8 Union Territories of India: List of Capitals, Establishment Dates, and Key Facts

India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic governed by a parliamentary system. A union territory is a distinct administrative division directly managed by the Union government (Central Government). These territories are administered by the President of India through appointed administrators. Union territories often hold special rights and unique status to preserve indigenous cultures, ensure administrative stability, and manage regions newly integrated into the Indian Union.

Union Territories of India 2024

Union Territories are primarily governed by the Central Government via a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator acting as the President’s representative. Unlike full states, most Union Territories have no representation in the Rajya Sabha, with the exceptions of Delhi and Puducherry. Each territory maintains functional administrative independence. For local governance, these regions are subdivided into smaller blocks, with the village and its respective Gram Panchayat serving as the smallest, most fundamental unit of local administration.

8 Union Territories in India

As a Sovereign, Secular, Democratic Republic, India functions under a parliamentary system where the President serves as the constitutional head. While states have their own governments, Union territories are centrally administered by the President’s appointees. There are 8 Union territories in India. Each UT offers a unique glimpse into India’s vast diversity, featuring distinct demographics, historical legacies, and vibrant cultural traditions. Explore our guide to discover the individuality of each of India's territories.

Union Territory	Capital	Date of Creation
Puducherry	Puducherry	1st November 1954
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Port Blair	1st November 1956
Chandigarh	Chandigarh	1st November 1956
Lakshadweep	Kavaratti	1st November 1956
Delhi	Delhi	1st November 1956
Jammu and Kashmir	Srinagar (Summer) Jammu (Winter)	31st October 2019
Ladakh	Leh	31st October 2019
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	Silvassa and Daman	26th January 2020

Union Territories of India

Currently, there are 8 Union territories in India. The complete list of the Union Territories of India as of 2024 is provided below:

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

3. Chandigarh

4. Lakshadweep

5. Puducherry

6. Delhi

7. Ladakh

8. Jammu and Kashmir

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Particulars	Description
Area	8,249 sq. km
Population	4 lakh (approx)
Capital	Port Blair
Languages	Hindi, Nicobarese, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are strategically located between 6° and 14° North Latitude and 92° and 94° East Longitude. The archipelago is divided into the Andaman Group (north of 10°) and the Nicobar Group (south of 10°). The climate is characteristically humid and tropical, influenced by both southwest and northeast monsoons, with peak rainfall occurring between May and December.

Historically, the islands were home to tribes reliant on fishing and hunting. The Andaman Islands host four indigenous Negrito tribes: the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese. Conversely, the Nicobar Islands are home to two Mongoloid tribes: the Nicobarese and Shompens.

2. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Particulars	Description
Area	491 sq km
Population	4 Lakhs (Approx)
Capital	Silvassa
Languages	Gujarati, Hindi

The former territories of Daman and Diu were merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli to create a single, unified Union Territory. Following a period of autonomous administration from 1954 to 1961, the territory officially integrated into the Indian Union on August 11, 1961, and has since been administered directly by the Government of India.

3. Lakshadweep

Particulars	Description
Area	32 sq. km
Population	64,429 ( Approx )
Capital	Kavaratti
Principal Languages	Malayalam, Jeseri (Dweep Bhasha) and Mahal

Lakshadweep, India's smallest Union Territory, features a rich history shrouded in mystery. Initial inhabitants are believed to have resided in Amini, Andrott, Kavaratti, and Agatti. Historically considered followers of Hinduism, the population largely converted to Islam during the 14th century via Arab traders. Renamed from the Laccadives, Minicoy, and Amindivi group in 1973, this collection of coral islands consists of 12 atolls, three reefs, and submerged sand banks. Out of 27 islands, only 11 are inhabited, located 280–480 km off the coast of Kerala.

4. Puducherry

Particulars	Description
Area	479 sq km
Population	12,44,464 (Approx)
Capital	Puducherry
Principal Languages	Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English and French

Puducherry comprises the former French colonial enclaves of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. After 138 years of French rule, the territory joined the Indian Union on 1st November 1954. Geographically diverse, Puducherry is surrounded by Tamil Nadu, Karaikal lies on the East Coast, Mahe is nestled along the Kerala coast, and Yanam adjoins the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.

5. NCT of Delhi

Particulars	Description
Area	1,483 sq. km
Population	1,67,53,235 (Approx)
Capital	Delhi
Principal Languages	Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu & English

Delhi holds historical significance dating back to the Mahabharata era. Throughout the centuries, it was controlled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Turks, Afghans, and Mughals, before coming under British colonial rule. After the capital was moved from Kolkata in 1911, Delhi was designated a Union Territory in 1956. A landmark moment occurred with the 69th Constitutional Amendment and the National Capital Territory Act, 1991, which provided Delhi with its own Legislative Assembly.

6. Chandigarh

Particulars	Description
Area	114 sq km
Population	10,54,686 (Approx)
Capital	Chandigarh
Principal Languages	Hindi, Punjabi, English

Chandigarh is a premier example of modern architectural splendour. Known as the "City Beautiful," this planned city was designed by the renowned French Architect, Le Corbusier. Established as a Union Territory on 1 November 1966, it serves as the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana.

7. Ladakh

Ladakh was established as a separate Union Territory on 31st October 2019. Comprising the districts of Leh and Kargil, it is world-renowned for its rugged, high-altitude mountain beauty and its unique, distinct culture.

Leh District:

1. Sub-Divisions: 6

2. Tehsils: 8

3. Blocks: 16

4. Panchayat: 95

5. Villages: 113

Kargil District:

1. Sub-Divisions: 4

2. Tehsils: 7

3. Blocks: 15

4. Panchayat: 98

5. Villages: 130

8. Jammu and Kashmir

Union Territories	India
Capital	Jammu ( winter ), Srinagar ( summer )
Area	222,236 sq.km
Languages	Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri, Pahari, Ladakhi, Balti, Gojri and Dari

How do Delhi and Puducherry have other systems than the other Union Territories?

In the Indian constitutional framework, while most union territories are centrally managed, Puducherry, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir possess their own elected legislatures.

Out of the eight union territories, Delhi and Puducherry maintain elected assemblies, having been granted partial statehood through constitutional amendments.

Delhi and Puducherry operate with their own legislative assembly and executive council, functioning similarly to states while sharing power with the Central government on specific subjects.

Indian Union Territories History

Following the 1956 States Reorganisation Commission recommendations, Union Territories were established as a unique category for regions that lacked the economic or political stability to function as full-fledged states. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were India's first Union Territory. Recent reorganizations include the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two UTs (J&K and Ladakh) and the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu.

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