List of 8 UT of India। Union Territories of India and their Capitals and languages, area & population.
Union Territory or Union Territory or Confederation is a sub-national administrative unit of India’s federal administrative structure. The states of India have their own elected governments, but in the Union Territories, Government of India is directly ruled by; The President of India nominates each Union Territory as a Government Administrator or Deputy Governor.
In this article, we will explore the union territories of India and their capitals, delving into their unique characteristics and significance.
Introduction
India, the seventh-largest country by land area and the second-most populous country in the world, is a federal parliamentary democratic republic. It comprises 28 states and 8 union territories.
Union territories are regions that are directly ruled by the central government of India. Unlike states, which have their own governments, union territories are governed by administrators appointed by the President of India.
The capital of India, New Delhi which is also a union territory called Delhi and Puducherry has been given partial state status. Delhi has been redefined as National Capital Region in 1992.
Both Delhi and Puducherry have their own elected Legislative Assembly, Cabinet and Executive, but their powers are limited – some of their laws can only apply if the President of India receives “consideration and approval”.
Brief History of 8 Union Territories of India and their Capitals
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Port Blair
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, are a group of islands known for their stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. There are several tribes are living in the Union Territory and the two special cultures – Andaman and Nigrito.
The people are friendly and pleasant. The festivals celebrated in Andaman and Nicobar communities are Panguni, Uthiram, Pongal, Shivaratri, Janmashtami etc. Popular tourist destinations of this Union Territory include National Monument, Marine Museum, Naval Sea Museum, Smrthika Museum, Haddo Zoological Garden, etc.
The capital city of this union territory is Port Blair, which serves as the gateway to these enchanting islands. Port Blair is a vibrant city that offers a mix of historical landmarks, pristine beaches, and water sports activities.
2. Chandigarh – Chandigarh
The first planned city in India after independence, Chandigarh is a union territory and also the capital of two states Punjab and Haryana. According to the government survey, this city is the cleanest city in the country. There are many attractions for tourists in which the gardens are special.
Many of Chandigarh’s attractions include Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake and Lashyore Valley. Chandigarh has been the birthplace of many celebrities, such as Milkha Singh, Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra and Kiran Kher etc.
The city was designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh is known for its well-planned infrastructure and modernist architecture. The city boasts beautiful gardens, serene Sukhna Lake, and the iconic Rock Garden, which is made entirely of recycled materials.
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu – Daman
Daman, a coastal city on the Arabian Sea, is the capital of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Known for its picturesque beaches and Portuguese heritage, Daman attracts tourists with its historic forts, churches, and vibrant local culture. It is a popular destination for beach lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Ordinary tribals live in Dadra and Nagar Haveli situated near the western coast of India. There are many tourist places in this union territory emerging as an important tourist hub.
4. Lakshadweep – Kavaratti
Lakshadweep, a group of islands in the Lakshadweep Sea and is India’s smallest Union Territory. There are many religions and rituals in Lakshadweep but most of the people here follow Islam religion.
There are many festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Milad-i-Nabi, Muharram and other festivals celebrated. People of this Union Territory live a simple life and live in harmony with each other. There are many Walters for tourists in this archipelago, such as snorkelling and scuba diving.
The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti, a beautiful island known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and rich marine life. It offers a serene and secluded getaway for travelers seeking tranquility amidst nature.
5. National Capital Region (Delhi) – New Delhi
India’s capital Delhi is also known as National Capital Region (NCR). In Indian history, Delhi has been the capital of many dynasties and rulers.
Delhi is not only the political capital of the country but it is also the administrative unit of the Indian government as there are Indian Parliament and several ministries present.
Due to the settlement of people from many parts of the country, the culture here is metropolitan. In addition to religious festivals, national festivals are also celebrated with enthusiasm in Delhi.
6. Puducherry – Puducherry
Puducherry was first known as Pondicherry and it is a very famous tourist destination among Indians and foreigners.
It is also called the ‘French Riviera of the East’. There is a French influence in this Union Territory as long as there was French rule for a long time.
The French infrastructure and French colonies are the main attractions here. Ancient memorials, sea beaches, gardens and museums are listed as places of tourist interests in this union territory.
With its French influence evident in its architecture and cuisine, Puducherry exudes a unique cultural charm. The town is famous for its picturesque promenade, beautiful beaches, and spiritual retreats.
7. Jammu and Kashmir (proposed from 31 October 2019) – Srinagar in summer and Jammu in winter
Jammu and Kashmir is a proposed union territory of India. Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory with legislature like Delhi. It is located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent and is part of a large area of Kashmir, which has been the subject of a dispute between India, Pakistan and China since 1947.
The Line of Control separates Jammu and Kashmir from the Pakistan-administered areas of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to the west and north. The proposed union territory is located to the north of the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and to the west of the proposed union territory of Ladakh.
The restructuring provisions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were contained within the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, which was passed by both houses of the Parliament of India in August 2019.
The bill aims to re-constitute the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The restructuring is effective from 31 October 2019.
8. Ladakh (proposed from 31 October 2019) – Leh
Also formed in 2019, Ladakh is a union territory that encompasses the region of Leh and Kargil. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and ancient Buddhist monasteries.
Ladakh is a union territory without legislature. The area of Ladakh is 97,776 square kilometres. It borders China on the north and Tibet in the east. Due to the border situation, it has great importance from a strategic point of view.
Ladakh falls in the mountainous border of the northwestern Himalayas, where much of the land is not arable. The highest peaks are Godwin Austin (K2, 8,611 m) and Gasserbroom I (8,068 m). The climate here is extremely dry and harsh. Annual rainfall 3.2 inches and annual average temperature 5 degrees Celsius.
Rivers are able to flow only a few times a day, the rest of the time the ice freezes. The Indus is the main river. The capital and major city of the district is Leh, north of which is the Karakoram Mountains and Pass.
The majority of the population is nomadic, whose nature, culture and lifestyle are influenced by Tibet and Nepal. Most of the people in the eastern part are Buddhists and most of the people in the western part are Muslims. Hemis Gompa is the largest religious institution of Buddhists.
हिंदुस्तान के राज्य उनकी राजधानी और राज्य के स्थापना दिवस, मुख्य भाषा के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ें
FAQs about Union Territories of India and their Capitals
Q1. Which is the largest union territory in India?
The largest union territory in India is Ladakh, located in the northern part of the country. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic Himalayas and stunning lakes.
Q2. Which union territory has the highest literacy rate?
Puducherry has the highest literacy rate among the union territories of India. The region’s emphasis on education has resulted in a high literacy rate, which contributes to its overall development.
Q3. Are union territories governed by their own governments?
No, unlike states, union territories in India are directly governed by the central government. They are administered by administrators appointed by the President of India.
Q4. Do union territories have their own chief ministers?
Only two union territories, Delhi and Puducherry, have their own chief ministers. The other union territories are governed by administrators appointed by the central government.
Q5. Can people from other states buy property in union territories?
Yes, people from other states can buy property in union territories. However, certain restrictions and regulations may vary from one union territory to another.
Q6. Are union territories represented in the Parliament of India?
Yes, union territories are represented in the Parliament of India. They have a specific number of seats in the Lok Sabha (House of the People) based on their population.
Q7. What is the difference between a union territory and a state?
Difference between Union Territory and State are explained below:
⇒ States are administrative divisions that have their own governments while union territories are administrative divisions which are directly governed by the central government.
⇒ The Union Territory is directly governed by the Central Government through the Lieutenant Governor as the Administrator.
⇒ Apart from governance, the state and union territory are also different in many other ways. You can see in the table below:
| State | Union Territories | |
| Definition | Administrative Units directly governed by the Central Government | Administrative units which have their own governments |
| Shape | Comparatively Large | Comparatively Small |
| Administration overheads | Comparatively Large | Comparatively Low |
| Rights and status | General | Special: Due to their constitutional formation and development |
Q8. Give the brief description of Union Territories of India
The President of India appoints an administrator or lieutenant governor for each region. Before the independence of India, these regions were known as the Chief- Commissioner’s Province.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry and Delhi, they are administered by the Lieutenant Governor, while in Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep, they are known as administrators. The President may appoint the Governor of a nearby State as the Administrator of a Union Territory. In such a case the Governor works independently in relation to the administration of the Union Territory.
According to Article 240, the President of India has the power to make rules for certain union territories. These rules can be for the peace, progress and good government of the Union Territory.
Conclusion
The union territories of India, with their diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories, add to the tapestry of this incredible nation. From the picturesque islands of Andaman and Nicobar to the serene town of Puducherry, each union territory has its own unique charm. By exploring the union territories and their capitals, one can truly experience the rich heritage and cultural diversity that define India.
Remember to bookmark this article as a handy reference for all your queries about the union territories of India and their capitals. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply interested in learning more, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
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