India Political Map

About India State Map

This political map of India show all the 28 states and 8 union territories of India with international and state boundaries.

States of India

S.N.	State Name	Capital Name
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	Dharamshala (Winter), Shimla (Summer)
10	Jharkhand	Ranchi
11	Karnataka	Bengaluru
12	Kerala	Thiruvananthapuram
13	Madhya Pradesh	Bhopal
14	Maharashtra	Nagpur (Winter), Mumbai (Summer)
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 (Winter), Bhararisain (Summer)
28	West Bengal	Kolkata

Union Territories of India

S.N.	UT Name	Capital Name
1	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Sri Vijaya Puram
2	Chandigarh	Chandigarh
3	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	Daman
4	Delhi	New Delhi
5	Jammu and Kashmir	Jammu (Winter), Srinagar (Summer)
6	Ladakh	Kargil (Winter), Leh (Summer)
7	Lakshadweep	Kavaratti
8	Puducherry	Pondicherry

Comprising 28 states and 8 Union Territories, India is a union with individual administrative, cultural, and geographic traits. States are self-governing administrative entities with own elected governments, legislatures, and control over several spheres including local economy, law enforcement, health, and education. Conversely, union territories are under the control of the central government; some have some partial state-like authority. India is among the most complicated and varied countries in the world as the states differ greatly in terms of population, economic production, industrialization, and cultural variety.

With a population of around 49 million, Andhra Pradesh is a top industrial and agricultural center well-known for its IT industry and rice output. With borders with China, Bhutan, and Myanmar and a population of over 1.6 million, Arunachal Pradesh, in northeastern India, With more than 35 million inhabitants, Assam is well-known for its tea farms and great biodiversity; its economy depends much on the Brahmaputra River. One of India's most densely populated states, Bihar has a population of around 125 million and a rich historical past with old colleges such as Nalanda. With thirty million inhabitants, Chhattisgarh is among the most mineral-rich states in India and greatly influences the coal and iron output of the country. With a population of around 1.5 million and a reputation for tourism, coastal economy, and Portuguese legacy, Goa, the smallest state in terms of land, With a population of more than 67 million, Gujarat is an economic powerhouse dominating in industrial production, commerce, and petroleum refining. With 28 million people, Haryana is a major industrial and agricultural center especially for the production of cars. At 7.3 million, Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its apple orchards, hydroelectric power, and tourist sector.

With 39 million people, Jharkhand is a significant hub for resource exploitation, mostly including coal, iron, and uranium. With 68 million people, Karnataka is India's technological center in IT, biotechnology, and aeronautical sectors. Known for its high human development index, tourism, and healthcare, Kerala has a literacy rate of 96% and a population of 35 million. Second-largest state by land, Madhya Pradesh has historical monuments and extensive forest reserves as well as a population of 85 million. With a population of 124 million, Maharashtra, India's most industrialized state, hosts Mumbai, the country's financial center. With 3.2 million inhabitants, Manipur is known for its scenic settings like Loktak Lake. Home to 3.8 million people, Meghalaya has one of the wettest climates on Earth and features many caverns and aboriginal societies. With 1.2 million people, Mizoram is among India's most wooded states; it also emphasizes literacy and agriculture heavily. With 2.2 million people, Nagaland is renowned for its rich tribal tradition and celebrations such the Hornbill Festival.

Home to 46 million inhabitants, Odisha is a significant steel-producing state with a robust marine industry. With thirty million people, Punjab is India's top producer of dairy goods and wheat. With a population of 81 million and a reputation for its desert settings, tourism, and ancient forts, Rajasthan, the biggest state by area, With roughly 0.7 million inhabitants, Sikkim is the least populated state recognized for its Kanchenjunga mountain range and sustainable agricultural practices. With a population of 78 million, Tamil Nadu is a significant industrial and IT center noted for textile manufacture and vehicle manufacturing. Formed in 2014, Telangana has 39 million people and is a rising hub for information technology and pharmaceuticals. With 4 million residents, Tripura is seeing a rising rubber, bamboo, and tourist-based economy. With more than 240 million people, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in which industry, religious tourism, and agriculture abound. With 11 million residents, Uttarakhand is renowned for its Himalayan scenery and main pilgrimage destinations. With a population of one hundred million, West Bengal is an economic center with a varied economy spanning from industry to agriculture; Kolkata is its main metropolitan city.

Under mostly central control, India's eight Union Territories also significantly influence India's geopolitical, economic, and administrative system. Comprising a population of around 400,000, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer great marine and biological value. Designed as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is a planned metropolis with a contemporary urban scene. Merged into a single Union Territory in 2020, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu have a combined population of over 1.5 million and are well-known for its coastal economy and businesses. With a population of barely 65,000, Lakshadweep is a series of islands depending on coconut farming and fishing. The political, commercial, and cultural center of Delhi, India's national capital, has a population of more than thirty-million. At 1.5 million, Puducherry, a former French colony, nevertheless has a unique administrative and cultural character. Reorganized as a Union Territory in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir boasts 13 million people and has a unique legislative assembly while still Strategically vital because of its border with China and rich Buddhist cultural legacy, Ladakh is a sparsely inhabited area.

The great geographical, cultural, and economic range of India manifests in the variety among its states and Union Territories. Whereas the environmentally important areas like Arunachal Pradesh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands contrast with the industrial powerhouses like Maharashtra and Gujarat, While the sparsely inhabited but strategically important areas like Ladakh and Lakshadweep coexist with the heavily inhabited agricultural provinces like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, India is a dynamic and complicated country with many development possibilities and problems as its unique administrative and cultural framework helps to explain its fast expansion and worldwide impact.

India's' History

The historical timeline of India spans the longest duration among all nations worldwide since prehistoric times until it became the world's largest democratic nation. Archaeological evidence shows that human beings have lived in the subcontinent for at least 250,000 years since Homo sapiens first appeared about 70,000 years ago. Throughout its long history India has supported ancient civilizations and powerful empires and major world religions and extensive trading networks and colonial rule before achieving independence as a republic in 1947. The current population of India exceeds 1.42 billion people (2023 estimate) across its 3.28 million square kilometers of land while maintaining its position as the world's fifth-largest economy based on nominal GDP.

Prehistoric and Protohistoric Period

The earliest human presence in India becomes visible through the ancient cave paintings at Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh which date back more than 30,000 years. The Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods between 7000 BCE and 2000 BCE brought about the development of farming communities and pottery-making and permanent settlements in Mehrgarh (Pakistan) and the Deccan plateau. The Indus Valley Civilization established its base in northwestern India and Pakistan during 2600 BCE and built major cities at Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Lothal and Dholavira. The Bronze Age society achieved sophisticated drainage systems and weight standards and established trade relations with Mesopotamia while developing specialized crafts. The civilization ended in 1900 BCE because of environmental changes and river modifications and economic breakdowns.

Vedic Age and the Rise of Kingdoms (1500–600 BCE)

The Indus system collapse led to the arrival of Indo-Aryan speaking groups who established themselves in northern India during the Vedic Age. The Rigveda which emerged between 1500 and 1200 BCE describes the initial social and religious practices of early pastoral communities who performed ritual sacrifices. The Ganges river valley became populated with settlements during 1000 BCE because iron farming tools enabled agricultural development. The janapadas (small kingdoms) and complex social structures appeared during the later Vedic period. The sixteenth mahajanapadas including Magadha and Kosala and Avanti ruled northern India during the 6th century BCE. The sixth century BCE saw the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism through Siddhartha Gautama and Mahavira who introduced new spiritual paths that focused on moral conduct and achieving enlightenment.

The Maurya and Gupta Empires (322 BCE–550 CE)

Chandragupta Maurya established the Maurya Empire in 322 BCE from the Magadha region which became the first major Indian empire based at Pataliputra (modern Patna). Ashoka ruled as the second emperor of the Mauryan dynasty from 268 to 232 BCE after expanding the empire throughout South Asia before converting to Buddhism following the Kalinga War to promote peaceful coexistence and religious acceptance and social care. The post-Mauryan era brought about multiple regional powers which included the Kushanas who ruled the northwest and the Satavahanas who controlled the Deccan region while developing Silk Road trade routes and maritime connections. The Gupta Empire which spanned from 320 to 550 CE earned its reputation as India's "Golden Age" through its achievements in mathematics and astronomy as well as literary and artistic development. The period showed its cultural richness through Aryabhata's astronomical discoveries and Kalidasa's theatrical works and the Ajanta cave paintings.

Early Medieval Period (600–1200 CE)

The Gupta Empire ended when different regional powers took control of India. The southern region experienced growth under the Pallavas and Cholas who constructed magnificent temples while establishing international trade routes while the Pratiharas and Palas and Rashtrakutas fought for northern control. The Chola Empire reached its greatest power during the rule of Rajaraja I and Rajendra I when it conquered Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia to showcase Indian maritime and cultural influence. Temple architecture underwent major transformations during this time because different areas developed their own distinct architectural styles known as Dravidian and Nagara. The religious crossroads of India became more prominent because Hindu Bhakti movements spread throughout the region while Buddhism and Jainism continued to expand.

Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire (1206–1857)

The Delhi Sultanate under Qutb al-Din Aibak became the first Muslim rule in 1206 when he established the dynasty. The Mamluks and Khiljis and Tughlaqs and Sayyids and Lodis ruled successive dynasties which expanded political power and brought Persian cultural influences and connected India to Islamic trade and intellectual networks. Babur established the Mughal Empire through his victory against Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. The Mughal Empire developed into a highly advanced pre-modern state through its administrative reforms and its zabt revenue system and its construction of famous buildings including the Taj Mahal and Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. During his rule from 1556 to 1605 Akbar promoted religious acceptance and cultural fusion but Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb expanded the imperial majesty. The Mughal Empire's decline during the 18th century led to the rise of regional powers including the Marathas and Sikhs and Nawabs and European trading companies.

Colonial Era (1757–1947)

The British East India Company gained control of Bengal through the decisive Battle of Plassey in 1757 before expanding its rule throughout India. The British monarchy took full control of India in 1858 following the First War of Independence which Indians called the Revolt of 1857. The colonial period transformed India into a source of natural resources and British product market while the construction of railways and canals and administrative reforms transformed social structures. The colonial administration implemented policies which led to economic exploitation and caused widespread famine and extreme poverty throughout the region. The world population reached one-fourth with India but the nation received only a small portion of global wealth because of economic exploitation. The Indian National Congress established in 1885 became the central force of nationalist movements which gained strength under leaders Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose until India achieved independence on August 15, 1947 while the nation suffered the devastating Partition that established Pakistan.

Post-Independence and Modern India (1947–Present)

The nation of India became an independent democratic republic after gaining sovereignty in 1950 when it adopted its current Constitution. The agricultural sector underwent significant changes through land reforms and state reorganization and the Green Revolution of the 1960s which primarily affected Punjab and Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. The 1991 economic liberalization policies led India to adopt market-based economic systems which resulted in IT and service sector expansion and manufacturing growth. The current economic status of India places it as the world's fifth-largest nation based on nominal GDP (2024) and third-largest when using purchasing power parity with a GDP value of $4.1 trillion. The population of India reached 1.42 billion in 2023 to become the world's largest country according to the United Nations. The nation maintains its position as a major international player through its G20 and BRICS and United Nations membership while dealing with ongoing difficulties in poverty elimination and urban growth and environmental protection and border defense.

India's' Geography

The seventh-largest nation worldwide by land area extends across 3.28 million square kilometers which represents 2.4 percent of Earth's surface area. The country exists exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere between 8°4′N and 37°6′N latitudes and 68°7′E and 97°25′E longitudes. The country borders Pakistan and China as well as Nepal and Bhutan and Bangladesh and Myanmar while its maritime borders reach Sri Lanka and Maldives and Indonesia. The country controls a 7,516-kilometer coastline which borders the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal while maintaining its strategic position in South Asia and dominating the Indian Ocean region.

Physiographic Divisions

The Indian territory contains six primary physiographic areas which display unique geological and ecological features. The Himalayan mountain range extends 2,400 kilometers as an arc of elevated peaks and glaciers and valleys that contain Mount Kanchenjunga at 8,586 meters which stands as India's tallest peak. The Indo-Gangetic Plain extends south of the Himalayas as a large fertile alluvial region which the Indus and Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers created. The extensive plain spans 700,000 square kilometers while supporting the highest population density worldwide. The Peninsular Plateau emerges from the south as an ancient geological formation composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks which contains both the Deccan Plateau and the Western and Eastern Ghats mountain ranges. The Thar Desert in Rajasthan and the Coastal Plains along both eastern and western seaboards and the island groups of Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea make up the remaining significant areas.

Rivers and Water Resources

The rivers of India exist in two distinct systems which include the Himalayan rivers and the Peninsular rivers. The Himalayan rivers including Ganga, Yamuna, Indus and Brahmaputra maintain perennial flow because of glacier and monsoon water sources while creating among the world's largest river drainage areas. The Ganga Basin spans more than 1 million square kilometers while providing water to over 500 million people. The Peninsular rivers consisting of Godavari, Krishna, Narmada, Mahanadi and Kaveri depend on rainfall for their water supply yet they support vital functions of irrigation and drinking water and hydroelectric power generation. The country maintains extensive canal systems and groundwater reserves but multiple states face critical groundwater depletion because of uncontrolled water extraction.

Climate

The Himalayan mountain range together with the Thar Desert influence Indian climate through their interaction with monsoon winds which produce various weather conditions throughout the country. The country has four distinct seasons which include winter from December to February followed by summer from March to May and then the southwest monsoon season from June to September and the post-monsoon or retreating monsoon period from October to November. The southwest monsoon season brings 75 percent of the total 1,170 millimeters of annual rainfall which India receives. Mawsynram in Meghalaya stands as the world's wettest location because it receives approximately 11,800 millimeters of rainfall each year. The Thar Desert experiences the lowest amount of rainfall in the country because it receives less than 200 millimeters annually. The Himalayan region experiences sub-zero temperatures during winter but Rajasthan reaches temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius during its hottest summer months.

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

The diverse geographical landscape of India enables the existence of abundant biodiversity throughout the country. The nation ranks among the 17 megadiverse countries worldwide because it contains 7 to 8 percent of all documented species. The Forest Survey of India 2023 report shows that forests occupy 21.7 percent of India's total land area yet the nation aims to reach 33 percent forest coverage. The country's vegetation spans from tropical rainforests in the Western Ghats and northeast regions to deciduous forests in central India and thorn scrub in Rajasthan and alpine meadows in the Himalayas and mangrove forests in the Sundarbans. The nation protects its wildlife through 104 national parks and 564 wildlife sanctuaries and 18 biosphere reserves which safeguard species like the Bengal tiger and Asiatic lion and Indian elephant and one-horned rhinoceros and snow leopard.

Population and Land Use

The world population surpassed India in 2023 when the country reached 1.42 billion people who made up 17 percent of global numbers. The Indo-Gangetic Plain together with coastal areas maintain the highest population density but deserts along with forests and mountainous regions remain underpopulated. The agricultural sector occupies 60 percent of India's landmass because the country ranks among the top producers of rice wheat cotton and pulses. The fast-growing urbanization of Delhi and Mumbai and Bengaluru and Hyderabad has established these cities as international centers yet it has led to difficulties in controlling land usage and pollution and protecting natural resources.

India's Economy

The Indian economy operates as one of the world's fastest-growing economies which unites rural farming traditions with contemporary agricultural practices and industrial production and service-based operations. The Indian economy ranks as the world's fifth largest based on nominal GDP measurements and third largest when using purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations. The current nominal GDP of India reaches 4.1 trillion US dollars while its GDP (PPP) exceeds 15 trillion US dollars which demonstrates the extensive domestic market and purchasing power of the nation. The 2023 population count reached 1.42 billion people which established India as the world's largest nation while creating an enormous workforce and extensive consumer market.

Historical Background

The Indian economy has experienced significant changes since the nation gained independence in 1947. The first forty years of operation followed a mixed economic model which focused on domestic self-sufficiency through import substitution and state-controlled planning. The 1991 economic liberalization introduced a new era by allowing foreign investment and globalization and privatization of businesses. The country has transformed into a leading center for information technology and business process outsourcing and manufacturing and services while maintaining its fundamental agricultural sector.

Sectoral Composition

The economic framework of India has undergone major transformations. The agricultural sector generated 18 percent of national Gross Value Added (GVA) during 2023–24 while employing 43 percent of the total workforce. The industrial sector generated 25 percent of GVA through its main sectors which include manufacturing together with construction and mining and utilities. The services sector leads the economy by producing 57 percent of GVA through its main drivers which include information technology and financial services and healthcare and trade and real estate and tourism. The economic structure shows India moving away from its traditional agricultural base while services and industry sectors now lead the economy although farming continues to sustain a significant portion of the workforce.

Agriculture and Allied Activities

The agricultural sector plays an essential role in sustaining both India's economic stability and its ability to feed its population. The country leads global production of milk and pulses and spices and jute while maintaining positions among the leading producers of rice and wheat and sugarcane and cotton and fruits and vegetables. The 2023 food grain production achieved a new historical high of 330 million metric tonnes with wheat and rice leading the output. The rural economy receives substantial income growth from expanding livestock production and fisheries and horticulture sectors. The current policy focus needs to address three main issues which include small land parcels and declining groundwater resources and rain-dependent farming systems.

Industry and Manufacturing

The Indian industrial sector has established multiple production facilities which include steel production and cement manufacturing as well as textile manufacturing and chemical production and automobile manufacturing and pharmaceutical production and electronics manufacturing. The “Make in India” program which started in 2014 works to increase home production while decreasing foreign product dependence. The country leads the world in two-wheeler and tractor production while ranking second in steel output and maintaining its position as the world's leading generic pharmaceutical producer. The 2023-2024 industrial growth maintained its stability because of rising infrastructure investments and renewable energy sector expansion and foreign capital entry. The Special Economic Zones together with industrial corridors serve as essential drivers for improving export capabilities and industrial competitiveness.

Services and IT Sector

The services sector functions as the main economic pillar of India because it generates the largest portion of GDP while leading the country's worldwide market connections. Bengaluru and Hyderabad and Pune and Gurugram have established themselves as worldwide technology centers that make India the global leader in information technology and business process outsourcing. The 2023 IT and business services export figures from India reached more than 200 billion US dollars because of major companies TCS and Infosys and Wipro and HCL Technologies. The sector maintains its strength through a combination of financial services and e-commerce and telecommunications and healthcare and education and tourism. The development of digital platforms together with startup growth has made India one of the leading innovation centers worldwide.

Trade and Investment

India continues to grow its position as a major trading nation worldwide. The total value of merchandise exports from India reached more than 450 billion US dollars during fiscal year 2023–24 while services exports exceeded 340 billion US dollars to establish India as a worldwide leader in IT-enabled services. The main export products of India consist of petroleum products alongside gems and jewelry and pharmaceuticals and machinery and textiles. The same period saw imports reach 710 billion US dollars with crude oil and gold and electronic goods and machinery being the leading categories. The country received more than 70 billion US dollars in foreign direct investment during 2023 which confirms its position as a leading destination for international investors.

Infrastructure and Energy

The development of infrastructure stands as a fundamental element which supports India's economic expansion plans. The nation operates the fourth-largest railway system worldwide while its highway network continues to expand and multiple industrial development corridors are currently under construction. The country stands among the leading energy consumers worldwide while its power generation capacity exceeds 420 gigawatts in 2024 with renewable energy sources reaching 180 gigawatts. The government targets 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 to fulfill its dual goals of climate protection and sustainable development.

Employment and Labor Market

The Indian workforce ranks as one of the biggest worldwide because it contains approximately 530 million workers during 2023. The workforce distribution shows agriculture maintains its position as the biggest employer but manufacturing and services sectors continue to attract more workers. The unemployment rate in 2023 stands at 3.2 percent but the country faces difficulties with underemployment and workers in informal labor positions. The development of youth employment and skill development programs and labor reform initiatives play a crucial role in achieving inclusive economic expansion.

Public Finance and Economic Challenges

The fiscal situation of India demonstrates both positive elements and restrictive factors. The 2024–25 Union Budget established a 5.1 percent fiscal deficit target for GDP while maintaining focus on capital spending and infrastructure development and social welfare programs. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) together with digital compliance systems have led to continuous growth in tax revenues. The economy demonstrates strong growth yet it struggles with multiple issues that include rising income disparities and rural poverty and climate risks and insufficient infrastructure and insufficient job opportunities. The economy shows reduced inflation rates but remains vulnerable to international price movements of commodities..

Global Position and Outlook

The world economy benefits from India's strategic position which continues to grow in strength. Through its membership in the G20 and BRICS and additional international organizations India leads global trade activities and climate talks and technological partnerships. The combination of a large young workforce and digital evolution and rising middle-class population will drive sustained economic expansion throughout the next several decades. The early 2030s will bring India to become the world's third-largest economy based on nominal values.