivity, infrastructure, and socio-economic development, which the government has been actively addressing through various initiatives.
Union Territories of India
India's Union Territories (UTs) differ from states in that they are directly governed by the Central Government, although some have been granted partial statehood with legislative assemblies. Delhi, the National Capital Territory, is the most prominent Union Territory, serving as the political and administrative heart of India. It has a population of over 20 million and is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the country, with a thriving economy based on services, trade, and real estate.
Chandigarh, a Union Territory and the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, is known for its modernist architecture designed by Le Corbusier and is one of the wealthiest cities in India. Puducherry, another Union Territory with an elected legislative assembly, was formerly a French colony and retains a distinct Franco-Tamil culture. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, are known for their strategic military importance, pristine beaches, and biodiversity. These islands are also home to indigenous tribes that have lived there for thousands of years.
Ladakh, which became a Union Territory in 2019 after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, is characterised by its high-altitude deserts, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning landscapes. The region, which includes the districts of Leh and Kargil, is strategically important due to its proximity to China and Pakistan. The Lakshadweep Islands, situated in the Arabian Sea, are India’s smallest Union Territory, known for their coral reefs, marine life, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Governance and Administration
India’s federal structure allows states considerable autonomy in governance, with powers divided between the central and state governments. The states have their own legislatures, which enact laws on subjects listed in the State List of the Constitution, such as police, public health, and agriculture. The central government, based in New Delhi, retains control over subjects in the Union List, including defence, foreign affairs, and national security. Concurrent subjects, such as education and criminal law, are under the joint jurisdiction of both the central and state governments.
Union Territories, by contrast, are administered directly by the President of India through appointed administrators or Lieutenant Governors. However, some Union Territories, like Delhi and Puducherry, have been granted partial statehood, allowing them to elect their own legislatures and governments with powers over certain local matters, while other subjects remain under central control.
Economic and Cultural Diversity
The economic profiles of India’s states and Union Territories vary widely, reflecting the country’s diverse geography, resources, and development trajectories. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat are among the most industrialised states, with robust manufacturing sectors, advanced infrastructure, and high per capita incomes. These states attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI) and are key drivers of India’s economic growth.
In contrast, states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha have lower levels of industrialisation and higher poverty rates, though they are rich in natural resources and have large agricultural sectors. The Indian government has been focusing on inclusive development, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in these states to bridge the development gap.
Culturally, India’s states and Union Territories offer a rich tapestry of languages, religions, traditions, and arts. Each state has its own official language, with Hindi being the most widely spoken across the northern and central regions, while Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam dominate the south. English serves as a link language and is widely used in education, business, and government.
Religious diversity is another hallmark of India, with Hinduism being the majority religion, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Baisakhi are celebrated with great fervour across the country, reflecting the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
Challenges and Opportunities
India’s states and Union Territories face a range of challenges, from infrastructure deficits and environmental degradation to social inequalities and regional disparities. Rapid urbanisation has put pressure on housing, transportation, and public services in cities, while rural areas often lack access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.
The government’s focus on digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and smart cities aims to address these challenges by promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all citizens. Additionally, initiatives like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) have streamlined the tax system, fostering greater economic integration across states.
The cultural richness and diversity of India’s states and Union Territories present significant opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and the promotion of heritage industries. States like Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa attract millions of tourists each year, contributing to local economies and preserving traditional crafts and practices.
India's history is a vast and intricate tapestry that spans thousands of years, marked by the rise and fall of empires, the development of major world religions, and a rich tradition of cultural and scientific achievements. This history has shaped the Indian subcontinent into one of the most diverse and dynamic regions in the world, influencing everything from art and architecture to language and spirituality.
Ancient India and the Indus Valley Civilisation
The history of India begins with the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished around 2500 BCE in what is today Pakistan and northwest India. This civilisation was one of the world's earliest urban cultures, characterised by its advanced town planning, architecture, and social organisation. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were well-planned with sophisticated drainage systems, granaries, and trade networks extending as far as Mesopotamia. The decline of this civilisation around 1900 BCE is still a subject of debate among historians, with theories ranging from climate change to invasions by nomadic tribes.
The Vedic Period and the Rise of Kingdoms
Following the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation, the Vedic period (c. 1500-500 BCE) marked a significant era in Indian history. This period saw the composition of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, which laid the foundation for the Hindu religion and social structure, including the caste system. The later Vedic period saw the emergence of the Mahajanapadas, sixteen powerful kingdoms and republics that dominated northern India. Among these, Magadha, Kuru, and Kosala were particularly influential, paving the way for the rise of larger empires.
The Maurya and Gupta Empires
The Maurya Empire, established by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, was the first empire to unify most of the Indian subcontinent. Under the reign of his grandson, Emperor Ashoka, the Maurya Empire reached its zenith, covering almost the entire subcontinent. Ashoka, initially known for his military conquests, later embraced Buddhism after the bloody Kalinga War and became a proponent of non-violence and dharma (moral law). Ashoka’s efforts to spread Buddhism had a lasting impact, not only in India but across Asia.
After the decline of the Maurya Empire, the Gupta Empire (c. 320-550 CE) emerged as the next significant power, ushering in what is often referred to as the Golden Age of India. The Gupta period was marked by remarkable achievements in arts, science, mathematics, and literature. It was during this time that the concept of zero and the decimal system were developed, and scholars like Aryabhata made significant contributions to astronomy. The Gupta Empire's patronage of the arts and learning left a lasting legacy, particularly in classical Indian culture.
The Medieval Period and the Delhi Sultanate
The medieval period in Indian history saw the rise of several regional kingdoms and the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent. The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 CE) was a series of five successive Islamic dynasties that ruled much of northern India. This period was marked by significant cultural and architectural developments, including the construction of the Qutub Minar and the establishment of new cities like Delhi.
The arrival of Islam brought about a fusion of Indian and Persian cultures, leading to the development of Indo-Islamic architecture, art, and literature. The sultanate period was also characterised by the emergence of Sufism, which had a profound impact on the religious and cultural landscape of India.
The Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire, founded by Babur in 1526, was one of the most powerful and influential empires in Indian history. The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, ruled over a vast and diverse territory, bringing about a period of relative peace, prosperity, and cultural flourishing.
Akbar the Great (1556-1605) is particularly noted for his policy of religious tolerance and efforts to integrate the diverse religious communities of India. His administration was known for its efficient governance, and he encouraged a cultural renaissance that blended Persian, Indian, and Central Asian influences. The Mughal Empire is also renowned for its architectural achievements, most famously the Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
However, by the early 18th century, the Mughal Empire began to decline due to internal strife, administrative inefficiencies, and external pressures from emerging regional powers and European colonial forces.
The British Raj and the Struggle for Independence
The decline of the Mughal Empire coincided with the rise of European colonialism, particularly the British East India Company, which gradually expanded its control over India through a combination of military force, diplomacy, and alliances with local rulers. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 and the Battle of Buxar in 1764 were significant events that marked the beginning of British dominance in India.
The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a major uprising against British rule. Although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, it led to significant changes in British policy, including the dissolution of the East India Company and the establishment of direct control by the British Crown over India, known as the British Raj.
The struggle for Indian independence gained momentum in the early 20th century, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose playing pivotal roles. Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance, or Satyagraha, mobilised millions of Indians in the fight against British rule. The Quit India Movement of 1942 and the Naval Mutiny of 1946 were key events that paved the way for India’s independence.
India finally gained independence on 15 August 1947, but the partition of British India into two separate nations, India and Pakistan, led to one of the largest and most tragic migrations in history, accompanied by widespread communal violence.
Post-Independence India
Following independence, India adopted a democratic constitution on 26 January 1950, establishing the country as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister, and his government focused on building a self-reliant economy, promoting industrialisation, and advancing social reforms.
The post-independence period was marked by significant challenges, including the integration of princely states, the reorganisation of states based on linguistic lines, and conflicts with neighbouring countries. The Green Revolution of the 1960s transformed India’s agricultural sector, making the country self-sufficient in food production.
India's economy remained largely socialist until the economic liberalisation of 1991, which ushered in a new era of growth and integration with the global economy. Since then, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, with significant advancements in technology, science, and industry.
Indian Geography
India, the seventh-largest country in the world by land area, spans approximately 3.287 million square kilometres in South Asia. The country’s geography is remarkably diverse, featuring a wide range of landscapes that include towering mountain ranges, expansive plains, vast deserts, and extensive coastlines. This geographical diversity has a profound influence on the nation’s climate, culture, economy, and biodiversity.
The Himalayan Range
In the north, India is bordered by the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, which extends across five Indian states: Jammu and Kashmir (now the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh), Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The Himalayas contain some of the planet’s highest peaks, including Kangchenjunga, which at 8,586 metres is the third-highest mountain globally. The range serves as a climatic barrier, influencing the monsoon and protecting the Indian subcontinent from the cold winds of Central Asia. The Himalayas are also the source of many major rivers, such as the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which are lifelines for millions of people.
The Indo-Gangetic Plain
Below the Himalayas lies the Indo-Gangetic Plain, one of the most fertile regions in the world, stretching from Punjab in the west to West Bengal in the east. This vast alluvial plain is formed by the deposition of sediments from the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra rivers. The region supports a dense population and is a major agricultural hub, often referred to as the "breadbasket of India." The plains are intensively cultivated, producing staple crops such as wheat, rice, and sugarcane, which are vital to India’s food security.
The Thar Desert
To the west, the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, covers about 200,000 square kilometres across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana. It is one of the most densely populated deserts in the world. The Thar Desert is characterised by extreme temperatures and sparse vegetation. Despite its harsh conditions, the desert supports a unique ecosystem and is home to various species adapted to the arid environment. The region also has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and crafts being significant aspects of local life.
The Deccan Plateau
The Deccan Plateau occupies a significant portion of southern India, covering states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. This triangular plateau is flanked by the Western Ghats on the west and the Eastern Ghats on the east, which are mountain ranges running parallel to India’s coastlines. The Deccan Plateau is known for its ancient geological formations, including some of the oldest rocks on earth, dating back over a billion years.
The plateau has a varied topography, with rolling hills, valleys, and extensive flatlands. The Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers flow through this region, providing water for agriculture and supporting a large population. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are particularly important for their biodiversity, hosting a range of endemic species and playing a critical role in the Indian monsoon.
The Coastal Plains and Islands
India has a coastline of over 7,500 kilometres, extending along the Arabian Sea in the west, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Bay of Bengal in the east. The coastal plains are narrow stretches of land that lie between the Ghats and the sea, known for their fertile soil and vibrant fishing communities.
The Western Coastal Plain includes the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala. This region is dotted with ports like Mumbai, which is India’s financial capital, and Kochi, a major centre for spice trade. The Eastern Coastal Plain, along the Bay of Bengal, includes West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. These plains are crucial for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, and are home to major cities such as Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
India’s island territories, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, add to its geographical diversity. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their tropical rainforests, rich marine life, and indigenous tribes, while the Lakshadweep Islands are renowned for their coral reefs and pristine beaches.
Rivers and Water Resources
India’s extensive river system is vital to its economy, supporting agriculture, industry, and drinking water supply. The Ganges River, considered sacred in Hinduism, is the longest river in India, flowing over 2,500 kilometres from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra, which originates in Tibet, flows through northeastern India, supporting the fertile Assam Valley.
In southern India, rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery are crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The Narmada and Tapti rivers, which flow westward, are significant for central and western India. India’s rivers are essential for its agricultural economy, but they also face challenges such as pollution, over-extraction of water, and the impact of climate change on water availability.
Climate and Monsoon
India’s climate is shaped by its diverse topography, leading to a variety of climatic zones, from the alpine conditions of the Himalayas to the tropical climate of the southern coasts. The country experiences three primary seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.
The Indian monsoon, which occurs between June and September, is a critical climatic event that brings the majority of the country’s annual rainfall. This rainfall is vital for agriculture, replenishing water supplies and supporting crop growth. However, the monsoon can also cause flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, and its variability can lead to droughts in some regions.
Environmental Challenges
India’s geographical diversity also presents significant environmental challenges. The country faces issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and air pollution. Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have exacerbated these challenges, leading to concerns about sustainability and the impact on the natural environment.
Climate change is a major threat, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events affecting millions of people. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, while the retreat of Himalayan glaciers threatens water resources for a large part of the population.
Structure of Indian Government
The structure of the Indian government is a federal system with a strong unitary bias, as defined by the Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950. India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, with a parliamentary system of government. The political framework is divided into three distinct branches: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary. This system ensures a balance of power, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.
The Executive
The Executive branch of the Indian government is headed by the President, who is the ceremonial head of state and the supreme commander of the armed forces. The President is elected by an electoral college for a five-year term. While the President holds significant powers, these are largely exercised on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister is the head of government and holds the most executive power. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President, typically the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, which is responsible for implementing laws and administering the government. The Cabinet, a subset of the Council of Ministers, is composed of senior ministers who head key ministries such as Finance, Defence, Home Affairs, and External Affairs.
The Legislature
India's bicameral legislature is known as the Parliament, which consists of two houses: the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Parliament is responsible for making laws, approving budgets, and debating important issues.
Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of Parliament and is directly elected by the people of India. It currently comprises 543 members, each representing a constituency. Members are elected for a term of five years, although the house can be dissolved earlier. The Lok Sabha has greater power than the Rajya Sabha in matters such as the budget and finance bills. The Speaker, elected by the members of the Lok Sabha, presides over its sessions.
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of Parliament and represents the states and Union Territories. It consists of up to 250 members, of whom 238 are elected by the state and territorial legislatures, and 12 are nominated by the President for their expertise in fields such as literature, science, and social service. Members of the Rajya Sabha serve staggered six-year terms, with one-third of the body retiring every two years. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
The Judiciary
The Judiciary of India is independent of the Executive and Legislature, ensuring the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights. The Supreme Court of India is the apex court, followed by the High Courts at the state level and subordinate courts at the district level.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in India and is headed by the Chief Justice of India. It has the power of judicial review, meaning it can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional. The Supreme Court also acts as the final court of appeal and has original jurisdiction in matters of fundamental rights and disputes between states or between the Centre and states. The court consists of the Chief Justice and up to 34 other judges, who are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a collegium of senior judges.
High Courts
Each state or group of states in India has a High Court, which is the highest judicial authority within that jurisdiction. High Courts have jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and constitutional matters within their respective states. They also have the power to hear appeals from lower courts.
Subordinate Courts
Below the High Courts are the subordinate courts, which include District Courts, dealing with civil and criminal cases at the district level, and various specialised tribunals. These courts are essential for the administration of justice at the grassroots level.
Federal Structure and State Governments
India’s federal system divides powers between the Central Government and the State Governments, as delineated in the Constitution's Seventh Schedule, which categorises subjects into the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
Union List
The Central Government has exclusive powers over subjects in the Union List, which includes defence, foreign affairs, atomic energy, and telecommunications.
State List
State Governments have authority over subjects in the State List, including police, public health, agriculture, and local government.
Concurrent List
Both the Central and State Governments can legislate on subjects in the Concurrent List, such as education, marriage, and bankruptcy. However, in case of a conflict, the law passed by the Central Government prevails.
Each state in India has its own government, comprising a Governor, who is the head of state, and a Chief Minister, who is the head of government. The Governor is appointed by the President for a five-year term, while the Chief Minister is usually the leader of the majority party in the state’s Legislative Assembly. States may have a bicameral or unicameral legislature, depending on the population and other factors, with the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) being the lower house and the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) being the upper house in bicameral states.
Local Governance
Below the state level, India has a robust system of local governance, known as Panchayati Raj in rural areas and Municipal governance in urban areas. This system is enshrined in the Constitution and aims to decentralise power to the grassroots level.
Panchayati Raj
This three-tier system includes Village Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samitis at the block level, and Zilla Parishads at the district level. These bodies are responsible for local administration, development activities, and implementation of government schemes.
Municipal Governance
In urban areas, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats manage civic amenities, infrastructure development, and local administration. The members of these bodies are elected by the local population, ensuring representation at the grassroots level.
Autonomous Administrative Divisions
S. N.
State / UT
Autonomous Council Name
Headquarter
Formed in
1
Assam
Bodoland Territorial Council
Kokrajhar
2003
2
North Cachar Hills (Dima Hasao) Autonomous Council
Haflong
1951
3
Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council
Diphu
1952
4
Tiwa Autonomous Council
Morigaon
1995
5
Mising Autonomous Council
Dhemaji
1995
6
Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council
Dudhnoi
1995
7
Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council
Dibrugarh
2005
8
Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council
Titabar
2005
9
Deori Autonomous Council
Narayanpur
2005
10
Moran Autonomous Council
Tinsukia
2020
11
Matak Autonomous Council
Chring Gaon
2020
12
Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council
Simen Chapori
2020
13
Kamatapur Autonomous Council
Abhayapuri
2020
14
Ladakh
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil
Kargil
2003
15
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh
Leh
1995
16
Manipur
Chandel Autonomous District Council
Chandel
1971
17
Churachandpur Autonomous District Council
Churachandpur
1971
18
Sadar Hills
Kangpokpi
1971
19
Manipur North Autonomous District Council
Senapati
1971
20
Tamenglong Autonomous District Council
Tamenglong
1971
21
Ukhrul Autonomous District Council
Ukhrul
1971
22
Meghalaya
Garo Hills Autonomous District Council
Tura
1973
23
Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council
Jowai
1973
24
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council
Shillong
1973
25
Mizoram
Chakma Autonomous District Council
Kamalanagar
1972
26
Lai Autonomous District Council
Lawngtlai
1972
27
Mara Autonomous District Council
Siaha
1972
28
Tripura
Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council
Khumulwng
1982
29
West Bengal
Gorkhaland Territorial Administration
Darjeeling
2012
List of Divisions in India
Number of Divisions in each UT or State
State / UT
Number of Divisions
Population
Population per Division
Andhra Pradesh
-
49,386,799
-
Arunachal Pradesh
2
1,383,727
691,864
Assam
5
31,169,272
6,233,854
Bihar
9
104,099,452
11,566,606
Chhattisgarh
5
25,545,198
5,109,040
Goa
-
1,458,545
-
Gujarat
-
60,439,692
-
Haryana
6
25,351,462
4,225,244
Himachal Pradesh
3
6,864,602
2,288,201
Telangana
-
35,193,978
-
Jharkhand
5
32,988,134
6,597,627
Karnataka
4
61,095,297
15,273,824
Kerala
-
33,406,061
-
Madhya Pradesh
10
72,626,809
7,262,681
Maharashtra
6
112,374,333
18,729,056
Manipur
-
2,721,756
-
Meghalaya
3
2,966,889
1,483,445
Mizoram
-
1,097,206
-
Nagaland
1
1,978,502
1,978,502
Odisha
3
41,974,218
13,991,406
Punjab
5
27,743,338
5,548,668
Rajasthan
7
68,548,437
9,792,634
Sikkim
-
610,577
-
Tamil Nadu
-
72,147,030
-
Tripura
-
3,673,917
-
Uttar Pradesh
18
199,812,341
11,100,686
Uttarakhand
2
10,086,292
5,043,146
West Bengal
5
91,276,115
18,255,223
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
-
380,581
-
Chandigarh
-
1,055,450
-
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
-
586,956
-
Jammu and Kashmir
2
12,258,433
6,129,217
Ladakh
1
290,492
290,492
Lakshadweep
-
64,473
-
Delhi
1
16,787,941
16,787,941
Puducherry
-
1,247,953
-
Number of Districts in each UT and State
State / UT
Number of Districts
Population
Population per District
Andhra Pradesh
26
49,577,103
1,906,812
Arunachal Pradesh
26
1,383,727
53,220
Assam
35
31,205,576
891,588
Bihar
38
104,099,452
2,739,459
Chhattisgarh
33
25,545,198
774,097
Goa
2
1,458,545
729,273
Gujarat
33
60,439,692
1,831,506
Haryana
22
25,351,462
1,152,339
Himachal Pradesh
13
6,864,602
528,046
Jharkhand
24
32,988,134
1,374,506
Karnataka
31
61,095,297
1,970,816
Kerala
14
33,406,061
2,386,147
Madhya Pradesh
55
72,626,809
1,274,155
Maharashtra
36
112,374,333
3,121,509
Manipur
16
2,570,390
160,649
Meghalaya
12
2,966,889
247,241
Mizoram
11
1,097,206
99,746
Nagaland
16
1,978,502
123,656
Odisha
30
41,974,218
1,399,141
Punjab
23
27,743,338
1,206,232
Rajasthan
55
68,548,437
1,246,335
Sikkim
6
610,577
101,763
Tamil Nadu
38
72,147,030
1,898,606
Telangana
33
35,003,674
1,060,717
Tripura
8
3,673,917
459,240
Uttar Pradesh
75
199,812,341
2,664,165
Uttarakhand
17
10,086,292
593,311
West Bengal
23
91,276,115
3,042,537
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
3
380,581
126,860
Chandigarh
1
1,055,450
1,055,450
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
3
586,956
195,652
Jammu and Kashmir
20
12,258,093
612,905
Ladakh
4
290,492
72,623
Lakshadweep
1
64,473
64,473
Delhi
11
16,787,941
1,526,176
Puducherry
4
1,247,953
311,988
Subdistricts
In India, different states use various names for their sub-districts. Here's a detailed overview as of 2018:
State / UT
Subdistrict Entity
Number of Subdistricts
Andhra Pradesh
Mandal
664
Arunachal Pradesh
Circle
149
Assam
Subdivision
155
Bihar
Subdivision
101
Chhattisgarh
Tehsil
228
Goa
Taluka
12
Gujarat
Taluka
248
Haryana
Tehsil
67
Himachal Pradesh
Tehsil
109
Jharkhand
Subdivision
210
Karnataka
Taluk
240
Kerala
Taluk
75
Madhya Pradesh
Tehsil
412
Maharashtra
Taluka
353
Manipur
Subdivision
38
Meghalaya
Subdivision
39
Mizoram
Subdivision
22
Nagaland
Circle
93
Odisha
Tehsil
485
Punjab
Tehsil
172
Rajasthan
Tehsil
268
Sikkim
Subdivision
9
Tamil Nadu
Taluk
201
Telangana
Mandal
452
Tripura
Subdivision
38
Uttar Pradesh
Tehsil
350
Uttarakhand
Tehsil
113
West Bengal
Subdivision
69
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Tehsil
7
Chandigarh
Tehsil
1
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Taluka
3
Delhi
Tehsil
33
Jammu and Kashmir
Tehsil
55
Ladakh
Tehsil
4
Lakshadweep
Subdivision
4
Puducherry
Taluk
8
Rural Level
Blocks
State
CD Block
No. of CD Blocks
Bihar
CD Block
534
Haryana
CD Block
140
Jharkhand
CD Block
263
Kerala
CD Block
152
Odisha
CD Block
314
Tripura
CD Block
58
Uttarakhand
CD Block
95
Uttar Pradesh
CD Block
822
West Bengal
CD Block
342
Villages
India's village system plays a crucial role in the country's socio-economic fabric, with approximately 65% of its population residing in rural areas as per the Census of India 2011. These villages are spread across 29 states and 7 union territories, collectively housing around 638,000 villages. Predominantly agricultural, these areas contribute significantly to India's GDP, with agriculture accounting for about 18% of it. Each village is typically governed by a Gram Panchayat, responsible for local administration and community welfare. Education and healthcare facilities, although improving, still face significant challenges. According to the National Health Profile 2019, rural areas have fewer healthcare facilities and practitioners compared to urban centers. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) aim to improve rural connectivity, thereby boosting access to markets, healthcare, and education. The digital divide is another concern, with only 15% of rural households having access to the internet as reported by the National Sample Survey (75th Round). Efforts like the BharatNet project are underway to bridge this gap. Despite challenges, India's villages remain pivotal in sustaining the nation's cultural heritage and economic growth.
