List of 29 States of India: Names, Capitals, and Key Facts

February 18, 2025
List of 29 states of India
Quick Summary

Quick Summary

  • An overview of the list of 29 states of India and their capitals is the key to learning the country’s history.
  • The geographical and cultural diversity of all the Indian states make the country unique compared to other countries.
  • You must learn the names of all the Indian states to learn more about their rich cultural traditions, festivals, and geographical terrains.

Table of Contents

India is known for its distinct traditions and culture. The country has 29 states and covers an area of 32,87,263 sq. km. That is why it is also called the 7th largest country in the world. Every state in India differs from the others because of the diverse traditional attire and the occasions they observe annually. A festival celebrated in Kerala may not be famous in Punjab, and vice versa.

The country is known for believing in the motto of cultural unity in diversity. While learning about the different states, you must learn more about rich traditions, languages, and customs. 

This guide will explore the list of 29 states of India and their capitals to understand these distinctions. We will also learn about each state’s specialities, traditional outfits, and major festivals, helping you learn more about India’s rich geographical terrain and cultural heritage.

A Brief Overview of the 29 States of India

The country’s richness and diversity are easily showcased in the list of 29 states of India. People usually categorise these states into North, South, East, West, and Northeast India. Every state has a different climate, landscapes, and traditions. Most importantly, they vary in size. Currently, Rajasthan is the largest state in India, and Goa is the smallest in land area. 

Learning more about the states of India and their geographical barriers is the best way to understand the country better. Dividing the country’s landscape into northern and southern India makes these distinctions easier to understand. 

Northern States of India

Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand are the northern states of India. Tourists usually visit these places because of their rich history and cultural significance. They are known for breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and lush green valleys. 

This region has helped shape Indian history and includes evidence of several ancient civilisations. North India has numerous key landmarks like the Golden Temple and Dal Lake. These states showcase rich traditions and the culinary delights of north Indian cuisine.

Southern States of India

Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana are the central southern states of India. They are celebrated for their deep-rooted traditions and contributions to India’s identity. South India is known for its Dravidian architecture, classical music, and festivals like Pongal and Onam. These states have numerous architectural evidence on India’s ancient past.

Southern India is known for world-famous dishes like dosa, idli, and spicy curries. The people in the states speak Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, showcasing the linguistic diversity South India is usually known for worldwide. 

History of Indian states and their capitals

Pre-Independence Era:

  • Princely States: Before India’s independence in 1947, the Indian subcontinent was a mosaic of princely states, each with its own ruler and capital. These states varied greatly in size and power.
  • British India: The British ruled over a significant portion of the subcontinent, divided into provinces and presidencies, each with its own administrative headquarters.

Post-Independence:

  • 1947: At the time of independence, India was divided into provinces.
  • 1950: The Constitution of India came into effect, establishing a federal system with states and union territories.
  • 1956: The States Reorganization Act was enacted, reorganizing states primarily on a linguistic basis. This led to the creation of many of the present-day states and their capitals.
  • Subsequent Reorganizations: Since 1956, several new states have been formed through further reorganizations, reflecting evolving political and social realities.

Key Factors Influencing State Formation:

  • Linguistic Considerations: The reorganization of states in 1956 was largely based on linguistic lines, recognizing the importance of language and cultural identity.
  • Regional Aspirations: Movements for statehood were often driven by regional aspirations for autonomy and self-governance.
  • Administrative Concerns: The creation of smaller, more manageable states was aimed at improving governance and administrative efficiency.

List of 29 states of India

If you want to visit all the cultural epicentres in India, consider visiting all the Indian states. These 29 regions always reflect the unique heritage of their respective areas. Look at the table of India’s 29 states and their capitals below:

StateCapital
Andhra PradeshAmaravati
Arunachal PradeshItanagar
AssamDispur
BiharPatna
ChhattisgarhRaipur
GoaPanaji
GujaratGandhinagar
HaryanaChandigarh
Himachal PradeshShimla
JharkhandRanchi
KarnatakaBengaluru
KeralaThiruvananthapuram
Madhya PradeshBhopal
MaharashtraMumbai
ManipurImphal
MeghalayaShillong
MizoramAizawl
NagalandKohima
OdishaBhubaneswar
PunjabChandigarh
RajasthanJaipur
SikkimGangtok
Tamil NaduChennai
TelanganaHyderabad
TripuraAgartala
Uttar PradeshLucknow
UttarakhandDehradun
West BengalKolkata
Capitals and Cultural Symbols of Indian States

Notable Capitals of India

Delhi is the national capital of India and a hub of all meaningful political discussions. The city has various historical monuments, such as the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. 

Mumbai is Maharashtra’s capital; people often call it the country’s financial capital. It houses both the stock exchange and the world of entertainment with the Bollywood industry.

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and represents India’s intellectual heritage. The city is known for its literature, art, and colonial architecture. It won’t be wrong to call Kolkata the key centre of learning and cultural exchange in India. 

29 States of India and their dresses names list

Every Indian state has a unique traditional dress and festival that stands out from other regions. Here is an overview of the 29 states of india and their dress names list:

StateWomen’s AttireMen’s AttireAccessoriesMajor Festivals
Andhra PradeshPochampally saree, Langa voniPancha (dhoti), KurtaTemple jewellerySankranti, Ugadi, Bathukamma
Arunachal PradeshGaluk, DumsumTraditional tribal attireBeaded necklaces, headgearLosar, Mopin, Solung
AssamMekhela chador, RihaDhoti-kurta, GamosaTraditional Assamese jewelleryBihu, Ambubachi Mela, Majuli Festival
BiharBhagalpuri silk sareeDhoti-kurta, PajamaTraditional gold ornamentsChhath Puja, Sama-Chakeva, Madhushravani
ChhattisgarhTribal costumes, SareeDhoti-kurta, Traditional tribal wearBell metal jewelleryBastar Dussehra, Madai Festival, Goncha Festival
GoaPano bhaju, Kunbi sareeKaftan, ShortsShell jewelleryCarnival, Sao Joao, Bonderam
GujaratChaniya choli, Abhla workKediya, ChornoHeavy silver jewelleryNavratri, Uttarayan, Rann Utsav
HaryanaGhagra-choli, DamankurtaDhoti-kurta, TurbanGold jewelleryTeej, Gangaur, Baisakhi
Himachal PradeshKullu shawl, Chamba suitDhatu (woollen coat)Silver jewelleryKullu Dussehra, Losar, Mandi Shivratri
Jammu & KashmirPheran, TillaKhan dress, TurbanDejhoor (ear ornaments)Eid-ul-Fitr, Losar, Baisakhi
JharkhandPanchi saree, Tribal attireDhoti-kurta, Traditional tribal wearTribal jewellerySarhul, Karma, Tusu
KarnatakaIlkal saree, Kasuti embroideryPanche, KurtaTraditional gold jewelleryDasara, Ugadi, Karaga
KeralaKasavu saree, Set-munduMundu, ShirtTemple jewelleryOnam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram
Madhya PradeshChanderi sarees, Tribal wearDhoti-kurta, BandiSilver jewelleryLokrang, Khajuraho Dance Festival, Tansen Festival
MaharashtraNauvari saree, PaithaniDhoti-kurta, Pheta (turban)Nath (nose ring)Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, Diwali
ManipurPhanek, InnaphiKhudeiTribal jewelleryNingol Chakouba, Yaoshang, Lai Haraoba
MeghalayaJainsem, DharaJainpein, Traditional wearCoral beadsWangala, Nongkrem Dance, Behdienkhlam
MizoramPuanchei, KawrcheiTawlhloh PuanTribal ornamentsChapchar Kut, Pawl Kut, Mim Kut
NagalandMekhela, Traditional tribal wearTribal attire varies by tribeBeaded jewelleryHornbill Festival, Moatsu, Sekrenyi
OdishaSambalpuri saree, KotkiDhoti-kurtaFiligree jewelleryRath Yatra, Raja Parba, Kumar Purnima
PunjabPhulkari suits, Patiala salwarKurta-pajama, TurbanParandi (hair accessory)Lohri, Baisakhi, Maghi
RajasthanGhagra-choli, BandhejDhoti-kurta, AngarkhaLac banglesGangaur, Teej, Pushkar Fair
SikkimBakhu, HonjuKhoTurquoise jewelleryLosar, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen
Tamil NaduKanjeevaram saree, Pattu PavadaiVeshti-sattaiTemple jewelleryPongal, Thai Pongal, Aadi Perukku
TelanganaGadwal saree, Langa voniPancha kattu, KurtaTraditional gold jewelleryBathukamma, Bonalu, Sankranti
TripuraRignai, RisaPachraTribal ornamentsGaria Puja, Kharchi Puja, Orange Festival
Uttar PradeshChikankari kurtas, SareeDhoti-kurta, TopiTraditional jewelleryDiwali, Holi, Kumbh Mela
UttarakhandGhagra-choli, PichoraDhoti-kurtaSilver jewelleryKumbh Mela, Nanda Devi Fair, Phool Dei
West BengalTant saree, JamdaniDhoti-kurta, PunjabiShakha pola (bangles)Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja
Traditional Dresses and Festivals of 29 Indian States

Governance Structure

The governance structure of Indian states follows a parliamentary system within a federal setup. Each state has a governor (appointed by the president) as the constitutional head and a chief minister (elected) who leads the government. Most states have a unicameral legislature (Vidhan Sabha), while some have a bicameral legislature (Vidhan Sabha + Vidhan Parishad). The high court serves as the top judicial authority in each state, overseeing lower courts.

The Cultural Unity of Indian States

Several languages, religions, and traditions coexist across the Indian states, so the country is also called a land of culture. This promotes explicitly tolerance and understanding among all citizens. It enables individuals to learn from one another and appreciate diverse customs and practices.

India’s festivals and traditional attire serve as symbols of national unity. The diverse clothing styles across the 29 states reflect shared artistic elements and cultural symbolism. For instance:

  • Karnataka’s Mysore sarees are made with silk, which is similar to Assam’s Muga clothing traditions.
  • The embroidery of specific garments in Gujarat shares artistic similarities with the needlework of clothing pieces in Kashmir.

Discover the List of 29 States of India

Explore the list of 29 states of India and their capitals to understand the country’s cultural diversity and geographical terrain. Each state teaches how differences can create strength rather than division. Its distinct language, food, dress, and customs add to India’s diverse cultural tapestry. These differences among the northern and southern states make the country truly special.

Exploring India’s states has provided insights into their unique characteristics, including understanding their geographical landscapes and cultural expressions. You must always try to delve deeper into understanding these diverse cultural states of India. Such exploration increases your knowledge and promotes appreciation for India’s model of unity in diversity. Preserving and celebrating all regional identities are the key to maintaining India’s cultural heritage for future generations.

FAQs: List of 29 States of India

1. Which states are known for their unique traditional dresses?

India has several states that have the tradition of wearing unique pieces of clothing. These attires represent their respective cultures. You may have already encountered states like Kerala, where it is common for women to wear white sarees with golden borders. Then, women in Maharashtra like to wear the nine-yard-long Nauvari saree. The best part is that these women drape the saree in a different style. 

2. What are the major festivals celebrated in southern India?

Southern India is known for celebrating several festivals every year. For instance, they celebrate Pongal and Onam to mark the occasion of new harvests. Then comes Ugadi, which is celebrated to mark the beginning of the new year. These festivals across the southern part of India always represent cultural heritage, traditional clothing, and food delicacies famous worldwide. 

3. How do the states of India differ in culture and geography?

It is common for northern and southern India to have different cultures and traditions. This is because of the geographical terrain and weather in both regions. The states of the north have colder weather, snowy mountains, and wheat fields. The southern states, on the other hand, have rice farms and tropical weather. 

4. Why is it important to learn about the states of India?

You must understand your country’s cultural, geographical, and political landscape. Each state in India has its unique identity, history, governance, and linguistic structure, which play a key role in shaping the country. Thus, knowledge of the states is vital for understanding national policies and regional politics.

5. What makes India’s states culturally diverse yet unified?

India’s exceptional diversity results from several geographical elements. These include Mountain ranges, irrigated agricultural lands, rivers, streams, monsoons, forests, and deserts. The Indian Constitution also guarantees unity among citizens of all castes, creeds, religions, races, and languages. Each state and region in the country has its distinct colour, culture, and climate, which makes it distinct yet unified.

6. Which are the 29 states in India?

Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir.

7. Which state was removed from the list of 29 states?

Jammu & Kashmir was removed from the list of 29 states after the abrogation of Article 370. It was reorganized into two union territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, reducing the total number of states in India to 28.

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