Union Territories of India 2024:- Presently, India comprises 8 union territories. The state of Jammu and Kashmir underwent a transition, losing its statehood and becoming a distinct union territory. Simultaneously, Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir and established as its own union territory, effective from October 31, 2019. Additionally, the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was formed on January 26, 2020, through the integration of the former individual union territories of “Daman and Diu” and “Dadra and Nagar Haveli.” Consequently, the total count of union territories remains at 8. Let’s explore each of these territories.
Union Territories of India
Main Contents
Union Territories are governed directly by the Central Government, with a Lieutenant Governor serving as the administrator. The Lieutenant Governor acts as the representative of the President of India and is appointed by the President upon the Prime Minister’s recommendation. Except for Delhi and Puducherry, Union Territories lack representation in the Rajya Sabha. Each Administrator of a Union Territory has distinct functional responsibilities, separate from their counterparts in other Union Territories. To ensure efficient governance, Union Territories are further divided into smaller administrative units. At the lowest level, villages constitute the smallest administrative entities, each overseen by a representative Gram Panchayat. Additionally, a Gram Panchayat may have administrative authority over multiple villages.
Union Territories of India Overview
| Article For | Union Territories of India – Capitals, Establishment Dates & Insights |
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| Year | 2024 |
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List of Union Territories of India
Union Territory | Capital | date of creation |
Andaman and Nicobar islands | Port Blair | 1 November 1956 |
Chandigarh | Chandigarh | 1 November 1966 |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli, | repression | 26 January 2020 |
Delhi | New Delhi | 1 November 1956 |
Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | 1 November 1956 |
Puducherry | Pondicherry | 1 November 1954 |
Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer) Jammu (Winter) | 31 October 2019 |
Ladakh | Leh | 31 October 2019 |
The Union Territories of India
Below, we provide concise overviews of all the Union Territories in India.
- ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
- DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN AND DIU
- LAKSHADWEEP
- PUDUCHERRY
- DELHI
- Chandigarh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, extend from the southern border of Myanmar to the northern border of Indonesia. Port Blair serves as the administrative capital of this territory, which spans approximately 8,249 square kilometers, making it one of India’s largest union territories. With a population of roughly 400,000 people, the islands host diverse indigenous tribes. The predominant languages spoken include Hindi, Nicobarese, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu. Renowned for its natural beauty, beaches, forests, religious sites, and marine life, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold significant appeal for tourists.
DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN AND DIU
The Government of India has amalgamated Daman and Diu into Dadra and Nagar Haveli, creating a new union territory. Previously, from 1954 to 1961, the region operated under the name “Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli Administration.” These union territories possess the same authorities as other union territories but hold a unique status with a Governor and are overseen by administrators appointed by the Central Government. Silvassa serves as the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, while Daman acts as the capital of Daman and Diu. Gujarati and Hindi are the primary languages spoken in these territories, with local culture, festivals, and traditions reflecting an enriched tapestry of Indian heritage. Major economic sectors include industry, tourism, paper, and plastic industries, among others.
LAKSHADWEEP
Lakshadweep is a union territory of India situated in the Arabian Sea. Comprising an archipelago of 36 islands, only 11 are inhabited. Kavaratti serves as the capital, with Malayalam being the primary language spoken, alongside local dialects such as Jeseri and Mahal. Covering approximately 32 square kilometers, Lakshadweep is home to around 64,429 residents. The territory’s economy relies on shipbuilding, fishing, tourism, and palm production. Renowned for its natural beauty, marine biodiversity, and pristine beaches, Lakshadweep holds allure for visitors seeking tranquil island experiences.
PUDUCHERRY
This state, renowned as a significant tourist destination, also serves as the capital of Puducherry. Its rich culture, diversity, and historical significance contribute to its allure. Spanning an area of 479 square kilometers, Puducherry is home to approximately 1,244,464 residents. The state boasts a blend of languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, and French, reflecting its cultural diversity. The influence of French and Tamil languages is evident in Puducherry’s cultural heritage, owing to its historical association with French sovereignty. The city showcases a remarkable fusion of French culture and architecture.
DELHI
Delhi, the capital of India, sits within the Indian subcontinent, standing as a pivotal city in the nation and boasting the highest population. Encompassing an area of 1,483 square kilometers, Delhi is home to approximately 16,753,235 individuals. Renowned for its rich cultural and historical significance, Delhi serves as a prominent religious and tourist hub, adorned with administrative structures, historic landmarks, temples, mosques, domes, and grand governmental edifices. The primary languages spoken in Delhi include Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and English, reflecting its diverse linguistic landscape. With a populace characterized by multilingualism and multi-ethnicity, Delhi embodies a harmonious coexistence of varied religions, languages, and cultures. As a vital hub for events and commerce, people from diverse backgrounds peacefully reside and thrive in Delhi.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh, not only a union territory of India but also the shared capital of Haryana and Punjab, adopts English as its official language. While Hindi is the predominant spoken language, followed by Punjabi, Chandigarh is renowned as the “Pensioner’s Paradise.” The city boasts numerous prestigious schools and top-tier higher educational institutions. Its urban design and architecture are iconic, earning Chandigarh the distinction of being one of India’s earliest planned cities post-independence. Designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
Jammu and Kashmir
On October 31, 2019, Jammu & Kashmir underwent a transformation, transitioning from a state to a union territory. Simultaneously, Ladakh was separated from Jammu and Kashmir, becoming its own distinct union territory. Jammu serves as the winter capital, while Srinagar holds the distinction of being the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The union territory boasts a literacy rate of 67.16% and primarily communicates in languages such as Hindi, English, Dogri, and Kashmiri. Agriculture serves as the backbone of the economy, with major exports including apples, pears, cherries, plums, saffron, and walnuts. Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir is renowned as the “land of sapphire and saffron.”
Ladakh
Leh serves as the capital city of Ladakh, with the largest town in the region also being Leh itself. Kargil holds the distinction of being the second largest town in Ladakh. Noteworthy river valleys such as the Indus, Nubra, and Shyok are prominent features of Ladakh’s landscape. Following the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act by the Government of India in 2019, Ladakh was established as a distinct union territory. Muslims constitute the majority of Ladakh’s population at 46%, followed by Buddhists at 40%, and Hindus at 12%. Ladakh shares its borders with the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh to the south, and the Tibet Autonomous Region to the east.
Conclusion
The Union Territories of India, with their varied capitals and establishment dates, encapsulate the nation’s rich heritage and administrative diversity. From the historical significance of Delhi to the architectural marvels of Chandigarh, each territory offers unique insights into India’s cultural mosaic. With Ladakh’s recent emergence as a distinct entity and the iconic status of Puducherry’s French influence, these territories showcase India’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. Together, they represent the vibrant tapestry of India’s territorial landscape.
FAQ’s
What are the capitals of Union Territories in India?
The capitals of Union Territories vary. For example, Delhi is the capital of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, while Chandigarh serves as the capital of both Chandigarh and as a shared capital of Haryana and Punjab.
Which country has 28 states and 8 Union Territories?
India, situated in South Asia, ranks as the seventh-largest country globally by land area. Comprising 28 states and 8 union territories, each territory boasts its own capital city.
How many Union Territories are there in India?
As of now, there are 8 Union Territories in India.
How can one visit Union Territories in India?
Union Territories in India are accessible via air, rail, and road networks. Many Union Territories have well-developed tourism infrastructure to accommodate visitors. However, travelers are advised to check local travel advisories and regulations before planning their trips.
What are the 8 union territories of India?
1. ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS 2. DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN AND DIU 3. LAKSHADWEEP 4. PUDUCHERRY 5. DELHI 6. Chandigarh 7. Jammu and Kashmir 8. Ladakh
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