India Political Map

Explore political map of India, it is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own government. States have their own elected governments, while union territories are governed by administrators appointed by the central government. Each state and territory has its unique culture and governance, contributing to India's diversity. This structure allows for both local governance and national integration, with powers shared between state and central governments as outlined in the Constitution of India.

States and Union Territories of India

States of India

S.N.	State	Vehicle code	Zone	Capital	Largest city	Statehood	Population	Area (km2)	Official languages	Additional official languages
1	Andhra Pradesh	AP	Southern	Amaravati	Visakhapatnam	1 November 1956	49,506,799	160,205	Telugu	-
2	Arunachal Pradesh	AR	North-Eastern	Itanagar	Itanagar	20 February 1987	1,383,727	83,743	English	-
3	Assam	AS	North-Eastern	Dispur	Guwahati	26 January 1950	31,205,576	78,550	Assamese	Bengali, Bodo
4	Bihar	BR	Eastern	Patna	Patna		104,099,452	94,163	Hindi	Urdu
5	Chhattisgarh	CG	Central	Nava Raipur	Raipur	1 November 2000	25,545,198	135,194	Hindi	Chhattisgarhi
6	Goa	GA	Western	Panaji	Vasco da Gama	30 May 1987	1,458,545	3,702	Konkani	Marathi
7	Gujarat	GJ	Western	Gandhinagar	Ahmedabad	1 May 1960	60,439,692	196,024	Gujarati	-
8	Haryana	HR	Northern	Chandigarh	Faridabad	1 November 1966	25,351,462	44,212	Hindi	Punjabi
9	Himachal Pradesh	HP	Northern	Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)	Shimla	25 January 1971	6,864,602	55,673	Hindi	Sanskrit
10	Jharkhand	JH	Eastern	Ranchi	Jamshedpur	15 November 2000	32,988,134	74,677	Hindi	Santali, Urdu
11	Karnataka	KA	Southern	Bengaluru	Bengaluru	1 November 1956	61,095,297	191,791	Kannada	-
12	Kerala	KL	Southern	Thiruvananthapuram	Kochi	1 November 1956	33,406,061	38,863	Malayalam	-
13	Madhya Pradesh	MP	Central	Bhopal	Indore	26 January 1950	72,626,809	308,252	Hindi	-
14	Maharashtra	MH	Western	Mumbai (Summer), Nagpur (Winter)	Mumbai	1 May 1960	112,374,333	307,713	Marathi	-
15	Manipur	MN	North-Eastern	Imphal	Imphal	21 January 1972	2,855,794	22,347	Meitei	English
16	Meghalaya	ML	North-Eastern	Shillong	Shillong	21 January 1972	2,966,889	22,720	English	Khasi
17	Mizoram	MZ	North-Eastern	Aizawl	Aizawl	20 February 1987	1,097,206	21,081	English, Hindi, Mizo	-
18	Nagaland	NL	North-Eastern	Kohima	Dimapur	1 December 1963	1,978,502	16,579	English	-
19	Odisha	OD	Eastern	Bhubaneswar	Bhubaneswar	26 January 1950	41,974,218	155,820	Odia	-
20	Punjab	PB	Northern	Chandigarh	Ludhiana	1 November 1966	27,743,338	50,362	Punjabi	-
21	Rajasthan	RJ	Northern	Jaipur	Jaipur	26 January 1950	68,548,437	342,269	Hindi	English
22	Sikkim	SK	North-Eastern	Gangtok	Gangtok	16 May 1975	610,577	7,096	English, Nepali	Bhutia, Gurung, Lepcha, Limbu, Manggar, Mukhia, Newari, Rai, Sherpa, Tamang
23	Tamil Nadu	TN	Southern	Chennai	Chennai	1 November 1956	72,147,030	130,058	Tamil	English
24	Telangana	TS	Southern	Hyderabad	Hyderabad	2 June 2014	35,193,978	114,840	Telugu	Urdu
25	Tripura	TR	North-Eastern	Agartala	Agartala	21 January 1972	3,673,917	10,492	Bengali, English, Kokborok	-
26	Uttar Pradesh	UP	Central	Lucknow	Kanpur	26 January 1950	199,812,341	243,286	Hindi	Urdu
27	Uttarakhand	UK	Central	Gairsain (Summer), Dehradun (Winter)	Dehradun	9 November 2000	10,086,292	53,483	Hindi	Sanskrit
28	West Bengal	WB	Eastern	Kolkata	Kolkata	26 January 1950	91,276,115	88,752	Bengali, Nepali	Hindi, Odia, Punjabi, Santali, Urdu

Union Territories of India

S.N.	Union territory	Vehicle code	Zone	Capital	Largest city	UT established	Population	Area (km2)	Official languages	Additional official languages
1	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	AN	Southern	Port Blair	Port Blair	1 November 1956	380,581	8,249	English, Hindi	Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu
2	Chandigarh	CH	Northern	Chandigarh	—	1 November 1966	1,055,450	114	English, Hindi, Punjabi	-
3	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	DD	Western	Daman	Daman	26 January 2020	586,956	603	English, Gujarati, Hindi	Konkani, Marathi
4	Delhi	DL	Northern	New Delhi	—	1 November 1956	16,787,941	1,490	English, Hindi	Punjabi, Urdu
5	Jammu and Kashmir	JK	Northern	Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)	Srinagar	31 October 2019	12,258,433	55,538	English, Hindi, Urdu	Dogri, Kashmiri
6	Ladakh	LA	Northern	Leh (Summer), Kargil (Winter)	Leh	31 October 2019	290,492	174,852	English, Ladakhi, Urdu	Balti, Purgi
7	Lakshadweep	LD	Southern	Kavaratti	Kavaratti	1 November 1956	64,473	32	English, Malayalam	-
8	Puducherry	PY	Southern	Pondicherry	Pondicherry	16 August 1962	1,247,953	492	English, Tamil	Malayalam, Telugu

Administrative Divisions of India

India, a vast and diverse country, is organized into multiple layers of administrative divisions, each with its own unique role in governance. These divisions help in the efficient management of resources, governance, and administration across the country's expanse. Understanding India's administrative framework offers insight into how this large nation operates and addresses the needs of its billion-plus population.

States and Union Territories

At the broadest level, India is divided into 28 states and 8 Union Territories. States have their own governments with a significant degree of autonomy in governance, whereas Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government. However, Delhi and Puducherry, two of the Union Territories, have their own legislative assemblies and operate somewhat like states due to their special status.

Districts

Each state and Union Territory is further subdivided into districts, the crucial administrative units in India. As of now, there are over 700 districts in the country. Each district is administered by a District Collector or District Magistrate, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service. Districts are pivotal in implementing government policies and schemes at the grassroots level.

Sub-Divisions and Tehsils

Districts are further divided into sub-divisions, overseen by Sub-Divisional Magistrates, and these in turn are divided into tehsils or talukas. This layer focuses more on local governance, revenue collection, and land records management. Tehsils play a critical role in the rural administration, including agricultural development, tax collection, and local dispute resolution.

Villages and Municipalities

At the grassroots level, India’s administrative divisions include villages in rural areas and municipalities in urban areas. Villages are often governed by Panchayats, which are elected bodies responsible for the local self-governance. Urban areas are divided into municipalities or municipal corporations, depending on their size and population. These bodies manage urban planning, public health, education, and infrastructure within their jurisdictions.

Metropolitan Areas

Some of India’s largest cities form metropolitan areas, which encompass the city along with its adjoining suburbs and satellite towns. These areas are managed by Metropolitan Development Authorities, which are responsible for planning and coordinating development across the metropolitan region.

Importance of Administrative Divisions

The multi-layered administrative divisions in India are designed to bring governance closer to the people. This structure allows for localized decision-making, addressing the specific needs of India's diverse population. It facilitates effective governance, efficient delivery of public services, and ensures that the benefits of development reach every corner of the country.

India's administrative divisions are the backbone of its governance and public administration system. From the bustling metropolises to the remotest villages, these divisions ensure that the government's presence is felt everywhere. They play a crucial role in the nation's development, helping India move forward as a unified yet diverse entity. Understanding these divisions helps one appreciate the complexity and efficiency of governance in the world’s largest democracy.

Zones and Regions of India

Zones

India is divided into several zones and regions, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural heritage. These zones, often based on geographical, cultural, or administrative criteria, help in organizing the vast expanse of the country into manageable areas. For example, India is commonly segmented into North, South, East, West, and Central regions, each showcasing distinct traditions, languages, and landscapes. Additionally, for administrative convenience and development purposes, the country is divided into zones like the Northern Railway Zone, Southern Railway Zone, etc., focusing on specific functionalities. This division not only simplifies governance but also promotes regional development and cultural preservation, ensuring that each part of India receives attention according to its specific needs and characteristics.

The current members of each Zonal Council are:

• Northern Zonal Council includes Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
• North Eastern Council consists of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Sikkim was added to the North Eastern Council in 2002.
• Central Zonal Council comprises Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Eastern Zonal Council includes Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
• Western Zonal Council consists of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
• Southern Zonal Council includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep are not part of any Zonal Council but are special invitees to the Southern Zonal Council.

Cultural Zones

India's cultural landscape is divided into various zones, each reflecting the rich diversity of its people, traditions, and arts. These cultural zones, such as North, South, East, West, and Central India, are home to a wide array of languages, religions, festivals, and culinary styles that highlight the country's incredible diversity. From the classical dances and vibrant festivals of the South to the folk music and colorful attire of the North, each zone offers a unique glimpse into India's heritage. This division not only celebrates the differences among regions but also fosters unity, showcasing how diverse cultural practices coexist harmoniously within the country. Through these cultural zones, India tells the story of its past, present, and future, inviting everyone to explore and appreciate its rich cultural tapestry.

Zone Name	Centre of Zone	Covers
South Culture Zone	South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu	Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana
South Central Culture Zone	SouthCentral Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra	Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana
North Culture Zone	North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, Punjab	Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand
North Central Culture Zone	NorthCentral Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh	Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
East Culture Zone	East Zone Cultural Centre, Kolkata, West Bengal	Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Manipur, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal
North East Culture Zone	North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur, Nagaland	Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura
West Culture Zone	West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Rajasthan	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

India has several autonomous administrative divisions, which are regions granted a certain degree of self-governance within the larger framework of the Indian Republic. These divisions, such as the Bodoland Territorial Region in Assam or the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in West Bengal, are designed to acknowledge and respect the cultural and ethnic distinctiveness of these areas. They operate under a special administrative structure that allows them to manage many of their local affairs directly, including education, health, and rural development. This system aims to empower local communities, ensure their participation in the democratic process, and address their unique needs and aspirations. Through these autonomous divisions, India demonstrates its commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusive development across its vast and varied landscape.

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

In India, several states are divided into divisions that hold an official status in the government's administrative structure. Each division is led by a senior IAS officer known as the Divisional Commissioner.

As of September 2022, such divisions are found in 18 out of the 28 states and 3 of the 8 union territories. There are, in total, 102 divisions across India as of September 2022.

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	-

Regions within States

In India, some states include regions that are not recognized as official administrative units in the government. These regions are defined based on geography and sometimes align with historical countries, states, or provinces. A region can encompass one or more divisions, with the average being around three divisions per region. However, the borders of these regions don't always precisely match the boundaries of the divisions. Up to now, there hasn't been any initiative to grant these regions formal administrative status. If such a status were to be considered, it would likely require adjusting the regional boundaries to align exactly with the districts they contain.

Examples include the Regions of Assam and the Regions of Gujarat.

Districts

States, territories, and divisions in India are divided into smaller units called districts, and as of August 2022, there are 766 districts. Each district is managed by an IAS officer known as the District Magistrate.

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

The Community Development Block, also known as CD Block or simply block, typically serves as the next level of administrative division. This division is mainly for development purposes, while the tehsil is the next level after the district for revenue-related matters.

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

Villages in India are more than just small settlements; they are the heart and soul of the country's rich cultural and historical heritage. Making up the majority of India's population, these villages paint a picture of traditional Indian life, untouched by the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, life moves at a leisurely pace, deeply rooted in agricultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

In Indian villages, community life is strong. Festivals, weddings, and other celebrations are communal affairs where the entire village comes together. These events are vibrant, filled with traditional music, dance, and attire, showcasing India's diverse cultural tapestry.

Agriculture is the mainstay of village life in India. Fields of wheat, rice, and other crops stretch as far as the eye can see, tended by farmers who rely on monsoon rains and traditional farming techniques. Despite the challenges posed by modernization and climate change, these villages continue to support India's agriculture and feed the nation.

However, Indian villages face their own set of challenges, including access to clean water, healthcare, and education. Efforts by the government and various non-governmental organizations aim to improve these conditions, ensuring that villagers have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts.

Villages in India are not just places of residence but are keepers of tradition, offering glimpses into a way of life that prioritizes community, simplicity, and harmony with nature. They remind us of the importance of preserving our cultural roots while embracing progress and development.

Metropolitan Area

Metropolitan areas in India are dynamic engines of growth and the epicenters of economic, cultural, and educational development. These areas, often referred to as metros, are large cities and their surrounding regions, where a significant portion of the population lives and works. They are characterized by a high density of people, a wide array of job opportunities, and a melting pot of cultures from across the country and the world.

In India, metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai are not just urban sprawls but are vital to the nation's progress. They are hubs for industries ranging from technology and finance to manufacturing and entertainment. This diversity in economic activities attracts people from all walks of life, seeking better job prospects and a higher standard of living.

Education and innovation thrive in these metropolitan regions, with numerous universities, research institutions, and startups calling them home. The vibrant cultural scene, from traditional festivals to contemporary arts, reflects the diversity of India's heritage and the modern influences shaping the country today.

Despite their prosperity, metropolitan areas in India also face challenges, including congestion, pollution, and disparities in wealth and access to services. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable urban development, ensuring that the growth of metros benefits all residents equitably.

Metropolitan areas in India symbolize the country's aspirations and potential, embodying both the ancient roots of Indian civilization and its ambitious modern trajectory. As India continues to evolve, these metro areas remain at the forefront, driving change and offering a glimpse into the future of this diverse and dynamic nation.