Union Territories of India As of now India has 8 union territories. Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood and became a separate union territory, while Ladakh was created as a distinct union territory from Jammu and Kashmir on 31 October 2019. The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was formed on 26 January 2020 by merging the two separate union territories of “Daman and Diu” and “Dadra and Nagar Haveli.” Consequently, there are currently 8 union territories in India. Let’s take a look at each of these union territories.
Union Territories of India 2024 Full List
|
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
- 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
We have briefly covered all the Union Territories of India below.
1. ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, span from the southern boundary of Myanmar to the northern border of Indonesia. Port Blair is the capital and administrative center of this union territory, covering around 8,249 square kilometers in total area. With a population of approximately 400,000 people, the islands are home to various tribes, including indigenous communities. The primary languages spoken here are 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 importance in the tourism sector.
2. DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI AND DAMAN AND DIU
Daman and Diu have been consolidated into Dadra and Nagar Haveli by the Indian Government through the establishment of a new union territory. From 1954 to 1961, the area was recognized as the “Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli Administration”. These Union Territories possess the same authority as a Union Territory but hold a unique position with a Governor and are managed by administrators selected by the Central Government. Silvassa serves as the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, while Daman is the capital of Daman and Diu. Gujarati and Hindi are the primary languages spoken in these union territories, and the local culture, festivals, and traditions offer a contemporary depiction of Indian culture. Key economic sectors in the region encompass industry, tourism, paper production, plastic industry, among others.
3. LAKSHADWEEP
Lakshadweep, a union territory of India situated in the Arabian Sea, is an archipelago comprising 36 islands, with only 11 being inhabited. The capital is Kavaratti, where Malayalam is the primary language spoken, alongside dialects like Jeseri and Mahal. Covering about 32 square kilometers, Lakshadweep has a population of approximately 64,429 people. The economy thrives on shipbuilding, fishing, tourism, and palm cultivation, while its renowned for its picturesque landscapes, marine biodiversity, and pristine beaches.
4. PUDUCHERRY
Puducherry is a significant tourist spot with its capital being the same name. Its culture, diversity, and historical value contribute to its charm. Puducherry spans 479 square kilometers and is home to approximately 1,244,464 individuals. Known for its variety of languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, and French, the cultural heritage of Puducherry reflects both French and Tamil influences. With a rich history dating back centuries, Puducherry was once under French rule, evident in its architecture and culture.
5. DELHI
Delhi, situated in the Indian subcontinent, serves as the capital of India. Boasting the highest population in the country, this significant city spans an area of 1,483 square kilometers and is home to approximately 1,67,53,235 residents. Renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, Delhi stands out as a prominent religious and tourist hub, characterized by a plethora of administrative buildings, ancient landmarks, temples, mosques, domes, and imposing government structures. The primary languages spoken in Delhi include Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and English, reflecting its diverse and well-organized population comprising multilingual and multi-ethnic communities. Beyond its cultural significance, Delhi thrives as a bustling hub for events and commerce, fostering a harmonious coexistence among individuals of various religions, languages, and cultures.
6. Chandigarh
Chandigarh is recognized not only as a union territory of India but also serves as the shared capital of Haryana and Punjab. The official language of Chandigarh is English, while the predominant spoken languages are Hindi and Punjabi. Popularly referred to as the “Pensioner’s Paradise,” Chandigarh houses renowned schools and prestigious higher educational institutions. Renowned for its urban planning and architectural marvels, Chandigarh stands out as one of India’s earliest planned cities post-independence. Designed by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh’s capitol complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
7. Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir lost its state status on 31st October 2019 and became a union territory. Ladakh was separated to form its own union territory. Jammu serves as the winter capital, while Srinagar is the summer capital. The literacy rate in the union territory stands at 67.16%. Key languages spoken in Jammu and Kashmir include Hindi, English, Dogri, and Kashmiri. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, with major exports like apples, pears, cherries, plums, saffron, and walnuts. Kishtwar is renowned as the ‘land of sapphire and saffron’ within Jammu and Kashmir.
8. Ladakh
Leh serves as the capital city of Ladakh, with Kargil being the second largest town. Ladakh is known for the Indus, Nubra, and Shyok river valleys. Following the Jammu and Kashmir reorganisation act in 2019, Ladakh became a separate union territory. The population of Ladakh consists of Muslims (46%), Buddhists (40%), and Hindus (12%). It shares borders with Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and the Tibet Autonomous Region.