India is a federal union comprising 36 states and eight union territories. The Census Population Projection Report estimates India’s population in 2023 to reach 13,88,163,000. Among the states and union territories, Uttar Pradesh holds the highest population, with 28 states and eight union territories. These figures are based on data from the Indian government’s last census conducted in 2011.
1. Uttar Pradesh
The state of Uttar Pradesh, located in India’s northeast, is the fourth-largest in the country and holds the distinction of being the most populous. Its capital is Lucknow, and Kanpur stands as the largest city within the state. Uttar Pradesh acquired its present name, meaning “Northern State,” when India adopted its government on January 26, 1950.
Uttar Pradesh is home to a significant population, with over twice the number of residents compared to the rest of the country at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The state’s prominence as India’s most populous region is accompanied by the importance of Lucknow as its capital.
2. Maharashtra
Maharashtra, situated in central and west central India, is a vast state known for its diverse physiography, encompassing low hills, expansive high mountains, and river valleys. Geographically, it holds a strategic position as the geographic center of India.
With its impressive population, Maharashtra ranks as the world’s third-most populous state and the second-most densely populated state in India. Established on May 1, 1960, it emerged from the division of the multilingual Bombay state, which was formed in 1956. Comprising 36 districts and six divisions, Maharashtra’s capital is Mumbai, an urban city renowned for being India’s most populous. Additionally, Nagpur serves as the state’s winter capital.
3. Bihar
Patna, also known as Pataliputra, is both the capital and largest city of Bihar, a state situated in East India. In November 2000, the southern provinces of Bihar were separated to form the state of Jharkhand, which now forms Bihar’s southern and southeastern boundaries.
Bihar holds a prominent place in India’s history, having played a significant role in the early years. It served as the primary imperial capital for an extended period and stood as a center for Indian culture and civilization.
4. West Bengal
West Bengal, located in the eastern part of India, is one of the country’s smaller states in terms of land size but boasts one of the largest populations.
Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, serves as the capital city of West Bengal. Notably, during the period of British rule, the state played a pivotal role in India’s national movement and became the initial catalyst for the process of nationalism.
5. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as “the heart of India,” holds a central location within the nation, devoid of any international border or coastline. Its physiography comprises low hills, expansive plateaus, and river valleys, creating a distinctive landscape.
The state’s capital, Bhopal, stands out as the cleanest city within Madhya Pradesh. In terms of population, Madhya Pradesh ranks as the fifth-largest state in India, while in land area, it secures the second-largest position.
6. Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu, with its capital and largest city Chennai, ranks as India’s sixth most populated state, according to the 2011 Human Development Index. The state boasts the second-largest economy in India, following Maharashtra, and excels in industrialization.
Tamil, an ancient classical language, serves as the primary language in Tamil Nadu. The state’s tourism sector stands out as the largest among all Indian states, offering a diverse range of attractions that attract numerous visitors. Additionally, the Tamil cinema industry significantly influences the state’s popular culture, contributing to its unique identity.
7. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, often referred to as the city of Rajputs, is a state located in northwest India. Its capital, the pink city of Jaipur, lies in the eastern part of the state. Rajasthan’s name translates to “The Rajas’ Place” and was formerly known as Rajputana, or “The Country of the Rajputs.”
After India’s independence in 1947, the state was named Rajasthan when the royal kingdoms and chiefdoms were integrated into the country. With a significant population, Rajasthan ranks as India’s seventh most populous state, while its vast land area makes it the largest in the nation. It shares borders with five other Indian states on the northwestern side.
8. Karnataka
Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore until 1973, is a state situated on the western shoreline of the Indian subcontinent. The capital city, Bengaluru (Bangalore), lies close to the southeastern boundary of the state.
Over time, Karnataka has witnessed the influence of various dynasties that enriched its cultural heritage. These dynasties have contributed to the development of diverse faiths and ideologies, leaving their mark on literature, folklore, architecture, music, paintings, and other arts.
Unlike other states in southern India, Karnataka shares geographical borders with all four of them. Throughout ancient and medieval India, Karnataka has been the homeland for some of the most renowned dynasties, further contributing to its historical significance.
9. Gujrat
Gujarat, located on the west coast of the Arabian Sea, covers a vast region of 75,686 square kilometers, making it the seventh-largest state in India. With a population of approximately 60,383,628 residents, as recorded in the 2011 census, it holds significant importance in the country.
The capital city of Gujarat is Gandhinagar, while other key cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar contribute to the state’s prominence. Known for its high level of industrialization and low unemployment rate, Gujarat stands out as one of the most economically dynamic states in India.
10. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh, located in the southeastern region of the Indian subcontinent, comprises three distinct capitals – Amaravati for the legislative functions, Visakhapatnam for the executive functions, and Kurnool for the judicial functions. The state has a historical connection with the Andhra people, who have resided in the region since ancient times and developed their language, Telugu.
For more than six decades, Telangana was an integral part of Andhra Pradesh until it became an independent state in 2014. Hyderabad, which was previously the joint capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, now serves as the capital of Telangana. Andhra Pradesh was formed in its current form in 1956 in response to the Andhras’ demand for a separate state.
