India is a large, multifaceted nation made up of 28 states and 8 union territories, each having its own distinct character, culture, and language. These states’ capital cities, which capture the essence of the regions they represent, function as the administrative, cultural, and commercial centers of these states. To fully appreciate the rich and diverse fabric of Indian life, one must have a solid understanding of the states and their capital cities. The States and Capitals of India – 2024 list includes 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own unique cultural and historical identity.
India was a patchwork of more than 560 princely states and British provinces when it gained freedom in 1947. The smooth integration of these princely kingdoms into the Indian Union was made possible by the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who served as both the Minister of Home Affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister at the time. The political geography of India was established by the union of these states. Here is a comprehensive list of all the Indian states and their capital cities as of 2024.
India has 28 states here’s a list of Indian states and capitals
- 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
Delhi is the capital of India in addition to being the National Capital Territory (NCT).
Union Territories (UTs) of India in 2024, along with their capitals
- 1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Port Blair
- 2. Daman & Diu – Daman/Dadra & Nagar Haveli – Daman.
- 3. Puducherry – Puducherry
- 4. Delhi – New Delhi
- 5. Jammu & Kashmir – Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
- 6. Lakshadweep – Kavaratti
- 7. Chandigarh – Chandigarh
- 8. Ladakh – Leh
Overview
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: A group of islands in the Bay of Bengal known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and biodiversity.
- Chandigarh: A Union Territory serving as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana, known for its modernist architecture.
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: A combined UT formed by the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu in 2020.
- Lakshadweep: An archipelago of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, famous for its lagoons and coral reefs.
- Delhi (NCT): The capital city of India, serving as the center of government, politics, and cultural heritage.
- Puducherry: A UT with a rich French colonial heritage, known for its coastal charm and distinct cultural blend.
- Ladakh: A high-altitude region known for its stunning landscapes, monasteries, and cold desert.
- Jammu and Kashmir: A region known for its breathtaking natural beauty, including valleys, lakes, and snow-capped mountains.
Indian States and Their Capitals – Regional Overview
India is divided into five major regions: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Northeastern. Each region has distinct geographical features, cultures, and languages, with their states contributing to the diverse identity of the nation. Below is a regional overview of Indian states and their capitals.
1. Northern India
Northern India is known for its rich history, religious diversity, and some of the most significant cultural landmarks in the country. It is home to the Himalayas, fertile plains, and several historic cities.
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Haryana | Chandigarh |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) |
| Punjab | Chandigarh |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer) |
2. Southern India
People know Southern India for its linguistic diversity, Dravidian culture, and significant contributions to art, literature, and architecture. This region is home to tropical landscapes, coastlines, and technology hubs.
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Telangana | Hyderabad |
3. Eastern India
Eastern India is characterized by its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and unique traditions. It includes states with coastal regions and dense forests, along with a history of powerful empires.
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Bihar | Patna |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
| West Bengal | Kolkata |
4. Western India
People know Western India as a dynamic region with diverse geography, including deserts, coastlines, and major economic centers. It’s a region that blends tradition with modernity.
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Goa | Panaji |
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur |
5. Northeastern India
People renown the Northeastern region for its cultural diversity, indigenous cohorts, scenic landscapes, and biodiversity. It shares international borders with countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
| State | Capital |
|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| Assam | Dispur |
| Manipur | Imphal |
| Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Nagaland | Kohima |
| Sikkim | Gangtok |
| Tripura | Agartala |
Indian states and capitals
1. Andhra Pradesh: Amaravati: Amaravati, situated on the banks of the Krishna River, is a planned city envisioned as the capital of Andhra Pradesh after the bifurcation that led to the creation of Telangana in 2014.
2. Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar: Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Itanagar is known for its scenic beauty and rich tribal culture.
3. Assam: Dispur: Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, proudly serves as the capital of Assam and is renowned for its tea industry and vibrant cultural heritage.
4. Bihar: Patna: Patna, situated along the Ganges River, boasts a history spanning over two millennia, making it one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
5. Chhattisgarh: Raipur: Raipur, a rapidly developing city, is the commercial and industrial center of the state, known for its steel plants and diverse cultural practices.
6. Goa: Panaji: Panaji, with its Portuguese-influenced architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, is a popular tourist destination.
7. Gujarat: Gandhinagar: Gandhinagar, located near Ahmedabad, is a well-planned city that serves as the administrative capital of Gujarat.
8. Haryana: Chandigarh: Chandigarh, a Union Territory, serves as the shared capital of both Haryana and Punjab. It is known for its modernist architecture designed by Le Corbusier.
9. Himachal Pradesh: Shimla: Shimla, once the summer capital of British India, stands as a picturesque hill station celebrated for its colonial architecture and pleasant climate.
10. Jharkhand: Ranchi: People know Ranchi for its rich mineral resources and tribal culture, and it is surrounded by forests and waterfalls.
11. Karnataka: Bengaluru: Bengaluru, the “Silicon Valley of India,” is a global technology hub and a melting pot of diverse cultures and lifestyles.
12. Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram: People know Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, for its blend of traditional culture and modern urban development.
13. Madhya Pradesh: Bhopal: Bhopal, known as the “City of Lakes,” combines historic charm with a rapidly growing urban landscape.
14. Maharashtra: Mumbai: Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is a bustling metropolis known for Bollywood, business, and a diverse cosmopolitan culture.
15. Manipur: Imphal: Imphal, surrounded by lush green hills, is rich in cultural heritage and known for the historic Kangla Fort and Loktak Lake.
16. Meghalaya: Shillong: Shillong, often called the “Scotland of the East,” is known for its rolling hills, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant music scene.
17. Mizoram: Aizawl: Aizawl, perched on a ridge, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is the cultural heart of Mizoram’s diverse communities.
18. Nagaland: Kohima: Kohima, with its picturesque setting and rich tribal traditions, is known for the historic Battle of Kohima during World War II.
19. Odisha: Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar, known as the “Temple City of India,” is a blend of ancient temples and a modern urban environment.
20. Punjab: Chandigarh: Chandigarh, a Union Territory, also serves as the capital of Punjab, alongside Haryana. It is known for its urban planning and greenery.
21. Rajasthan: Jaipur: Jaipur, the “Pink City,” is famous for its grand palaces, forts, and vibrant cultural festivals.
22. Sikkim: Gangtok: Gangtok, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, is a gateway to Sikkim’s stunning landscapes and Buddhist monasteries.
23. Tamil Nadu: Chennai: Chennai, a major cultural and economic hub in South India, is known for its classical music, dance, and historic temples.
24. Telangana: Hyderabad: Hyderabad, famous for its rich history, monuments, and biryani, is a key IT and industrial center in India.
25. Tripura: Agartala: Agartala, located near the Bangladesh border, is known for its royal palaces and rich cultural heritage.
26. Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow: Lucknow, the “City of Nawabs,” is renowned for its historic monuments, cuisine, and cultural refinement.
27. Uttarakhand: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer): Dehradun is the winter capital, while Gairsain, located in the hilly region, serves as the summer capital, reflecting the state’s commitment to balanced regional development.
28. West Bengal: Kolkata: Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is known for its literary, artistic, and revolutionary history, along with its colonial-era architecture.
Also Read
- Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Marathi Language and Literature
- Languages and Dialects of Madhya Pradesh
- Language Immersion Programs
- India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Co-operative Dairies in India
- PAN 2.0: Revolutionizing India’s Tax System
- Indian States Zones
- Major Stadiums in India
- National Identity Card India
- Foundation Day of States in India
- Important Mountain Passes in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As of now, India has 28 states and 8 union territories.
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.
Goa is the smallest state in India by area.
Himachal Pradesh has two capitals: Shimla (summer) and Dharamshala (winter).
Jammu and Kashmir also have two capitals: Srinagar (summer) and Jammu (winter).
Uttar Pradesh has the highest population in India.
Telangana is the most recently formed state in India, established in 2014.
Gujarat has the longest coastline in India.
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the most populous capital city in India.
Punjab and Haryana share Chandigarh as their capital.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one of the highest-altitude capital cities in India.
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is known as the “Pink City.”
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is a major IT hub in India.
Your blog is a beacon of light in the often murky waters of online content. Your thoughtful analysis and insightful commentary never fail to leave a lasting impression. Keep up the amazing work!
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I’m really glad you enjoyed the post. Your support and feedback mean a lot and keep me motivated to continue sharing. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts in the future!