India encompasses an expansive territory spanning approximately 3.2 million square kilometers. Its geographical expanse extends from the towering Himalayas in the North to the southern tip of Kanyakumari, covering a distance of roughly 3,200 kilometers from north to south. Similarly, the country spans around 2,900 kilometers from the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh to the western state of Gujarat. Bounded by three major bodies of water, India is surrounded by the Arabian Sea to the West, the Bay of Bengal to the East, and the Indian Ocean to the South
IN BRIEF- GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISION
In the northern region, the Himalayas are segmented into three expansive parallel ranges, namely the Great Himalayas or Himadri, the Middle Himalayas or Himachal, and the Shiwalik range. Stretching to the south of these Himalayan ranges lies the vast expanse of the northern Indian plains.
- In the western part of India, the Great Indian Desert can be found.
- South of the northern plains, there is the peninsular plateau.
- The Aravali Hills, recognized as one of the oldest mountain ranges globally, contribute to the topography of the region.
- On the western frontier of the plateau, one encounters the Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadris.
- Coastal plains are nestled between the Western Ghats in the west and the Eastern Ghats in the east.
- Major rivers, such as the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, drain into the Bengal Bay.
- The Sunderban Delta, a notable geographical feature, is formed at the confluence of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers with the Bay of Bengal.
The Lakshadweep islands are situated in the Arabian Sea, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located to the southeast of the Indian mainland.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
- India comprises 28 states and 8 Union territories, with Delhi serving as the capital city. Rajasthan holds the distinction of being the largest state in terms of area, while Goa claims the title of the smallest state.
- In a recent development, the state of Jammu & Kashmir has undergone reorganisation, leading to the creation of two Union territories: Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Telangana was also separated from Andhra Pradesh as an independent state.
- Furthermore, a recent administrative change involves the amalgamation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu, resulting in the formation of a single Union territory.
FAQs
Q: What are the different levels of political administration in India?
A: India has a multi-tiered political administrative structure consisting of three main levels: the central, state, and local levels. The central government is responsible for national-level policies and administration, while the state governments manage regional affairs. Local governments, including municipal corporations, panchayats, and municipal councils, handle community-level governance.
Q: How is India politically divided at the state level?
A: India is politically divided into 28 states and 8 Union territories. States have their own elected governments, headed by a Chief Minister, who is accountable to the State Legislature. Union territories are governed either by a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President or by an Administrator appointed by the President. Some Union territories, like Delhi and Puducherry, have their own legislative assemblies and governments, while others are directly administered by the central government.
Q: What is the significance of the Panchayati Raj system in India?
A: The Panchayati Raj system is a decentralized form of government that aims to bring governance closer to the people. It consists of elected local bodies at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels. These bodies, known as Panchayats, play a crucial role in grassroots democracy by addressing local issues, implementing development schemes, and promoting participatory decision-making.
Q: How are political boundaries determined in India?
A: Political boundaries in India are primarily determined by historical, geographical, linguistic, and socio-cultural factors. States and Union territories are created or reorganized based on recommendations of the State Reorganization Commission, linguistic considerations, and demands for regional autonomy. The process often involves consultations with stakeholders and can sometimes lead to disputes, which are addressed through constitutional provisions and legal mechanisms.
Q: What is the role of the President and Governors in India’s political system?
A: The President of India is the head of state and exercises ceremonial powers. They are elected by an electoral college comprising members of both houses of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of the states. The Governor is the constitutional head of each state and is appointed by the President. While the Governor’s role is largely ceremonial, they play a crucial role in the state’s administration, including appointing the Chief Minister, summoning the State Legislature, and approving bills.
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