Find the complete list of states of India, their capitals, and a map showing state boundaries. Learn key facts about India’s 28 states and 8 Union Territories..

India is a union of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, each with its own geographical identity, administrative structure, and cultural characteristics. From the Himalayan regions in the north to the coastal plains in the south, India’s states cover a wide range of landscapes and environments.

This guide provides a complete list of India’s states and their capitals, along with a map to help you understand their locations and geographical distribution.

List of Indian States and Their Capitals

List of Indian States and Their Capitals.

No.StateCapital
1Andhra PradeshAmaravati
2Arunachal PradeshItanagar
3AssamDispur
4BiharPatna
5ChhattisgarhRaipur
6GoaPanaji
7GujaratGandhinagar
8HaryanaChandigarh
9Himachal PradeshShimla
10JharkhandRanchi
11KarnatakaBengaluru
12KeralaThiruvananthapuram
13Madhya PradeshBhopal
14MaharashtraMumbai
15ManipurImphal
16MeghalayaShillong
17MizoramAizawl
18NagalandKohima
19OdishaBhubaneswar
20PunjabChandigarh
21RajasthanJaipur
22SikkimGangtok
23Tamil NaduChennai
24TelanganaHyderabad
25TripuraAgartala
26Uttar PradeshLucknow
27UttarakhandDehradun
28West BengalKolkata

Note: Chandigarh is the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.

States of India on the Map

Map of India showing the boundaries of its 28 states, States of india

States of India on the Map, Source: NRSC, ISRO/DOS

How Many States Are There in India?

India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. States have their own elected governments, while Union Territories are administered by the Union Government, with some having their own legislatures. This administrative structure helps govern India’s vast geographical and cultural diversity.

Difference Between States and Union Territories of India

States in India have their own governments and a defined share of legislative powers under the Constitution. Union Territories are administered by the Union Government, although some, such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir, have legislatures with specific powers. These differences reflect India’s constitutional and administrative structure.

India is made up of both states and Union Territories, each with its own administrative structure. To understand the difference, explore our detailed guide to the List of Union Territories of India: Capitals, Map and Key Facts.

Largest and Smallest States in India

Rajasthan is the largest state in India by geographical area, covering approximately 342,239 square kilometres. Goa is the smallest state by area, covering approximately 3,702 square kilometres. This contrast highlights the wide variation in the size of India’s states. https://rising.rajasthan.gov.in/rajasthan-factfile

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many states are there in India?

India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories.

2. What is the capital of India?

New Delhi is the capital of India.

3. Which is the largest state in India by area?

Rajasthan is the largest Indian state by geographical area, covering approximately 342,239 square kilometres.

4. Which is the smallest state in India by area?

Goa is the smallest Indian state by geographical area, covering approximately 3,702 square kilometres.

5. Which Indian states share their capital?

Punjab and Haryana share Chandigarh as their capital.

6. Which is the southernmost state of India?

Tamil Nadu is the southernmost Indian state on the mainland. India’s southernmost point is Indira Point, located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

7. Which Indian state has the longest coastline?

Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states.

8. Are states and Union Territories the same?

No. States have their own constitutional government structures, while Union Territories are generally administered by the Union Government. Some Union Territories also have legislatures with specific powers.

9. Which is the most populous state in India?

Uttar Pradesh is India’s most populous state, according to the 2011 Census.

10. Where can I find a map of India’s states?

You can refer to the state map included in this article to understand the geographical distribution and boundaries of India’s states.

Conclusion

India’s 28 states reflect the country’s geographical diversity, from the deserts of Rajasthan and the Himalayan landscapes of northern India to the coastal regions of the south and west. Understanding their capitals, locations, and physical characteristics provides a foundation for studying India’s geography, administration, and regional differences.

This list serves as a starting point for learning about India’s states and their place within the country’s broader geographical landscape.

One response

  1. […] India’s administrative geography includes 28 states as well as 8 Union Territories. For the complete state-wise list, capitals, and map, read our guide to States of India: Complete List, Capitals and Map. […]

Leave a Reply

The Stories

Explore India through its landscapes, regions, and lived experiences. IndiaGeographies brings together geography, culture, and history to tell meaningful stories about the people and places that shape the country—making complex ideas simple, engaging, and relevant.

About the stories