Explore political map of India, it is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own government. States have their own elected governments, while union territories are governed by administrators appointed by the central government. Each state and territory has its unique culture and governance, contributing to India's diversity. This structure allows for both local governance and national integration, with powers shared between state and central governments as outlined in the Constitution of India.
India, a vast and diverse country, is organized into multiple layers of administrative divisions, each with its own unique role in governance. These divisions help in the efficient management of resources, governance, and administration across the country's expanse. Understanding India's administrative framework offers insight into how this large nation operates and addresses the needs of its billion-plus population.
States and Union Territories
At the broadest level, India is divided into 28 states and 8 Union Territories. States have their own governments with a significant degree of autonomy in governance, whereas Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government. However, Delhi and Puducherry, two of the Union Territories, have their own legislative assemblies and operate somewhat like states due to their special status.
Districts
Each state and Union Territory is further subdivided into districts, the crucial administrative units in India. As of now, there are over 700 districts in the country. Each district is administered by a District Collector or District Magistrate, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service. Districts are pivotal in implementing government policies and schemes at the grassroots level.
Sub-Divisions and Tehsils
Districts are further divided into sub-divisions, overseen by Sub-Divisional Magistrates, and these in turn are divided into tehsils or talukas. This layer focuses more on local governance, revenue collection, and land records management. Tehsils play a critical role in the rural administration, including agricultural development, tax collection, and local dispute resolution.
Villages and Municipalities
At the grassroots level, India’s administrative divisions include villages in rural areas and municipalities in urban areas. Villages are often governed by Panchayats, which are elected bodies responsible for the local self-governance. Urban areas are divided into municipalities or municipal corporations, depending on their size and population. These bodies manage urban planning, public health, education, and infrastructure within their jurisdictions.
Metropolitan Areas
Some of India’s largest cities form metropolitan areas, which encompass the city along with its adjoining suburbs and satellite towns. These areas are managed by Metropolitan Development Authorities, which are responsible for planning and coordinating development across the metropolitan region.
Importance of Administrative Divisions
The multi-layered administrative divisions in India are designed to bring governance closer to the people. This structure allows for localized decision-making, addressing the specific needs of India's diverse population. It facilitates effective governance, efficient delivery of public services, and ensures that the benefits of development reach every corner of the country.
India's administrative divisions are the backbone of its governance and public administration system. From the bustling metropolises to the remotest villages, these divisions ensure that the government's presence is felt everywhere. They play a crucial role in the nation's development, helping India move forward as a unified yet diverse entity. Understanding these divisions helps one appreciate the complexity and efficiency of governance in the world’s largest democracy.
Zones and Regions of India
Zones
India is divided into several zones and regions, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural heritage. These zones, often based on geographical, cultural, or administrative criteria, help in organizing the vast expanse of the country into manageable areas. For example, India is commonly segmented into North, South, East, West, and Central regions, each showcasing distinct traditions, languages, and landscapes. Additionally, for administrative convenience and development purposes, the country is divided into zones like the Northern Railway Zone, Southern Railway Zone, etc., focusing on specific functionalities. This division not only simplifies governance but also promotes regional development and cultural preservation, ensuring that each part of India receives attention according to its specific needs and characteristics.
The current members of each Zonal Council are:
Northern Zonal Council includes Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
North Eastern Council consists of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Sikkim was added to the North Eastern Council in 2002.
Central Zonal Council comprises Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
Eastern Zonal Council includes Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Western Zonal Council consists of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Southern Zonal Council includes Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep are not part of any Zonal Council but are special invitees to the Southern Zonal Council.
Cultural Zones
India's cultural landscape is divided into various zones, each reflecting the rich diversity of its people, traditions, and arts. These cultural zones, such as North, South, East, West, and Central India, are home to a wide array of languages, religions, festivals, and culinary styles that highlight the country's incredible diversity. From the classical dances and vibrant festivals of the South to the folk music and colorful attire of the North, each zone offers a unique glimpse into India's heritage. This division not only celebrates the differences among regions but also fosters unity, showcasing how diverse cultural practices coexist harmoniously within the country. Through these cultural zones, India tells the story of its past, present, and future, inviting everyone to explore and appreciate its rich cultural tapestry.
Zone Name
Centre of Zone
Covers
South Culture Zone
South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana
South Central Culture Zone
SouthCentral Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Autonomous Administrative Divisions
India has several autonomous administrative divisions, which are regions granted a certain degree of self-governance within the larger framework of the Indian Republic. These divisions, such as the Bodoland Territorial Region in Assam or the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration in West Bengal, are designed to acknowledge and respect the cultural and ethnic distinctiveness of these areas. They operate under a special administrative structure that allows them to manage many of their local affairs directly, including education, health, and rural development. This system aims to empower local communities, ensure their participation in the democratic process, and address their unique needs and aspirations. Through these autonomous divisions, India demonstrates its commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusive development across its vast and varied landscape.
S. N.
State / UT
Autonomous Council Name
Headquarter
Formed in
1
Assam
Bodoland Territorial Council
Kokrajhar
2003
2
North Cachar Hills (Dima Hasao) Autonomous Council
Haflong
1951
3
Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council
Diphu
1952
4
Tiwa Autonomous Council
Morigaon
1995
5
Mising Autonomous Council
Dhemaji
1995
6
Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council
Dudhnoi
1995
7
Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council
Dibrugarh
2005
8
Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council
Titabar
2005
9
Deori Autonomous Council
Narayanpur
2005
10
Moran Autonomous Council
Tinsukia
2020
11
Matak Autonomous Council
Chring Gaon
2020
12
Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council
Simen Chapori
2020
13
Kamatapur Autonomous Council
Abhayapuri
2020
14
Ladakh
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil
Kargil
2003
15
Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh
Leh
1995
16
Manipur
Chandel Autonomous District Council
Chandel
1971
17
Churachandpur Autonomous District Council
Churachandpur
1971
18
Sadar Hills
Kangpokpi
1971
19
Manipur North Autonomous District Council
Senapati
1971
20
Tamenglong Autonomous District Council
Tamenglong
1971
21
Ukhrul Autonomous District Council
Ukhrul
1971
22
Meghalaya
Garo Hills Autonomous District Council
Tura
1973
23
Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council
Jowai
1973
24
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council
Shillong
1973
25
Mizoram
Chakma Autonomous District Council
Kamalanagar
1972
26
Lai Autonomous District Council
Lawngtlai
1972
27
Mara Autonomous District Council
Siaha
1972
28
Tripura
Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council
Khumulwng
1982
29
West Bengal
Gorkhaland Territorial Administration
Darjeeling
2012
List of Divisions in India
In India, several states are divided into divisions that hold an official status in the government's administrative structure. Each division is led by a senior IAS officer known as the Divisional Commissioner.
As of September 2022, such divisions are found in 18 out of the 28 states and 3 of the 8 union territories. There are, in total, 102 divisions across India as of September 2022.
Number of Divisions in each UT or State
State / UT
Number of Divisions
Population
Population per Division
Andhra Pradesh
-
49,386,799
-
Arunachal Pradesh
2
1,383,727
691,864
Assam
5
31,169,272
6,233,854
Bihar
9
104,099,452
11,566,606
Chhattisgarh
5
25,545,198
5,109,040
Goa
-
1,458,545
-
Gujarat
-
60,439,692
-
Haryana
6
25,351,462
4,225,244
Himachal Pradesh
3
6,864,602
2,288,201
Telangana
-
35,193,978
-
Jharkhand
5
32,988,134
6,597,627
Karnataka
4
61,095,297
15,273,824
Kerala
-
33,406,061
-
Madhya Pradesh
10
72,626,809
7,262,681
Maharashtra
6
112,374,333
18,729,056
Manipur
-
2,721,756
-
Meghalaya
3
2,966,889
1,483,445
Mizoram
-
1,097,206
-
Nagaland
1
1,978,502
1,978,502
Odisha
3
41,974,218
13,991,406
Punjab
5
27,743,338
5,548,668
Rajasthan
7
68,548,437
9,792,634
Sikkim
-
610,577
-
Tamil Nadu
-
72,147,030
-
Tripura
-
3,673,917
-
Uttar Pradesh
18
199,812,341
11,100,686
Uttarakhand
2
10,086,292
5,043,146
West Bengal
5
91,276,115
18,255,223
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
-
380,581
-
Chandigarh
-
1,055,450
-
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
-
586,956
-
Jammu and Kashmir
2
12,258,433
6,129,217
Ladakh
1
290,492
290,492
Lakshadweep
-
64,473
-
Delhi
1
16,787,941
16,787,941
Puducherry
-
1,247,953
-
Regions within States
In India, some states include regions that are not recognized as official administrative units in the government. These regions are defined based on geography and sometimes align with historical countries, states, or provinces. A region can encompass one or more divisions, with the average being around three divisions per region. However, the borders of these regions don't always precisely match the boundaries of the divisions. Up to now, there hasn't been any initiative to grant these regions formal administrative status. If such a status were to be considered, it would likely require adjusting the regional boundaries to align exactly with the districts they contain.
Examples include the Regions of Assam and the Regions of Gujarat.
Districts
States, territories, and divisions in India are divided into smaller units called districts, and as of August 2022, there are 766 districts. Each district is managed by an IAS officer known as the District Magistrate.
Number of Districts in each UT and State
State / UT
Number of Districts
Population
Population per District
Andhra Pradesh
26
49,577,103
1,906,812
Arunachal Pradesh
26
1,383,727
53,220
Assam
35
31,205,576
891,588
Bihar
38
104,099,452
2,739,459
Chhattisgarh
33
25,545,198
774,097
Goa
2
1,458,545
729,273
Gujarat
33
60,439,692
1,831,506
Haryana
22
25,351,462
1,152,339
Himachal Pradesh
13
6,864,602
528,046
Jharkhand
24
32,988,134
1,374,506
Karnataka
31
61,095,297
1,970,816
Kerala
14
33,406,061
2,386,147
Madhya Pradesh
55
72,626,809
1,274,155
Maharashtra
36
112,374,333
3,121,509
Manipur
16
2,570,390
160,649
Meghalaya
12
2,966,889
247,241
Mizoram
11
1,097,206
99,746
Nagaland
16
1,978,502
123,656
Odisha
30
41,974,218
1,399,141
Punjab
23
27,743,338
1,206,232
Rajasthan
55
68,548,437
1,246,335
Sikkim
6
610,577
101,763
Tamil Nadu
38
72,147,030
1,898,606
Telangana
33
35,003,674
1,060,717
Tripura
8
3,673,917
459,240
Uttar Pradesh
75
199,812,341
2,664,165
Uttarakhand
17
10,086,292
593,311
West Bengal
23
91,276,115
3,042,537
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
3
380,581
126,860
Chandigarh
1
1,055,450
1,055,450
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
3
586,956
195,652
Jammu and Kashmir
20
12,258,093
612,905
Ladakh
4
290,492
72,623
Lakshadweep
1
64,473
64,473
Delhi
11
16,787,941
1,526,176
Puducherry
4
1,247,953
311,988
Subdistricts
In India, different states use various names for their sub-districts. Here's a detailed overview as of 2018:
State / UT
Subdistrict Entity
Number of Subdistricts
Andhra Pradesh
Mandal
664
Arunachal Pradesh
Circle
149
Assam
Subdivision
155
Bihar
Subdivision
101
Chhattisgarh
Tehsil
228
Goa
Taluka
12
Gujarat
Taluka
248
Haryana
Tehsil
67
Himachal Pradesh
Tehsil
109
Jharkhand
Subdivision
210
Karnataka
Taluk
240
Kerala
Taluk
75
Madhya Pradesh
Tehsil
412
Maharashtra
Taluka
353
Manipur
Subdivision
38
Meghalaya
Subdivision
39
Mizoram
Subdivision
22
Nagaland
Circle
93
Odisha
Tehsil
485
Punjab
Tehsil
172
Rajasthan
Tehsil
268
Sikkim
Subdivision
9
Tamil Nadu
Taluk
201
Telangana
Mandal
452
Tripura
Subdivision
38
Uttar Pradesh
Tehsil
350
Uttarakhand
Tehsil
113
West Bengal
Subdivision
69
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Tehsil
7
Chandigarh
Tehsil
1
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Taluka
3
Delhi
Tehsil
33
Jammu and Kashmir
Tehsil
55
Ladakh
Tehsil
4
Lakshadweep
Subdivision
4
Puducherry
Taluk
8
Rural Level
Blocks
The Community Development Block, also known as CD Block or simply block, typically serves as the next level of administrative division. This division is mainly for development purposes, while the tehsil is the next level after the district for revenue-related matters.
State
CD Block
No. of CD Blocks
Bihar
CD Block
534
Haryana
CD Block
140
Jharkhand
CD Block
263
Kerala
CD Block
152
Odisha
CD Block
314
Tripura
CD Block
58
Uttarakhand
CD Block
95
Uttar Pradesh
CD Block
822
West Bengal
CD Block
342
Villages
Villages in India are more than just small settlements; they are the heart and soul of the country's rich cultural and historical heritage. Making up the majority of India's population, these villages paint a picture of traditional Indian life, untouched by the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, life moves at a leisurely pace, deeply rooted in agricultural practices that have been passed down through generations.
In Indian villages, community life is strong. Festivals, weddings, and other celebrations are communal affairs where the entire village comes together. These events are vibrant, filled with traditional music, dance, and attire, showcasing India's diverse cultural tapestry.
Agriculture is the mainstay of village life in India. Fields of wheat, rice, and other crops stretch as far as the eye can see, tended by farmers who rely on monsoon rains and traditional farming techniques. Despite the challenges posed by modernization and climate change, these villages continue to support India's agriculture and feed the nation.
However, Indian villages face their own set of challenges, including access to clean water, healthcare, and education. Efforts by the government and various non-governmental organizations aim to improve these conditions, ensuring that villagers have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts.
Villages in India are not just places of residence but are keepers of tradition, offering glimpses into a way of life that prioritizes community, simplicity, and harmony with nature. They remind us of the importance of preserving our cultural roots while embracing progress and development.
Metropolitan Area
Metropolitan areas in India are dynamic engines of growth and the epicenters of economic, cultural, and educational development. These areas, often referred to as metros, are large cities and their surrounding regions, where a significant portion of the population lives and works. They are characterized by a high density of people, a wide array of job opportunities, and a melting pot of cultures from across the country and the world.
In India, metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai are not just urban sprawls but are vital to the nation's progress. They are hubs for industries ranging from technology and finance to manufacturing and entertainment. This diversity in economic activities attracts people from all walks of life, seeking better job prospects and a higher standard of living.
Education and innovation thrive in these metropolitan regions, with numerous universities, research institutions, and startups calling them home. The vibrant cultural scene, from traditional festivals to contemporary arts, reflects the diversity of India's heritage and the modern influences shaping the country today.
Despite their prosperity, metropolitan areas in India also face challenges, including congestion, pollution, and disparities in wealth and access to services. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable urban development, ensuring that the growth of metros benefits all residents equitably.
Metropolitan areas in India symbolize the country's aspirations and potential, embodying both the ancient roots of Indian civilization and its ambitious modern trajectory. As India continues to evolve, these metro areas remain at the forefront, driving change and offering a glimpse into the future of this diverse and dynamic nation.