What is india, How many states are there in india

India, officially known as the Republic of India, is a vast country located in South Asia. Spanning an area of 3,287,263 square kilometers, it ranks seventh in the world by area and second by population. Its capital is New Delhi, and the country comprises 28 states and 8 union territories. India’s neighboring countries include China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the north; Pakistan and Afghanistan to the west; Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east; and Sri Lanka to the south. India’s geographical diversity includes the Himalayas in the north, coastal regions in the south, the Thar Desert in the west, and dense forests in the east. The major rivers of India are the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Narmada, and Kaveri, What is india, How many states are there in india.

India map with neighbouring countries, What is india
AttributeDetails
Country NameIndia (Bharat)
National FlagTiranga (Tricolor)
Prime MinisterNarendra Modi
PresidentDroupadi Murmu
CapitalNew Delhi
Area3.287 million km²
Population1.43 billion
Official LanguagesHindi, English
CurrencyIndian Rupee (INR)
Independence DayAugust 15, 1947
National SportHockey
National FestivalsRepublic Day, Independence Day
Largest State (by Population)Uttar Pradesh
Largest State (by Area)Rajasthan
National SongVande Mataram
National AnthemJana Gana Mana
National BirdPeacock
Richest PersonMukesh Ambani

India’s cultural diversity makes it truly unique. It is the birthplace of major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. India has 22 official languages and over 1600 dialects spoken. Its national flag is the tricolor, and the national emblem is the Ashoka Pillar. The tiger is the national animal, the peacock is the national bird, and the lotus is the national flower. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Pongal, and Onam are celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. Cricket is the most loved sport, while hockey and kabaddi are also popular, What is india, How many states are there in india.

India’s economy is growing fast and became the world’s fifth-largest by 2024. The economy is supported by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. India is also a leader in technology and space exploration. Its Constitution is the longest written in the world, and the country is a federal democratic republic. The motto “Satyameva Jayate” means “Truth Alone Triumphs.” With its rich culture, history, and achievements in technology, India plays an important role globally.

India has a long and rich history. The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest in the world, started around 3300 BCE and was known for its cities and trade. Later, during the Vedic period (1500–600 BCE), the foundation of Hinduism was built. The Maurya Empire (321–185 BCE) spread Buddhism worldwide under Emperor Ashoka. The Gupta Empire (320–550 CE) is called India’s “Golden Age” because of progress in art, science, and math. In medieval times, the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire ruled India. Mughal rulers like Akbar and Shah Jahan built strong empires and famous monuments like the Taj Mahal, What is india, How many states are there in india.

In modern history, the British arrived in 1600 and started ruling India. The 1857 revolt was India’s first big fight for freedom, which inspired future struggles. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh led movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement. India finally gained independence on August 15, 1947.

After independence, India became a republic on January 26, 1950, with its own Constitution. The country focused on farming, industry, and science to grow. Economic reforms in 1991 helped India compete globally. Organizations like ISRO made India a leader in space missions, including Mars exploration. Today, India is the fifth-largest economy and a rising global power, What is india, What is the history of india.

  • Implementation of the Constitution (1950) – On January 26, 1950, India’s Constitution came into force, making the country a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a key role in drafting the Constitution.
  • First General Election (1951–52) – India held its first democratic elections in 1951-52. Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister, marking the foundation of the world’s largest democracy.
  • Five-Year Plans (Started in 1951) – The first Five-Year Plan was launched in 1951 to drive India’s economic and social progress. It focused on agriculture, irrigation, and developing industrial infrastructure.
  • Goa Liberation Movement (1961) – Goa, Daman, and Diu were liberated from Portuguese rule and integrated into India. This was a significant achievement for India’s territorial unity.
  • India-China War (1962) – In 1962, China attacked India, leading to disputes over parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It highlighted the need to strengthen India’s security policies.
  • Green Revolution (1960s) – The Green Revolution in the 1960s significantly increased agricultural production, especially wheat and rice, making India self-sufficient in food grains.
  • India-Pakistan War and Creation of Bangladesh (1971) – In 1971, India and Pakistan went to war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, India played a key role in this historic event.
  • Emergency Period (1975–77) – On June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency, suspending civil rights for 21 months. It was a challenging time for Indian democracy.
  • Operation Blue Star (1984) – During the separatist movement in Punjab, Operation Blue Star was carried out to remove militants hiding in the Golden Temple. This was followed by the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
  • Economic Reforms (1991) – In 1991, the government under Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh introduced policies of economic liberalization, privatization, and globalization, giving India’s economy a global edge.
  • Pokhran Nuclear Tests (1974 and 1998) – India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 and a second in 1998 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership, showcasing its defense capabilities and technological advancement.
  • Rise of IT Industry (Post-1990s) – After the 1990s, India emerged as a global leader in information technology. Bengaluru became the “IT hub,” and Indian companies gained global recognition.
  • Kargil War (1999) – In 1999, India fought the Kargil War with Pakistan to protect its borders. It was a moment of pride for the Indian Army and the nation.
  • Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan Missions (2008 and 2014) – ISRO launched successful space missions like Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Mangalyaan (2014), putting India on the global space exploration map. In 2023, Chandrayaan-3 made India the first country to land on the Moon’s south pole.
  • Demonetization (2016) – On November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1000 notes to curb black money, counterfeit currency, and terrorism funding. It boosted digital payments across the country.
  • Implementation of GST (2017) – The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in 2017, streamlining India’s taxation system. It marked a major economic reform for the country.

Who discovered India and how (it was not the discovery of India but the discovery of sea route)

The name of Vasco da Gama is especially notable in the context of the discovery of India. He was a Portuguese sailor and explorer who established a sea route to India in 1498, laying the foundation for the Portuguese empire in the Indian subcontinent.

In the 15th century, European countries wanted to trade with India and other parts of Asia for spices and valuable goods. At that time, the trade routes to India were mainly controlled by Arab merchants. To bypass this, European nations began searching for an alternative sea route to India. The King of Portugal, Manuel I, ordered Vasco da Gama to find a sea route to India. The goal was to break the monopoly of Arab merchants and establish direct trade with India.

Vasco da Gama started his journey in July 1497 from Lisbon with a fleet of four ships. He crossed the South Atlantic Ocean and reached the southern tip of Africa, known as the “Cape of Good Hope.” From Malindi (in present-day Kenya) on the eastern coast of Africa, a Gujarati sailor helped Vasco da Gama navigate across the Arabian Sea. On May 20, 1498, he reached Calicut (now Kozhikode, Kerala) in India, Who discovered India and how, What is india.

What are the seven wonders of india

The Seven Wonders of India are historical and cultural landmarks famous for their grandeur and unique architecture. They have been chosen by various organizations and institutions. Here’s a list of the Seven Wonders of India with brief descriptions:

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Made of white marble, this magnificent tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbolizes love and architectural brilliance.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

Qutub Minar is a tall tower standing 73 meters (240 feet) high. It was built by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1193 and is a remarkable example of Islamic architecture. It is the tallest brick minaret in India.

Vijay Stambh, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

The Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower) is a grand monument built in the 12th century by Rajput King Rana Kumbha to commemorate Mewar’s victory. It stands 37 meters tall and showcases exquisite Rajput architectural style.

Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

This ancient Hindu temple, located in Kanchipuram, is a brilliant example of South Indian architecture. It was built in the 7th century by the Pallava King Rajendra Chola.

Hampi Temples, Karnataka

The temples of Hampi are a historic and religious site, representing the glorious era of the Vijayanagara Empire. The architecture and sculptures here are unique, and the site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are exceptional examples of ancient Indian art, sculpture, and architecture. These caves feature paintings and carvings related to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Ajanta caves date back to the 2nd century BCE, while Ellora caves are from the 5th to 10th century.

Gomukh Gangotri, Uttarakhand

Gangotri is the place where the Ganga River originates from the Himalayas. It is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, and the Gomukh (Gangotri Glacier) is the source of the Ganga River.

These Seven Wonders are important symbols of India’s culture, history, and art. They reflect the country’s rich heritage and represent its diversity and glorious past, What are the seven wonders of india.

Which are the neighbouring countries of india

India shares its borders with seven neighboring countries. To the west, it shares a 3,323 km long border with Pakistan, and the Kashmir dispute remains a major issue between the two. To the north, India shares a 3,488 km long border with China, surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range. Despite ongoing border disputes in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, trade relations between India and China are strong. Nepal, with a 1,751 km long border, shares borders with the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim. India and Nepal have an open border agreement, allowing free movement and cultural exchange between the people of both countries.

Bhutan, a small Himalayan country, is surrounded by India’s northeastern states and shares a 699 km long border with India. India and Bhutan have close political and economic relations. Bangladesh shares the longest border with India, stretching 4,096 km, and it borders the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Bangladesh became independent in 1971, and India maintains strong cultural and trade ties with it. Myanmar, with a 1,643 km long border, is connected to India’s northeastern states and plays an important role in India’s “Act East Policy.”

India shares a 106 km long border with Afghanistan, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which is currently under Pakistan’s control. Additionally, India has maritime neighbors, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, located in the Palk Strait and the Indian Ocean, respectively. Relations with all these countries are politically, economically, and culturally important. India’s total border length is 15,106 km, and its relationships with these neighboring countries are a significant part of its foreign policy, which are the bordering countries of india, Which are the neighbouring countries of india, What is india.

How many states are there in India

Currently, there are a total of 28 states and 8 union territories in India.

28 States of India and Their Capitals

S.NoState NameCapital
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 (Gairsain is the summer capital)
28West BengalKolkata

8 Union Territories of India and Their Capitals

S.NoUnion Territory NameCapital
1Andaman and Nicobar IslandsPort Blair
2ChandigarhChandigarh
3Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and DiuDaman
4LakshadweepKavaratti
5Delhi (National Capital Territory)New Delhi
6PuducherryPuducherry
7LadakhLeh
8Jammu and KashmirSrinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)

What are the major languages ​​of India and what is the mother tongue of India

India is a multilingual country with unique linguistic diversity in the world. The Constitution of India recognizes 22 languages as official, which are included in the Eighth Schedule. These languages include Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Urdu, Punjabi, Malayalam, Kannada, and Sanskrit. Additionally, English is used as the language for administration and international communication. In India, over 1,600 languages and dialects are spoken, with 121 being major languages. Hindi is the main official language of India, spoken as a mother tongue by nearly 44% of the population.

India does not have a single official mother tongue, as each region has its own mother tongue, such as Punjabi in Punjab, Bengali in West Bengal, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, and Marathi in Maharashtra. Sanskrit is considered the oldest language of India and is the root of many languages. Apart from Hindi and English, several regional languages like Tripuri, Tulu, Bhotia, and Garhwali are also commonly spoken. Most Indians are bilingual or trilingual, which allows them to communicate in multiple languages, What are the major languages ​​of India, What is india.

What is the level of technology in India

Technological progress in India has seen significant development in the past few decades. India has made a global mark in fields like computers, the internet, and other technologies. The country is a global leader in the IT and software services industry. Major companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCL have made India an IT hub. The digital revolution in India began with the arrival of Jio in 2016. Now, India is one of the largest internet users in the world.

India offers one of the fastest and most affordable digital payment systems through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Apps like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay have made digital transactions easy and popular, What is india, How many states are there in india.

FAQs

What is the population of India in 2024

In 2024, India’s population is approximately 1.43 billion (143 crore), making it the most populous country in the world. India’s population constitutes about 17.5% of the global population. Due to the rapidly growing population, there is pressure on resources and infrastructure in India.

What is India’s rank in terms of area

India has an area of 3,287,263 square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest country in the world by area. India extends from the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, and from the Bay of Bengal in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west.

Who are India’s neighboring countries

India shares its borders with seven major neighboring countries: Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. Additionally, it has maritime neighbors Sri Lanka and the Maldives. India has political, cultural, and trade relations with these countries.

Who are India’s friend countries

India’s major friend countries include Russia, the United States, Japan, France, Israel, Bhutan, and Australia. These countries collaborate with India in various fields like defense, trade, and science. Russia and Israel play a significant role in defense, while Japan and the United States contribute to technological and economic cooperation.

What is the largest city in India

The largest city in India is Mumbai, located in Maharashtra. It is known as the financial capital of the country. Mumbai covers an area of about 603 square kilometers and is the center for major business, film, and financial institutions in India.

What is the smallest city in India

The smallest city in India is Bitra Island in Lakshadweep, which is small in both size and population. Bitra covers only 0.10 square kilometers and has a population of about 300 people. It is known for its natural beauty.

Who is known as the Father of the Nation in India

Mahatma Gandhi is known as the Father of the Nation in India. His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He played a vital role in India’s independence through the principles of truth, non-violence, and Satyagraha. The movements led by him, such as the Dandi March and the Quit India Movement, gave direction to the freedom struggle. His ideals continue to inspire people.

Who is the President of India

The 15th President of India is Droupadi Murmu, who took office on July 25, 2022. She is the first woman from the tribal community to become the President of India. Before becoming the President, she was the Governor of the Rayagada district in Odisha.

Which is the largest state in India

Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, with a population of around 220 million. Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, covering 342,000 square kilometers.

Who is the richest person in India

The richest person in India is Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and owner of Reliance Industries. His net worth is around 90 billion dollars. Ambani owns major companies in petrochemicals, telecommunications, and retail. His business plays a significant role in India’s economy, and he has been one of the richest people not just in India but in Asia, What is india, How many states are there in india.