Indian States & UTs: Capitals, Emblems & Facts
The Republic of India comprises 28 States and 8 Union Territories, governed through a federal constitutional framework with distinct administrative centers and legislative structures. States range in geographic expanse from Rajasthan (largest by area) and Goa (smallest by area), and in demographic scale from Uttar Pradesh (most populous) to Sikkim (least populous). Union Territories operate under central administrative oversight via Lieutenant Governors or Administrators, with Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir having elected legislative assemblies. Every state and union territory designates official regional emblems—such as state animals, birds, trees, and flowers—and is allocated specific judicial benches under the territorial jurisdiction of 25 High Courts across the nation.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- India currently comprises 28 States and 8 Union Territories, following the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 and the merger of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu in 2020.
- Rajasthan is India's largest state by land area (342,239 sq km), while Goa is the smallest (3,702 sq km).
- Uttar Pradesh has the largest population among Indian states (over 199 million as per Census 2011) and the highest representation in Parliament.
- There are 25 High Courts in India, with several exercising territorial jurisdiction over multiple states and union territories (e.g., Bombay High Court, Gauhati High Court).