Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

File talk:Indian state flag of Manipur (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:50:15Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of Meghalaya (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:48:27Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of Mizoram (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:46:33Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of Nagaland (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:44:46Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of Odisha (proposed).jpg

2021-10-17T10:42:32Z

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File talk:Indian Territory flag of Puducherry (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:41:20Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of East Punjab (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:35:49Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of Rajasthan (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:34:22Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of Sikkim (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:33:06Z

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Uttarakhand

2021-10-17T10:27:28Z

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{{Infobox Settlement


|official_name = Uttarakhand
|other_name =
|native_name = {{Nastaliq|उत्तरखन्द्}} उत्तराखण्ड
|nickname = '''"Devabhumi"''' (literally "Land of the Gods")
|settlement_type = State of [[India]]
|motto =

|image_skyline = Nanda devi.jpg
|imagesize =
|image_caption = [[Nanda Devi]], National Mountain of India
|image_flag = Indian state flag of Uttarakhand (proposed).png
|flag_size =
|flag_link = Flag of Uttarakhand
|image_seal = Seal of Uttarakhand.svg
|seal_size =
|seal_link = Seal of Uttarakhand
|image_shield =
|shield_size =
|shield_link =
|city_logo =
|citylogo_size =
|logo_link =
|image_map = Uttarakhand in India (disputed hatched).svg
|mapsize =
|map_caption = A map showing where Uttarakhand is in the Republic of India
|image_map1 = India Uttarakhand location map.svg
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 = Map of Uttarakhand
|image_dot_map =
|dot_mapsize =
|dot_map_caption =
|dot_x = |dot_y =
|pushpin_map = 
|pushpin_label_position = 
|pushpin_map_caption =
|pushpin_mapsize =

| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[North India]]
|subdivision_type3 =
|subdivision_name3 =
|subdivision_type4 =
|subdivision_name4 =

|government_footnotes =
|government_type =
| leader_title = [[Governors of Uttarakhand|Governor]]
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 =
| leader_title2 = [[Legislature of Uttarakhand|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameral]] (295{{ref|leg|*}} seats)
|leader_title3 =
|leader_name3 =
|leader_title4 =
|leader_name4 =
| established_title = Established
| established_date =
|established_title2 = 
|established_date2 =
|established_title3 = 
|established_date3 =

|area_magnitude =
|unit_pref = 
|area_footnotes =
|area_total_km2 = 56019 
|area_land_km2 = 
|area_water_km2 =
|area_total_sq_mi =
|area_land_sq_mi =
|area_water_sq_mi =
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|area_blank1_title =
|area_blank1_km2 =
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|population_as_of = 2011
|population_footnotes =
|population_note =
|population_total = 10,116,752

|population_density_km2 =
|population_density_sq_mi =
|population_metro =
|population_density_metro_km2 =
|population_density_metro_sq_mi =
|population_urban =
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|population_blank1_title =
|population_blank1 =
|population_density_blank1_km2 =
|population_density_blank1_sq_mi =
|population_demonym =

|timezone = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|utc_offset = +05:30
|timezone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|latd = |latm = |lats = |latNS =
|longd = |longm = |longs = |longEW =
|coordinates_display=yes
|elevation_footnotes = 
|elevation_m =
|elevation_ft =

|postal_code_type = 
|postal_code =
|area_code =
|blank_name = Official languages
|blank_info = [[Hindi]]{{,}}[[Sanskrit]]
|blank1_name =
|blank1_info =
|website =
|footnotes = {{note|leg|*}}
}}

'''Uttarakhand''' (2000-2006: '''Uttaranchal'''); (Sanskrit:उत्तरखन्द्), is a state in northern [[India]]. The state had 8,479,562 people as of the 2001 [[census]]. It covers an area of {{convert|20,682|mi2}}. It is bigger than [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], but smaller than [[Croatia]], although the border with [[China]] is still disputed. The land contains high [[mountains]]. In traditional Indian geography, it falls within the [[North India]]n zone.

==Provincial symbols of Uttarakhand==
<gallery>
Image:Indian state flag of Uttarakhand (proposed).png|thumb|Provincial flag of Uttarakhand
Image:Lophophorus impejanus Zoo DU 2.jpg|Provincial bird of Uttarakhand
Image:Moschustier.jpg|Provincial animal of Uttarakhand
Image:Rhododendron arboreum subsp. nilagiricum (1).jpg|Provincial tree of Uttarakhand
Image:The Bramha Kamal.JPG|Provincial flower of Uttarakhand
</gallery>

{{commonscat}}

{{India}}

{{Asia-stub}}

[[Category:Uttarakhand| ]]

File talk:Indian state flag of Uttarakhand (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:24:02Z

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West Bengal

2021-10-17T10:21:44Z

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{{Infobox Settlement


|official_name = West Bengal
|native_name = {{Nastaliq|বঙ্গ প্রদেশ}} পশ্চিমবঙ্গ
|native_name_lang = bn
|nickname = বাংলা, বঙ্গ
|settlement_type = State of [[India]]
|motto =

|image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Kolkata_skyline_at_night.jpg
| photo2a = Kolkatatemple.jpg
| photo2b = Biswa Bangla Gate.jpg
| photo3a = Tea garden in dooars.jpg
| photo3b = HAZARDUARI - PALACE.jpg
| photo4a = Digha Sankarpur 2Arnab.jpg
| photo4b = Royal Bengal Tiger walking down Mangrove Island in Sundarbans 3.jpg
| photo5a = Darjeeling.jpg
| spacing = 1
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 250
| foot_montage = {{nobreak|From top: [[Kolkata]] skyline from [[Howrah]],}} [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] near [[Kolkata]], [[Kolkata Gate]], also known as the Biswa Bangla Gate at [[New Town, Kolkata|New Town]], tea garden in the [[Dooars]] region, [[Hazarduari Palace]] in [[Murshidabad]], sunrise in [[Digha]] beach, [[Bengal tiger]] in [[Sundarbans National Park]], view of Darjeeling from [[Happy Valley Tea Estate]]
}}
|imagesize =
|image_caption =
|image_flag = Indian state flag of West Bengal (proposed).png
|flag_size =
|flag_link =
|image_seal = Emblem of West Bengal.png
|seal_link =
|image_shield =
|shield_size =
|shield_link =
|city_logo =
|citylogo_size =
|logo_link =
|image_map = West Bengal in India (disputed hatched).svg
|mapsize =
|map_caption = A map showing us where the location of West Bengal is in India
|image_map1 = India West Bengal adm location map.svg
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 = Map of West Bengal
|image_dot_map =
|dot_mapsize =
|dot_map_caption =
|dot_x = |dot_y =
|pushpin_map = 
|pushpin_label_position = 
|pushpin_map_caption =
|pushpin_mapsize =

| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[East India]]
|subdivision_type3 =
|subdivision_name3 =
|subdivision_type4 =
|subdivision_name4 =

|government_footnotes =
|government_type =
| leader_title = [[List of governors of West Bengal|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Jagdeep Dhankhar]]
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Minister of West Bengal|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[Mamata Banerjee]]
| leader_title2 = [[West Bengal Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameral]] (295{{ref|leg|*}} seats)
|leader_title3 =
|leader_name3 =
|leader_title4 =
|leader_name4 =
| established_title = Established
| established_date = 1 November 1956
|established_title2 = 
|established_date2 =
|established_title3 = 
|established_date3 =

|area_magnitude =
|unit_pref = 
|area_footnotes =
|area_total_km2 = 88752 
|area_land_km2 = 
|area_water_km2 =
|area_total_sq_mi =
|area_land_sq_mi =
|area_water_sq_mi =
|area_water_percent =
|area_urban_km2 =
|area_urban_sq_mi =
|area_metro_km2 =
|area_metro_sq_mi =
|area_blank1_title =
|area_blank1_km2 =
|area_blank1_sq_mi =

|population_as_of = 2011
|population_footnotes =
|population_note =
|population_total = 91347736
|population_density_km2 =
|population_density_sq_mi =
|population_metro =
|population_density_metro_km2 =
|population_density_metro_sq_mi =
|population_urban =
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|population_blank1_title =
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|population_demonym =

|timezone = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|utc_offset = +05:30
|timezone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|latd = 20|latm = |lats = |latNS =
|longd = 77|longm = |longs = |longEW =
|coordinates_display=yes
|elevation_footnotes = 
|elevation_m =
|elevation_ft =

|postal_code_type = 
|postal_code =
|area_code =
|blank_name = Official languages
|blank_info = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]{{,}}[[Nepali language|Nepali]]{{,}} only for Darjeeling district,[[English language|English]]
|blank1_name =
|blank1_info =
|website =
|footnotes = {{note|leg|*}} 294 elected, 1 nominated
}}

'''West Bengal''' ({{lang-bn|'''বঙ্গ প্রদেশ'''/পশ্চিমবঙ্গ}}) is a [[States and territories of India|state]] in [[India]]. It is in the eastern part of the country. West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India.<ref name="Population: India at a glance"/> It is also the seventh most populous sub-national entity in the world.<ref name="Population: India at a glance">{{cite web|url=http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gadm&lng=en&des=wg&geo=-104&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&va=x|title=India: Administrative Divisions (population and area)|publisher=Census of India|accessdate=April 17, 2009|archiveurl=https://archive.is/FFLe|archivedate=2012-12-17}}</ref> West Bengal is the sixth largest contributor to India's [[Gross domestic product|GDP]].<ref>[http://mospi.nic.in/6_gsdp_cur_9394ser.htm Gross Domestic Product by prices as of February 28, 2008] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231836/http://mospi.nic.in/6_gsdp_cur_9394ser.htm |date=March 3, 2016 }}.</ref>

Both West Bengal and [[Bangladesh]] are parts of historical and geographic region of [[Bengal]]. [[Kolkata]] is the capital city of West Bengal. In 2001, 80,221,171 people lived in West Bengal. With an area of 34,267 [[square mile|mi²]] (88,752 [[km²]]), it is bigger than [[Serbia]] but smaller than [[Jordan]]. In traditional Indian geography it falls under the [[East India]]n zone.

West Bengal has a [[tropical climate]], so it is very hot and humid in summer and cool in winter. The people who live here are called [[Bengali people|Bengalis]]. Bengalis also live in [[Bangladesh]]. Bangladesh is a country to the east of West Bengal

==Etymology==
The origin of the name Bengal (Bangla and Bongo in Bengali) is unknown. One theory suggests the word derives from "Bang", the name of a Dravidian tribe that settled the region around 1000 BCE.<ref>http://countrystudies.us/bangladesh/4.htm</ref>The Bengali word Bongo might have been derived from the ancient kingdom of Vanga (or Banga). Although some early [[Sanskrit]] literature mentions the name Vanga, the region's early history is obscure.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20171204062800if_/https://books.google.com/books?id=845eAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA1#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>

In 1947, at the end of British rule over the Indian subcontinent the Bengal Legislative Council and the Bengal Legislative Assembly voted on the Partition of Bengal along religious lines into two separate entities: West Bengal, which continued as an Indian state and East Bengal, a province of Pakistan, which came to be known be as East Pakistan and later became the independent Bangladesh.<ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=in1_AgAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y</ref>

==History==
All of India was once ruled by the [[British Empire]]. The Indians wanted freedom, but the [[Hindu]]s and the [[Muslim]]s of India always argued. So it was decided to divide the country into two parts—one part for Muslims and the other part for Hindus. In 1947 [[Bengal]], which was a province of India, was divided into West Bengal and East Bengal,which is now called [[Bangladesh]]. West Bengal went to India, and East Bengal went to [[Pakistan]] and was called East Pakistan. In 1971, Bangladesh became independent, as a result of the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]].

Famous people from West Bengal include:
*[[Swami Vivekananda]]
*[[Rabindranath Tagore]]
*[[Satyendranath Bose]]
*[[Surendranath Banerjee ]]
*[[Jagadish Chandra Bose]]
*[[Vidyasagar]]
*[[Shibdas Bhaburi]]
*[[Khudiram Bose]]
*[[Shyama Prasad Mukherjee]]
*[[Satyajit Ray]]
*[[Ritwik Ghatak]]
*[[Pradeep Kumar Banerjee]]
*[[Victor Banerjee]]
*[[Kishore Kumar Ganguly]]
*[[Biswajit Chatterjee]]
*[[Bappi Lahiri]]
*[[Michael Madhusudhan Dutta]]
*[[Rahul Dev Burman]]
*[[Sourav Ganguly]]
*[[Pranab Mukherjee]]

==Provincial symbols of Bengal (west)==
<gallery>
Image:Indian state flag of West Bengal (proposed).png|Provincial flag of Indian Bengal
Image:White-throated Kingfisher (Shankar).jpg|White-throated Kingfisher, provincial bird of Bengal
Image:Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) 3.jpg|Fishing cat, provincial animal of Bengal
Image:Alstonia scholaris.jpg|Devil tree, provincial tree of Bengal
Image:Flower & flower buds I IMG 2257.jpg|Night-flowering Jasmine, provincial flower of Bengal
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{commonscat}}

{{India}}
{{authority control}}
[[Category:West Bengal| ]]

File talk:Indian state flag of West Bengal (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:16:51Z

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File talk:Indian state flag of Uttar Pradesh (proposed).png

2021-10-17T10:13:46Z

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Uttar Pradesh

2021-10-17T10:12:35Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{short description|State in India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Uttar Pradesh
| official_name =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| etymology = ''Uttar'' (meaning 'north') and ''[[Pradesh]]'' (meaning 'province or territory')
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| image_flag = Indian state flag of Uttar Pradesh (proposed).png
| flag_type =
| image_blank_emblem =
| blank_emblem_type = [[Emblem of Uttar Pradesh|Emblem]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Taj Mahal (105136313).jpeg
| photo2a = PremMandirSideViewFromCanteen.jpg
| photo2b = 62 Fatehpur Sikrí 11.jpg
| photo3a = India-5163 - Flickr - archer10 (Dennis).jpg
| photo3b = Manikarnika Cremation Ghat, Varanasi.jpg
| photo4a = On the banks of New Yamuna bridge, Allahabad.jpg
| spacing = 1
| color_border = black
| color = black
| size = 260
| foot_montage = From top, left to right: [[Taj Mahal]], [[Prem Mandir, Vrindavan]] in
[[Vrindavan]], [[Fatehpur Sikri]], [[Sarnath]], [[Manikarnika Ghat]], [[New Yamuna Bridge]]
}}
| image_map = IN-UP.svg
| image_map1 = India Uttar Pradesh location map.svg
| map_caption = Location of Uttar Pradesh in [[India]]
| coordinates = {{coord|26.85|80.91|region:IN-UP_type:adm1st|display=it}}
| coor_pinpoint =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_title = Statehood
| established_date = 24 January 1950<ref name="UPDay">{{cite news|title=United Province, UP was notified in Union gazette on January 24, 1950|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/may/02/uttar-pradesh-introduces-new-transfer-policy-1600219.html|access-date=4 May 2017|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=2 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508200722/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/may/02/uttar-pradesh-introduces-new-transfer-policy-1600219.html|archive-date=8 May 2017}}</ref>
{{hidden end}}
| parts_type = [[List of districts of Uttar Pradesh|Districts]]
| parts_style=para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Uttar Pradesh|75]]<ref name="districts">{{cite web|title=Uttar Pradesh District|url=http://up.gov.in/upmap.aspx|website=up.gov.in|publisher=Government of Uttar Pradesh|access-date=12 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415123851/http://up.gov.in/upmap.aspx|archive-date=15 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="list of district">{{cite web |title= List of districts in Uttar Pradesh |url= http://www.archive.india.gov.in/knowindia/districts/andhra1.php?stateid=UP |website= archive.india.gov.in |publisher= Government of India |access-date= 12 April 2017 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170426231823/http://www.archive.india.gov.in/knowindia/districts/andhra1.php?stateid=UP |archive-date= 26 April 2017 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[Lucknow]]
| seat1_type = Largest city
| seat1 = [[Lucknow]]
| government_footnotes =
| governing_body = [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]]
| leader_title = [[Governors of Uttar Pradesh|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Anandiben Patel]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=Anandiben Patel made UP governor, Lal ji Tandon to replace her in Madhya Pradesh |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/anandiben-patel-made-up-governor-lal-ji-tandon-to-replace-her-in-madhya-pradesh-1571562-2019-07-20 |access-date=20 July 2019 |work=India Today |date=20 July 2019 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720111904/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/anandiben-patel-made-up-governor-lal-ji-tandon-to-replace-her-in-madhya-pradesh-1571562-2019-07-20 |archive-date=20 July 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Governor of UP">{{cite web |title= The Governor of Uttar Pradesh |url= http://uplegisassembly.gov.in/ENGLISH/governor_current.htm |website= uplegisassembly.gov.in |publisher= Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly |access-date= 12 April 2017 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170503081924/http://uplegisassembly.gov.in/ENGLISH/governor_current.htm |archive-date= 3 May 2017 |df= dmy-all}}</ref>
| leader_title1 = {{nowrap|[[Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh|Chief Minister]]}}
| leader_name1 = [[Yogi Adityanath]] ([[BJP]])
| leader_title2 = [[Deputy Chief Minister]]s
| leader_name2 = [[Keshav Prasad Maurya]] (BJP) [[Dinesh Sharma (politician)|Dinesh Sharma]] (BJP)
| leader_title3 = [[Uttar Pradesh Legislature|Legislature]]
| leader_name3 = [[Bicameral]]
*[[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council|Council]] (100 seats)
*[[Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly|Assembly]] ([[List of constituencies of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly|403 seats]])
| leader_title4 = [[Parliament of India|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name4 = *[[Rajya Sabha]] ([[List of Rajya Sabha members from Uttar Pradesh|31 seats]])
*[[Lok Sabha]] ([[List of members of the 17th Lok Sabha#Uttar Pradesh|80 seats]])
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 240928
| area_note =
| area_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by area|4th]]
| elevation_max_point = Amsot Peak
| elevation_max_ft = 3,140
| elevation_max_m = 957
| elevation_ft =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_min_point =
name=":UP Govt. literacy">{{Cite web|url=http://up.gov.in/Social-Demography.pdf|title=Social Demography|website=[[Government of Uttar Pradesh]]|access-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629202236/http://www.up.gov.in/Social-Demography.pdf|archive-date=29 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="Statistics">{{cite web|title=Statistics of Uttar Pradesh|url=http://www.up.gov.in/upstateglance.aspx|website=up.gov.in|publisher=Government of Uttar Pradesh|access-date=12 April 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412224507/http://www.up.gov.in/upstateglance.aspx|archive-date=12 April 2017}}</ref>
| population_total = 199,812,341
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|1st]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_note =
| population_demonym = Uttar Pradeshi
| demographics_type1 = GDP {{nobold|(2019–20)}}
| demographics1_footnotes =<ref name="MOSPI">{{Cite web|url=http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_28_02_2020.xls|title=MOSPI Net State Domestic Product, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India.|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323204745/http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_28_02_2020.xls|archive-date=23 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Total]]
| demographics1_info1 = {{INRConvert|17.94|lc}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Per capita]]
| demographics1_info2 = {{INRConvert|70418}}
| demographics_type2 = Languages<ref name="2011lang" />
| demographics2_title1 = Official
| demographics2_info1 = [[Hindi]]
| demographics2_title2 = Additional official
| demographics2_info2 = [[Urdu]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank_info_sec2 = {{increase}} 0.596<ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |access-date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{color|#fc0|Medium}} · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|35th]]
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank1_info_sec2 = 67.68%<ref name="pc-census2011" />
| blank2_name_sec2 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank2_info_sec2 = 912 [[females|♀]]/1000 [[males|♂]]<ref name="pc-census2011">{{cite web |title=Census 2011 (Final Data) – Demographic details, Literate Population (Total, Rural & Urban) |url=http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |website=planningcommission.gov.in |publisher=Planning Commission, Government of India |access-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127163347/http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| area_code_type = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| area_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-UP]]
| registration_plate = UP XX—XXXX
| website = {{URL|up.gov.in}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols|embedded=yes
| region = Uttar Pradesh
| region_type = 
| country = 
| flag = [[File:Indian state flag of Uttar Pradesh (proposed).png|75px]] {{nowrap|UP Government Flag}}
| emblem = [[File:UP Government Emblem.png|75px]] {{nowrap|UP Government Emblem}}
| nickname =
| motto =
| anthem =
| song = 
| language =Awadhi
| foundation_day =
| currency =
| calendar =
| dance =
| instrument =
| mammal = [[File:The barasingha.jpg|50px|left]] [[Barasingha]] (Rucervus duvaucelii)
| bird = [[File:Grus antigone Luc viatour.jpg|50px|left]] [[Sarus crane]]
| fish =
| butterfly = 
| flower = [[File:STS 001 Butea monosperma.jpg|50px|left]] [[Palash]] (Butea monosperma)
| fruit =
| tree = [[File:Sita-Ashok (Saraca asoca) flowers in Kolkata W IMG 4146.jpg|50px|left]] [[Ashoka]] (Saraca asoca)
| plant =
| vegetable =
| food = 
| drink =
| sweet = 
| river = 
| fossil =
| mineral =
| sport = 
| costume = 
| colour = 
}}
| footnotes =
}}
'''Uttar Pradesh''' ({{lang-hi|उत्तर प्रदेश}}, {{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|اتر پردیش}}}}) is a state in northern [[India]]. For short, people call it UP. [[Lucknow]] is the capital city of UP.

The [[population]] of the state is 199,581,477 ([[census]] 2011). It covers an area of 93,933 [[square mile|mi²]] (243,286 [[km²]]). It is bigger than the [[United Kingdom]] but smaller than [[Guinea]]. In traditional Indian geography it falls under the [[North India]]n zone.

==History==
[[Modern human]] hunter-gatherers have been in Uttar Pradesh <ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=gMoJj-0Z94UC&pg=PA69&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref> <ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=r4s-YsP6vcIC&pg=PA58&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref> <ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=35DP1Z-2dnYC&pg=PA96&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref> since between around 85,000 and 72,000 years ago. There have also been prehistorical finds in Uttar Pradesh from the Middle and Upper [[Paleolithic]] dated to 21,000–31,000 years old<ref>https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277379107003162?via%3Dihub</ref> and Mesolithic/Microlithic hunter-gatherer settlement, near Pratapgarh, from around 10550–9550 BC. Villages with domesticated cattle, sheep, and goats and evidence of agriculture began as early as 6000 BC, and gradually developed between c. 4000 and 1500 BC beginning with the Indus Valley Civilisation and Harappa Culture to the Vedic period and extending into the Iron Age.<ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=W6zQHNavWlsC&pg=PA263&redir_esc=y</ref><ref>https://books.google.co.in/books?id=r4s-YsP6vcIC&pg=PA119&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false</ref>

== Geography ==
Uttar Pradesh has a long border with [[Nepal]] to the north. Next to it are also the Indian states of [[Uttarakhand]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Haryana]], [[Delhi]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Chhattisgarh]], [[Jharkhand]] and [[Bihar]]. There are two [[geographical]] main regions:-

* The larger '''[[Gangetic Plains of India|Gangetic Plain]]''' in the north: it includes the Ganga-Yamuna [[Doab]]; the Ghaghra plains; the Ganga plains and the [[Terai]]. It has highly [[fertile]] soils and flat [[topography]]. There are also many [[pond]]s, [[lake]]s and [[river]]s.
* The smaller '''Vindhya Range''' and [[plateau]] region in the south. There are [[hill]]s, [[plain]]s, [[valley]]s and plateau. It is harder to get [[water]].

==Divisions of Uttar Pradesh==

* [[Agra Division]]
* [[Allahabad Division]]
* [[Azamgarh Division]]
* [[Bareilly Division]]
* [[Basti Division]]
* [[Chitrakoot (Dham) Division]]
* [[Devipatan Division]]
* [[Faizabad Division]]
* [[Gorakhpur Division]]
* [[Jhansi Division]]
* [[Kanpur Division]]
* [[Lucknow Division]]
* [[Meerut Division]]
* [[Mirzapur Division]]
* [[Muradabad Division]]
* [[Saharanpur Division]]
* [[Varanasi Division]]

{{bar box
|title=Religion in Uttar Pradesh
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hindu]]|#FF6600|78}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|#009000|21}}
{{bar percent|Others|#808080|1}}
}}

==Climate==

The [[climate]] of Uttar Pradesh is mostly [[subtropical climate|subtropical]]. However weather conditions change a lot depending on where one lives and the season.

''[[Temperature]]'': The average temperatures vary from 12.5–17.5°C (54.5–63.5°F) in [[January]] to 27.5–32.5°C (81.5–90.5°F) in [[May]] and [[June]]. The highest temperature recorded in the State was 49.9°C (121.8°F). It was at [[Gonda, India|Gonda]] on May 8, 1958.

''Rainfall'': Rainfall is between 1,000 and 2,000 mm (40–80 inches) in the east and between 600 and 1,000 mm (24–40 inches) in the [[west]]. Most of the rain is due to the [[southwest monsoon]]. It lasts from June to [[September]]. Consequently, floods are a problem during those seasons. They badly damage crops and property.

''[[Drought]]s'': They occur when the monsoon does not come in the usual season. It leads to crop failure.

''[[Snow]]fall'': In the Himalayan region of the State it usually snows from 3 to 5 metres (10 to15 feet) between [[December]] and [[March]].

==Transportation==
[[Image:DND Flyway.jpg|thumb|right|Expressway]]

'''[[Airport|Airway]]s''': The state has four important airports and 23 air strips. They are in [[Agra]], [[Kanpur]], Lucknow and [[Varanasi]]. Lucknow is the biggest and most important airport of the state.

'''[[Railway]]s''': Almost all the major cities and even some smaller cities are linked. The state has the largest railway network in the country. Its total length is 8,546 km (2006). It has the sixth largest railway [[density]].

'''[[Road|Roadway]]s''': The state has the largest [[road]] network in the country. The biggest is [[Maharashtra]]. There are 31 National Highways (NH). In total they are of 4,942 km (8.5% of total NH length in India). It has the seventh highest road density in the India (1,027 km per 1000 km2 in 2002). It also has the largest surfaced urban road network in the country (50,721 km, as on 2002). Cities of [[Kanpur]], Lucknow, Bareilly, Allahabad, Varanasi, [[Jhansi]], [[Gorakhpur]], [[Noida]], [[Ghaziabad]], [[Meerut]], [[Mathura]], [[Agra]] and [[Ghazipur]] are connected to many National Highways.

'''[[Waterway]]s''': The river [[Ganges]] - from Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) to [[Haldia]] (West Bengal) - has been declared as [[Inland Waterways Authority of India|National Waterway]] (NW)-I and 600 km of the total NW-I lies in Uttar Pradesh.

==Provincial symbols of Uttar Pradesh==
<gallery>
Image:Indian state flag of Uttar Pradesh (proposed).png|Provincial flag of Uttar Pradesh
Image:Sarus Crane I IMG 8628.jpg|Provincial bird of Uttar Pradesh, the [[Sarus Crane]]
Image:Barasingha.jpg|Provincial animal of Uttar Pradesh
Image:Sita-Ashok (Saraca asoca) leaves & flowers in Kolkata W IMG 2272.jpg|Provincial tree of Uttar Pradesh
Image:STS 001 Butea monosperma.jpg|Provincial flower of Uttar Pradesh
</gallery>

{{India}}

[[Category:Uttar Pradesh| ]]

File talk:Indian state flag of Tripura (proposed).png

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File talk:Indian state flag of Telangana (proposed).jpg

2021-10-17T10:00:30Z

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Emblem of Telangana

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2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Government banner */

{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Infobox coat of arms
| name = Emblem of Telangana
| image = Government of Telangana Logo.png
| image_width = 150
| lesser_caption =
| armiger = The [[Government of Telangana]]
| year_adopted = 2 June 2014
| crest = The [[National Emblem of India]]
| torse =
| shield = [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]], [[Charminar]]
| supporters =
| compartment =
| motto = "सत्यमेव जयते" ([[Satyameva Jayate]], [[Sanskrit]] for "Truth Alone Triumphs")
| orders =
| other_elements =
| earlier_versions =
| use = As State Emblem
}}

The '''Emblem of Telangana''' is the state emblem of [[Telangana]] in [[South India]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hubert-herald.nl/BhaTelangana.htm | title=Telangana | publisher=hubert-herald.nl | access-date=20 February 2020 }}</ref> The arms has the [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]] in the middle, and the [[Charminar]] inside it and bordered in green.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/Telangana-State-Emblem-Looks-Simple-Yet-Profound/2014/05/31/article2255610.ece |title=Telangana State Emblem Looks Simple Yet Profound |work=The New Indian Express |date=31 May 2014| access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/telangana-to-have-new-logo/1/364228.html |title=Exclusive: Telangana to have unique logo : South, News -|work=India Today|date=29 May 2014| access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

==Design==
The emblem is a circular seal consisting of the [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]] and [[Charminar]] with the [[Sarnath Lion Capital]] above. It has "Government of Telangana" in English, "Telangana Sarkar" in Urdu and "Telangana Prabhutvam" in Telugu. ''[[Satyameva Jayate]]'' is written in [[Sanskrit]].

<gallery>
File:Warangal fort.jpg|[[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]]
File:Charminar-Pride of Hyderabad.jpg|[[Charminar]]
</gallery>

==History==
The emblem was designed by painter, [[Laxman Aelay]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://ardizen.com/post/from-the-streets-of-kadirenigudem-by-laxman-aelay|title = From the Streets of Kadirenigudem|date = 11 November 2015|access-date = 17 November 2015|website = Ardizen|publisher = }}</ref> It was adopted on 2 June 2014 after the newly formed government headed by [[K. Chandrashekar Rao]] adopted it. It was the first file to be signed by him after swearing in. Initially, [[Charminar]] was not included, but after the advice of [[Asaduddin Owaisi]], ([[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]] MP), it was added.

Initially the national motto was written below the emblem. Naresh Kadyan, Abhishek Kadyan, and Sukanya Kadyan complained to the government about the supposed insult of the Emblem without the motto. The [[Lion Capital of Ashoka|Sarnath Lion Capital]], when used in heraldry, is mandated to have the words ''[[Satyameva Jayate]]'' underneath it, as per the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improver Use) Act, 2005, which the new logo violated when it was first released.<ref>{{cite news|last=Baseerat|first=Bushra|date=4 Jun 2014|title=Has Telangana government got the emblem wrong? -|work=The Economic Times|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36040918.cms|access-date=25 July 2014}}</ref> The emblem was corrected with an amendment approved by the [[Government of Telangana]] on 25 June 2014 made by Laxman Aelay, by moving the ''Satyameva Jayate'' below the Sarnath Lion Capital, complying with the national norm.
===Historic Emblems===
<gallery>
File:Hyderabad Coat of Arms.jpg|Coat of arms of the princely state of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]
File:Asafia flag of Hyderabad State.png|Flag of the princely state of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]
File:Emblem of Hyderabad State (1948–1956).png| Emblem of [[Hyderabad State (1948–1956)]]
</gallery>

==Government banner==
[[Image:Indian state flag of Telangana (proposed).jpg|thumb|Flag of Telangana.]]

The Government of Telangana can be represented by a banner displaying the emblem of the state on a white field.

==See also==
* [[National Emblem of India]]
* [[List of Indian state emblems]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Indian state emblems}}

[[Category:Government of Telangana]]
[[Category:Indian state seals|Telangana]]
[[Category:Indian coats of arms|Telangana]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with lions|Telangana]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with buildings|Telangana]]
[[Category:Coats of arms with the dharmachakra|Telangana]]

Telangana

2021-10-17T09:56:51Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|State in southern India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Telangana
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| image_skyline = [[File:Montage of Telangana State.jpg|275px]]
| image_caption = Montage of Telangana sidewise from left: [[Charminar]], [[Warangal Fort]], [[Hyderabad city]], [[Nizamabad Railway Station]], [[Kuntala Waterfalls]], [[Falaknuma Palace]]
| image_flag = File:Indian state flag of Telangana (proposed).jpg
| flag_type =
| flag_size = 100px
| image_blank_emblem = Government of Telangana Logo.png
| blank_emblem_type = [[Emblem of Telangana|Emblem]]
| blank_emblem_size = 100px
| anthem = [[Jaya Jaya He Telangana]]
| image_map = IN-TG.svg
| map_caption = Location of Telangana in India
| coordinates = {{coord|17.366|78.475|region:IN_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint = Telangana
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_title = Formation
| established_date = 2 June 2014{{ref|cap|^}} {{nowrap|([[Telangana Day]])}}
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts in Telangana|33]]
| seat_type = Capital and largest city
| seat = [[Hyderabad]]{{ref|cap|}}
| governing_body = [[Government of Telangana]]
| leader_title = [[Governor of Telangana|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Tamilisai Soundararajan]]<ref>{{cite news |title=New Governors Appointed in 5 States, Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Gets Telangana |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/new-governors-appointed-in-5-states-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-gets-telangana-2093798 |access-date=1 September 2019 |work=NDTV.com |date=1 September 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010083104/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/new-governors-appointed-in-5-states-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-gets-telangana-2093798 |archive-date=10 October 2020 }}</ref>
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Minister of Telangana|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[K. Chandrashekar Rao]] ([[Telangana Rashtra Samithi|TRS]])
| leader_title2 = [[Legislature of Telangana|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Bicameral]] (119 + 40 seats)
| leader_title3 = [[16th Lok Sabha|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name3 = [[Rajya Sabha]] 7 [[Lok Sabha]] 17
| leader_title4 = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name4 = [[Telangana High Court]]
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = <ref name=stats>{{cite web|title=Telangana Statistics|url=http://www.telangana.gov.in/About/State-Profile|website=Telangana state portal|access-date=14 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205000643/http://www.telangana.gov.in/about/state-profile|archive-date=5 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 112077
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|12th]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name=stats />
| population_total = 35193978
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|12th]]
| population_density_km2 = 307
| population_demonym = {{hlist|[[Telugu people|Telugu]]|Telanganite}}
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-TG]]
| demographics_type1 = GDP {{nobold|(2020–21)}}
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="MOSPI">{{cite web|url=http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_15_03_2021.xls|title=MOSPI State Domestic Product, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India|date=15 March 2021|accessdate=28 March 2021}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Total]]
| demographics1_info1 = {{INRConvert|9.78|t|lk=r}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Per capita]]
| demographics1_info2 = {{INRConvert|227145|lk=r}}
| demographics_type2 = Languages
| demographics2_title1 = Official
| demographics2_info1 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]<ref name="language_Telangana" />
| demographics2_title2 = Additional official
| demographics2_info2 = [[Urdu]]<ref name="language_Telangana">{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/urdu-is-telanganas-second-official-language-4940595/|title=Urdu is Telangana's second official language|date=16 November 2017|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227094158/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/urdu-is-telanganas-second-official-language-4940595/|archive-date=27 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The News Minute">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/urdu-second-official-language-telangana-state-passes-bill-71742|title=Urdu is second official language in Telangana as state passes Bill|date=17 November 2017|work=The News Minute|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603023251/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/urdu-second-official-language-telangana-state-passes-bill-71742|archive-date=3 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank_info_sec1 = {{increase}} 0.669<ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |access-date=25 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> medium · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|22nd]]
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2017-18)}}
| blank_info_sec2 = 72.80%<ref name="IE_literacy"/>
| blank1_name_sec2 =
| blank1_info_sec2 =
| blank2_name_sec2 =
| blank2_info_sec2 =
| area_code_type = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#TS—Telangana|TS]]-
| footnotes = {{note|cap|†}}Temporary Joint Capital with [[Andhra Pradesh]] not more than 10 years
| module = {{Infobox place symbols
| embedded = yes
| region = Telangana
| country = India
| flag = [[File:Indian state flag of Telangana (proposed).jpg|50px|left]] [[Flag of Telangana]]
| emblem = [[Emblem of Telangana]], [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]], [[Charminar]]<ref name="State Emblem">{{Cite news|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140530/nation-current-affairs/article/kakatiya-arch-charminar-telangana-state-logo|title= Kakatiya arch, Charminar in Telangana state logo|access-date=17 April 2021|date= 30 May 2014|publisher=The Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
| language =
| song = [[Jaya Jaya He Telangana]] 
| mammal = [[File:Chital in Telangana.jpg|50px|left|Chital]] [[Spotted deer]]<ref name="State Symbols 1">{{cite web|title=Telangana State Symbols|url=http://www.telangana.gov.in/About/State-Symbols|publisher=Telangana State Portal|access-date=15 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519180957/http://www.telangana.gov.in/About/State-Symbols|archive-date=19 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| bird = [[File:Pala Pitta.jpg|50px|left|Pala Pitta]] [[Indian Roller]]<ref name="State Symbols 1" />
| flower = [[File:Tangedu Puvvu.jpg|50px|left|Tangedu Puvvu]] [[Senna auriculata]]<ref name="State Symbols 1" />
| tree = [[File:Vanni maram branch.jpg|50px|left|Jammi Chettu]] [[Prosopis cineraria]]<ref name="State Symbols 1" />
| sport = 
| river = 
| fruit = 
}}
| official_name =
}}

'''Telangana''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|t|ɛ|l|ə|n|'|g|ɑː|n|ə|audio=Telanganapronunciation.ogg}}, {{IPA-te|ˈtelanɡaːna|lang}}, {{IPA-ur|ˈtɪlanɡaːna|lang}}) is a [[States and union territories of India|state]] in [[India]] situated on the south-central stretch of the [[Indian subcontinent|Indian peninsula]] on the high [[Deccan Plateau]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Telangana {{!}} History, Map, Population, Capital, & Government |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Telengana |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |access-date=11 April 2021 |language=en}}</ref> It is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|eleventh-largest state]] and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|twelfth-most populated state in India]] with a geographical area of {{convert|112077|km2|mi2|abbr=on}} and 35,193,978 residents as per [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Population| url=http://www.telangana.gov.in/| publisher=Government of Telangana| access-date=12 December 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151209033754/http://www.telangana.gov.in/| archive-date=9 December 2015| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}</ref> On 2 June 2014, the area was separated from the northwestern part of [[Andhra Pradesh]] as the newly formed [[States and union territories of India|state]] with [[Hyderabad]] as its capital. Its other major cities include [[Warangal]], [[Nizamabad, Telangana|Nizamabad]], [[Khammam]], [[Karimnagar]] and [[Ramagundam]]. Telangana is bordered by the states of [[Maharashtra]] to the north, [[Chhattisgarh]] to the east, [[Karnataka]] to the west, and [[Andhra Pradesh]] to the east and south.<ref name="State profile">{{cite web|title=Administrative and Geographical Profile|url=http://www.telangana.gov.in/About/State-Profile|publisher=Telangana State Portal|access-date=14 July 2014|format=PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214053810/http://www.telangana.gov.in/About/State-Profile|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The terrain of Telangana region consists mostly of hills, mountain ranges, and thick dense forests covering an area of {{cvt|27,292|sqkm}}. As of 2019, the state of Telangana is divided into 33 districts.

Throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages, the region now known as Telangana was ruled by multiple major Hindustani powers such as the [[Maurya Empire|Mauryans]], [[Satavahana dynasty|Satavahanas]], [[Chalukya dynasty|Chalukyas]], [[Chola dynasty|Cholas]], [[Rashtrakuta dynasty|Rashtrakutas]], [[Kakatiya dynasty|Kakatiyas]], [[Delhi Sultanate]], [[Bahmani Sultanate]], [[Qutb Shahi dynasty|Golconda Sultanate]]. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the region was ruled by the Mughals of India.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.telangana.gov.in/about/language-culture| title=Telangana State Portal Language & Culture| website=telangana.gov.in| access-date=23 February 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214192358/http://www.telangana.gov.in/About/Language-Culture| archive-date=14 February 2015 |url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}</ref> The region is known for its ''[[Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb]]'' culture.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/kcr-vows-to-get-ganga-jamuni-tehzeeb-back/article7416305.ece| title=KCR vows to get 'Ganga Jamuni tehzeeb' back| date=13 July 2015 |newspaper=The Hindu |publisher=The Hindu Group |access-date=23 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223171805/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/kcr-vows-to-get-ganga-jamuni-tehzeeb-back/article7416305.ece| archive-date=23 February 2018| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}</ref> During the 18th century and the [[British Raj]], Telangana was ruled by the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]].<ref name="Anderson2013">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BiAEvKgVOmAC&pg=PA173|title=Federal Solutions to Ethnic Problems: Accommodating Diversity|author=Liam D. Anderson|publisher=Routledge|year=2013|isbn=978-0-415-78161-9|pages=173–|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108223042/https://books.google.com/books?id=BiAEvKgVOmAC&pg=PA173|archive-date=8 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1823, the Nizams lost control over [[Northern Circars]] ([[Coastal Andhra]]) and [[Ceded Districts]] ([[Rayalaseema|Rayalseema]]), which were handed over to the [[East India Company]]. The annexation by the British of the Northern Circars deprived [[Hyderabad State]], the [[Nizam]]'s dominion, of the considerable coastline it formerly had, to that of a landlocked princely state with territories in the central Deccan, bounded on all sides by [[British India]]. Thereafter, the Northern Circars were governed as part of [[Madras Presidency]] until India's independence in 1947, after which the presidency became India's Madras state.<ref>P. N. Chopra, B.N. Puri & M.N. Das, ''A Comprehensive History of India,'' Volume 3. pg. 298</ref>

The Hyderabad state joined the [[Dominion of India|Union of India]] in 1948 after an [[Indian annexation of Hyderabad|Indian military invasion]]. In 1956, the Hyderabad State was dissolved as part of the [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956|linguistic reorganisation of states]] and Telangana was merged with the [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-speaking [[Andhra State]] (part of the [[Madras Presidency]] during the British Raj) to form [[Andhra Pradesh]]. A peasant-driven [[Telangana movement|movement]] began to advocate for separation from Andhra Pradesh starting in the early 1950s, and continued until Telangana was granted statehood on 2 June 2014 under the leadership of [[K. Chandrashekar Rao]].<ref name="Notification">{{cite web|url=http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2014/158365.pdf|title=Notification|date=4 March 2014|work=The Gazette of India|publisher=Government of India|access-date=4 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327091502/http://www.egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2014/158365.pdf|archive-date=27 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[economy of Telangana]] is the [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|seventh-largest]] in India, with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of {{INRConvert|9.78|t|lk=r}} and has the country's [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|6th-highest GSDP per capita]] of {{INRConvert|227|k}}.<ref name="MOSPI" /> Telangana ranks [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|22nd]] among Indian states in [[human development index]].<ref name="snhdi-gdl" /> The state has emerged as a major focus for robust [[Information technology|IT software]], [[Industrial sector|industry]] and [[Tertiary sector of the economy|services sector]]. The state is also the main administrative centre of many [[Defence industry of India|Indian defence]] aerospace and research labs like [[Bharat Dynamics Limited]], [[Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory]], [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] and [[Defence Research and Development Laboratory]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/efforts-on-to-transform-hyderabad-into-a-hub-for-defence-electronics/article9801016.ece|title=Efforts on to transform Hyderabad into a hub for defence electronics|work=Business Line|publisher=The Hindu Group|date=3 August 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130081509/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/efforts-on-to-transform-hyderabad-into-a-hub-for-defence-electronics/article9801016.ece|archive-date=30 November 2020}}</ref>

The cultural hearts of Telangana, Hyderabad and Warangal, are noted for their wealth and renowned historical structures – [[Charminar]], [[Qutb Shahi Tombs]], [[Paigah Tombs]], [[Falaknuma Palace]], [[Chowmahalla Palace]], [[Warangal Fort]], [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]], [[Thousand Pillar Temple]], [[Ramappa Temple]] and the [[Bhongir Fort]] in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. The historic city [[Golconda]] in Hyderabad established itself as a diamond trading centre and, until the end of the 19th century, the Golconda market was the primary source of the finest and largest diamonds in the world. Thus, the legendary name [[Golconda Diamonds]] became synonymous with Golconda itself. The Golconda region has produced some of the world's most famous diamonds, including the colourless [[Koh-i-Noor]] (United Kingdom), the blue [[Hope Diamond|Hope]] (United States), the pink [[Daria-i-Noor]] (Iran), the white [[Regent Diamond|Regent]] (France), the [[Dresden Green Diamond|Dresden Green]] (Germany), and the colourless [[Orlov (diamond)|Orlov]] (Russia), [[Nizam Diamond|Nizam]] and [[Jacob Diamond|Jacob]] (India), as well as the now-lost diamonds [[Florentine Diamond|Florentine Yellow]], [[Akbar Shah (diamond)|Akbar Shah]] and [[Great Mogul Diamond|Great Mogul]]. Religious edifices like the [[Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Yadadri|Lakshmi Narasimha Temple]] in [[Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district]], [[Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad|Makkah Masjid]] in Hyderabad, the ancient [[Bhadrakali Temple]] and [[Govinda Rajula Gutta]] in Warangal, [[Alampur Jogulamba Temple]] in [[Jogulamba Gadwal district]] and [[Medak Cathedral]] are several of its most famous places of worship.

== Etymology ==
A popular etymology derives the word "Telangana" from ''[[Trilinga Kshetras|Trilinga desa]]'' ("land of three [[lingam|lingas]]"), a region so-called because three important [[Shaivite]] shrines were located here: [[Kaleshwaram]], [[Srisailam]] and [[Draksharama]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Phillip B. Wagoner |title=Mode and meaning in the architecture of early medieval Telangana (C. 1000–1300) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y3wKAQAAMAAJ |year=1986 |publisher=University of Wisconsin-Madison}}</ref> According to Jayadhir Thirumala Rao, a former director of Andhra Pradesh Oriental Manuscripts Library and Research Centre, the name Telangana is of [[Gondi language|Gondi]] origin. Rao asserts that it is derived from "Telangadh", which according to him, means "south" in Gondi and has been referred to in "Gond script dating back to about 2000 years".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/earliest-reference-to-telangana-found-not-in-telugu-but-gond-language/articleshow/62046296.cms|title=Earliest reference to Telangana found not in Telugu, but Gond language|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213235534/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/earliest-reference-to-telangana-found-not-in-telugu-but-gond-language/articleshow/62046296.cms|archive-date=13 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

One of the earliest uses of a word similar to Telangana can also be seen in a name of [[Malik Maqbul]] (14th century CE), who was called the ''Tilangani'', which implies that he was from Telangana. He was the commander of the [[Warangal Fort]] (''Kataka Pāludu'').<ref>Sri Marana Markandeya Puranamu, ed. {{clarify|date=June 2014}} G. V. Subrahmanyam, 1984, Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Academy, Hyderabad.</ref>

A 16th-century travel writer, [[Firishta]], recorded in his book:
<blockquote>During the just reign of [[Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali|Ibrahim Kootb Shah]], ''Tulingana'', like Egypt, became the mart of the whole world. Merchants from Toorkistan, Arabia, and Persia resorted to it; and they met with such encouragement that they found in it inducements to return frequently. The greatest luxuries from foreign parts daily abounded at the king's hospitable board.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Shia of India|url=https://insideismailism.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/shia-of-india-1953-john-norman-hollister_txt.pdf|page=123|author=John Norman Holister|year=1953|access-date=10 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010135146/https://insideismailism.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/shia-of-india-1953-john-norman-hollister_txt.pdf|archive-date=10 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>

The word "Telinga" changed over time to "Telangana" and the name "Telangana" was designated to distinguish the predominantly Telugu-speaking region of the erstwhile [[Hyderabad State]] from its predominantly [[Marathi language|Marathi]]-speaking one, [[Marathwada]]. After Asaf Jahis ceded the Seemandhra region to the British, the rest of the Telugu region retained the name Telangana and the other parts were called Madras Presidency's Circars and Ceded.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDnTWrz4O8C&pg=PA684 "India Today • An encyclopedia of life in the Republic" • Vol. 1. Arnold P. Kaminsky and Roger D. Long, editors.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108223042/https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDnTWrz4O8C&pg=PA684 |date=8 January 2016}} {{abbr|ABC|American Bibliographical Center}} ‑ CLIO.</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Telangana}}
Telangana was governed by many rulers, including the [[Maurya Empire]] (320 BCE–180 BCE), [[Satavahana dynasty]] (180 BCE–220 CE), [[Vakataka dynasty]] (250 CE–500 CE), [[Chalukya dynasty]] (543 CE–753 CE), [[Rashtrakuta dynasty]] (753 CE–982 CE), the [[Kakatiya dynasty]] (1083 CE–1323 CE), the [[Delhi Sultanate]] (1323 CE–1326 CE) , the [[Musunuri Nayaks]] (1326 CE–1356 CE), the [[Recherla Nayaks]] (1356 CE–1424 CE), the [[Bahmani Sultanate]] (1347 CE–1512 CE), [[Vijayanagara Empire]] (1336 CE–1646 CE), [[Qutb Shahi dynasty]] (1512 CE–1687 CE), [[Mughal Empire]] (1687 CE–1724 CE) and [[Asaf Jahi Dynasty]] (1724 CE–1948 CE).

=== Early history ===
{{Main|Maurya Empire|Satavahana dynasty}}The [[Satavahana dynasty]] (230 BCE–220 CE) became the dominant power in this region. It originated from the lands between the Godavari and Krishna rivers and was based at Amaravathi and Dharanikota.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Rough Guide to India|publisher=Penguin|year=2011|at=Rise of the south section}}</ref> After the decline of the Satavahanas, various dynasties, such as the [[Vakataka dynasty|Vakataka]], [[Vishnukundina]], [[Chalukya dynasty|Chalukya]], [[Rashtrakuta Dynasty|Rashtrakuta]] and [[Western Chalukya Empire|Western Chalukya]], ruled the area.<ref name="brief">{{cite news|title=A brief history of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh|publisher=DNA|author=Ratnakar Sadasyula|date=4 March 2014|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-a-brief-history-of-telangana-and-andhra-pradesh-1966737|access-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307172449/http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-a-brief-history-of-telangana-and-andhra-pradesh-1966737|archive-date=7 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Kakatiya Dynasty ===
{{Main|Kakatiya dynasty}}
[[File:Ramagiri Fort.jpg|thumb|[[Ramagiri Fort]] ruins at [[Kalvacherla]] in [[Peddapalli district]] is an ancient fort initially built by the Sathavahanas and modified many times by other dynasties till the 16th century.]]
[[File:Shiva Temple Warangal.JPG|thumb|[[Kota Gullu]], temple ruins built in the 12th century by [[Kakatiyas]] at Ghanpur, Mulug in Warangal district.]]

The Telangana area experienced its golden age during the reign of the [[Kakatiya dynasty]], which ruled most parts of the present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from 1083 to 1323 CE.<ref name="brief" /> [[Rudrama Devi]] and [[Prataparudra II]] were prominent rulers from the Kakatiya dynasty. The dynasty weakened with the attack of [[Malik Kafur]] in 1309 and was dissolved after the defeat of Prataparudra by the forces of [[Muhammad bin Tughluq]] in 1323.<ref>A Social History of the Deccan: 1300–1761, R. M. Eaton, 2005, Cambridge University Press, pp. 15–26, {{ISBN|0-521-25484-1}}</ref><ref>''Telugu Vignana Sarvaswamu'', volume 2, History, Telugu University, Hyderabad</ref>

=== Qutab Shahi and Asaf Jahi's ===
[[File:Golconda Fort 013.jpg|thumb|[[Golconda Fort]]]]
The area came under the rule of the [[Delhi Sultanate]] in the 14th century, followed by the [[Bahmani Sultanate]]. [[Quli Qutb Mulk]], a governor of Golconda, revolted against the Bahmani Sultanate and established the [[Qutb Shahi dynasty]] in 1518. On 21 September 1687, the Golconda Sultanate came under the rule of the Mughal emperor [[Aurangzeb]] after a [[Siege of Golconda|year-long siege]] of the Golconda fort.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Hyderabad Karnatik, 1687–1707|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|first=J. F.|last=Richards|year=1975|journal=[[Modern Asian Studies]]|pages=241–260|doi=10.1017/S0026749X00004996|volume=9|issue=2}}</ref>

During the early seventeenth century a strong cotton-weaving industry existed in Telangana. Large quantities of cotton were produced for domestic and exports consumption. High quality plain and patterned cloth made of muslin and calico was produced.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Moreland|first=T.H.|title=Relation of Golconda in the Early Seventeenth Century|publisher=Halyukt Society|year=1931|pages=XVIII, XIX, XX}}</ref>

In 1712, [[Qamar-ud-din Khan, Asif Jah I|Qamar-ud-din Khan]] was appointed by emperor [[Farrukhsiyar]] as the viceroy of Deccan with the title ''Nizam-ul-Mulk'' (meaning "Administrator of the Realm"). He was later recalled to Delhi, with Mubariz Khan appointed as the viceroy. In 1724, Qamar-ud-din Khan defeated Mubariz Khan to reclaim the ''Deccan suba,'' establishing it as an autonomous province of the Mughal empire. He took the name ''Asif Jah'', starting what came to be known as the [[Asaf Jahi dynasty]].<ref name="brief" /> He named the area [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad Deccan]]. Subsequent rulers retained the title ''Nizam ul-Mulk'' and were called Asif Jahi Nizams or [[Nizam of Hyderabad|nizams of Hyderabad]]. The [[Medak Gulshanabad Division|Medak]] and [[Warangal Division|Warangal]] divisions of Telangana were part of their realm.<ref name="Nizam">{{cite web|title=Asif Jahi Dynasty (1724–1948)|url=http://mahabubnagar.tripod.com/Nizam_Dynasty.htm|publisher=mahabubnagar.tripod.com|access-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606212820/http://mahabubnagar.tripod.com/Nizam_Dynasty.htm|archive-date=6 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{multiple image|perrow=1|total_width=200|caption_align=center
| image1 = India Palace .jpg|caption1=Telangana was the seat of numerous dynasties. The [[Chowmahalla Palace]] was home to the [[Nizam of Hyderabad|Nizams of Hyderabad]].
| image2 = Hyderabad state from the Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1909.jpg|caption2=[[Hyderabad State]] in 1909.
}}
When Asif Jah I died in 1748, there was political unrest due to contention for the throne among his sons, who were aided by opportunistic neighbouring states and colonial foreign forces. In 1769, Hyderabad city became the formal capital of the Nizams. The Nizam [[Nasir-ud-dawlah, Asaf Jah IV]] signed the [[subsidiary alliance]] with the British in 1799 and lost its control over the state's defence and foreign affairs. Hyderabad State became a [[princely state]] among the [[presidencies and provinces of British India]].<ref name="Nizam" />


In 1787, heavy flooding killed over 20,000 causing a plague which killed about 10,656,000 Telugus again in Telangana.<ref>{{cite book|title=Hyderabad, 400 Glorious Years|page=116|quote=While the floods drowned 20000 people in hours, plague killed another 10,656,000 of the total population of the State.}}</ref>

=== Post-independence ===
When [[Independence of India|India became independent]] from the British Empire in 1947, the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]] did not want to merge with the Indian Union and wanted to remain independent. The [[Government of India]] annexed Hyderabad State on 17 September 1948 after a military operation called [[Operation Polo]].<ref name="brief" /> It appointed a civil servant, [[M. K. Vellodi]], as first chief minister of [[Hyderabad State]] on 26 January 1950.<ref>{{cite news|title=Post-Independence Era|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history_post.html|access-date=2 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220113947/http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history_post.html|archive-date=20 December 2013}}</ref> He administered the state with the help of English-educated bureaucrats from the [[Madras State|Madras]] and [[Bombay State|Bombay]] states, who were familiar with British systems of administration unlike the bureaucrats of Hyderabad State who used a completely different administrative system. The official language of the state was switched from [[Urdu]] to English.

In 1952, [[Burgula Ramakrishna Rao|Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao]] was elected chief minister of the Hyderabad State in its first democratic election. During this time, there were violent agitations by some Telanganites to send the Madras state bureaucrats back and implement a rule by the natives (''mulkis'') of Hyderabad (Syed Alam Sharjil) was elected chief minister of Hyderabad after (Dr. Burgula Ramakrishana Rao) for one year after he resigned from the post.<ref>{{cite news|title=1952: Hyderabad incidents|url=http://hindu.com/2002/09/06/stories/2002090603210900.htm|access-date=14 July 2014|date=6 September 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716212854/http://hindu.com/2002/09/06/stories/2002090603210900.htm|archive-date=16 July 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Telangana Rebellion ===
{{Main|Telangana Rebellion}}
The [[Telangana Rebellion]] was a [[List of peasant revolts|peasant revolt]] supported by the [[communist]]s. It originated in the Telangana regions of the [[Hyderabad State]] between 1946 and 1951, led by the [[Communist Party of India]] (CPI).<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Elliot |first=Carolyn M. |title=Decline of a Patrimonial Regime: The Telangana Rebellion in India, 1946–51 |journal=Journal of Asian Studies |volume=34 |issue=1 |pages=24–47 |date=November 1974 |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/15377979/Decline-of-a-Patrimonial-Regime-The-Telengana-Rebellion-in-India-194651 |doi=10.2307/2052408 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023090101/http://www.scribd.com/doc/15377979/Decline-of-a-Patrimonial-Regime-The-Telengana-Rebellion-in-India-194651 |archive-date=23 October 2012 |jstor=2052408 }}</ref>

The revolt began in the [[Nalgonda district]] against the [[feudalism|feudal]] lords of [[Reddy]] and [[Velama (caste)|Velama]] castes. It quickly spread to the [[Warangal district|Warangal]] and [[Bidar district|Bidar]] districts. Peasant farmers and labourers revolted against the local feudal landlords (''[[jagir]]dars'' and ''[[deshmukh]]s'') and later against [[Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII|the Nizam Osman Ali Khan]]. The violent phase of the movement ended after the government of India's [[Operation Polo]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://swaminomics.org/declassify-report-on-the-1948-hyderabad-massacre/|title= Declassify report on the 1948 Hyderabad massacre|access-date= 25 September 2013|date= 25 November 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202234418/http://swaminomics.org/declassify-report-on-the-1948-hyderabad-massacre/|archive-date= 2 February 2014|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref> Starting in 1951, the CPI shifted to a more moderate strategy of seeking to bring communism to India within the framework of Indian democracy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/india/114.htm |title=India • Communist Parties |publisher=Country Studies, USA |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629134923/http://countrystudies.us/india/114.htm |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== States Reorganisation Commission ===
In December 1953, the [[States Reorganisation Commission]] (SRC) was appointed to form states on a linguistic basis.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiansaga.com/history/postindependence/reorganization.html |title=History of India |publisher=Indian Saga |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604184400/http://indiansaga.com/history/postindependence/reorganization.html |archive-date=4 June 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> An agreement was reached between Telangana leaders and Andhra leaders on 20 February 1956 to merge Telangana and Andhra with promises to safeguard Telangana's interests.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19560201&printsec=frontpage |title=SRC sub-committee said no decision on Visalandhra taken |work=The Indian Express |date=1 February 1956 |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117041552/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19560201&printsec=frontpage |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> After reorganisation in 1956, the region of Telangana was merged with [[Andhra State]] to form Andhra Pradesh.

Following this [[Gentlemen's agreement of Andhra Pradesh (1956)|Gentlemen's agreement]], the central government established the unified state of Andhra Pradesh on 1 November 1956.<ref name="aponline1">{{cite web |url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history_post.html |title=Post-Independence Era |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh |access-date=14 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220113947/http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/history_post.html |archive-date=20 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/07/stories/2006030704410900.htm |title=Andhra Pradesh to be formed with safeguards to Telangana |date=7 March 2006 |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906172226/http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/07/stories/2006030704410900.htm |archive-date=6 September 2013 |work=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/02/stories/2006110200140901.htm |title=Andhra Pradesh formed |date=2 November 2006 |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906173849/http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/02/stories/2006110200140901.htm |archive-date=6 September 2013 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> G.O 553 of 1959 from the united Andhra Pradesh state moved two revenue divisions of [[Bhadrachalam]] from [[East Godavari]] and [[Aswaraopeta]] from West Godavari to [[Khammam district|Khammam]] for administrative convenience.

=== Telangana movement ===
{{Main|Telangana movement}}
There have been several movements to revoke the merger of Telangana and Andhra, major ones occurring in 1969, 1972, and 2009. The movement for a new state of Telangana gained momentum in the 21st century by an initiative of [[Telangana Joint Action Committee|Telangana Political Joint Action Committee, TJAC]] including political leadership representing the Telangana area.<ref>{{cite news |title=How Telangana movement has sparked political turf war in Andhra |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/how-telangana-movement-has-sparked-political-turf-war-in-andhra/20111005.htm |newspaper=Rediff |date=5 October 2011 |access-date=4 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123122405/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/how-telangana-movement-has-sparked-political-turf-war-in-andhra/20111005.htm |archive-date=23 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 December 2009 the government of India announced the process of formation of the Telangana state. Violent protests led by people in the [[Coastal Andhra]] and [[Rayalseema]] regions occurred immediately after the announcement, and the decision was put on hold on 23 December 2009.

The movement continued in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pro-Telangana AP govt employees threaten agitation|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-10/news/31046433_1_pro-telangana-telangana-employees-separate-statehood-demand|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=10 February 2012|access-date=18 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202095651/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-02-10/news/31046433_1_pro-telangana-telangana-employees-separate-statehood-demand|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> There have been hundreds of claimed suicides,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/02/25/telangana-protests-student-suicides-increase-in-hyderabad-durin/|title=Telangana Protests, Student Suicides Increase in Hyderabad During Budget Sessions|work=Politics Daily|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222152602/http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/02/25/telangana-protests-student-suicides-increase-in-hyderabad-durin/|archive-date=22 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> strikes, protests and disturbances to public life demanding separate statehood.

=== Formation of Telangana state in 2014 ===
{{See also|Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014}}
On 30 July 2013, the Congress Working Committee unanimously passed a resolution to recommend the formation of a separate Telangana state. After various stages the bill was placed in the [[Parliament of India]] in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Telangana bill passed in Lok Sabha; Congress, BJP come together in favour of new state |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telanganathetroubledstate/parliament-adjourned-till-noon-over-telangana-issue/article1-1185194.aspx |work=Hindustan Times |access-date=18 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218081502/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telanganathetroubledstate/parliament-adjourned-till-noon-over-telangana-issue/article1-1185194.aspx |archive-date=18 February 2014 }}</ref> In February 2014, [[Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014]] bill was passed by the [[Parliament of India]] for the formation of Telangana state comprising ten districts from north-western Andhra Pradesh.<ref name="TOI">{{cite web|title=Telangana bill passed by upper house|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/telangana-bill-in-rajya-sabha/liveblog/30712218.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=20 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220103407/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/telangana-bill-in-rajya-sabha/liveblog/30712218.cms|archive-date=20 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The bill received the assent of the [[President of India|president]] and published in the Gazette on 1 March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Andhra Pradesh reorganisation act, 2014|url=http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/APRegACT2014_0.pdf|publisher=Ministry of law and justice, government of India|access-date=3 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108223043/http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/APRegACT2014_0.pdf|archive-date=8 January 2016}}</ref>

The state of Telangana was officially formed on 2 June 2014. [[Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao]] was elected as the first chief minister of Telangana, following elections in which the [[Telangana Rashtra Samithi]] party secured majority.<ref name="new state">{{cite news|author1=Amarnath K Menon |title=Telangana is born, KCR to take oath as its first CM |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/telangana-braces-to-celebrate-its-birthday-celebrations-kcr/1/364724.html |access-date=14 July 2014 |work=THE INDIA TODAY GROUP |date=1 June 2014 |location=Hyderabad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111151025/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/telangana-braces-to-celebrate-its-birthday-celebrations-kcr/1/364724.html |archive-date=11 November 2014 }}</ref> [[Hyderabad]] will remain as the joint capital of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period, not more than ten years after that period Hyderabad shall be the capital of the state of Telangana and there shall be a new capital for the state of Andhra Pradesh.<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/amid-chaos-and-slogans-rajya-sabha-clears-telangana-bill-485953 Amid chaos and slogans, Rajya Sabha clears Telangana bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306024335/http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/amid-chaos-and-slogans-rajya-sabha-clears-telangana-bill-485953 |date=6 March 2014 }} – NDTV, 20 February 2014</ref> Andhra Pradesh picked [[Amaravati]] as its capital and moved its secretariat in 2016 and legislature in March 2017 to its new capital.<ref>{{cite web|title=Andhra Pradesh Secretariat starts functioning from interim government complex at Amaravati|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-andhra-pradesh-secretariat-starts-functioning-from-interim-government-complex-at-amaravati-2260970|access-date=23 June 2017|date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802182034/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-andhra-pradesh-secretariat-starts-functioning-from-interim-government-complex-at-amaravati-2260970|archive-date=2 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates new Andhra Pradesh Assembly|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/new-andhra-pradesh-assembly-chandrababu-naidu-velagapudi-guntur-district/1/895448.html|access-date=23 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619230346/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/new-andhra-pradesh-assembly-chandrababu-naidu-velagapudi-guntur-district/1/895448.html|archive-date=19 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{See also|List of cities in Telangana}}
[[File:Telangana State English Map.svg|thumb|Telangana and its neighbours]]
Telangana is situated on the [[Deccan Plateau]], in the central stretch of the eastern seaboard of the Indian Peninsula. It covers {{convert|112077|km2}}.<ref name=stats /> The region is drained by two major rivers, with about 79% of the [[Godavari River]] catchment area and about 69% of the [[Krishna River]] catchment area, but most of the land is arid.<ref name="State profile" /> Telangana is also drained by several minor rivers such as the [[Bhima River|Bhima]], the [[Maner River|Maner]], the [[Manjira River|Manjira]] and the [[Musi River (India)|Musi]].

The annual rainfall is between 900 and 1500 mm in northern Telangana and 700 to 900 mm in southern Telangana, from the southwest [[monsoon]]s. Telangana contains various soil types, some of which are red sandy loams (Chalaka), Red loamy sands (Dubba), lateritic soils, salt-affected soils, alluvial soils, shallow to medium black soils and very deep black cotton soils. These soil types allow the planting of a variety of fruits and vegetable crops such as mangoes, oranges, coconut, sugarcane, paddy, banana and flower crops.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slideshare.net/sireeshasudharani/soils-of-telangana-and-water-management|title=Soils of telangana and water management|date=16 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telangana.pscnotes.com/telangana-geography/soil-of-telangana/|title=Soil of Telangana for Telangana PSC|date=24 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Characterization and Classification of Soils of Northern Telangana|url=http://www.jtropag.in/index.php/ojs/article/viewFile/102/97|publisher=Journal of Tropical Agriculture|access-date=14 July 2014|page=24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311061934/http://www.jtropag.in/index.php/ojs/article/viewFile/102/97|archive-date=11 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Telangana is a semi-arid area and has a predominantly hot and dry climate. Summers start in March, and peak in May with average high temperatures in the {{convert|42|C|F}} range. The [[monsoon]] arrives in June and lasts until September with about 755 mm (29.7 inches) of precipitation. A dry, mild winter starts in late November and lasts until early February with little humidity and average temperatures in the {{convert|22|-|23|C|F}} range.

==== Ecology ====
The [[Central Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests]] ecoregion covers much of the state, including Hyderabad. The characteristic vegetation is woodlands of ''[[Hardwickia binata]]'' and ''[[Albizia amara]]''. Over 80% of the original forest cover has been cleared for agriculture, timber harvesting, or cattle grazing, but large blocks of forest can be found in [[Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve]] and elsewhere.<ref>Wikramanayake, Eric; Eric Dinerstein; Colby J. Loucks; et al. (2002). ''Terrestrial Ecoregions of the Indo-Pacific: a Conservation Assessment.'' Island Press; [[Washington, DC]]. pp. 324-326</ref> The more humid [[Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests]] cover the [[Eastern Ghats]] in the eastern part of the state.

==== National parks and sanctuaries ====
Telangana has three [[List of national parks of India|National Parks]]: [[Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park]] in [[Hyderabad District, India|Hyderabad district]], and [[Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park]] and [[Mrugavani National Park]] in [[Ranga Reddy district]].

[[File:Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) near Hyderabad W IMG 4818.jpg|thumb|Indian peafowl (''[[Pavo cristatus]]'') near Hyderabad|alt=|left]]
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Telangana include [[Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary]] and [[Pakhal Lake|Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary]] in [[Warangal District]], [[Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary|Kawal Tiger Reserve]] and [[Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary]] in [[Adilabad district]], [[Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary]] in Khammam district, [[Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary]] in [[Medak district]], [[Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve]] in [[Nalgonda District|Nalgonda]] and [[Mahbubnagar district]]s, [[Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary]] in Medak and Nizamabad districts, [[Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary]] in [[Karimnagar district]].

[[Sacred groves of India|Sacred groves]] are small areas of forest preserved by local people. Sacred groves provide sanctuary to the local flora and fauna. Some are included within other protected areas, like Kadalivanam in Nagarjunsagar–Srisailam Tiger Reserve, but most stand alone. There are 65 sacred groves in Telangana—two in Adilabad district, thirteen in Hyderabad district, four in Karimnagar district, four in [[Khammam district]], nine in Mahbubnagar district, four in [[Medak district]], nine in Nalgonda district, ten in [[Ranga Reddy district]], and three in Warangal district.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Kailash C. Malhotra |author2=Yogesh Gokhale |author3=Sudipto Chatterjee |author4=Sanjeev Srivastava |year=2001 |title=Cultural and Ecological Dimensions of Sacred Groves in India |publisher=Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, and Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal. |url=http://himalayanconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Malhotra_2001_CultureEcologySacredGrovesIndia_IAS.pdf |access-date=20 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808033418/http://himalayanconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Malhotra_2001_CultureEcologySacredGrovesIndia_IAS.pdf |archive-date=8 August 2014 }}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{See also|List of cities in Telangana by population|Demographics of Telangana|List of districts in Telangana}}

=== Language ===
{{See also|Telangana Telugu}}
{{Pie chart
|label1=[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|label2=[[Urdu]]
|label3=[[Lambadi]]
|label4=[[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|label5=[[Hindi]]
|label6=Others
|color1=skyblue
|color2=green
|color3=gold
|color4=maroon
|color5=Orange
|color6=Grey
|value1=74.97
|value2=12.11
|value3=5.74
|value4=1.76
|value5=1.61
|value6=3.81
|caption=Languages of Telangana (Based on mandal level data, excludes mandals transferred to Andhra Pradesh) (2011)<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2800.XLSX |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |access-date=30 May 2021}}</ref>
}}
[[Telugu language|Telugu]] one of the [[classical languages of India]] is the official language of Telangana and [[Urdu]] is the second official language of the state.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/urdu-is-telanganas-second-official-language-4940595/|title=Urdu is Telangana's second official language|date=16 November 2017|work=The Indian Express|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227094158/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/urdu-is-telanganas-second-official-language-4940595/|archive-date=27 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> About 77% of the population of Telangana speak [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and 12% speak [[Urdu]].<ref name="lang">{{cite web |url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archieve/others/2011/jan/d2011010502.pdf |title=Region-wise distribution of religious groups 2001 |at=Table 7.3 in page 393 of SKC report |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908201053/http://pibarchive.nic.in/archieve/others/2011/jan/d2011010502.pdf |archive-date=8 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Urdu in Andhra Pradesh|url=http://www.languageinindia.com/april2003/urduinap.html|publisher=Language in India|access-date=22 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713110121/http://www.languageinindia.com/april2003/urduinap.html|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Before 1948, Urdu was the official language of [[Hyderabad State]], and due to a lack of Telugu-language educational institutions, Urdu was the language of the educated elite of Telangana.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census of India 1921, Hyderabad state, Part II|url=http://dspace.gipe.ac.in/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10973/18941/GIPE-015142.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y|publisher=Hyderabad state Census|access-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004034654/http://dspace.gipe.ac.in/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10973/18941/GIPE-015142.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y|archive-date=4 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> After 1948, once Hyderabad State joined the new Republic of India, Telugu became the language of government, and as Telugu was introduced as the [[medium of instruction]] in schools and colleges, the use of Urdu among non [[Hyderabadi Muslims]] decreased.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement3.htm |title=Census of India – Distributions of 10,000 persons by language |publisher=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011050151/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement3.htm |archive-date=11 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Both Telugu and Urdu are used in services across the state, such as the [[Legislature of Telangana|Telangana Legislature]] website, with Telugu and Urdu versions of the website available,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-03-06/Telangana-Legislature-website-to-be-available-in-Telgu-Urdu/285077|title=Telangana Legislature website to be available in Telgu, Urdu|website=The Hans India|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041236/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-03-06/Telangana-Legislature-website-to-be-available-in-Telgu-Urdu/285077|archive-date=28 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as the Hyderabad metro, wherein both languages are used on station names and signs along with English and Hindi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/no-language-wars-here-hyderabad-metro-to-use-4-languages-1458925.html|title=No Language Wars Here, Hyderabad Metro to Use 4 Languages|work=News18|access-date=27 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227153459/https://www.news18.com/news/india/no-language-wars-here-hyderabad-metro-to-use-4-languages-1458925.html|archive-date=27 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The Urdu spoken in Telangana is called Hyderabadi Urdu, which in itself is a dialect of the larger [[Deccani Language|Dakhini]] Urdu dialects of South India. Although the language is orally spoken by most Hyderabadi Muslims, the language in a literary context has long been lost, and standard Urdu is used.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O_WNqSH4ByQC|title=Mediaeval Deccan History: Commemoration Volume in Honour of Purshottam Mahadeo Joshi|last=Kulakarṇī|first=A. Rā|date=1 January 1996|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=9788171545797|language=en}}</ref> [[Lambadi]] is also widely used, and Marathi and Kannada predominate in border areas. Many tribal languages are also spoken, especially in Khammam, the largest being [[Koya language|Koya]] and [[Gondi language|Gondi]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Language – India, States and Union Territories|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf|work=Census of India 2011|publisher=Office of the Registrar General|pages=13–14|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114073412/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf|archive-date=14 November 2018|access-date=29 September 2018}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{Pie chart
|label1=[[Hinduism]]|color1=darkorange|value1=85.09
|label2=[[Islam in India|Islam]]|color2=green|value2=12.68
|label3=[[Telugu Christian|Christianity]]|color3=dodgerBlue|value3=1.3
|label4=Others|color4=Chartreuse|value4=0.9
|caption=Religion in Telangana (2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Telangana has 44.64 lakh Muslims – GHMC 21 lakh, Khammam only 1.58 lakh|url=http://www.siasat.com/news/telangana-has-4464699-muslims-ghmc-has-21-lakh-and-khammam-only-1-58-lakh-muslims-822834/|publisher=Siasat|access-date=30 August 2015|date=27 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829210319/http://www.siasat.com/news/telangana-has-4464699-muslims-ghmc-has-21-lakh-and-khammam-only-1-58-lakh-muslims-822834/|archive-date=29 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
[[File:Yadagirigutta temple main Gopuram.jpg|thumb|[[Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Yadadri|Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadadri]]]]

[[Hinduism|Hindus]] form 85.1% of the State's population. Muslims form 12.7% and [[Christians]] form 1.3% and 0.9% others.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2011/jan/d2011010502.pdf |title=Region-wise distribution of religious groups 2001 |at=Table 7.2 in page 381 of SKC report |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104052049/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2011/jan/d2011010502.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Minority Population Cenus|url=http://www.apsmfc.com/ministry-population-cenus.html|publisher=ANDHRA PRADESH STATE MINORITIES FINANCE CORPORATION|access-date=26 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219141134/http://www.apsmfc.com/ministry-population-cenus.html|archive-date=19 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Literacy ===
According to the 2011 census, Telangana's literacy rate is 66.46%. Male literacy and female literacy are 74.95% and 57.92%, respectively.<ref name=stats /> [[Hyderabad district, India|Hyderabad district]] leads with 80.96% and [[Mahabub Nagar district|Mahabubnagar district]] at the bottom with 56.06%.<ref name="censusindia1">{{cite web|title=Literacy of Rural – Urban (Andhra Pradesh)|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2-vol2/data_files/AP/Chapter_VI.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=9 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130226113601/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2-vol2/data_files/AP/Chapter_VI.pdf|archive-date=26 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a 2019 report, the ''Key Indicators of Household Social Consumption on Education in India'', by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Telangana has a literacy rate of 72.8% which is the fourth lowest of large states. It also has the second lowest literacy rate among rural women at 53.7%. 37.1% of the population aged 3–35 years received free education at pre-primary and higher levels in Telangana.<ref name="IE_literacy">{{cite news |title=Telangana literacy rate fourth-lowest among big states |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2019/nov/25/telangana-literacy-rate-fourth-lowest-among-big-states-2066624.html |access-date=6 September 2020 |work=The New Indian Express |date=25 November 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218181119/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2019/nov/25/telangana-literacy-rate-fourth-lowest-among-big-states-2066624.html |archive-date=18 February 2021 }}</ref>

== Administrative divisions ==
{{Main|List of districts in Telangana|List of revenue divisions in Telangana|List of mandals in Telangana}}
[[File:Telangana.jpg|thumb|Telangana at the time of formation on 2 June 2014.]]
[[File:Telangana new districts 2016.jpg|thumb|Telangana new districts created in 2016.]]

The state is divided into [[List of districts in Telangana|33 districts]]. The latest two new districts, Mulugu and Narayanpet, were formed on 17 February 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2019-02-16/Telangana-to-have-33-districts-from-tomorrow/496123|title=Telangana to have 33 districts from tomorrow|date=16 February 2019|website=The Hans India|access-date=17 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142318/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2019-02-16/Telangana-to-have-33-districts-from-tomorrow/496123|archive-date=17 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The districts are divided into [[List of revenue divisions in Telangana|70 revenue divisions]] which are further divided into [[List of mandals in Telangana|584 mandals]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TSDR-Portal|url=http://newdistrictsformation.telangana.gov.in/FirstPage.do|website=newdistrictsformation.telangana.gov.in|access-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825165347/http://newdistrictsformation.telangana.gov.in/FirstPage.do|archive-date=25 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kurmanath|first1=K V|title=Telangana govt to create 21 new districts in Oct|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/telangana-issues-draft-notification-on-new-districts/article9018000.ece|access-date=22 August 2016|date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823172719/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/telangana-issues-draft-notification-on-new-districts/article9018000.ece|archive-date=23 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The districts in the state are:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! S.No. !! District !! Headquarters !! Earlier part of
|-
| 1 || [[Adilabad district|Adilabad]] ||[[Adilabad]] || [[Adilabad district|Adilabad]]
|-
| 2 || [[Bhadradri Kothagudem district|Bhadradri Kothagudem]] || [[Kothagudem]] || [[Khammam district|Khammam]]
|-
| 3 || [[Hyderabad district, India|Hyderabad]] || [[Hyderabad]] || [[Hyderabad district, India|Hyderabad]]
|-
| 4 || [[Jagitial district|Jagitial]] || [[Jagitial]] || [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]]
|-
| 5 || [[Jangaon district|Jangaon]] || [[Jangaon]] || [[Warangal district|Warangal]], [[Nalgonda district|Nalgonda]]
|-
| 6 || [[Jayashankar Bhupalpally district|Jayashankar Bhupalpally]] || [[Bhupalpally]] || [[Warangal district|Warangal]], [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]]
|-
| 7 || [[Jogulamba Gadwal district|Jogulamba Gadwal]] || [[Gadwal]] || [[Mahabubnagar district|Mahabubnagar]]
|-
| 8 || [[Kamareddy district|Kamareddy]] || [[Kamareddy]] || [[Nizamabad district|Nizamabad]]
|-
| 9 || [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]] || [[Karimnagar]] || [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]]
|-
| 10 || [[Khammam district|Khammam]] || [[Khammam]] || [[Khammam district|Khammam]]
|-
| 11 || [[Kumuram Bheem district|Kumuram Bheem]] || [[Asifabad, Telangana|Asifabad]] || [[Adilabad district|Adilabad]]
|-
| 12 || [[Mahabubabad district|Mahabubabad]] || [[Mahabubabad]] || [[Warangal district|Warangal]], [[Khammam district|Khammam]]
|-
| 13 || [[Mahbubnagar district|Mahbubnagar]] || [[Mahbubnagar]] || [[Mahbubnagar district|Mahbubnagar]]
|-
| 14 || [[Mancherial district|Mancherial]] || [[Mancherial]] || [[Adilabad district|Adilabad]]
|-
| 15 || [[Medak district|Medak]] || [[Medak]] || [[Medak district|Medak]]
|-
| 16 || [[Medchal–Malkajgiri district|Medchal–Malkajgiri]] || [[Shamirpet]] || [[Ranga Reddy district|Ranga Reddy]]
|-
| 17 || [[Mulug, Warangal|Mulugu]] || [[Mulug, Warangal|Mulugu]] || [[Warangal district|Warangal]]
|-
| 18 || [[Nagarkurnool district|Nagarkurnool]] || [[Nagarkurnool]] || [[Mahabubnagar district|Mahabubnagar]]
|-
| 19 || [[Nalgonda district|Nalgonda]] || [[Nalgonda]] || [[Nalgonda district|Nalgonda]]
|-
| 20 || [[Narayanpet district|Narayanpet]] || [[Narayanpet]] || [[Mahabubnagar district|Mahabubnagar]]
|-
| 21 || [[Nirmal district|Nirmal]] || [[Nirmal]] || [[Adilabad district|Adilabad]]
|-
| 22 || [[Nizamabad district|Nizamabad]] || [[Nizamabad, Telangana|Nizamabad]] || [[Nizamabad district|Nizamabad]]
|-
| 23 || [[Peddapalli district|Peddapalli]] || [[Peddapalli, Peddapalli district|Peddapalli]] || [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]]
|-
| 24 || [[Rajanna Sircilla district|Rajanna Sircilla]] || [[Sircilla]] || [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]]
|-
| 25 || [[Ranga Reddy district|Ranga Reddy]] || [[Shamshabad]] || [[Ranga Reddy district|Ranga Reddy]]
|-
| 26 || [[Sangareddy district|Sangareddy]] || [[Sangareddy]] || [[Medak district|Medak]]
|-
| 27 || [[Siddipet district|Siddipet]] || [[Siddipet]] || [[Medak district|Medak]], [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]], [[Warangal district|Warangal]]
|-
| 28 || [[Suryapet district|Suryapet]] || [[Suryapet]] || [[Nalgonda district|Nalgonda]]
|-
| 29 || [[Vikarabad district|Vikarabad]] || [[Vikarabad]] || [[Ranga Reddy district|Ranga Reddy]]
|-
| 30 || [[Wanaparthy district|Wanaparthy]] || [[Wanaparthy]] || [[Mahabubnagar district|Mahabubnagar]]
|-
| 31 || [[Warangal Rural district|Warangal Rural]] || [[Warangal]] || [[Warangal district|Warangal]]
|-
| 32 || [[Warangal Urban district|Warangal Urban]] || [[Warangal]] || [[Warangal district|Warangal]], [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]]
|-
| 33 || [[Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district|Yadadri Bhuvanagiri]] || [[Bhongir]] || [[Nalgonda district|Nalgonda]]
|}

There are a total of [[List of cities in Telangana|12 cities]] in the state. [[Hyderabad]] is the biggest city in the state and [[List of cities in India by population|4th largest city in India]]. There are [[List of municipal corporations in Telangana|13 municipal corporations]] and [[List of municipalities in Telangana|132 municipalities]] in the state.

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Government of Telangana|Politics of Telangana}}
{{See also|List of Chief Ministers of Telangana}}
Telangana is governed by a [[parliamentary system]] of [[representative democracy]], a feature the state shares with other Indian states. [[Universal suffrage]] is granted to residents. There are three branches of government.

# [[Executive (government)|Executive authority]] is vested in the Council of Ministers headed by the [[Chief Minister of Telangana|Chief Minister]], although the titular head of government is the [[Governor of Telangana|Governor]]. The governor is the [[head of state]] appointed by the [[President of India]]. The leader of the party or coalition with a majority in the Legislative Assembly is appointed as the chief minister by the governor, and the Council of Ministers are appointed by the governor on the advice of the chief minister. The Council of Ministers reports to the Legislative Assembly.
# The legislature, the [[Telangana Legislative Assembly]] and the [[Telangana Legislative Council]], consists of elected members and special office bearers such as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, that are elected by the members. Assembly meetings are presided over by the speaker or the deputy speaker in the speaker's absence. The Assembly is [[bicameral]] with 119 [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Members of the Legislative Assembly]] and 40 [[Member of the Legislative Council]]. Terms of office run for five years unless the Assembly is dissolved prior to the completion of the term. The Legislative Council is a permanent body with one-third of members retiring every two years.
# The [[judiciary]] is composed of the [[High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad]] and a system of lower courts.

Auxiliary authorities known as ''[[panchayat]]s'', for which local body elections are regularly held, govern local affairs. The state contributes seats to [[Lok Sabha]].

The main players in the [[Politics of Telangana|regional politics]] are the [[Telangana Rashtra Samithi]], [[All India Forward Bloc]], [[All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen]], [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and [[Indian National Congress]]. Following the [[2014 Telangana Legislative Assembly election|Telangana Legislative Assembly Election in 2014]], the [[Telangana Rashtra Samithi]] under [[Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao]] was elected to power.

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Telangana}}
{{See also|List of districts in Telangana by GDP}}
[[File:Coal Handling Ropeway near Pamulapalli.jpg|thumb|Coal Handling Ropeway near [[Manuguru]], Bhadradri Kothagudem district.]]
The economy of Telangana is mainly driven by agriculture. Two important rivers of
India, the [[Godavari River|Godavari]] and [[Krishna River|Krishna]], flow through the state,
providing irrigation. Farmers in Telangana mainly depend on rain-fed water sources for irrigation. Rice is the major food crop. Other important crops are cotton, sugar cane, mango, and tobacco. Recently, crops used for [[Vegetable fats and oils|vegetable oil]] production such as [[sunflower]] and peanuts have gained favour. There are many multi-state irrigation projects in development, including [[Godavari River Basin Irrigation Projects]] and [[Nagarjuna Sagar Dam]], the world's highest masonry dam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://agri.ap.nic.in|title=Agriculture dept. of Telangana|access-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709142554/http://agri.ap.nic.in/|archive-date=9 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="industries">{{cite web|url=http://www.apind.gov.in/indussectors.html|title=Key Sectors of Telangana|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221073936/http://apind.gov.in/indussectors.html|archive-date=21 February 2009}}</ref>

The state has also started to focus on the fields of information technology and [[biotechnology]]. Telangana is one of top IT-exporting states of India. There are 68 Special Economic Zones in the state.<ref name="sez">{{cite web|title=TG Special Economic Zones |url=http://sezindia.nic.in/HTMLS/578FormalapprovalsgrantedunderSEZAct19thJune,09.pdf |publisher=sezindia |access-date=3 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007035200/http://www.sezindia.nic.in/HTMLS/578FormalapprovalsgrantedunderSEZAct19thJune%2C09.pdf |archive-date= 7 October 2009 }}</ref>

Telangana is a mineral-rich state, with coal reserves at [[Singareni Collieries Company]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Singareni Collieries Company Limited|url=http://scclmines.com/scclnew/index.asp|publisher=scclmines|access-date=3 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625044937/http://scclmines.com/scclnew/index.asp|archive-date=25 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Agriculture ===
[[File:Warangal IMG 4286.JPG|thumb|[[Paddy field]]s in [[Warangal district]]]]
Rice is the major [[food crop]] and [[staple food]] of the state. Other important crops are maize, tobacco, mango, cotton and [[sugar cane]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/telangana-will-show-its-might-in-cotton-maize/article4982372.ece|title=Telangana will show its might in cotton, maize|author=K. V. Kurmanath|work=Business Line|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622051901/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/telangana-will-show-its-might-in-cotton-maize/article4982372.ece|archive-date=22 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Agriculture has been the chief source of income for the state's economy. The [[Godavari]] and [[Krishna River|Krishna]] rivers flow through the state, providing [[irrigation]]. Apart from major rivers, there are small rivers like Tunga Bhadra, Bima, Dindi, Kinnerasani, Manjeera, Manair, Penganga, Pranahitha, peddavagu and Taliperu. There are many multi-state irrigation projects in development, including [[Godavari River Basin Irrigation Projects]] and [[Nagarjuna Sagar Dam]], the world's highest masonry dam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guntur.nic.in/nagarjuna_sagar.html|title=WELCOME TO GUNTUR DISTRICT OFFICIAL WEBSITE|work=guntur.nic.in|access-date=16 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324163602/http://guntur.nic.in/nagarjuna_sagar.html|archive-date=24 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Agri Export Zone]]s for the following produce have been proposed for the following locations:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=186993|title=Agri Export Zones|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=June 2018}}
* [[Gherkin]]s: [[Mahabubnagar]], [[Rangareddy]], [[Medak]], [[Karimnagar]], [[Warangal]]
* [[Mangoes]] and [[grapes]]: Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medak, Mahabubnagar

=== Industries ===
{{See also|Software industry in Telangana}}
[[File:MindSpace campus in Hyderabad, India.jpg|thumb|The [[HITEC City]] is a major IT hub of Hyderabad]]
Several major manufacturing and services industries are in operation mainly around [[Hyderabad]]. Automobiles and auto components, spices, mines and minerals, textiles and apparels, [[pharmaceutical]], horticulture, and poultry farming are the main industries in Telangana.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Telangana-government-plans-big-IT-push-to-rebuild-brand-Hyderabad/articleshow/36121006.cms|title=Telangana government plans big IT push to rebuild brand Hyderabad|date=6 June 2014|access-date=1 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214102758/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Telangana-government-plans-big-IT-push-to-rebuild-brand-Hyderabad/articleshow/36121006.cms|archive-date=14 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In terms of services, Hyderabad is nicknamed "Cyberabad" due to the location of major software industries in the city.<ref name="roy aih">{{cite book|title=Worlding cities: Asian experiments and the art of being global|publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]]|page=253|year=2011|isbn=978-1-4051-9277-4|last1=Roy|first1=Ananya|last2=Aihwa|first2=Ong}}</ref><ref name="toi chary">{{cite news|title=An Amazon shot for city|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/An-Amazon-shot-for-city/articleshow/10335301.cms?referral=PM|newspaper=The Times of India|date=13 October 2011|access-date=13 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226140847/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/An-Amazon-shot-for-city/articleshow/10335301.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=26 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to secession, it contributed 10% to India's and 98% to Andhra Pradesh's exports in the IT and ITES sectors in 2013<ref name="toi-it">{{cite news|title=Special governance for Hyderabad needed for growth|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Special-governance-for-Hyderabad-needed-for-growth/articleshow/20753414.cms?referral=PM|newspaper=The Times of India|date=25 June 2013|access-date=25 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910200409/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Special-governance-for-Hyderabad-needed-for-growth/articleshow/20753414.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=10 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> With Hyderabad in the front line of Telangana's goal to promote information technology in India, the city boasts the [[HITEC City]] as its premier hub.

The state government is in the process of developing industrial parks at different places, for specific groups of industries. The existing parks are Software Park at Hyderabad, HITEC City for software units, Apparel Park at [[Gundlapochampalli]], Export Promotion Park at Pashamylaram, Biotechnology park at [[Turkapally]].{{citation needed|date=November 2014}}

Hyderabad is also a major site for healthcare-related industries including hospitals and pharmaceutical organisations such as [[Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences]], Yashoda Hospitals, LV Prasad Eye Care, Akruti Institute of cosmetic and plastic surgery, Fever Hospital, Durgabai Deshmukh, Continental Hospitals and [[Apollo Hospitals]]. Many pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-related companies like [[Dr. Reddy's Laboratories]], [[Shantha Biotechnics]] and GVK BIO are based out of Hyderabad.

In addition, Hyderabad-based healthcare non-profits include the [[Indian Heart Association]], a cardiovascular disease NGO.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Heart Association|url=http://www.indianheartassociation.org|publisher=Indian Heart Association Webpage|access-date=27 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518120648/http://indianheartassociation.org/|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Tourism ===
{{Main|Tourism in Telangana}}
[[Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation]] (TSTDC) is a state government agency which promotes tourism in Telangana.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Huge-challenges-ahead-for-new-Telangana-tourism-corporation/articleshow/34847749.cms |title=Huge challenges ahead for new Telangana tourism corporation |work=The Times of India |date=9 May 2014 |access-date=4 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512212438/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Huge-challenges-ahead-for-new-Telangana-tourism-corporation/articleshow/34847749.cms |archive-date=12 May 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Telangana has a variety of tourist attractions including historical places, monuments, forts, waterfalls, forests and temples.

=== Awards ===
Telangana state has won CNBC-TV18's Promising State of the Year Award for the year of 2015. The Jury for the India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) has collectively chosen Telangana for the award.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telanganastateinfo.com/telangana-state-bags-promising-state-of-the-year-award/ |title=Telangana Awarded as Most Promising State of the Year |publisher=Country, India |access-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017112418/http://www.telanganastateinfo.com/telangana-state-bags-promising-state-of-the-year-award/ |archive-date=17 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TS Bags Promising State of Year Award|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/TS-Bags-Promising-State-of-Year-Award/2015/10/16/article3082202.ece|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=31 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029184104/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/TS-Bags-Promising-State-of-Year-Award/2015/10/16/article3082202.ece|archive-date=29 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Media ===
Telangana state has English and Telugu News papers. Which are published from different cities. The print media mainly consists of Telugu and English newspapers. ''[[Nava Telangana]]'', ''[[Sakshi (newspaper)|Sakshi]]'', ''[[Andhra Jyothi]]'', ''[[Eenadu]]'' and ''[[Namaste Telangana]]'' are all Telugu news papers. Mainly in English newspaper are [[Deccan Chronicle]], [[The Times Of India]], Hindu and The Hans India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ministry of Information & broadcasting - Publications on DAVP Panel as on 05 March 2021 |url=http://www.davp.nic.in/Upload/(S(cyeh5555jplw0355y44lfe45))/advtg_report.aspx |website=davp.nic.in |access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
{{multiple image
| align = right
| width = 220
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Rstps4.jpg
| caption1 = [[NTPC Ramagundam|Ramagundam Thermal Power station]]
| image2 = Outer Ring Road (Nehru ORR) at Narsinghi.jpg
| caption2 = Hyderabad Outer Ring Road
| image3 = Secunderabad Railway Station outside.JPG
| caption3 = [[Secunderabad railway station]]
}}

=== Power ===
{{Main|List of Power Stations in Telangana}}
Hydel and [[thermal power]] projects in the state meet the power requirements of the state. A number of new power projects are coming up in the State which is expected to generate additional power capacity in the state.

=== Irrigation Projects ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Project !! River !! District
|-
| [[Kaleswaram]] || [[Godavari River|Godavari]] || [[Jayashankar Bhupalpally district|Jayashankar Bhupalpally]]
|-
| [[Sriram Sagar Project|Sriram Sagar]] || [[Godavari River|Godavari]] || [[Nizamabad district|Nizamabad]]
|-
| [[Nagarjuna Sagar Dam|Nagarjuna Sagar]] || [[Krishna River|Krishna]] || [[Nalgonda district|Nalgonda]], [[Guntur district|Guntur]]
|-
| [[Srisailam Dam|Srisailam]] || [[Krishna River|Krishna]] || [[Mahabubnagar district|Mahabubnagar]], [[Kurnool district|Kurnool]]
|-
| [[Nizam Sagar]] || [[Manjira River|Manjira]] || [[Nizamabad district|Nizamabad]]
|-
| [[Singur Dam]] || [[Manjira River|Manjira]] || [[Medak district|Medak]]
|-
| [[Lower Manair Dam]] || [[Maner River|Maner]] || [[Karimnagar district|Karimnagar]]
|-
| [[Mid Manair Dam]] || [[Maner River|Maner]] || [[Rajanna Sircilla district|Rajanna Sircilla]]
|-
| [[Upper Manair Dam]] || [[Maner River|Maner]] || [[Rajanna Sircilla district|Rajanna Sircilla]]
|-
| [[Sripada Yellampalli project|Sripada Yellampalli]] || [[Godavari River|Godavari]] || [[Peddapalli district|Peddapalli]], [[Mancherial district|Mancherial]]
|-
| [[Jurala Project|Jurala]] || [[Krishna River|Krishna]] || [[Jogulamba Gadwal district|Jogulamba Gadwal]]
|-
| [[Koil Sagar]] || [[Krishna River|Krishna]] || [[Mahabubnagar district|Mahabubnagar]]
|-
| [[Osman Sagar]] || [[Musi River (India)|Musi]] || [[Ranga Reddy district]]
|-
| [[Himayat Sagar]] || [[Musi River (India)|Musi]] || [[Ranga Reddy district]]
|}

== Major Cities ==
*[[Hyderabad]]
*[[Warangal]]
*[[Nizamabad, Telangana|Nizamabad]]
*[[Khammam]]
*[[Karimnagar]]
*[[Ramagundam]]
*[[Mahbubnagar]]
*[[Nalgonda]]
*[[Adilabad]]
*[[Suryapet]]
*[[Jagtial]]
*[[Miryalaguda]]

== Major Towns ==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Armoor]]
*[[Bellampalle]]
*[[Bhadrachalam]]
*[[Bhainsa]]
*[[Bhongir]]
*[[Bodhan]]
*[[Gadwal]]
*[[Huzurnagar]]
*[[Jammikunta]]
*[[Jangaon]]
*[[Kamareddy]]
*[[Kodad]]
*[[Korutla|Koratla]]
*[[Kothagudem]]
*[[Madhira]]
*[[Mahabubabad]]
*[[Mancherial]]
*[[Medak]]
*[[Metpally]]
*[[Nagarkurnool]]
*[[Nakrekal]]
*[[Narayankhed]]
*[[Naspur]]
*[[Nirmal]]
*[[Palwancha]]
*[[Peddapalli]]
*[[Siddipet]]
*[[Sangareddy]]
*[[Sathupalli]]
*[[Sircilla]]
*[[Tandur]]
*[[Vikarabad]]
*[[Wanaparthy]]
*[[Zaheerabad]]
{{div col end}}

== Transport ==
[[File:TSRTC's JnNURM Metro Express bus in Khammam.jpg|thumb|The [[Telangana State Road Transport Corporation]] (TSRTC) Bus]]
The state is well connected with other states by means of road, rail and airways. The [[Telangana State Road Transport Corporation]] (TSRTC) is the major public transport corporation that connects all the cities and villages.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/it-will-be-tgsrtc-from-june-2/article6014676.ece | title=It will be TGSRTC from June 2 | work=The Hindu | date=16 May 2014 | access-date=2 June 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606235217/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/it-will-be-tgsrtc-from-june-2/article6014676.ece | archive-date=6 June 2014 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station]] (M.G.B.S) in [[Hyderabad]] is one of the largest bus stand in [[Asia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apsrtc.gov.in/Contact%20Us/Grievances/Citi-Chart.htm |title=citi-Charter |publisher=apsrtc.gov.in |access-date=19 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917143549/http://apsrtc.gov.in/Contact%20Us/Grievances/Citi-Chart.htm |archive-date=17 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/Quick%20links/apfactfile/naturaladvantages.html#Airways|title=Andhra Pradesh • Natural Advantages|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=3 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403042513/http://www.aponline.gov.in/Quick%20links/apfactfile/naturaladvantages.html#Airways|archive-date=3 April 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Jubilee Bus Station]] in [[Secunderabad]] serves inter city bus services.

=== Roadways ===
The state has a total of [[List of National Highways in India by State#Telangana|16 national highways]] and accounts for a total length of {{convert|2690.23|km|abbr=on}}.<ref name="telangana">{{cite web|title=National Highways in Telangana State|url=https://www.roadbuild.telangana.gov.in/files/451.pdf|website=Roads and Buildings Department – Government of Telangana|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328231109/https://www.roadbuild.telangana.gov.in/files/451.pdf|archive-date=28 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Railways ===
{{See also|South Central Railway zone|Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway}}
The history of railways in this region dates back to the time of [[Nizam of Hyderabad]] in 1874. The [[Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway]], which had its beginnings in a line built privately by the HEH the [[Nizam]]. Much to the dismay of the British authorities, The Nizam bore all the expenses for the construction of the line.<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,283|publisher=South Central railway|access-date=11 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108223043/http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C1%2C283|archive-date=8 January 2016}}</ref>

It operates under the auspices of the [[South Central Railway]] founded in 1966. The landmark building Rail Nilayam in Secunderabad is the Zonal Headquarter office of South Central Railway. Secunderabad and Hyderabad are the main divisions of the South Central Railway that fall in the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,283|publisher=South Central Railway|access-date=2 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108223043/http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C1%2C283|archive-date=8 January 2016}}</ref>

=== Airports ===
{{See also|List of airports in Telangana}}
[[File:Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport]]]]
[[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport]] at [[Shamshabad]] is an international airport serving the city of [[Hyderabad]]. It is the largest airport in the state and one of the busiest airports in the country. The government has plans to upgrade [[Warangal Airport]], [[Nizamabad Airport]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/more-land-required-for-airport-at-jakranpally/article4788933.ece|title=More land required for airport at Jakranpally|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=29 July 2014|date=7 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713013047/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/more-land-required-for-airport-at-jakranpally/article4788933.ece|archive-date=13 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Ramagundam Airport]]. It also plans to construct airports in [[Ramagundam]] and [[Kothagudem]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About Andhra Pradesh |url=http://www.hyderabadisearch.com/AboutAndhrapradesh.aspx |publisher=Hyderabadi search |access-date=2 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607011018/http://www.hyderabadisearch.com/AboutAndhrapradesh.aspx |archive-date=7 June 2014 }}</ref>

[[Warangal]] has a domestic airport in Mamunooru which was established in the year 1930 during the Nizam period. All the exports and imports of Azam Jahi Mills, Warangal were done through the [[Warangal Airport]].{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Telangana}}
[[File:Sammakka gadde at sammakka saarakka jatara.jpg|thumb|[[Sammakka Saralamma Jatara]] is a famous Hindu festival in Telangana]]
{{multiple image
| align = right
| width = 200
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Warangal fort.jpg
| caption1 = [[Kakatiya Kala Thoranam]]
| image2 = Kuntala waterfalla, both streams.jpg
| caption2 = [[Kuntala Waterfall]]s in [[Adilabad]]
}}
Telangana culture combines cultural customs from Persian traditions, embedded during the rule of the region by the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]], Qutub Shahis and [[Nizam]]s, with prominent and predominantly south Indian traditions and customs. The State has a rich tradition in classical music, painting and folk arts such as Burra Katha, shadow puppet show, and [[Perini Shivatandavam]], Gusadi Dance, Kolatam.

=== Monuments ===
[[Charminar]], [[Golconda Fort]], [[Qutb Shahi Tombs]], [[Chowmahalla Palace]], [[Falaknuma Palace]], [[Birla Mandir]] and Nagarjun sagar, [[Bhongir Fort]], [[Warangal Fort]], [[Khammam Fort]] are some of the monuments in and around Hyderabad.

=== Religious destinations ===

[[File:Bhadrachalam temple View from Lord Narasimha Temple in 2015 (cropped).JPG|thumb|[[Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam]]]]

There are religious worship centres of different religions in the state.

Hindu worship destinations include [[Bhadrachalam Temple]], [[Gnana Saraswati Temple, Basar|Gnana Saraswati Temple]], [[Yadagirigutta Temple]], [[Ramappa Temple]], [[Raja Rajeswara temple, Vemulawada|Vemulawada Raja Rajeswara temple]], the [[Thousand Pillar Temple]].

The Muslim worship destinations such as [[Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad|Makkah Masjid]] near [[Charminar]], [[Khairtabad Mosque]], [[Koh-e-qaim]], [[Mian Mishk Masjid]], [[Toli Masjid]] and [[Spanish Mosque]].

Christian worship centres include the [[Diocese of Dornakal of the Church of South India]], Bahe Church of South India, and [[Medak Cathedral]]. There are also some Buddhist destinations, such as [[Nelakondapalli]], [[Dhulikatta]], [[Phanigiri]] and Kolanpaka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.templenet.com/encandh1.html|title=The Templenet Encyclopedia – Temples of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=26 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509081809/http://www.templenet.com/encandh1.html|archive-date=9 May 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Telugu cinema ===
{{Main|Telugu cinema}}
Telugu cinema, also known by its sobriquet as [[Tollywood (Telugu)|Tollywood]], is a part of [[Indian cinema]] producing films in the [[Telugu language]], and is centred in the [[Hyderabad, Telangana]] neighbourhood of [[Film Nagar]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/26/stories/2007122650520200.htm | location=Chennai, India | title=Year of success for tinsel town | date=26 December 2007 | access-date=27 December 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020073001/http://www.hindu.com/2007/12/26/stories/2007122650520200.htm | archive-date=20 October 2013 | url-status=dead | work=[[The Hindu]] | df=dmy-all }}</ref> In the early 1990s, the Telugu film industry had largely shifted from [[Chennai]] to [[Hyderabad]]. The Telugu film industry is the second-largest film industry in India next to [[Bollywood]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shafeeq|first=Mohammed|title=Telugu films with Rs 2,000 cr production value stuck due to lockdown|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/telugu-films-with-rs-2000-cr-production-value-stuck-due-to-lockdown/1818162|access-date=25 June 2020|website=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126054807/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/telugu-films-with-rs-2000-cr-production-value-stuck-due-to-lockdown/1818162|archive-date=26 January 2021}}</ref> In the years 2005, 2006 and 2008 the Telugu film industry produced the largest number of films in India, exceeding the number of films produced in Bollywood.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/-Tollywood-loses-to-Bollywood-on-numbers-/articleshow/6661950.cms?referral=PM |title=Tollywood loses to Bollywood on numbers |work=The Times of India |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=31 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713203509/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/-Tollywood-loses-to-Bollywood-on-numbers-/articleshow/6661950.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=13 July 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-economy/telugu-film-industry-enters-new-era/article1674075.ece |title=Telugu film industry enters new era |work=Business Line |date=6 November 2007 |access-date=31 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203163423/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-economy/telugu-film-industry-enters-new-era/article1674075.ece |archive-date=3 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The industry holds the Guinness World Record for the largest film production facility in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/largest-film-studio |title=Largest film studio |publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com |access-date=31 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119000128/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/largest-film-studio |archive-date=19 January 2014 }}</ref>

=== Waterfalls ===
[[File:Kuntala-waterfalls1.jpg|thumb|[[Kuntala Waterfall]] in [[Adilabad district]]]]

*[[Kuntala Waterfall]] ({{convert|45|m|ft}}) located in [[Kuntala, Adilabad district|Kuntala]], [[Adilabad district]].
*[[Bogatha Waterfall]] is waterfall located in Koyaveerapuram G, Wazeedu Mandal, [[Jayashankar Bhupalpally district]], Telangana.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reddy |first1=AuthorP Laxma |title=Telangana's Niagara, the Bogatha waterfall offers feast to eyes |url=https://telanganatoday.com/telanganas-niagara-the-bogatha-waterfall-offers-feast-to-eyes |access-date=25 February 2020 |work=Telangana Today |date=6 July 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116031449/https://telanganatoday.com/telanganas-niagara-the-bogatha-waterfall-offers-feast-to-eyes |archive-date=16 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Telangana starts one-day tours to Bogatha waterfalls |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2019/jul/28/telangana-starts-one-day-tours-to-bogatha-waterfalls-2010580.html |access-date=25 February 2020 |work=The New Indian Express |date=28 July 2019|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831061408/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2019/jul/28/telangana-starts-one-day-tours-to-bogatha-waterfalls-2010580.html |archive-date=31 August 2020 }}</ref>
*[[Savatula Gundam Waterfalls]] in [[Adilabad district]]
*Gowri Gundaala waterfalls at Sabitham village near [[Manthani]] in [[Peddapalli district]].

== Education ==
{{Main|Education in Telangana}}
[[File:Nitw main gate.JPG|thumb|[[National Institute of Technology, Warangal|NIT Warangal]] main gate]]
Telangana has multiple institutes of higher education universities along with numerous primary and secondary schools. The state is home to a number of institutes, which impart higher education. The Department of Higher Education deals with matters relating to education at various levels in the state of Telangana.

Higher education includes many colleges, universities, and research institutes providing professional education in the fields of arts, humanities, science, engineering, law, medicine, business, and veterinary sciences, with undergraduate and post-graduation. These include [[Osmania University]], [[Indian School of Business]], [[Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad]], [[National Institute of Technology, Warangal]], [[All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar]], [[University of Hyderabad]], [[Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad]], [[Kakatiya University]], [[International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad]], [[NALSAR University of Law]], [[Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences]], [[National Institute of Fashion Technology Hyderabad]], [[Footwear Design and Development Institute]], and [[National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad]], among others.

The government has established [[Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies, Basar]] (RGUKT Basar) in 2008 to cater to the educational needs of the gifted rural youth of Telangana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rgukt.in/home-aboutrgukt.html |title=Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies |publisher=Rgukt.in |access-date=8 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007142943/http://www.rgukt.in/home-aboutrgukt.html |archive-date=7 October 2011 }}</ref>

== Sports ==
{{See also|Sports in Hyderabad#Sports and Stadiums}}
[[File:RGIS HYD.jpg|thumb|[[Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium]]]]

The [[Hyderabad FC]] is a professional [[Association football|football]] club based in Hyderabad and plays in top tier league of India, the [[Indian Super League]]. The home ground of the club is [[G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium]], in [[Gachibowli]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hyderabad FC replace struggling FC Pune City as new ISL franchise |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/hyderabad-fc-replace-struggling-fc-pune-city-as-new-isl-franchise/articleshow/70862303.cms |access-date=1 July 2020 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 August 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025002110/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/hyderabad-fc-replace-struggling-fc-pune-city-as-new-isl-franchise/articleshow/70862303.cms |archive-date=25 October 2019 }}</ref>

The [[Hyderabad cricket team]] is represented in the [[Ranji Trophy]] and has won twice. The [[Sunrisers Hyderabad]], an [[Indian Premier League]] franchise, is based in Hyderabad and has won the trophy once. [[Deccan Chargers]], a currently defunct franchise from Hyderabad, also won the [[Indian Premier League]] once. The [[Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium]] is the home ground of both [[Hyderabad cricket team]] and [[Sunrisers Hyderabad]]. It hosts international as well as domestic matches. The [[Hyderabad Hunters]], a [[Premier Badminton League]] franchise; the [[Telugu Titans]], a [[Pro Kabaddi League]] franchise; the Hyderabad Sky, a [[UBA Pro Basketball League]] franchise and the Telugu Tigers, a [[Premier Futsal]] franchise are also based in Hyderabad. [[Hyderabad Hunters]] are previous winners of the [[Premier Badminton League]] title.

Notable sports persons from the state are [[Mohammad Azharuddin]], [[V. V. S. Laxman]], [[Mithali Raj]], [[Pragyan Ojha]], [[Ambati Rayudu]], [[Saina Nehwal]], [[P.V. Sindhu]], [[Jwala Gutta]], [[Parupalli Kashyap]], [[Gagan Narang]], [[Mukesh Kumar (field hockey)|Mukesh Kumar]] and [[Pullela Gopichand]] ([[Andhra Pradesh]]), as well as [[Sania Mirza]] who has been appointed as the "brand ambassador" of Telangana.

Other stadiums include [[G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium]], [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium]] and [[Gachibowli Indoor Stadium]].

== See also ==
* [[Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb]]
* [[Hyderabad State (1948–56)]]
* [[Index of Telangana-related articles]]
* [[List of state highways in Telangana]]
* [[List of Telangana people]]
* [[Telangana Language Day]]
* [[Temples of Telangana]]
{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
{{Refbegin|2}}
* {{Country study |country=India |abbr=in |date=September 1995 |section=Regionalism |pd=no}} ([http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+in0075 Direct link].)
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mISVwxcF5asC&pg=PA175 |title=Committees and commissions in India, 1947–1973 |author=Virendra Kumar |page=175 |volume=9 |section=Committee on Telangana surpluses, 1969 – Report by Justice Bhargava |isbn=978-8170221975 |publisher=D. K. Publishing House |location=New Delhi |access-date=11 December 2013|year=1975}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Fb26pWqhScC |title=Nizam – British Relations 1724–1857 |author=Sarojini Regani |year=1986 |isbn=978-8170221951 |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |location=New Delhi |access-date=11 December 2013}}
* {{Cite journal |jstor=2753831 |title=Subregionalism in India: The Case of Telangana |journal=Pacific Affairs |volume=43 |number=1 |date=Spring 1970 |pages=5–21 |publisher=University of British Columbia |author=Duncan B. Forrester |doi=10.2307/2753831}}
* {{Cite journal |jstor=2052461 |title=The Hyderabad Political System and its Participants |author=Karen Leonard |journal=The Journal of Asian Studies |volume=30 |number=3 |date=May 1971 |pages=569–582 |publisher=Association for Asian Studies |doi=10.1017/s0021911800154841|url=https://escholarship.org/uc/item/454191gp }}
* {{cite web|title=ReInventing Telangana – First Steps- Socio Economic Outlook 2105|url=http://www.telanganalegislature.org.in/documents/10656/19317/Socio+economic+Survey+Telangana+2015.pdf/f19fc6a4-bf8a-4432-ab8f-64b20f1d772d|publisher=Planning Department, Govt of Telangana|access-date=24 September 2015}}
*{{cite web |last1=Narayan |first1=B. K. |title=Agricultural Development in Hyderabad State, 1900–1956: A Study in Economic History |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Av89AAAAYAAJ |publisher=Keshav Prakashan |access-date=5 July 2019 |year=1960}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Sister project links|s=India States Reorganisation Commission Report Telangana Andhra|voy=Telangana}}
'''Government'''
* [http://www.telangana.gov.in/ Official Site of Telangana Government]

'''General information'''
* {{Britannica|586290}}
* {{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Telangana/}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|3250963}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Telangana
|North = [[Maharashtra]] and [[Chhattisgarh]]
|Northeast = [[Chhattisgarh]]
|East = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
|Southeast = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
|South = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
|Southwest = [[Karnataka]]
|West = [[Karnataka]]
|Northwest = [[Maharashtra]]
}}
{{Telangana}}
{{State Agencies of Telangana}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Portal bar|Geography|Asia|India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Telangana| ]]
[[Category:South India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2014]]
[[Category:2014 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]

File talk:Indian Union territory flag of Ladakh (proposed).png

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Emblem of Ladakh

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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}

{{Infobox coat of arms
| name = Emblem of Ladakh
| image = Seal of Ladakh.png
| image_width = 250
| middle =
| middle_width =
| middle_caption =
| lesser =
| lesser_width =
| lesser_caption =
| armiger = The [[Government of Ladakh]]
| year_adopted = 31 October 2019
| crest =
| torse =
| shield = [[Emblem of India]]
| supporters =
| compartment =
| motto =
| orders =
| other_elements = The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh ([[sic]]) <ref>https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s395192c98732387165bf8e396c0f2dad2/uploads/2019/11/2019110127.pdf</ref>
| earlier_versions =
| use =
}}
[[Image:Indian Union territory flag of Ladakh (proposed).png|thumb|Flag of Ladakh, India.]]

The '''Emblem of Ladakh''' is the symbol used to represent the government of [[Ladakh]], a region in the northern part of the [[Indian subcontinent]] currently administered by India as a [[union territory]].<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1207345697755807746|user=lg_ladakh|title=LG Ladakh, @R_K_Mathur chaired a meeting with officers from Principal Chief Controller of Accounts, Government of I… |date=18 December 2019}}</ref> It was adopted following the creation of the [[union territory]] of Ladakh on 31 October 2019.<ref>https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s395192c98732387165bf8e396c0f2dad2/uploads/2019/11/2019110127.pdf</ref>

==Autonomous hill development councils==

Ladakh is divided into [[Districts of Ladakh|two districts]] which each elect an [[autonomous district council]]. The emblems of these councils are as follows:

<gallery>
File:Logo of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil.png|[[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil|Kargil HDC]]
File:Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh logo.png|[[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh|Leh HDC]]
</gallery>

==Historical symbols==
<gallery>
File:"BRITISH JOINT COMMISSIONER LADAKH" ink stamp in 1902 detail, from- A Tibetan-English Dictionary with Sanskrit Synonyms (page 9 crop).jpg|Seal of the British Joint Commissioner in Ladakh used during the period of [[British Raj|British rule in India]]
</gallery>

==Government banner==
The administration of Ladakh can be represented by a blue banner displaying the emblem India in silver with the words "THE ADMINISTRATION OF" inscribed above in an arc and the words "UT LADAKH (INDIA)" inscribed on a straight line below both in gold.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ladakh.nic.in/ladakh-mountaineer-successfully-summits-mt-everest/|title = Ladakh mountaineer successfully summits Mt Everest | the Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh | India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reachladakh.com/news/social-news/mountaineer-jigmet-tharchin-successfully-summits-mount-everest|title = Mountaineer Jigmet Tharchin successfully summits Mount Everest}}</ref><ref>https://mobile.twitter.com/dipr_leh/status/1392804890292883459?lang=en-GB</ref>

<gallery>
File:Ladakh Government Banner.png|Banner of Ladakh
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[National Emblem of India]]
* [[List of Indian state emblems]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Indian state emblems}}
{{Ladakh}}
[[Category:Government of Ladakh]]
[[Category:Indian state seals|Ladakh]]
[[Category:Indian coats of arms|Ladakh]]

File talk:Indian Union territory flag of Jammu and Kashmir (proposed).png

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Flag of Jammu and Kashmir

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{{short description|Flag of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir between 1952–2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox flag
| Name = State of Jammu And Kashmir
| Image = Flag of Jammu and Kashmir (1952-2019).svg
| Use = [[State flag]]
| Noborder = 
| Proportion = 2:3
| Adoption = 1952
| Relinquished = 2019
| Design = It is a red-and-white flag with a representation of a [[plough]] and three constituent regions of the state.
}}

The '''flag of Jammu and Kashmir''' was a symbol used in the former Indian [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] between 1952 and 2019, under the special status accorded to the region by [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India|Article 370]] of the [[Constitution of India]]. It was a red-and-white flag with a representation of a [[plough]] and three constituent regions of the state. After the abolition of Article 370 in August 2019, this flag lost its official status.<ref name="JammuAugust 7">{{Cite web|date=August 7, 2019|title=J&K flag to be removed permanently after revocation of special status for J&K|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-flag-article-370-revocation-special-status-kashmir-bifurcation-1578363-2019-08-07|access-date=2020-10-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
Article 144 of the [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir]], stated that flag of the state shall be rectangular 3:2 format. Its colour is red, which originally came to be symbolise workers and labourers. In the middle a white plough further symbolises the peasants. Next to the staff, three vertical white stripes represent the three regions of [[Jammu Division|Jammu]], [[Kashmir Division|Kashmir]] and [[Ladakh]].<ref name="tfos">{{cite magazine|last1=Noorani|first1=A. G.|date=4 September 2015|title=Two flags, one State|url=http://www.frontline.in/the-nation/two-flags-one-state/article7550135.ece|magazine=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>

The flag had its origin in events that took place on 13 July 1931 in [[Srinagar]]. On the day, Kashmiri Muslims were protesting outside the Srinagar Central Jail premises at Srinagar where the Abdul Qadeer was arrested on the charge of terrorism and inciting public against the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir by Dogra state forces.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/martyrs-day-observed-in-kashmir-leaders-pay-tribute/article18460308.ece|title=Martyrs' Day observed in Kashmir, leaders pay tribute|date=2006-07-14|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-07-13|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyo.in/politics/july-13-jammu-and-kashmir-kashmiri-pandits-martyrs-day/story/1/4963.html|title=Truth about the martyrs of Kashmir's July 13 carnage|website=www.dailyo.in|access-date=2018-07-13}}</ref> The blood-tainted shirt of one of the victims was then hoisted by the crowd as the new flag of Kashmir.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}
On 11 July 1939, the older version flag was adopted by the [[Jammu & Kashmir National Conference]], a political party. On 7 June 1952, a resolution was passed by the [[Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir]], making it the official state flag.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

===2015 controversy===
The [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir]], in force until August 2019, made it mandatory to hoist the state flag alongside the [[Flag of India]].<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news|title=Under BJP pressure, J&K withdraws flag order|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/maintain-sanctity-of-state-flag-says-jk-govt/article6990160.ece|accessdate=28 April 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> In 2015, the [[2014 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|newly elected]] [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] members in the [[Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly]] refused to hoist the state flag in their offices. BJP Ministers did not hoist the state flag either, as they consider that it is of no importance.<ref name="The Hindu"/>

The government led by [[List of Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister]] [[Mufti Mohammad Sayeed]] then issued a circular making it compulsory to hoist the state flag along with the national flag, stating that "The state flag has the same sanctity and position as the national flag has under the Indian Constitution and other statutory provisions." However, within 20 hours, the state government withdrew this circular.<ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name=TOI>{{cite news|title=J&K govt withdraws order on state flag|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/JK-govt-withdraws-order-on-state-flag/articleshow/46560560.cms|accessdate=28 April 2015|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Mufti government withdraws controversial circular on state flag|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mufti-government-jammu-kashmir-circular-state-flag-pdp/1/423791.html|accessdate=28 April 2015|magazine=India Today|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> On withdrawal of the circular, the Jammu & Kashmir BJP spokesperson said, ""Our leaders cannot have any other flag on their vehicles besides the [[Flag of India|Tricolour]]. We welcome the withdrawal of the circular."<ref name="The Hindu"/>

In December 2015, the [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]] ordered the government of the state to hoist the state flag along with national flag on official buildings and vehicles of constitutional authorities.<ref>{{cite web|title=J&K High Court directs Mufti government to hoist state flag on buildings of constitutional authorities|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/jk-high-court-directs-mufti-government-to-hoist-state-flag-on-buildings-of-constitutional-authorities-1182588.html|accessdate=29 December 2015|publisher=IBNLive|date=28 December 2015}}</ref> However, this decision was contested by the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and in January 2016 Jammu and Kashmir High Court stayed their decision. Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir [[Nirmal Kumar Singh]] said that no flag could be hoisted at an equal level of the national flag of India. Other parties alleged that the BJP is trying to impose its nationalist agenda on a state with special status.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Jammu-and-Kashmir-high-court-stays-its-two-flag-order/articleshow/50405403.cms |title=Jammu and Kashmir high court stays its two-flag order|newspaper=The Times of India|date=1 January 2016 |accessdate=6 January 2016}}</ref> Despite the stance of the BJP, ministers of its coalition partner [[Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party|PDP]] continue to use the state flag alongside the national flag in official meetings. The youth wing of the [[Jammu and Kashmir National Conference|National Conference]] also launched a campaign encouraging people to use the state flag as the profile image on their social media accounts saying that "the state flag of Jammu and Kashmir doesn't undermine or take away the protocol or status of the national flag and is clearly provided for in our constitution."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-isolated-as-pdp-ministers-display-jk-flag/article8069507.ece|title=BJP isolated as PDP ministers display J&K flag|newspaper=The Hindu|date=6 January 2016|accessdate=7 January 2016}}</ref>

===Abolition===
The flag lost its official status on 6 August 2019 following the [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|removal of the region's special status]] through the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-state-flag-removed-from-secretariat-5936554/|title=Jammu & Kashmir state flag removed from secretariat|date=26 August 2019}}</ref> and was lowered for the last time on 25 August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir-state-flag-removed-from-civil-secretariat-in-srinagar/article29253214.ece|title=Kashmir’s Civil Secretariat lowers separate Jammu and Kashmir flag after 67 years|first=Peerzada|last=Ashiq|date=25 August 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

The state of Jammu and Kashmir was dissolved on 31 October 2019 and its territory divided between two new union territories, [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Ladakh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jammu-and-kashmir-ladakh-2-union-territories-now-here-s-how-things-will-change-2799491|title=Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh: 2 Union Territories now, here's how things will change|date=31 October 2019|website=DNA India}}</ref>

==Gallery ==
<gallery mode=packed>
File:Flag of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir (1836-1936).svg|Flag of the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] (1836-1936)
File:Jammu-Kashmir-flag-1936-1953.gif|Flag of the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] (1936–1952)
File:Flag of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir (1846-1936).svg|Standard of the [[Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir]] (1846–1952)
File:Jammu and Kashmir Flag (1952-2019).svg|Flag of the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] (1952–2019)
File:Indian Union territory flag of Jammu and Kashmir (proposed).png|Unionist flag of Jammu and Kashmir 2026, proposed
</gallery><ref name="JammuAugust 7"/>

== See also ==
* [[Emblem of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Flag of Azad Kashmir]]
* [[Flag of India|National flag of India]]
* [[List of Indian state flags]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Flags of India|Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1952|Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:1952 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Historical flags|Jammu]]
[[Category:Flags of indigenous peoples|Jammu]]

Flag of Jammu and Kashmir

2021-10-17T09:08:12Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Gallery */

{{short description|Flag of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir between 1952–2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox flag
| Name = State of Jammu And Kashmir
| Image = Flag of Jammu and Kashmir (1952-2019).svg
| Use = [[State flag]]
| Noborder = 
| Proportion = 2:3
| Adoption = 1952
| Relinquished = 2019
| Design = It is a red-and-white flag with a representation of a [[plough]] and three constituent regions of the state.
}}

The '''flag of Jammu and Kashmir''' was a symbol used in the former Indian [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] between 1952 and 2019, under the special status accorded to the region by [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India|Article 370]] of the [[Constitution of India]]. It was a red-and-white flag with a representation of a [[plough]] and three constituent regions of the state. After the abolition of Article 370 in August 2019, this flag lost its official status.<ref name="JammuAugust 7">{{Cite web|date=August 7, 2019|title=J&K flag to be removed permanently after revocation of special status for J&K|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/j-k-flag-article-370-revocation-special-status-kashmir-bifurcation-1578363-2019-08-07|access-date=2020-10-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
Article 144 of the [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir]], stated that flag of the state shall be rectangular 3:2 format. Its colour is red, which originally came to be symbolise workers and labourers. In the middle a white plough further symbolises the peasants. Next to the staff, three vertical white stripes represent the three regions of [[Jammu Division|Jammu]], [[Kashmir Division|Kashmir]] and [[Ladakh]].<ref name="tfos">{{cite magazine|last1=Noorani|first1=A. G.|date=4 September 2015|title=Two flags, one State|url=http://www.frontline.in/the-nation/two-flags-one-state/article7550135.ece|magazine=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]|access-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>

The flag had its origin in events that took place on 13 July 1931 in [[Srinagar]]. On the day, Kashmiri Muslims were protesting outside the Srinagar Central Jail premises at Srinagar where the Abdul Qadeer was arrested on the charge of terrorism and inciting public against the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir by Dogra state forces.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/martyrs-day-observed-in-kashmir-leaders-pay-tribute/article18460308.ece|title=Martyrs' Day observed in Kashmir, leaders pay tribute|date=2006-07-14|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-07-13|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyo.in/politics/july-13-jammu-and-kashmir-kashmiri-pandits-martyrs-day/story/1/4963.html|title=Truth about the martyrs of Kashmir's July 13 carnage|website=www.dailyo.in|access-date=2018-07-13}}</ref> The blood-tainted shirt of one of the victims was then hoisted by the crowd as the new flag of Kashmir.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}
On 11 July 1939, the older version flag was adopted by the [[Jammu & Kashmir National Conference]], a political party. On 7 June 1952, a resolution was passed by the [[Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir]], making it the official state flag.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

===2015 controversy===
The [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir]], in force until August 2019, made it mandatory to hoist the state flag alongside the [[Flag of India]].<ref name="The Hindu">{{cite news|title=Under BJP pressure, J&K withdraws flag order|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/maintain-sanctity-of-state-flag-says-jk-govt/article6990160.ece|accessdate=28 April 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> In 2015, the [[2014 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election|newly elected]] [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] members in the [[Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly]] refused to hoist the state flag in their offices. BJP Ministers did not hoist the state flag either, as they consider that it is of no importance.<ref name="The Hindu"/>

The government led by [[List of Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister]] [[Mufti Mohammad Sayeed]] then issued a circular making it compulsory to hoist the state flag along with the national flag, stating that "The state flag has the same sanctity and position as the national flag has under the Indian Constitution and other statutory provisions." However, within 20 hours, the state government withdrew this circular.<ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name=TOI>{{cite news|title=J&K govt withdraws order on state flag|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/JK-govt-withdraws-order-on-state-flag/articleshow/46560560.cms|accessdate=28 April 2015|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Mufti government withdraws controversial circular on state flag|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/mufti-government-jammu-kashmir-circular-state-flag-pdp/1/423791.html|accessdate=28 April 2015|magazine=India Today|date=14 March 2015}}</ref> On withdrawal of the circular, the Jammu & Kashmir BJP spokesperson said, ""Our leaders cannot have any other flag on their vehicles besides the [[Flag of India|Tricolour]]. We welcome the withdrawal of the circular."<ref name="The Hindu"/>

In December 2015, the [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]] ordered the government of the state to hoist the state flag along with national flag on official buildings and vehicles of constitutional authorities.<ref>{{cite web|title=J&K High Court directs Mufti government to hoist state flag on buildings of constitutional authorities|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/jk-high-court-directs-mufti-government-to-hoist-state-flag-on-buildings-of-constitutional-authorities-1182588.html|accessdate=29 December 2015|publisher=IBNLive|date=28 December 2015}}</ref> However, this decision was contested by the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and in January 2016 Jammu and Kashmir High Court stayed their decision. Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir [[Nirmal Kumar Singh]] said that no flag could be hoisted at an equal level of the national flag of India. Other parties alleged that the BJP is trying to impose its nationalist agenda on a state with special status.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Jammu-and-Kashmir-high-court-stays-its-two-flag-order/articleshow/50405403.cms |title=Jammu and Kashmir high court stays its two-flag order|newspaper=The Times of India|date=1 January 2016 |accessdate=6 January 2016}}</ref> Despite the stance of the BJP, ministers of its coalition partner [[Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party|PDP]] continue to use the state flag alongside the national flag in official meetings. The youth wing of the [[Jammu and Kashmir National Conference|National Conference]] also launched a campaign encouraging people to use the state flag as the profile image on their social media accounts saying that "the state flag of Jammu and Kashmir doesn't undermine or take away the protocol or status of the national flag and is clearly provided for in our constitution."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bjp-isolated-as-pdp-ministers-display-jk-flag/article8069507.ece|title=BJP isolated as PDP ministers display J&K flag|newspaper=The Hindu|date=6 January 2016|accessdate=7 January 2016}}</ref>

===Abolition===
The flag lost its official status on 6 August 2019 following the [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|removal of the region's special status]] through the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jk-state-flag-removed-from-secretariat-5936554/|title=Jammu & Kashmir state flag removed from secretariat|date=26 August 2019}}</ref> and was lowered for the last time on 25 August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir-state-flag-removed-from-civil-secretariat-in-srinagar/article29253214.ece|title=Kashmir’s Civil Secretariat lowers separate Jammu and Kashmir flag after 67 years|first=Peerzada|last=Ashiq|date=25 August 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

The state of Jammu and Kashmir was dissolved on 31 October 2019 and its territory divided between two new union territories, [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and [[Ladakh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-jammu-and-kashmir-ladakh-2-union-territories-now-here-s-how-things-will-change-2799491|title=Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh: 2 Union Territories now, here's how things will change|date=31 October 2019|website=DNA India}}</ref>

==Gallery ==
<gallery mode=packed>
File:Flag of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir (1836-1936).svg|Flag of the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] (1836-1936)
File:Jammu-Kashmir-flag-1936-1953.gif|Flag of the princely state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] (1936–1952)
File:Flag of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir (1846-1936).svg|Standard of the [[Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir]] (1846–1952)
File:Jammu and Kashmir Flag (1952-2019).svg|Flag of the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] (1952–2019)
File:Indian Union territory flag of Jammu and Kashmir (proposed).png| Flag of Jammu and Kashmir 2026, proposed
</gallery><ref name="JammuAugust 7"/>

== See also ==
* [[Emblem of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Flag of Azad Kashmir]]
* [[Flag of India|National flag of India]]
* [[List of Indian state flags]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Flags of India|Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1952|Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:1952 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Historical flags|Jammu]]
[[Category:Flags of indigenous peoples|Jammu]]

Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)

2021-10-17T09:06:07Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|Union territory in India}}
{{About|the governance of the region administered by India as a union territory|all other aspects of Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmir|the former princely state|Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)}}
{{pp-30-500|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Jammu and Kashmir
| settlement_type = Region administered by India as a [[States and union territories of India|union territory]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Pahalgam Valley.jpg
| photo2a = Akhnoor Fort - Jammu - Jammu and Kashmir - DSC 0001 JPEG.jpg
| photo3a =
| photo4a =
| spacing = 2
| position = centre
| size = 220
| border = 0
| color = #000000
| foot_montage = [[Lidder Valley]], [[Akhnoor Fort]]
}}
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| image_flag = Indian Union territory flag of Jammu and Kashmir (proposed).png
| flag_size =
| flag_type =
| image_blank_emblem =
| blank_emblem_size =
| blank_emblem_type =
| image_map = Kashmir Region November 2019.jpg
| map_alt = Jammu and Kashmir
| map_caption = A map of the disputed [[Kashmir]] region showing the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir
| image_map1 =
| map_caption1 =
| coordinates = {{coord|33.5|75.0|region:IN-JK_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = Administered by
| subdivision_name = [[India]]
| established_title = [[States and union territories of India|Union territory]]
| established_date = 31 October 2019
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[Srinagar]] (May–October) [[Jammu]] (Nov-April)<ref name="Darbar Move">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/what-is-the-darbar-move-in-j-k-all-about/article18409452.ece |title=What is the Darbar Move in J&K all about? |last=Desk |first=The Hindu Net |date=8 May 2017 |newspaper=The Hindu |language=en-IN |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110135648/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/what-is-the-darbar-move-in-j-k-all-about/article18409452.ece |archive-date=10 November 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| parts_type = [[List of districts in Jammu and Kashmir|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts in Jammu and Kashmir|20]]
| government_footnotes =
| governing_body = [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]]
| leader_title = [[List of lieutenant governors of Jammu and Kashmir|Lieutenant Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Manoj Sinha]]
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = ''Vacant''
| leader_title2 = [[Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameralism|Unicameral]] (114 seats)<ref>{{cite news |url =https://www.livemint.com/news/india/new-dawn-for-j-k-begins-two-new-federal-units-take-shape-11572493040564.html|title =Jammu and Kashmir transitions from a state into 2 federal units|author =Shaswati Das|publisher =Live Mint|website =livemint.com|quote =Jammu and Kashmir will also have its own legislative assembly, under which, according to the Act, the number of seats will go up to 114 from 87 currently, following a delimitation exercise.|access-date =30 June 2020}}</ref>
| leader_title3 = [[17th Lok Sabha|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name3 = [[Rajya Sabha]] (4) [[Lok Sabha]] (5)
| leader_title4 = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name4 = [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]]
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = {{efn|Jammu and Kashmir is a [[disputed territory]] between [[India]] and [[Pakistan]]. Jammu and Kashmir has 42,241 km2 of area administered by India and 13,297 km2 of area controlled by Pakistan under Azad Kashmir which is claimed by India as part of Jammu and Kashmir.}}
| area_total_km2 = 42,241
| area_rank =
| elevation_max_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197506500/Saser-Kangri|title=Saser Kangri |journal= The American Alpine Journal (AAJ)|date=1975 |first1=Jogindar |last1=Singh |access-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214115923/http://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197506500/Saser-Kangri|archive-date=14 February 2019|url-status=live |pages=67–67}} [https://aac-publications.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/aaj/1975/PDF/AAJ_1975_20_1_065.pdf pdf of original pages]</ref>
| elevation_max_m = 7135
| elevation_max_ft =
| elevation_max_point = [[Nun Kun|Nun Peak]]
| elevation_max_rank =
| elevation_min_footnotes =
| elevation_min_m = 247
| elevation_min_ft =
| elevation_min_point =  [[Chenab River]]
| elevation_min_rank =
| population_total = 12,267,013
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Vijaita |title=Only J&K will use 2011 Census for delimitation |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/only-jk-will-use-2011-census-for-delimitation/article30952006.ece |access-date=6 November 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=29 February 2020 |language=en-IN}}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank =
| population_note =
| registration_plate = JK
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-JK]]
| unemployment_rate =
| blank_info_sec1 = {{Increase}} 0.688 (Medium)
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank1_info_sec1 =
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| blank_info_sec2 =
| blank2_name_sec2 =
| blank2_info_sec2 =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]], [[Dogri language|Dogri]], [[Urdu]], [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]].<ref name="OfficialLang">{{cite web |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2020/222037.pdf |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020 |publisher=The Gazette of India|date=27 September 2020 |access-date=27 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Parliament passes JK Official Languages Bill, 2020 | work=Rising Kashmir | date=23 September 2020| url=http://risingkashmir.com/news/parliament-passes-jk-official-languages-bill-2020 | access-date=23 September 2020}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Pahari-Pothwari|Pahari]], [[Gujari language|Gojri]], Dadri<ref name="Languages">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RRbIAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA184 |title=The Parchment of Kashmir: History, Society, and Polity |last=Khan |first=N. |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=Springer |isbn=9781137029584 |page=184 |language=en |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223184947/https://books.google.com/books?id=RRbIAAAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&pg=PA184#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=23 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Dadri">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNqOjvaAb9cC&pg=PA6 |title=Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir: Ancient times to Shimla Agreement |last1=Aggarwal |first1=J. C. |last2=Agrawal |first2=S. P. |date=1995 |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |isbn=9788170225577 |language=en |access-date=23 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224001711/https://books.google.com/books?id=XNqOjvaAb9cC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA6#v=onepage&q&f=false |archive-date=24 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Bhadarwahi]],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Bhadrawahi |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/language/bhd |language=en|website=Ethnologue.com|access-date=6 August 2019}}</ref> [[Bateri language|Bateri]],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Bateri |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/language/btv |language=en}}</ref> [[Shina language|Shina]],<ref name="Crane1956">{{cite book|last=Crane|first=Robert I.|title=Area Handbook on Jammu and Kashmir State|year=1956|publisher=University of Chicago for the Human Relations Area Files|language=en|page=179|quote=Shina is the most eastern of these languages and in some of its dialects such as the Brokpa of Dah and Hanu and the dialect of Dras, it impinges upon the area of the Sino-Tibetan language family and has been affected by Tibetan with an overlay of words and idioms.}}</ref> [[Burushaski]]<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Pakistan's "Burushaski" Language Finds New Relatives |url=https://www.npr.org/2012/06/20/155454736/pakistans-burushaski-language-finds-new-relatives |language=en|website=Npr.org|access-date=6 August 2019}}</ref> and [[Khowar language|Khowar]]<ref name="SimonsFenning2017">{{cite book|last1=Simons|first1= Gary F. |last2=Fennig|first2=Charles D. |title=Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Twentieth Edition|year=2017|publisher=[[SIL International]]|location= Dallas|language=en}}</ref>
| website = https://www.jk.gov.in
| footnotes =
| official_name =
| module =
| leader_name5 = (280 seats)
| leader_title5 = [[District Development Council|DDC]]
}}

'''Jammu and Kashmir'''{{efn|Pronounced variably as {{IPAc-en|ˈ|dʒ|æ|m|uː}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|dʒ|ʌ|m|uː}}, {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|æ|ʃ|m|ɪər}} or {{IPAc-en|k|æ|ʃ|ˈ|m|ɪər}}.<ref>{{Citation |last=Jones |first=Daniel |author-link= Daniel Jones (phonetician) |title= English Pronouncing Dictionary |editor=Peter Roach |editor2=James Hartmann |editor3=Jane Setter |place=Cambridge |publisher= Cambridge University Press |orig-year=1917 |year=2003 |isbn=978-3-12-539683-8 }}</ref>}} is a region administered by India as a [[union territory]] and consists of the southern portion of the larger [[Kashmir]] region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947, and between India and China since 1962.<ref name=britannica-jammu-kashmir>(a) {{citation|last1=Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannia|title=Kashmir, region Indian subcontinent|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Kashmir-region-Indian-subcontinent |access-date=15 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Kashmir, region of the northwestern Indian subcontinent ... has been the subject of dispute between India and Pakistan since the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. The northern and western portions are administered by Pakistan and comprise three areas: Azad Kashmir, Gilgit, and Baltistan, the last two being part of a territory called the Northern Areas. Administered by India are the southern and southeastern portions, which constitute the state of Jammu and Kashmir but are slated to be split into two union territories. China became active in the eastern area of Kashmir in the 1950s and has controlled the northeastern part of Ladakh (the easternmost portion of the region) since 1962."; (b) {{citation|chapter=Kashmir|title=Encyclopedia Americana|publisher=Scholastic Library Publishing|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l_cWAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA328|year=2006|isbn=978-0-7172-0139-6|page=328}} C. E Bosworth, University of Manchester Quote: "KASHMIR, kash'mer, the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent, administered partlv by India, partly by Pakistan, and partly by China. The region has been the subject of a bitter dispute between India and Pakistan since they became independent in 1947";</ref><ref name="Osmanczyk2003">{{citation|last1=Osmańczyk|first1=Edmund Jan|title=Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements: G to M|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fSIMXHMdfkkC&pg=PA1191|year=2003|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-0-415-93922-5|pages=1191–}} Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir: Territory in northwestern India, subject to a dispute between India and Pakistan. It has borders with Pakistan and China."</ref> The region of Jammu and Kashmir is separated by the [[Line of Control]] from the [[Kashmir#Current status and political divisions|Pakistani-administered]] territories of [[Azad Kashmir]] and [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] in the west and north, respectively. It lies to the north of the Indian states of [[Himachal Pradesh]] and [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and to the west of [[Ladakh]], which is also subject to the dispute as a part of Kashmir, and administered by India as a union territory.

Provisions for the formation of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir were contained within the [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019]], which was passed by both houses of the [[Parliament of India]] in August 2019. The act re-constituted the former [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|state of Jammu and Kashmir]] into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with effect from 31 October 2019.<ref name="Gazette2" />

== Terminology ==
Jammu and Kashmir is named after the two regions it encompasses {{ndash}} the [[Jammu region]] and the [[Kashmir Valley]].

The Government of Pakistan and Pakistani sources refer to Jammu and Kashmir as a part of "Indian-occupied Kashmir" ("IOK") or "Indian-held Kashmir" (IHK).<ref>{{cite web |first= Ali | last=Zain |url= http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pakistani-flag-hoisted-pro-freedom-slogans-chanted-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-567/ |title= Pakistani flag hoisted, pro-freedom slogans chanted in Indian Occupied Kashmir – Daily Pakistan Global |publisher= En.dailypakistan.com.pk |date= 13 September 2015 |access-date= 17 November 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151118114311/http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/pakistani-flag-hoisted-pro-freedom-slogans-chanted-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-567/ |archive-date= 18 November 2015 |url-status=live |df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://dunyanews.tv/index.php/en/World/298421-Pakistani-flag-hoisted-once-again-in-Indian-Occupi |title= Pakistani flag hoisted once again in Indian Occupied Kashmir |website=Dunya News |date= 11 September 2015 |access-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> The Government of India and Indian sources in turn, call the [[Pakistan-administered Kashmir|territory under Pakistan control]] "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir" ("POK") or "Pakistan-held Kashmir" ("PHK").<ref name="Snedden 2013 p.2-3">{{cite book |first=Christopher |last=Snedden |author-link=Christopher Snedden |title=Kashmir: The Unwritten History |publisher=HarperCollins India |year=2013 |isbn=978-9350298985 |pages=2–3}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-enigma-of-terminology/article5621801.ece|title=The enigma of terminology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016082903/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-enigma-of-terminology/article5621801.ece|archive-date=16 October 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 January 2014}}</ref>
"Indian-administered Kashmir" and "Indian-controlled Kashmir" are often used by neutral sources.<ref>South Asia: fourth report of session 2006–07 by By Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Foreign Affairs Committee page 37</ref>

== History ==
{{For|the 1954–2019 history|Jammu and Kashmir (state)#History}}
{{For|the pre-1954 history|Kashmir#History}}

The state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] was accorded special status by [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India]]. In contrast to other [[states of India]], Jammu and Kashmir had its own [[Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir|constitution]], [[Flag of Jammu and Kashmir|flag]] and administrative autonomy.<ref>{{citation |author=K. Venkataramanan |title=How the status of Jammu and Kashmir is being changed |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 August 2019 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/explained-how-the-status-of-jammu-and-kashmir-is-being-changed/article28822866.ece?homepage=true}}</ref> Indian citizens from other states were not allowed to purchase land or property in Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/article-370-and-35a-revoked-how-it-would-change-the-face-of-kashmir/articleshow/70531959.cms|title=Article 370 and 35(A) revoked: How it would change the face of Kashmir|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=5 August 2019}}</ref>

Jammu and Kashmir had three distinct areas: Hindu-majority [[Jammu region]], Muslim-majority [[Kashmir Valley]] and Buddhist-dominated [[Ladakh]].<ref name=BBC6Aug>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-49234708 Article 370: What happened with Kashmir and why it matters]. BBC (6 August 2019). Retrieved 7 August 2019.</ref> Unrest and violence persisted in the Kashmiri Valley and, following a disputed state election in 1987, an [[insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|insurgency persisted]] in protest over autonomy and rights.<ref name="BBC6Aug" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Jeelani|first1=Mushtaq A.|title=Kashmir: A History Littered With Rigged Elections|url=http://www.mediamonitors.net/jeelani4.html|website=Media Monitors Network|access-date=24 February 2017|date=25 June 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051443/http://www.mediamonitors.net/jeelani4.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

The [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) came to power in the [[2014 Indian general election]] and five years later included in their [[2019 Indian general election|2019 election manifesto]] the revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India, in order to bring Jammu and Kashmir to equal status with other states.<ref name=BBC6Aug/>

A resolution to [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir|repeal Article 370]] was passed by both the houses of the [[Parliament of India]] in August 2019. At the same time, a [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|reorganisation act]] was also passed, which would reconstitute the state into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-live-govt-to-move-jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill-for-passage-in-lok-sabha/article28831274.ece|title=Parliament Live | Lok Sabha passes Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, Ayes: 370, Noes 70|date=6 August 2019|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=6 August 2019}}</ref> The reorganisation took effect from 31 October 2019.<ref name="Gazette2">{{citation|url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210412.pdf|title=In exercise of the powers conferred by clause a of section 2 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.|date=9 August 2019|access-date=9 August 2019|author=Ministry of Home Affairs|work=[[The Gazette of India]]}}</ref>

Thousands of Kashmiris, including two former Chief Ministers and hundreds of other politicians, were detained in prisons all across India,<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |title=Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-detentions/thousands-detained-in-indian-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-reveals-idUSKCN1VX142 |work=Reuters |date=September 12, 2019}}</ref> the state was put under a [[2019–2021 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown|lockdown]] and communication and internet services were suspended.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir in lockdown after autonomy scrapped |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49246434 |access-date=6 June 2021 |work=BBC News |date=6 August 2019}}</ref>

==Geography==


===Topography===
[[File:Kashmir top.jpg|thumb|[[Topographic map]] of Jammu and Kashmir, with visible altitude for the Kashmir valley and Jammu region.]]

Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, [[Chenab Valley]], [[Poonch (town)|Poonch]] Valley, [[Sind Valley]] and [[Lidder Valley]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Vij|first=Shivam|date=5 May 2017|title=Kashmir Is A Prison With Three Walls|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/05/04/kashmir-is-a-prison-with-three-walls_a_22070340/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505073150/http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/05/04/kashmir-is-a-prison-with-three-walls_a_22070340/|archive-date=5 May 2017|access-date=9 August 2019|work=[[HuffPost]]}} [https://shivamvij.in/2017/05/05/755/ Alt URL]</ref> The Kashmir valley is {{convert|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} wide and {{convert|15520.3|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} in area.<ref name="AA1">{{cite web|url=https://www.asianage.com/columnists/indus-water-flow-can-t-be-stopped-721|title=Indus: The water flow can't be stopped|first=Mohan|last=Guruswamy|work=[[The Asian Age]]|date=28 September 2016|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref> The [[Himalayas]] divide the Kashmir valley from the [[Tibetan plateau]] while the [[Pir Panjal]] range, which encloses the valley from the west and the south, separates it from the [[Punjab Plain]] of the [[Indo-Gangetic Plain]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/opinion/a-tryst-of-the-heart-and-history-along-the-karakoram-highway/|title=A Tryst of the Heart and History along the Karakoram Highway|first=Asma|last=Khan|work=[[Greater Kashmir]]|date=26 April 2018|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref> Along the northeastern flank of the Valley runs the main range of the Himalayas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zmescience.com/other/feature-post/india-pakistan-conflict-07032019/|title=Why India and Pakistan keep fighting over Kashmir – the history of the Kashmir conflict|first=Mihai|last=Andrei|work=GME Science|date=11 March 2019|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref> This valley has an average height of {{convert|1850|m|ft}} above sea-level,<ref name="AA1"/> but the surrounding Pir Panjal range has an average elevation of {{convert|10000|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/in-the-past-the-mountain-passes-were-entry-exit-points-for-travellers-and-invaders/article22136536.ece|title=Doorway of the gods: Himalaya crosses five countries|author1=Vrinda|author2=J. Ramanan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 December 2017|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref> The [[Jhelum River]] is the major Himalayan river which flows through the Kashmir valley.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jhelum-River|title=Jhelum River|encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]|date=15 December 2015|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref> The [[Tawi River|Tawi]], [[Ravi River|Ravi]] and [[Chenab River|Chenab]] are the other important rivers flowing through the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/29-Jul-2019/flooding-alert-issued-as-india-releases-water|title=Flooding alert issued as India releases water|work=[[The Nation (Pakistan)|The Nation]]|author=Agencies|date=29 July 2019|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref>

==Administrative divisions==
[[File:J,K and L - Indian Union Territories.jpg|thumb|'''''Jammu and Kashmir union territory''''' (J and K) is bordered in carmine colour. '''''Ladakh union territory''''' (L) is bordered in blue colour.]]
{{Main|List of districts in Jammu and Kashmir}}

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir consists of two [[Divisions of India|divisions]]: [[Jammu Division]] and [[Kashmir Division]], and is further divided into 20 [[Districts of India|districts]].<ref name=MHA>{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |title=Ministry of Home Affairs:: Department of Jammu & Kashmir Affairs |access-date=28 August 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208212815/http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |archive-date=8 December 2008 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-bottom: 0;"
|-style="vertical-align:top;"
!| Division
!| Name
!| Headquarters
!| Area (km2)
!| Area (sq miles)
!| Rural Area (km2)
!| Urban Area (km2)
!|

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
|rowspan=11|[[Jammu Division|Jammu]]
||[[Kathua district]]
|| [[Kathua]]
| {{convert|2502|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2458.84|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|43.16|2}}
|| <ref>{{cite report
|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0107_PART_A_DCHB_KATHUA.pdf |page=8 |work=Census of India 2011, Part A |title=District Census Handbook Kathua |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Jammu district]]
|| [[Jammu (city)|Jammu]]
| {{convert|2342|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2089.87|2}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|252.13|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0121_PART_A_DCHB_JAMMU.pdf |pages=13, 51, 116 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Jammu, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0121_PART_B_DCHB_JAMMU.pdf |pages=13, 24 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Jammu, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Samba district]]
|| [[Samba, Jammu|Samba]]
| {{convert|904|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|865.24|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|38.76|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0122_PART_A_DCHB_SAMBA.pdf |pages=9, 34, 36, 100 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Samba, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0122_PART_B_DCHB_SAMBA.pdf |pages=10, 12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Samba, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Udhampur district]]
|| [[Udhampur]]
| {{convert|2637.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2593.28|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|43.72|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0119_PART_B_DCHB_UDHAMPUR.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Udhampur |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Reasi district]]
|| [[Reasi]]
| {{convert|1719|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1679.99|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|39.01|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0120_PART_A_DCHB_REASI.pdf |pages=9, 37, 88 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Reasi, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0120_PART_B_DCHB_REASI.pdf |pages=9, 13, 24 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Reasi, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Rajouri district]]
|| [[Rajouri]]
| {{convert|2630|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2608.11|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|21.89|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0106_PART_A_DCHB_RAJOURI.pdf |pages=11, 107 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Rajouri, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0106_PART_B_DCHB_RAJOURI.pdf |pages=9, 10, 12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Rajouri, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir|Poonch district]]
|| [[Poonch (town)|Poonch]]
| {{convert|1674|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1649.92|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|24.08|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0105_PART_A_DCHB_PUNCH.pdf |pages=9, 99 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Punch, Part A |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0105_PART_B_DCHB_PUNCH.pdf |pages=11, 13, 24 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Punch, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Doda district]]
|| [[Doda, Jammu and Kashmir|Doda]]
| {{convert|8912.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|8892.25|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|19.75|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0116_PART_B_DCHB_DODA.pdf |pages=9, 12, 99 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Doda, Part B |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Ramban district]]
|| [[Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir)|Ramban]]
| {{convert|1329.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1313.92|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|15.08|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0117_PART_B_DCHB_RAMBAN.pdf |pages=10, 12 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Ramban, Part B |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Kishtwar district]]
|| [[Kishtwar]]
| {{convert|1644.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1643.37|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|0.63|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0118_PART_B_DCHB_KISHTWAR.pdf |pages=9, 10, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kishtwar, Part B |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} Part B page 9 says the rural area is 1643.65 km2, whilst pages 10 and 22 says 1643.37 km2.</ref>

|- style="background:lightblue; vertical-align:top;"
||Total for division
|| [[Jammu Division|Jammu]]
| {{convert|26293|km2|sqmi|disp=tablecen|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:center;"| {{round|25794.95|2}}
|style="text-align:center;"| {{round|498.05|2}}
||

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
|rowspan=11 |[[Kashmir Division|Kashmir]]
||[[Anantnag district]]
|| [[Anantnag]]
| {{convert|3574|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|3475.76|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|98.24|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0114_PART_A_DCHB_ANANTNAG.pdf |page=9 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Anantnag, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0114_PART_B_DCHB_ANANTNAG.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Anantnag, Part B |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Kulgam district]]
|| [[Kulgam]]
| {{convert|410|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|360.20|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|49.80|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0115_PART_A_DCHB_KULGAM.pdf |page=10 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kulgam, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0115_PART_B_DCHB_KULGAM.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kulgam, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} Part B page 12 says the are of the district is 404 km2, but page 22 says 410 km2.</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Pulwama district]]
|| [[Pulwama]]
| {{convert|1086.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1047.45|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|38.55|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0112_PART_B_DCHB_PULWAMA.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Pulwama, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Shopian district]]
|| [[Shopian]]
| {{convert|312.00|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|306.56|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|5.44|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0113_PART_A_DCHB_SHUPIYAN.pdf |page=10 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Shupiyan, Part A |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0113_PART_B_DCHB_SUPHIYAN.pdf |pages=12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Shupiyan, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}} Part B pages 12 and 22 say the district area is 312.00 km2, but Part A page 10 says 307.42 km2.</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Budgam district]]
|| [[Budgam]]
| {{convert|1361|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1311.95|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|49.05|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0102_PART_A_DCHB_BADGAM.pdf |pages=10, 46 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Badgam, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0102_PART_B_DCHB_BADGAM.pdf |pages=11, 12, 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Badgam, Part B |date=16 June 2014|access-date=21 November 2020}} Part A says the district area is 1371 km2, Part B says 1371 km2 (page 11) and 1361 km2 (page 12s and 22).</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Srinagar district]]
|| [[Srinagar]]
| {{convert|1978.95|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|1684.42|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|294.53|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0110_PART_A_DCHB_SRINAGAR.pdf |pages=11, 48 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Srinagar, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} Part A page 48 says the district area was 2228.0 km2 in 2001 and 1978.95 km2 in 2011.</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Ganderbal district]]
|| [[Ganderbal]]
| {{convert|259|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}} 
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|233.60|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|25.40|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0111_PART_B_DCHB_GANDERBAL.pdf |pages=11, 12 and 22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Ganderbal, Part B |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} Part B page 11 says the district area is 393.04 km2, but pages 12 and 22 say 259.00 km2.</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Bandipora district]]
|| [[Bandipore|Bandipora]]
| {{convert|345|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|295.37|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|49.63|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0109_PART_A_DCHB_BANDIPORE.pdf |pages=10, 47 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Bandipora, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0109_PART_B_DCHB_BANDIPORE.pdf |pages=11, 20 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Bandipora, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Baramulla district]]
|| [[Baramulla]]
| {{convert|4243|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|4179.44|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|63.56|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0108_PART_A_DCHB_BARAMULA.pdf |page=11 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Baramulla, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0108_PART_B_DCHB_BARAMULA.pdf|page=22 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Baramulla, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|-style="vertical-align:top;"
||[[Kupwara district]]
|| [[Kupwara]]
| {{convert|2379|km2|sqmi|disp=table|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|2331.66|2}}
|style="text-align:right;"| {{round|47.34|2}}
||<ref>{{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/DCHB_A/01/0101_PART_A_DCHB_KUPWARA.pdf |page=7 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kupwara, Part A |date=July 2016 |access-date=21 November 2020}} {{cite report |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0101_PART_B_DCHB_KUPWARA.pdf|pages=11, 12 |work=Census of India 2011 |title=District Census Handbook Kupwara, Part B |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=21 November 2020}}</ref>

|- style="background:lightblue; vertical-align:top;"
||Total for division
|| [[Kashmir Division|Kashmir]]
| {{convert|15,948.00|km2|sqmi|disp=tablecen|0|adj=ri0}}
|style="text-align:center;"| {{round|15226.41|2}}
|style="text-align:center;"| {{round|721.54|2}}
||

|}

==Demographics==
===Religion===
{{Pie chart|label1=[[Islam]]|value1=68.8|color1=Green|label2=[[Hinduism]]|value2=28.8|color2=orange|label3=[[Sikhism]]|value3=1.9|color3=yellow|label4=[[Christianity]]|value4=0.28|color4=blue|label5=[[Buddhism]]|value5=0.03|color5=Gold|label6=[[Jainism]]|value6=0.01|color6=Maroon|label7=Others|value7=0.01|color7=Grey|label8=Not Stated|value8=0.15|color8=Black|caption=Religions in Jammu and Kashmir (2011)<ref name="2011 Census">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>}}

Muslims constitutes the majority of the population of Jammu and Kashmir with a significant Hindu minority.<ref name="2011 Census"/>

The [[Kashmir Division]] is largely Muslim (96.41%) with a small Hindu (2.45%) and Sikh (0.81%) population. The [[Jammu Division]] is predominantly Hindu (66%) with a significant Muslim population (30%). The Muslims form a majority in the Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of Jammu, while the Hindus form a majority in Kathua, Samba, Jammu and Udhampur districts. Reasi district has an almost equal number of Hindus and Muslims.<ref name="2011 Census"/>

==Government and politics==
{{main|Government of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly}}

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is administered under the provisions of [[:s:Constitution of India/Part VIII#Article 239|Article 239]] of the [[Constitution of India]]. The Article 239A, originally formulated for the union territory of [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puduchery]], will also be applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.<ref name="Indian Express">
[https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-bifurcation-ladakh-union-territory-key-takeaways-from-reorganisation-bill-article-370-amit-shah-5880177/ Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill passed by Rajya Sabha: Key takeaways], The Indian Express, 5 August 2019.
</ref>

===Executive branch===
The [[President of India]] appoints a [[List of Governors of Jammu and Kashmir|Lieutenant Governor]] for the union territory.<ref name="Indian Express"/>

A Council of Ministers led by a [[Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|Chief Minister]] is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor from the membership of the legislative assembly. Their role is to advise the Lieutenant Governor in the exercise of functions in matters under the jurisdiction of the legislative assembly. In other matters, the Lieutenant Governor is empowered to act in his own capacity.<ref name="Indian Express"/>

===Legislative branch===
The legislative branch is of government is a unicameral [[Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir|legislative assembly]], whose tenure is five years. The legislative assembly may make laws for any of the matters in the [[State List]] of the Constitution of India except "public order" and "police", which will remain the preserve of the central [[Government of India]]. The Lieutenant Governor also has the power to promulgate ordinances which have the same force as the acts of the legislative assembly.<ref name="Indian Express"/>

Elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are to be held following the implementation of new constituency boundaries which is expected to be completed in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir-assembly-election-in-2021-after-delimitation-ec-sources-2230726.html|title=Jammu and Kashmir assembly election in 2021 after delimitation: EC sources|date=29 August 2019|website=Zee News}}</ref>

===Judicial branch===
[[FILE:Stamp of India - 2006 - Colnect 158978 - High Court of Jammu - Kashmir.jpeg|thumb|The [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]] on postal stamps of India]]
The union territory is under the jurisdiction of the [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]], which also serves as high court for [[Ladakh]].<ref name="Indian Express"/> Police services are provided by the [[Jammu and Kashmir Police]].<ref name="trnscpt">{{cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/salient-features-of-jammu-kashmir-reorganization-bill-146998|title=Salient Features Of Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Bill [Read Bill]|first1=Devesh|first2=Iti|last1=Ratan|last2=Johri|date=7 August 2019|website=LiveLaw.in: All about law|access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref>

===Parties===
The main political parties active in the region are the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (State President: [[Ravinder Raina]]), the [[Indian National Congress]] (State President: [[Ghulam Ahmad Mir]]), the [[Jammu & Kashmir National Conference]] (President: [[Farooq Abdullah]]) and the [[Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party]] (President: [[Mehbooba Mufti]]). Other parties with a presence in the region parties include the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]], the [[Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party]], the [[Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference]], the [[Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party]] (President: [[Altaf Bukhari]]), the [[Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party]] (President: Mir Junaid) and [[Ikkjutt Jammu]] (President: Ankur Sharma).

===Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament of India===
Jammu and Kashmir sends five members (MPs) to the lower house of the [[Indian parliament]] (the [[Lok Sabha]]) and four members to the upper house (the [[Rajya Sabha]]).

;Lok Sabha constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Constituency No. !! style="width:180px;" |Constituency !! Reserved for (SC/ST/None)
|-
| align="centre" |1||[[Baramulla (Lok Sabha constituency)|Baramulla]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |2 ||[[Srinagar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Srinagar]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |3 ||[[Anantnag (Lok Sabha constituency)|Anantnag]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |4 ||[[Udhampur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Udhampur]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
| align="centre" |5 ||[[Jammu (Lok Sabha constituency)|Jammu]]|| align="centre" |None
|-
|}

== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir}}
Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, [[Chenab Valley]], [[Sind Valley|Sindh Valley]] and [[Lidder Valley]]. Some major tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir are [[Srinagar]], the [[Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar|Mughal Gardens]], [[Gulmarg]], [[Pahalgam]], [[Patnitop]] and [[Jammu]]. Every year, thousands of Hindu [[pilgrim]]s visit holy shrines of [[Vaishno Devi]] and [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath]] which has had significant impact on the state's economy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200709130350.htm | work=Online edition of The Hindu|title=Amarnath Board to study yatra impact on Kashmir economy | access-date=6 June 2009|location=Chennai, India|date=13 September 2007}}</ref>

The Kashmir valley is one of the top tourist destinations of India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200903181221.htm|work=Online edition of The Hindu|title=Foreign tourists flock Kashmir|access-date=18 March 2009|location=Chennai, India|date=18 March 2009}}</ref> [[Gulmarg]], one of the most popular [[ski resort]] destinations in India, is also home to the world's highest green [[golf course]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB119332713217271534?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=Fairway to Heaven|author=Cris Prystay|date=26 October 2007|work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> The decrease in violence in the state has boosted the state's economy, specifically tourism.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sify.com/news/Tourists-arrival-gives-boost-to-J-K-economy-news-jm3v4cihjai.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716071016/http://www.sify.com/news/Tourists-arrival-gives-boost-to-J-K-economy-news-jm3v4cihjai.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-07-16|title=Tourists arrival gives boost to J-K economy|work=Sify}}</ref>

Jammu and Kashmir is also famous for its scenic beauty, flower gardens, apple farms and more. It attracts tourists for its unique handicrafts and the world-famous [[Kashmir shawl|Kashmiri Shawls]].

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:River Chenab Ramban.jpg|River Chenab in [[Chenab Valley]]
File:Gund village.jpg|[[Sind Valley|Sindh Valley]]
File:Pahalgam Valley.jpg|[[Lidder Valley]]
File:Shalimar Mughal Garden Srinagar 2.jpg|the [[Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar|Mughal Gardens]]
File:Pahalgam views 13.JPG|[[Pahalgam]] views
File:Gulmarg in 1969.jpg|[[Gulmarg]]
File:Sanasar Lake.jpeg|Sanasar Lake which is around 11 km from [[Patnitop]]
File:Amarnath 4.jpg|View of [[Amarnath Temple|Amarnath]] Valley.
</gallery>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)]], for the entity that existed till 1952
* [[Kashmiriyat]]
* [[Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Kashmiri cinema]]
* [[Literature of Kashmir]]
* [[Music of Jammu and Kashmir]]
* [[Kus Bani Koshur Karorpaet]]
* [[DD Kashir]]
* [[AIR Srinagar]]
* [[University of Kashmir]]
* [[University of Jammu]]
* [[Central University of Kashmir]]
* [[Central University of Jammu]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir cricket team]]
* [[Real Kashmir F.C.]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir football team]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir Police]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry]]
* [[Jammu and Kashmir Rifles]]
{{-}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://jk.gov.in/ Government of Jammu and Kashmir]
* [https://jkgad.nic.in/ General Administration Department]
* [http://jkrajbhawan.nic.in/ Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir]
* [https://jammukashmir.s3waas.gov.in/ Jammu and Kashmir district portal]

{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}}
{{Kashmir Valley}}
{{States and Union Territories of India}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jammu And Kashmir}}
[[Category:Jammu and Kashmir| ]]
[[Category:North India|*]]
[[Category:History of the Republic of India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2019]]
[[Category:2019 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Urdu-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Kashmiri-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Disputed territories in Asia]]
[[Category:Union territories of India]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]

Goa, Daman and Diu

2021-10-17T09:02:23Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{short description|Goa, Daman, and Diu is a union territory of India from 19 December 1961 .}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = Goa, Daman and Diu
|native_name = {{unbulleted list | {{native name|gom|Goem, Damanv ani Diu / गोंय, दामांव आनी दीव}} | {{native name|pt|Goa, Damão e Diu}}}}
|common_name = Goa
|status = [[States and union territories of India|Union Territory]]
|year_start = 1961
|year_end = 1987
|date_start = 19 December
|date_end = 30 May
|event_start = [[Annexation of Portuguese India|Annexation]]
|event_end = Statehood for [[Goa]]
|p1 = Portuguese India
|flag_p1 = Flag of Portuguese India (proposal).svg
|s1 = Goa
|flag_s1 = Goa government banner.png
|flag_s2 = Flag of Daman and Diu.svg
|s2 = Daman and Diu
|image_flag = Flag of Goa.svg
|flag =
|image_coat = Emblem of Goa, Daman and Diu.png
|image_map = IN-GDD.svg
|symbol =
|symbol_type =
|image_map_caption = Goa, Daman and Diu in India
|capital = [[Panjim]]
|common_languages = [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]], [[Konkani language|Konkani]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
|title_leader =
|leader1 =
|year_leader1 =
|leader2 =
|year_leader2 = [[List of Prime Ministers of India|Prime Minister of India]]    1984–87
|title_representative = Chief Ministers
|representative1 = [[Dayanand Bandodkar]]
|year_representative1 = 1963-66 (first)
|representative2 = [[Pratapsingh Rane]]
|year_representative2 = 1985-87 (last)
|title_deputy = Governors
|deputy1 = [[Kunhiraman Palat Candeth|Maj Gen K. P. Candeth]] (Military Governor)
|year_deputy1 = 1961-62 (first)
|deputy2 = Gopal Singh
|year_deputy2 = 1984-87 (last)
|currency = [[Indian rupee]]
}}

'''Goa, Daman and Diu''' was a [[union territory]] of the [[India|Republic of India]] created in December 1961, following the [[Annexation of Goa|annexation]] of [[Portuguese India]]. Following the [[Goan Opinion Poll]] in 1967, the [[Goa]]n portion of the territory was granted full statehood within the Indian union on 30 May 1987,<ref>[http://www.goavidhansabha.gov.in/addinfo11.php Goa Vidhan Sabha] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517171951/http://www.goavidhansabha.gov.in/addinfo11.php|date=2007-05-17}}</ref> [[Daman and Diu]] remained separate as a separate union territory until December 2019, when it was merged with [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]] and is today the territory of [[Damaon, Diu& Silvassa]].

The areas of Goa and [[Damaon]] are located at southern and northern edges of the [[Konkan region]], geographically separated from each other by land and sea, the two areas were among the many other possessions that were ruled over for centuries, by the [[Portuguese in Goa and Bombay-Bassein]].

For the purposes of [[local administration]], the territory was divided into three districts, Goa, Daman, and Diu, with the capital at [[Panjim]].<ref>[http://www.goavidhansabha.gov.in/addinfo11.php Goa Vidhan Sabha] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517171951/http://www.goavidhansabha.gov.in/addinfo11.php |date=2007-05-17 }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{coord|15|20|N|74|05|E|display=title|region:IN_type:adm1st_source:GNS-enwiki}}

[[Category:Goa, Daman and Diu| ]]
[[Category:Former union territories of India]]
[[Category:Portuguese India]]
[[Category:History of Goa (1961–present)]]
[[Category:20th century in Portuguese India]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in 1987]]
[[Category:History of Daman and Diu]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1961]]
[[Category:1961 disestablishments in Portuguese India]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1987 disestablishments in India]]
[[Category:Former states and territories of India]]

{{india-geo-stub}}

Ladakh

2021-10-17T08:55:50Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|Region administered by India as a union territory}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Ladakh
| settlement_type = Region administered by India as a [[union territory]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Rangdum village grazing fields.jpg
| photo2a = Shyok river Ladakh.jpg
| photo3a =
| photo4a =
| spacing =
| position = centre
| size = 250
| border = 0
| color =
| foot_montage = Sheep grazing near [[Rangdum]] village; [[Shyok River]] in northern Ladakh
}}
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| image_flag = Indian Union territory flag of Ladakh (proposed).png
| flag_size
| flag_type
| image_blank_emblem =
| blank_emblem_size =
| blank_emblem_type =
| image_map = Kashmir Region November 2019.jpg
| map_alt = Jammu and Kashmir
| map_caption = A map of the disputed [[Kashmir]] region showing the Indian-administered union territory of Ladakh
| image_map1 =
| map_caption1 =
| coordinates = {{coord|34.0|N|77.5|E|region:IN-LA_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint =
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = Administering country
| subdivision_name = [[India]]
| subdivision_type1 =
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name1 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| established_title = [[Union territory]]
| established_date = 31 October 2019<ref name="egazette.nic.in">{{cite web |title=The Gazette of India |url=http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/210412.pdf |website=egazette.nic.in |access-date=3 January 2021}}</ref>
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[Leh]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://kashmirobserver.net/2019/10/17/ladakh-gets-civil-secretariat/ | title=Ladakh Gets Civil Secretariat| date=17 October 2019}}</ref> [[Kargil]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lg-ut-hqrs-head-of-police-to-have-sectts-at-both-leh-kargil-mathur/ |title=LG, UT Hqrs, Head of Police to have Sectts at both Leh, Kargil: Mathur |work=[[Daily Excelsior]] |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=17 December 2019}}</ref>
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of Districts of Ladakh|2]]
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body = [[Administration of Ladakh]]
| leader_title = [[List of lieutenant governors of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]]
| leader_name = [[R. K. Mathur|Radha Krishna Mathur]]
| leader_title1 = [[Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Member of Parliament]]
| leader_name1 = [[Jamyang Tsering Namgyal]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| leader_title2 = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name2 = [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]]
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |title=MHA.nic.in |publisher=MHA.nic.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208212815/http://mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?Id_Pk=306 |archive-date=8 December 2008 }}</ref>{{efn|Ladakh has {{cvt|59146|km2}} of area controlled by [[India]] and {{cvt|72971|km2}} of area controlled by Pakistan under Gilgit-Baltistan, which is claimed by India as part of Ladakh. Additionally, it has {{cvt|5180|km2}} of area controlled by the People's Republic of China under Trans-Karakoram Tract and {{cvt|37555|km2}} of area controlled by the People's Republic of China under Aksai Chin, which is claimed by India as part of Ladakh.}}
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 59146
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_max_footnotes =
| elevation_max_m = 7,742
| elevation_max_ft =
| elevation_max_point = [[Saltoro Kangri]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=10533|title=Saltoro Kangri, India/Pakistan|website=peakbagger.com|access-date=9 August 2019}}</ref>
| elevation_max_rank =
| elevation_min_footnotes =
| elevation_min_m = 2550
| elevation_min_ft =
| elevation_min_point = [[Indus River]]
| elevation_min_rank =
| population_total = 274289
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = [[Ladakhi people|Ladakhi]]
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]]
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] and [[Purgi language|Purgi]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-LA]]
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code = [[Leh]]: 194101; [[Kargil]]: 194103
| registration_plate = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|LA]]<ref name="vehicleregistrationinladakh">{{citation |url= http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/214357.pdf |title=Part II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii) |work=Gazette of India, Extraordinary |date=25 November 2019 |page=2 |publisher=Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054}}</ref>
| website = {{URL|https://ladakh.nic.in/}}
| footnotes =
}}
[[File:Entering the Indus Valley, Ladakh coming from Lahaul.jpg|thumb|300px|Entering the [[Indus Valley]], Ladakh coming from [[Lahaul]].]]
'''Ladakh''' {{IPAc-en|l|ə||ˈ|d|ɑː|k}}<ref name=OED-Ladakhi>{{citation|title=Ladakhi, n.|last=OED Online|publisher=Oxford University Press|date=December 2020|access-date=6 March 2021|url=https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/104974|quote=/ləˈdɑːki/ A native or inhabitant of Ladakh, a district of eastern Kashmir. Attested use: 1911 ''Encycl. Brit. XVI.'' 59/1 It [sc. Ladakh] was, however, conquered and annexed in 1834–1841 by Gulab Singh of Jammu—the unwarlike Ladakhis, even with nature fighting on their side, and against indifferent generalship, being no match for the Dogra troops.}}</ref> is a region administered by [[India]] as a [[union territory]]. The region constitutes a part of the larger [[Kashmir]] region, which has been the subject of dispute between India, [[Pakistan]], and [[China]] since 1947.<ref name=britannica-jammu-kashmir>{{citation |last1=Akhtar |first1=Rais |last2=Kirk |first2=William |title=Jammu and Kashmir, State, India |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Jammu-and-Kashmir |access-date=7 August 2019}} (subscription required) Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir, state of India, located in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent in the vicinity of the Karakoram and westernmost Himalayan mountain ranges. From 1947 to 2019, Ladakh was part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947."</ref><ref name="Jan·Osma鈔czykOsmańczyk2003">{{citation |last1=Jan·Osma鈔czyk |first1=Edmund |last2=Osmańczyk |first2=Edmund Jan |title=Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements: G to M |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fSIMXHMdfkkC&pg=PA1191 |year=2003 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-0-415-93922-5 |pages=1191–}} Quote: "Jammu and Kashmir: Territory in northwestern India, subject to a dispute between India and Pakistan. It has borders with Pakistan and China."</ref> It is bordered by the [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] to the east, the Indian state of [[Himachal Pradesh]] to the south, both the Indian-administered union territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] and the Pakistan-administered [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] to the west, and the southwest corner of [[Xinjiang]] across the [[Karakoram Pass]] in the far north. It extends from the [[Siachen Glacier]] in the [[Karakoram]] range to the north to the main Great [[Himalaya]]s to the south.<ref>{{harvp|Jina, Ladakh|1996}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/south_asia/2002/kashmir_flashpoint/default.stm|title=In Depth – Kashmir Flashpoint
|chapter-url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/default.stm |chapter=Kashmir options. Maps showing the options and pitfalls of possible solutions. The Future of Kashmir? |work=[[BBC News]] |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=16 April 2013}}</ref> The eastern end, consisting of the uninhabited [[Aksai Chin]] plains, is claimed by the Indian Government as part of Ladakh, and has been under Chinese control since [[Sino-Indian War|1962]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Fantasy frontiers |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/05/indian_pakistani_and_chinese_border_disputes |access-date=24 September 2014 |newspaper=The Economist |date=8 February 2012}}</ref><ref name="GlobalSecurity">{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/india-china_conflicts.htm |title=India-China Border Dispute |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org}}</ref> Until 2019, Ladakh was a region of the Indian-administered state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]]. In August 2019, the [[Parliament of India]] passed an [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|act]] by which Ladakh became a union territory on 31 October 2019.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/jammu-and-kashmir-crisis-live-updates-governor-reviews-security-situation-in-state/story/370856.html |title=Article 370 revoked Updates: Jammu & Kashmir is now a Union Territory, Lok Sabha passes bifurcation bill |work=[[Business Today (India)]] |date=6 August 2019 |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref>

In the past Ladakh gained importance from its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes,<ref name="TransHimalayan">{{cite book |last=Rizvi |first=Janet |year=2001 |title=Trans-Himalayan Caravans – Merchant Princes and Peasant Traders in Ladakh |publisher=Oxford India Paperbacks }}</ref> but as the Chinese authorities closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh in the 1960s, international trade dwindled. Since 1974, the [[Government of India]] has successfully encouraged [[tourism in Ladakh]]. As Ladakh is a part of the strategically important Kashmir region, the [[Indian military]] maintains a strong presence in the region.

The largest town in Ladakh is [[Leh]], followed by [[Kargil]], each of which headquarters a district.<ref>Osada et al. (2000), p. 298.</ref> The [[Leh district]] contains the [[Indus River|Indus]], [[Shyok River|Shyok]] and [[Nubra River|Nubra]] river valleys. The [[Kargil district]] contains the [[Suru River (Indus)|Suru]], [[Dras River|Dras]] and [[Zanskar River|Zanskar]] river valleys. The main populated regions are the river valleys, but the mountain slopes also support the pastoral [[Changpa]] nomads. The main religious groups in the region are [[Islam|Muslims]] (mainly [[Shia Islam|Shia]]) (46%), [[Tibetan Buddhism|Tibetan Buddhists]] (40%), [[Hinduism|Hindus]] (12%) and others (2%).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/government-toys-with-delimitation-commission-in-j-k-1542446-2019-06-04|title=Government planning to redraw Jammu and Kashmir assembly constituency borders: Sources|first1=Kamaljit Kaur|last1=S|first2=hu New|last2=DelhiJune 4|first3=2019UPDATED|last3=June 4|first4=2019 20:00|last4=Ist|website=India Today}}</ref><ref name="Crossroads">{{cite book |last=Rizvi |first=Janet |year=1996 |title=Ladakh – Crossroads of High Asia |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] }}</ref> Ladakh is one of the most sparsely populated regions in India. As its culture and history are closely related to that of [[Tibet]], it is known as the "Little Tibet".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pile |first1=Tim |title=Ladakh: the good, bad and ugly sides to India's 'Little Tibet', high in the Himalayas |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3020805/ladakh-good-bad-and-ugly-sides-indias-little-tibet |website=scmp.com |access-date=17 June 2020 |date=1 August 2019}}</ref>

Ladakh is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|largest]] and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|second least populous]] union territory of India.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

== Names ==
The [[Classical Tibetan|Tibetan]] and [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]] name ''La-dwags'' {{Bo-textonly|ལ་དྭགས}} (historically transliterated as ''La-dvags'') means "land of high passes". ''Ladak'' is its pronunciation in several Tibetan districts. The English spelling ''Ladakh'' is derived from {{lang-fa|script=latn|ladāx}}.<ref name="Francke1992">
{{citation|last=Francke|first=August Hermann|title=Antiquities of Indian Tibet, Volume II|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.96793/page/n353/mode/2up|year=1926|publisher=Superintendent Government Printing Press|location=Calcutta|isbn=978-81-206-0769-9|pages=93–}}
Quote: Ladakh, the Persian transliteration of the Tibetan La-dvags, is warranted by the pronunciation of the word in several Tibetan districts. The terminal ''gs'' has the sound of the guttural ''gh'' or even ''kh'' in various Tibetan dialects. (Volume II, page 93)
</ref><ref>
{{citation|title=Art and Architecture in Ladakh: Cross-cultural Transmissions in the Himalayas and Karakoram|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|year=2014|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-90-04-27180-7|pages=3–}} Quote: The single most important source is the ''La dvags rgyal rabs'', the royal chronicle of Ladakh, which dates back to the 17th century. At the same time literary sources need to be supplemented by evidence from inscriptions on rocks and wall paintings as well as the buildings themselves. Many of the early researchers on these topics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were either missionaries or colonial officials. The two-volume study Antiquities of Indian Tibet by the Moravian missionary August Hermann Francke marks an important early 20th century landmark. In 1909 Francke embarked on an extended research expedition under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (As1), travelling from Simla to Kinnaur and then via Spiti to Ladakh. The first volume of the Antiquities, which was published in 1914, includes a description and a preliminary analysis of the paintings in Alchi in Ladakh. The second volume (1926) contains a critical edition of the ''La dvags rgyal rabs''.
</ref>

The region was previously known as [[Maryul]].

Medieval Islamic scholars called Ladakh the '''Great Tibet''' (derived from Turko-Arabic ''Ti-bat'', meaning "highland"); [[Baltistan]] and other trans-Himalayan states in Kashmir's vicinity were referred to as "Little Tibets".<ref>{{citation |last=Petech |first=Luciano |author-link=Luciano Petech |title=The Kingdom of Ladakh, c. 950–1842 A.D. |publisher=Instituto Italiano Per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente |year=1977 |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/48901732/1977_Kingdom_of_Ladakh_c_950-1842_AD_by_Petech_s.pdf |via=academia.edu |page=22}}</ref><ref>{{citation |first1=H. S. |last1=Pirumshoev |first2=Ahmad Hasan |last2=Dani |author-link2=Ahmad Hasan Dani |chapter=The Pamirs, Badakhshan and the Trans-Pamir States |editor1=Chahryar Adle |editor2=Irfan Habib |title=History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol. V — Development in contrast: From the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century |chapter-url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001302/130205e.pdf |date=2003 |publisher=UNESCO |isbn=978-92-3-103876-1 |pages=238–239}}: "Under Aurangzeb (1659–1707), Mughal suzerainty was also acknowledged by Ladakh ('Great Tibet') in 1665, though it was contested in 1681–3 by the Oirat or Kalmuk (Qalmaq) rulers of Tibet."</ref>{{efn|The extension of the term "Tibet" to the modern day [[Tibet]] is due to the Europeans in India in the 18th century.<ref>{{citation |last1=Bogle |first1=George |last2=Manning |first2=Thomas |title=Narratives of the Mission of George Bogle to Tibet: And of the Journey of Thomas Manning to Lhasa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9Y7slbgVL4AC&pg=PR26 |year=2010 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-02255-2 |page=26}}</ref>}}

== History ==
{{Main|History of Ladakh}}

=== Ancient history ===
[[File:Kushanshas-Hepthalites 565ad.jpg|thumb|left|South Asia in 565 CE]]
Rock carvings found in many parts of Ladakh indicate that the area has been inhabited from [[Neolithic]] times.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /> Ladakh's earliest inhabitants consisted of a mixed [[Indo-Aryans|Indo-Aryan]] population of ''Mons'' and ''[[Dard people|Dards]]'',<ref name="Ray">{{cite book |last=Ray |first=John |year=2005 |title=Ladakhi Histories – Local and Regional Perspectives |publisher=Koninklijke Brill NV |location=[[Leiden]], [[Netherlands]]}}</ref> who find mention in the works of [[Herodotus]],{{efn|He mentions twice a people called ''Dadikai'', first along with the ''Gandarioi'', and again in the catalogue of king [[Xerxes I of Persia|Xerxes]]'s army invading Greece. Herodotus also mentions the gold-digging ants of Central Asia.}} and classical writers as well as the Indian [[Purana]]s.<ref name="Luciano">{{harvp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977}}</ref> Around the 1st century, Ladakh was a part of the [[Kushan Empire]]. [[Buddhism]] spread into western Ladakh from Kashmir in the 2nd century. The 7th-century Buddhist traveller [[Xuanzang]] describes the region in his accounts.<ref>{{harvp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977|p=7}}: [[Xuanzang]] describes a journey from ''Ch'u-lu-to'' (Kuluta, [[Kullu]]) to ''Lo-hu-lo'' ([[Lahul]]), then goes on saying that "from there to the north, for over 2000 ''[[Li (unit)|li]]'', the road is very difficult, with cold wind and flying snow; thus one arrives in the kingdom of ''Mo-lo-so''". Petech states, "geographically speaking, the region thus indicated is unmistakably
Ladakh."</ref> Xuanzang's term of Ladakh is ''Mo-lo-so'', which has been reconstructed by academics as ''*Malasa'', ''*Marāsa'', or ''*Mrāsa'', which is believed to have been the original name of the region.{{sfnp|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977|pp=7–8}}{{sfnp|Howard & Howard, Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley|2014|p=86}}

For much of the first millennium, the western Tibet comprised [[Zhangzhung]] kingdom(s), which practised the [[Bon religion]]. Sandwiched between Kashmir and Zhangzhung, Ladakh is believed to have been alternatively under the control of one or other of these powers. Academics find strong influences of Zhangzhung language and culture in "upper Ladakh" (from the middle section of the Indus valley to the southeast).<ref>{{citation |first=Bettina |last=Zeisler |chapter=Kenhat, The Dialects of Upper Ladakh and Zanskari |title=Himalayan Languages and Linguistics: Studies in Phonology, Semantics, Morphology and Syntax |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V-R5DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA293 |year=2011 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-21653-2 |pages=293}}:
"While the whole of Ladakh and adjacent regions were originally populated by speakers of Eastern Iranian (Scythian), Lower Ladakh (as well as Baltistan) was also subject to several immigration waves of Indoaryan (Dardic) speakers and other groups from Central Asia. Upper Ladakh and the neighbouring regions to the east, by contrast, seem to have been populated additionally by speakers of a non-Tibetan Tibeto-Burman language, namely West Himalayan (Old Zhangzhung;...)."</ref> The penultimate king of Zhangzhung is said to have been from Ladakh.<ref>{{citation |last=Bellezza |first=John Vincent |title=The Dawn of Tibet: The Ancient Civilization on the Roof of the World |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bZFuBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA101 |year=2014 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers |isbn=978-1-4422-3462-8 |page=101}}</ref>

From around 660 CE, Central Tibet and China started contesting the "four garrisons" of the [[Tarim Basin]] (present day [[Xinjiang]]), a struggle that lasted three centuries. Zhangzhung fell victim to Tibet's ambitions in {{circa|634}} and disappeared for ever. Kashmir's [[Karkota Empire]] and the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] too joined the contest for Xinjiang soon afterwards. Baltistan and Ladakh were at the centre of these struggles.<ref>{{harvp|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963|pp=12–15}}: "Ladakh's geographical position leaves no room for doubt that its ancient caravan routes must have often served as a path first for conquest and then for retreat of the opposing armies as they alternated between victory and defeat."</ref> Academics infer from the slant of Ladakhi chronicles that Ladakh may have owed its primary allegiance to Tibet during this time, but that it was more political than cultural. Ladakh remained Buddhist and its culture was not yet Tibetan.{{sfnp|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963|pp=15–16}}

=== Early medieval history ===
{{Further|Maryul}}
[[File:The Empire of King Nyimagon with three divisions about 975 A. D.- 1000 A.D..jpg|thumb|left|The empire of Kyide Nyimagon divided among his three sons, {{circa|930 CE}}. The border between Ladakh/Maryul and Guge-Purang is shown in a thin dotted line, north of [[Gartok]]]]
[[File:Guge in Maryul.png|thumb|right|Maryul in the 11-12th centuries, ''Historical and Commercial Atlas of China''<ref>Albert Hermann, ''Historical and Commercial Atlas of China'', Harvard University Press, 1935</ref>]]
In the 9th century, Tibet's ruler [[Langdarma]] was assassinated and Tibet [[Era of Fragmentation|fragmented]]. Kyide Nyimagon, Langdarma's great grandson, fled to West Tibet {{circa|900 CE}}, and founded a new West Tibetan kingdom at the heart of the old Zhangzhung, now called [[Ngari Prefecture|Ngari]] in the Tibetan language.

Nyimagon's eldest son, [[Lhachen Palgyigon]], is believed to have conquered the regions to the north, including Ladakh and [[Rutog County|Rutog]]. After the death of Nyimagon, his kingdom was divided among his three sons, Palgyigon receiving Ladakh, Rutog, [[Thok Jalung]] and an area referred to as [[Demchok Karpo]] (a holy mountain near the present day [[Demchok, Ladakh|Demchok]] village). The second son received [[Guge-Purang Kingdom|Guge–Purang]] (called "Ngari Korsum") and the third son received [[Zanskar]] and [[Spiti]] (to the southwest of Ladakh). This three-way division of Nyimagon's empire was recognised as historic and remembered in the chronicles of all the three regions as a founding narrative.
<blockquote>He gave to each of his sons a separate kingdom, viz., to the eldest ''Dpal-gyi-gon'', ''Maryul'' of ''Mngah-ris'', the inhabitants using black bows; ''ru-thogs'' [Rutog] of the east and the Gold-mine of ''Hgog'' [possibly Thok Jalung]; nearer this way ''Lde-mchog-dkar-po'' [Demchok Karpo]; ...</blockquote>

The first West Tibetan dynasty of [[Maryul]] founded by Palgyigon lasted five centuries, being weakened towards its end by the conquests of the Mongol/Mughal noble [[Mirza Haidar Dughlat]]. Throughout this period the region was called "Maryul", possibly from the original proper name ''*Mrasa'' (Xuangzhang's, ''Mo-lo-so''), but in the Tibetan language it was interpreted to mean "lowland" (the lowland of Ngari). Maryul remained staunchly Buddhist during this period, having participated in the second diffusion of Buddhism from India to Tibet via Kashmir and Zanskar.

<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="120">
File:The 9 Stupas.jpg|The nine stupas at [[Thiksey Monastery]]
File:Likir Buddha.jpg|Statue of [[Maitreya]] at [[Likir Monastery]], [[Leh district]]
</gallery>

=== Medieval history ===
{{Main|Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh}}
[[File:Leh Palace and Jama Masjid minarets.jpg|thumb|right|Jama Masjid of Leh next to the Leh Palace]]

Between the 1380s and early 1510s, many Islamic missionaries propagated Islam and proselytised the Ladakhi people. [[Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani|Sayyid Ali Hamadani]], [[Shah Syed Muhammad Nurbakhsh Qahistani|Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh]] and [[Mir Shamsuddin Iraqi]] were three important Sufi missionaries who propagated Islam to the locals. Mir Sayyid Ali was the first one to make Muslim converts in Ladakh and is often described as the founder of Islam in Ladakh. Several mosques were built in Ladakh during this period, including in Mulbhe, [[Padum]] and [[Shey]], the capital of Ladakh.<ref name="Howard">{{citation |first=Neil |last=Howard |chapter=History of Ladakh |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 6 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |page=122 |isbn=9788120814325 |year=1997 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4jX552GiSmYC&pg=PA122}}</ref><ref name="Sheikh">{{citation |first=Abdul Ghani |last=Sheikh |chapter=A Brief History of Muslims in Ladakh |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|page=189|isbn=9788120814042|year=1995 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&pg=PA189}}</ref> His principal disciple, Sayyid Muhammad Nur Baksh also propagated Islam to Ladakhis and the [[Balti people]] rapidly converted to Islam. [[Noorbakshia Islam]] is named after him and his followers are only found in Baltistan and Ladakh. During his youth, [[Sultan]] [[Zain-ul-Abidin]] expelled the mystic [[Nund Rishi|Sheikh Zain Shahwalli]] for showing disrespect to him. The sheikh then went to Ladakh and proselytised many people to Islam. In 1505, Shamsuddin Iraqi, a noted Shia scholar, visited Kashmir and Baltistan. He helped in spreading Shia Islam in Kashmir and converted the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Baltistan to his school of thought.<ref name="Sheikh" />

[[File:Ladakh Monastery.jpg|thumb|left|[[Thikse Monastery]], Ladakh]]

It is unclear what happened to Islam after this period and it seems to have received a setback. [[Mirza Muhammad Haidar Dughlat]] who invaded and briefly conquered Ladakh in 1532, 1545 and 1548, does not record any presence of Islam in Leh during his invasion although Shia Islam and Noorbakshia Islam continued to flourish in other regions of Ladakh.<ref name="Howard" /><ref name="Sheikh" />

King [[Bhagan]] reunited and strengthened Ladakh and founded the [[Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh|Namgyal dynasty]] (''Namgyal'' means "victorious" in several Tibetan languages). The Namgyals repelled most Central Asian raiders and temporarily extended the kingdom as far as Nepal.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /> During the Balti invasion led by [[Raja]] [[Ali Sher Khan Anchan]], many Buddhist temples and artefacts were damaged. Ali Sher Khan took the king and his soldiers as captives. Jamyang Namgyal was later restored to the throne by Ali Sher Khan and given the hand of a Muslim princess in marriage. Her name was Gyal Khatun or Argyal Khatoom. She was to be the first queen and her son was to become the next ruler. Historical accounts differ upon who her father was. Some identify Ali's ally and Raja of [[Khaplu]] Yabgo Shey Gilazi as her father, while others identify Ali himself as the father.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4VuovXa5YUC&q=ali%20sher%20khan%20daughter&pg=PA140 |title=Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history |date=1 January 2001 |publisher=Indus Publishing |access-date=19 December 2016 |via=Google Books |isbn=9788173871245}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8J3YdskW00sC&q=ali+sher+khan+daughter&pg=PA49 |title=Ladakh Through the Ages, Towards a New Identity |isbn=9788185182759 |last1=Kaul |first1=Shridhar |last2=Kaul |first2=H. N. |year=1992}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjhcZgDy-WMC&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA149 |title=Ladakh |isbn=9788173870576 |last1=Jina |first1=Prem Singh |year=1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA190 |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5 |isbn=9788120814042 |last1=Osmaston |first1=Henry |last2=Denwood |first2=Philip |year=1995}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8eReFv7cVZ0C&q=gyal+khatun&pg=PA46 |title=Ladakh |isbn=9788179750124 |last1=Bora |first1=Nirmala |year=2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg8My6WaWRcC&pg=PA60 |title=Rediscovery of Ladakh |isbn=9788173870866 |last1=Kaul |first1=H. N. |year=1998}}</ref> In the early 17th century efforts were made to restore the destroyed artefacts and ''gonpas'' by [[Sengge Namgyal]], the son of Jamyang and Gyal. He expanded the kingdom into [[Zanskar|Zangskar]] and [[Spiti]]. Despite a defeat of Ladakh by the [[Mughals]], who had already annexed Kashmir and Baltistan, Ladakh retained its independence.
[[File:The empire of King Tsewang Rnam Rgyal 1., and that of King Jamyang Rnam Rgyal., about 1560 and 1600 A.D.jpg|thumb|right|The empire of kings Tsewang Namgyal and Jamyang Namgyal, about 1560–1600 CE]]

[[File:Cham dance during Dosmoche festival in Leh Palace DSCN5692 1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Cham dance]] during [[Dosmoche]] festival in [[Leh Palace]]]]
[[Islam]] begins to take root in the Leh area in the beginning of the 17th century after the Balti invasion and the marriage of Gyal to Jamyang. A large group of Muslim servants and musicians were sent along with Gyal to Ladakh and private mosques were built where they could pray. The Muslim musicians later settled in Leh. Several hundred Baltis migrated to the kingdom and according to oral tradition many Muslim traders were granted land to settle. Many other Muslims were invited over the following years for various purposes.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mCy2mBVNqSoC&q=17th+century+islam+leh&pg=PA190 |title=Recent Research on Ladakh 4 & 5 |isbn=9788120814042 |last1=Osmaston |first1=Henry |last2=Denwood |first2=Philip |year=1995}}</ref>

In the late 17th century, Ladakh sided with [[Bhutan]] in its dispute with Tibet which, among other reasons, resulted in its invasion by the [[Ganden Phodrang|Tibetan Central Government]]. This event is known as the [[Tibet–Ladakh–Mughal war]] of 1679–1684.<ref>See the following studies (1) Halkias, T. Georgios(2009) "Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684," in ''Mountains, Monasteries and Mosques'', ed. John Bray. Supplement to Rivista Orientali, pp. 59–79; (2) Emmer, Gerhard(2007) "Dga' ldan tshe dbang dpal bzang po and the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War of 1679–84," in ''The Mongolia-Tibet Interface. Opening new Research Terrains in Inner Asia'', eds. Uradyn Bulag, Hildegard Diemberger, Leiden, Brill, pp. 81–107; (3) Ahmad, Zahiruddin (1968) "New Light on the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War of 1679–84." ''East and West'', XVIII, 3, pp. 340–361; (4) Petech, Luciano(1947) "The Tibet-Ladakhi Moghul War of 1681–83." ''The Indian Historical Quarterly'', XXIII, 3, pp. 169–199.</ref> Kashmiri historians assert that the king converted to Islam in return for the assistance by Mughal Empire after this however Ladakhi chronicles do not mention such a thing. The king agreed to pay tribute to the Mughals in return for defending the kingdom.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z6y2E9gw5oIC&q=deldan+namgyal&pg=PA34 |title=India-China Border Dispute |isbn=9788170249641 |last1=Sali |first1=M. L. |year=1998}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mg8My6WaWRcC&q=delek+namgyal&pg=PA63 |title=Rediscovery of Ladakh |isbn=9788173870866 |last1=Kaul |first1=H. N. |year=1998}}</ref> The Mughals however withdrew after being paid off by the [[5th Dalai Lama]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Johan Elverskog |title=Buddhism and Islam on the Silk Road |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N7_4Gr9Q438C&pg=PA223 |date=6 June 2011 |publisher=University of Pennsylvania Press |isbn=978-0-8122-0531-2 |pages=223–}}</ref> With the help of reinforcements from [[Galdan Boshugtu Khan]], [[Khan (title)|Khan]] of the [[Zunghar Khanate|Zungar Empire]], the Tibetans attacked again in 1684. The Tibetans were victorious and concluded a treaty with Ladakh then they retreated back to [[Lhasa]] in December 1684. The Treaty of Tingmosgang in 1684 settled the dispute between Tibet and Ladakh but severely restricted Ladakh's independence.

<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="120">
File:View of the Lakir Monastery.JPG|[[Likir Monastery]], Ladakh
File:Phyang Monastery 01.jpg|[[Phyang Monastery|Phyang Gompa]], Ladakh
File:Hemis Monastery Ladakh 1876.jpg|[[Hemis Monastery]] in the 1870s
</gallery>

=== Princely state of Jammu and Kashmir ===
{{Main|Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)}}
[[File:Kashmir map.svg|thumb|The disputed territory of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir: divided between [[Pakistan-administered Kashmir|Pakistan]] (green), [[India-administered Kashmir|India]] (blue) and [[China administered Kashmir|China]] (yellow)]]
In 1834, the [[Sikh]] [[General Zorawar Singh|Zorawar Singh]], a general of [[Gulab Singh|Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu]], invaded and annexed Ladakh to Jammu under the suzerainty of the [[Sikh Empire]]. After the defeat of the Sikhs in the [[First Anglo-Sikh War]], the state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (princely state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] was established as a separate [[princely state]] under British [[British Empire|suzerainty]]. The Namgyal family was given the ''[[jagir]]'' of [[Stok]], which it nominally retains to this day. European influence began in Ladakh in the 1850s and increased. Geologists, sportsmen, and tourists began exploring Ladakh. In 1885, [[Leh]] became the headquarters of a mission of the [[Moravian Church]].
[[File:"BRITISH JOINT COMMISSIONER LADAKH" ink stamp in 1902 detail, from- A Tibetan-English Dictionary with Sanskrit Synonyms (page 9 crop).jpg|left|thumb|Ink stamp in English and Urdu: "British Joint Commissioner Ladakh" (1902)]]
Ladakh was administered as a ''wazarat'' during the Dogra rule, with a governor termed ''wazir-e-wazarat''. It had three tehsils, based at [[Leh]], [[Skardu]] and [[Kargil]]. The headquarters of the ''wazarat'' was at [[Leh]] for six months of the year and at [[Skardu]] for six months. When the legislative assembly called ''Praja Sabha'' was established in 1934, Ladakh was given two nominated seats in the assembly.

Ladakh was claimed as part of Tibet by [[Phuntsok Wangyal]], a Tibetan Communist leader.<ref name="TuttleSchaeffer2013">{{cite book |author1=Gray Tuttle |author2=Kurtis R. Schaeffer |title=The Tibetan History Reader |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J7urAgAAQBAJ&q=ladakh+pan+tibetan&pg=PA603 |date=12 March 2013 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-14468-1 |pages=603–}}</ref>

=== Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir ===
{{Main|Jammu and Kashmir (state)}}
At the time of the [[partition of India]] in 1947, the Dogra ruler [[Maharaja]] [[Hari Singh]] signed the [[Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir)|Instrument of Accession]] to India. Pakistani raiders from [[Gilgit Agency|Gilgit]] had reached Ladakh and military operations were initiated to evict them. The wartime conversion of the pony trail from [[Sonamarg]] to [[Zoji La]] by army engineers permitted tanks to move up and successfully capture the pass. The advance continued. [[Dras]], Kargil and Leh were liberated and Ladakh cleared of the infiltrators.<ref name="Madras_Sappers">Menon, P.M & Proudfoot, C.L., ''The [[Madras Sappers]], 1947–1980'', 1989, Thomson Press, Faridabad, India.</ref>

In 1949, China closed the border between [[Nubra Valley|Nubra]] and [[Xinjiang]], blocking old trade routes. In 1955 China began to build roads connecting Xinjiang and Tibet through the [[Aksai Chin]] area. The Indian effort to retain control of Aksai Chin led to the [[Sino-Indian War]] of 1962, which India lost. China also built the [[Karakoram highway]] jointly with Pakistan. India built the [[Srinagar-Leh Highway]] during this period, cutting the journey time between Srinagar and Leh from 16 days to two. The route, however, remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Construction of a {{cvt|6.5|km|adj=on}} tunnel across Zoji La pass is under consideration to make the route functional throughout the year.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-may-clear-all-weather-tunnel-to-Leh-today/articleshow/14971889.cms |title=Government may clear all weather tunnel to Leh today |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 July 2012 |first1=Dipak K. |last1=Dash |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Srinagar Leh National Highway No 1.jpg|thumb|left|National Highway No 1]]
The [[Kargil War]] of 1999, codenamed "Operation Vijay" by the [[Indian Army]], saw infiltration by Pakistani troops into parts of Western Ladakh, namely Kargil, Dras, [[Mushkoh Valley|Mushkoh]], Batalik and Chorbatla, overlooking key locations on the [[National Highway 1 (India)|Srinagar-Leh highway]]. Extensive operations were launched in high altitudes by the Indian Army with considerable artillery and air force support. Pakistani troops were evicted from the Indian side of the [[Line of Control]] which the Indian government ordered was to be respected and which was not crossed by Indian troops. The Indian government was criticised by the Indian public because India respected geographical co-ordinates more than India's opponents: Pakistan and China.<ref name="Bammi">Bammi, Y.M., ''Kargil 1999 – the impregnable conquered.'' (2002) Natraj Publishers, Dehradun.</ref>{{page needed|date=March 2018}}

The Ladakh region was divided into the Kargil and Leh districts in 1979. In 1989, there were violent riots between Buddhists and Muslims. Following demands for autonomy from the [[Kashmiri people|Kashmiri]] dominated state government, the [[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil|Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council]] was created in the 1990s. [[Leh district|Leh]] and [[Kargil district|Kargil]] districts now each have their own locally elected Hill Councils with some control over local policy and development funds. In 1991, a [[Peace Pagoda]] was erected in Leh by [[Nipponzan Myohoji]].

There was a heavy presence of [[Indian Army]] and [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] forces in Ladakh. These forces and [[People's Liberation Army]] forces from China have, since the 1962 [[Sino-Indian War]], had frequent stand-offs along the Lakakh portion of the [[Line of Actual Control]]. Out of the {{convert|857|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} border in Ladakh, only {{cvt|368|km}} is the International Border, and the remaining {{cvt|489|km}} is [[Line of Actual Control]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-ladakh-warning-india-china-border-dispute-6427131/ |title=As China intrudes across LAC, India must be alert to a larger strategic shift |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=26 May 2020 |first1=Phunchok |last1=Stobdan |author-link=Phunchok Stobdan |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/ladakh-concern-overrides-lac-dispute-90880 |title=Ladakh concern overrides LAC dispute |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)]] |date=28 May 2020 |first1=Phunchok |last1=Stobdan |author-link=Phunchok Stobdan |access-date=26 July 2020}}</ref> The stand-off involving the most troops was in September 2014 in the disputed [[Chumar]] region when 800 to 1,000 Indian troops and 1,500 Chinese troops came into close proximity to each other.<ref>{{cite news |first=Pranav |last=Kulkarni |title=Ground report: Half of Chinese troops leave, rest to follow |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=26 September 2014 |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/chinese-troops-start-withdrawing-from-chumar/ |access-date=12 December 2014}}</ref>

==== Ladakh Division ====

In February 2019, Ladakh became a separate [[Divisions of India|Revenue and Administrative Division]] within Jammu and Kashmir, having previously been part of the [[Kashmir Division]]. As a division, Ladakh was granted its own [[Divisional Commissioner]] and [[Inspector General of Police]].<ref>[https://jkgad.nic.in/common/showOrder.aspx?actCode=S28568 Notification, Jammu, 8 February 2019], Government of Jammu and Kashmir</ref>

Leh was initially chosen to be the headquarters of the new division however, following protests, it was announced that Leh and Kargil will jointly serve as the divisional headquarters, each hosting an Additional Divisional Commissioner to assist the Divisional Commissioner and Inspector General of Police who will spend half their time in each town.<ref name="kln">{{Cite web | url=https://kashmirlife.net/ladakh-division-headquarters-to-shuttle-between-leh-and-kargil-governor-malik-201719/ |title = Ladakh division headquarters to shuttle between Leh and Kargil: Governor Malik|date = 15 February 2019}}</ref>

=== Union territory of Ladakh ===
[[File:J,K and L - Indian Union Territories.jpg|thumb|J&K and Ladakh - Indian Union Territories]]
Some activists from Leh in recent times called for Ladakh to be constituted as a [[union territory]] because of perceived unfair treatment by Kashmir and Ladakh's cultural differences with predominantly Muslim [[Kashmir valley]], while some people in Kargil opposed union territory status for Ladakh.<ref name="LoramCharlie">{{cite book |last=Loram |first=Charlie |orig-year=2000 |year=2004 |title=Trekking in Ladakh |edition=2nd |publisher=Trailblazer Publications }}</ref><ref name="Statesman">{{cite web |year=2003 |url=http://www.jammu-kashmir.com/archives/archives2003/kashmir20030809c.html | title=Kargil Council For Greater Ladakh |publisher=The Statesman, 9 August 2003 |access-date=22 August 2006}}</ref>

In August 2019, a [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019|reorganisation act]] was passed by the [[Parliament of India]] which contained provisions to reconstitute Ladakh as a [[union territory]], separate from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir on 31 October 2019.<ref name="egazette.nic.in" /><ref name="auto" /><ref>[https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bill-to-bifurcate-jammu-and-kashmir-into-2-union-territories-passed-by-rajya-sabha-2080688 Already, Rajya Sabha Clears J&K As Union Territory Instead Of State], NDTV, 5 August 2019.</ref><ref>{{citation |url=http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Jammu%20and%20Kashmir%20Reorganisation%20Bill%2C%202019.pdf |title=The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 |issue=Bill No. XXIX of 2019 |work=Ministry of Home Affairs |date=2019}}</ref> Under the terms of the act, the union territory is administered by a [[Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]] acting on behalf of the Central Government of India and does not have an elected legislative assembly or chief minister. Each district within the union territory continues to elect an [[autonomous district council]] as done previously.<ref name="dailyexcelsior.com">{{Cite news |work=[[Daily Excelsior]] | url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lahdc-act-would-continue-and-the-amendments-of-2018-to-be-protected-governor/ | title=LAHDC Act would continue and the Amendments of 2018 to be protected: Governor| date=30 August 2019 |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref>

The demand for Ladakh as separate Union Territory (UT) was first raised by the parliamentarian [[Kushok Bakula Rinpoche]] around 1955, which was later carried forward by another parliamentarian [[Thupstan Chhewang]].<ref name=happy1>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/one-year-of-union-territory-status-ladakh-brims-with-hope/articleshow/77326052.cms One year of union territory status: Ladakh brims with hope], Times of India, 3 usgust 2020.</ref> The former [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir state]] use to obtain large allocation of annual funds from the union government based on the fact that the large geographical area of the Ladakh (comprising 65% of total area), but Ladakh was allocated only 2% of the state budget based on its relative population.<ref name=happy1/> Within the first year of the formation of Ladakh as separate union territory, its annual budget allocation has increased 4 times from {{INR}}57 [[crore]] to {{INR}}232 crore.<ref name=happy1/>

== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Ladakh}}
[[File:Ladakh2.svg|thumb|upright=1.75|Map of the central Ladakh region]]

Ladakh is the highest plateau in India with much of it being over {{cvt|3000|m|ft}}.<ref name="Crossroads" /> It extends from the [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] to the [[Kunlun Mountains|Kunlun]]<ref>The [[Gazetteer]] of Kashmir and Ladák published in 1890 Compiled under the direction of the Quarter Master General in India in the Intelligence Branch in fact unequivocally states inter alia in pages 520 and 364 that Khotán is "a province in the Chinese Empire lying to the north of the Eastern Kuenlun (Kun Lun) range, which here forms the ''boundary'' of Ladák" and "The eastern range forms the southern boundary of Khotán, and is crossed by two passes, the Yangi or Elchi Díwan, crossed in 1865 by Johnson and the Hindútak Díwan, crossed by Robert Schlagentweit in 1857".</ref> Ranges and includes the upper [[Indus River]] valley.
[[File:Indus Zanskar confluence.jpg|thumb|upright|The confluence of the Indus (green water to the left) and Zanskar (brown water to the right) rivers.]]
[[File:Kashmir top.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3|The Ladakh region has high altitude]]
[[File:Viewofleh.jpg|thumb|View of Leh Town Along with [[Stok Kangri]]]]

Historically, the region included the [[Baltistan]] ([[Baltiyul]]) valleys (now mostly in Pakistani administered part of [[Kashmir]]), the entire upper [[Indus Valley]], the remote [[Zanskar]], [[Lahaul and Spiti]] to the south, much of [[Ngari]] including the [[Rudok]] region and [[Guge]] in the east, [[Aksai Chin]] in the northeast, and the [[Nubra Valley]] to the north over [[Khardung La|Khardong La]] in the Ladakh Range. Contemporary Ladakh borders [[Tibet]] to the east, the [[Lahul and Spiti|Lahaul and Spiti]] regions to the south, the Vale of [[Kashmir]], [[Jammu]] and [[Baltiyul]] regions to the west, and the southwest corner of [[Xinjiang]] across the [[Karakoram Pass]] in the far north. The historic but imprecise divide between Ladakh and the Tibetan Plateau commences in the north in the intricate maze of ridges east of [[Rudok]] including Aling Kangri and Mavang Kangri, and continues southeastward toward northwestern [[Nepal]]. Before partition, [[Baltistan]], now under Pakistani control, was a district in Ladakh. [[Skardu|Skardo]] was the winter capital of Ladakh while Leh was the summer capital.

The mountain ranges in this region were formed over 45 million years by the folding of the [[Indian Plate]] into the more stationary [[Eurasian Plate]]. The drift continues, causing frequent earthquakes in the Himalayan region.{{efn|All of Indian Ladakh is placed in high risk Zone VIII, while areas from Kargil and Zanskar southwestward are in lower risk zones on the [[Earthquake hazard zoning of India|earthquake hazard scale]].}}<ref>{{cite web|year=2007 |url=http://www.drrgateway.net/sites/default/files/india_disaster_response_plan_2007.pdf |title=Multi-hazard Map of India |publisher=[[United Nations Development Program]] |access-date=31 October 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031170144/http://www.drrgateway.net/sites/default/files/india_disaster_response_plan_2007.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2014 }}</ref> The peaks in the Ladakh Range are at a medium altitude close to the [[Zoji-la]] ({{cvt|5000|-|5500|m|disp=or}}) and increase toward southeast, culminating in the twin summits of [[Nun-Kun]] ({{cvt|7000|m|disp=or}}).

The Suru and Zanskar valleys form a great trough enclosed by the Himalayas and the [[Zanskar Range]]. [[Rangdum]] is the highest inhabited region in the Suru valley, after which the valley rises to {{cvt|4400|m|ft}} at [[Pensi-la]], the gateway to Zanskar. Kargil, the only town in the Suru valley, is the second most important town in Ladakh. It was an important staging post on the routes of the trade [[Caravan (travellers)|caravans]] before 1947, being more or less equidistant, at about 230 kilometres from [[Srinagar]], [[Leh]], [[Skardu]] and [[Padum]]. The Zangskar valley lies in the troughs of the Stod and the Lungnak rivers. The region experiences heavy snowfall; the Pensi-la is open only between June and mid-October. [[Dras]] and the [[Mushkoh Valley]] form the western extremity of Ladakh.

The Indus River is the backbone of Ladakh. Most major historical and current towns – [[Shey]], [[Leh]], [[Basgo]] and [[Tingmosgang]] (but not Kargil), are close to the Indus River. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, the stretch of the Indus flowing through Ladakh became the only part of this river, which is greatly venerated in the Hindu religion and culture, that still flows through India.

The [[Siachen Glacier]] is in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalaya Mountains along the disputed India-Pakistan border. The Karakoram Range forms a great watershed that separates China from the Indian subcontinent and is sometimes called the "Third Pole." The glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge immediately to the west and the main Karakoram Range to the east. At {{cvt|76|km}} long, it is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It falls from an altitude of {{cvt|5753|m|ft}} above sea level at its source at [[Indira Col]] on the China border down to {{cvt|3620|m|ft}} at its snout. [[Saser Kangri]] is the highest peak in the Saser Muztagh, the easternmost subrange of the Karakoram Range in India, Saser Kangri I having an altitude of {{cvt|7672|m|ft}}.

The [[Ladakh Range]] has no major peaks; its average height is a little less than {{cvt|6000|m|ft}}, and few of its passes are less than {{cvt|5000|m|ft}}. The [[Pangong range]] runs parallel to the Ladakh Range for about {{cvt|100|km}} northwest from [[Chushul]] along the southern shore of the [[Pangong Tso|Pangong Lake]]. Its highest point is about {{cvt|6700|m|ft}} and the northern slopes are heavily glaciated. The region comprising the valley of the Shayok and Nubra rivers is known as Nubra. The Karakoram Range in Ladakh is not as mighty as in Baltistan. The massifs to the north and east of the Nubra–Siachen line include the [[Apsarasas Kangri|Apsarasas Group]] (highest point at {{cvt|7245|m|ft|disp=or}}) the [[Rimo Muztagh]] (highest point at {{cvt|7385|m|ft|disp=or}}) and the [[Teram Kangri]] Group (highest point at {{cvt|7464|m|ft|disp=or}}) together with [[Mamostong Kangri]] ({{cvt|7526|m|ft|disp=or}}) and [[Singhi Kangri]] ({{cvt|7202|m|ft|disp=or}}). North of the Karakoram lies the Kunlun. Thus, between Leh and eastern Central Asia there is a triple barrier – the Ladakh Range, Karakoram Range, and Kunlun. Nevertheless, a major trade route was established between Leh and [[Yarkent County|Yarkand]].
[[File:Ladakhtemp2.svg|thumb|Monthly average temperature in Leh]]

Ladakh is a high altitude desert as the Himalayas create a [[rain shadow]], generally denying entry to monsoon clouds. The main source of water is the winter snowfall on the mountains. Recent flooding in the region (e.g., the [[2010 Leh floods|2010 floods]]) has been attributed to abnormal rain patterns and retreating glaciers, both of which have been found to be linked to global climate change.<ref>{{cite book |title=As Climate Changes: International Impacts and Implications |last=Strzepek |first=Kenneth M. |author2=Joel B. Smith |year=1995 |publisher= Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-46796-4 }}</ref> The Leh Nutrition Project, headed by [[Chewang Norphel]], also known as the "Glacier Man", creates artificial glaciers as one solution for retreating glaciers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/136661/1/?PrintableVersion=enabled|title=OneWorld South Asia – Glacier man Chewang Norphel brings water to Ladakh|date=2 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702182937/http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/136661/1/?PrintableVersion=enabled|archive-date=2 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://edugreen.teri.res.in/misc/path/path.htm#norphel |title=Edugreen.teri.res.in |publisher=Edugreen.teri.res.in |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>

The regions on the north flank of the Himalayas – Dras, the Suru valley and Zangskar – experience heavy snowfall and remain cut off from the rest of the region for several months in the year, as the whole region remains cut off by road from the rest of the country. Summers are short, though they are long enough to grow crops. The summer weather is dry and pleasant. Temperature ranges are from {{cvt|3|to|35|°C|lk=in}} in summer and minimums range from {{cvt|-20|to|-35|°C}} in winter.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.lehladakhindia.com/climate-in-ladakh.html |title=Climate in Ladakh |access-date=3 March 2008
|publisher=LehLadakhIndia.com}}</ref>

Zanskar is the main river of the region along with its tributaries. The Zanskar gets frozen during winter and the famous [[Chadar trek]] takes place on this magnificent frozen river.

== Flora and fauna ==
{{Main|Wildlife of Ladakh}}
[[File:Ladakh Travel.jpg|thumb|left|Lake in Ladakh]]

[[File:Black-necked Crane Tso Kar Ladakh Jammu and Kashmir India Asia 12.08.2013.png|thumb|225px|The [[black-necked crane]] comes to India every year for breeding. Photograph has been taken at [[Tso Kar]], Ladakh.]]

Vegetation is extremely sparse in Ladakh except along streambeds and wetlands, on high slopes, and irrigated places. About 1250 plant species, including crops, were reported from Ladakh.<ref>{{Cite book|title=A field guide to the flora of Ladakh|last=Dvorský|first=Miroslav|publisher=Academia|year=2018|isbn=978-80-200-2826-6|location=Prague}}</ref> The plant ''[[Ladakiella klimesii]]'', growing up to {{Convert|6150|m|ft}} above sea level, was first described here and named after this region.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=German |first1=Dmitry A. |last2=Al-Shehbaz |first2=Ihsan A. |title=Nomenclatural novelties in miscellaneous Asian Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) |journal=Nordic Journal of Botany |date=1 December 2010 |volume=28 |issue=6 |pages=646–651 |doi=10.1111/j.1756-1051.2010.00983.x |issn=1756-1051}}</ref> The first European to study the wildlife of this region was [[William Moorcroft (explorer)|William Moorcroft]] in 1820, followed by [[Ferdinand Stoliczka]], an [[Austrian people|Austrian]]-[[Czech people|Czech]] [[palaeontologist]], who carried out a massive expedition there in the 1870s.

The [[bharal]] or blue sheep is the most abundant mountain ungulate in the Ladakh region, although it is not found in some parts of Zangskar and Sham areas.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |year=2004 |title=Habitat segregation between sympatric Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni and blue sheep Pseudois nayaur in the Indian Trans-Himalaya |work=Journal of Zoology |location=London |chapter= 262 |pages=57–63 |chapter-url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69530/NamgailetalJZool.pdf |publisher=reg.wur.nl}}</ref> The [[Asiatic ibex]] is a very elegant mountain goat that is distributed in the western part of Ladakh. It is the second most abundant mountain ungulate in the region with a population of about 6000 individuals. It is adapted to rugged areas where it easily climbs when threatened.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T |year=2006 |title=Winter Habitat Partitioning between Asiatic Ibex and Blue Sheep in Ladakh, Northern India |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69532/NamgailIbexBlusSheep.pdf |journal=Journal of Mountain Ecology |volume=8 |pages=7–13 }}</ref> The Ladakhi Urial is another unique mountain sheep that inhabits the mountains of Ladakh. The population is declining, however, and there are not more than 3000 individuals left in Ladakh.<ref>Namgail, T. (2006). Trans-Himalayan large herbivores: status, conservation, and niche relationships. Report submitted to the Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, New York.</ref> The urial is endemic to Ladakh, where it is distributed only along two major river valleys: the Indus and Shayok. The animal is often persecuted by farmers whose crops are allegedly damaged by it. Its population declined precipitously in the last century due to indiscriminate shooting by hunters along the Leh-Srinagar highway. The [[argali|Tibetan argali or Nyan]] is the largest wild sheep in the world, standing {{convert|3.5|to|4|ft|order=flip}} at the shoulder with the horn measuring {{cvt|900|-|1000|mm}}. It is distributed on the Tibetan plateau and its marginal mountains encompassing a total area of {{convert|2.5|e6km2|abbr=unit}}. There is only a small population of about 400 animals in Ladakh. The animal prefers open and rolling terrain as it runs, unlike wild goats that climb into steep cliffs, to escape from predators.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |s2cid=12451184 |year=2007 |title=Habitat shift and time budget of the Tibetan argali: the influence of livestock grazing |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69531/NamgailetalHabitatShift.pdf |journal=Ecological Research |volume=22 |pages=25–31 |doi=10.1007/s11284-006-0015-y}}</ref> The endangered [[Tibetan antelope]], known as ''chiru'' in Indian English, or Ladakhi ''tsos'', has traditionally been hunted for its wool (''[[shahtoosh]]'') which is a natural fibre of the finest quality and thus valued for its light weight and warmth and as a [[status symbol]]. The wool of chiru must be pulled out by hand, a process done after the animal is killed. The fibre is smuggled into Kashmir and woven into exquisite shawls by Kashmiri workers. Ladakh is also home to the [[Tibetan gazelle]], which inhabits the vast rangelands in eastern Ladakh bordering Tibet.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Bagchi |first2=S. |last3=Mishra |first3=C. |last4=Bhatnagar |first4=Y.V. |year=2008 |title=Distributional correlates of the Tibetan gazelle in northern India: Towards a recovery programme |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69527/NamgailetalOryx2008Gazelle.pdf |journal=Oryx |volume=42 |pages=107–112 |doi=10.1017/s0030605308000768}}</ref>
[[File:Ibex m f.jpg|thumb|Wild animals of Ladakh]]
[[File:Yaks in ladakh.JPG|thumb|left|[[Yak]]s in Ladakh]]
The [[kiang]], or Tibetan wild ass, is common in the grasslands of Changthang, numbering about 2,500 individuals. These animals are in conflict with the nomadic people of Changthang who hold the Kiang responsible for pasture degradation.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bhatnagar |first1=Y. V. |last2=Wangchuk |first2=R. |last3=Prins |first3=H. H. |last4=van Wieren |first4=S. E. |last5=Mishra |first5=C. |year=2006 |title=Perceived conflicts between pastoralism and conservation of the Kiang Equus kiang in the Ladakh Trans- Himalaya |journal=Environmental Management |volume=38 |issue=6|pages=934–941 |doi=10.1007/s00267-005-0356-2|pmid=16955231 |pmc=1705511 }}</ref> There are about 200 [[snow leopard]]s in Ladakh of an estimated 7,000 worldwide. The [[Hemis High Altitude National Park]] in central Ladakh is an especially good habitat for this predator as it has abundant prey populations. The [[Eurasian lynx]], is another rare cat that preys on smaller herbivores in Ladakh. It is mostly found in Nubra, Changthang and Zangskar.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T |year=2004 |title=Eurasian lynx in Ladakh |journal=Cat News |volume=40 |pages=21–22 }}</ref> The [[Pallas's cat]], which looks somewhat like a house cat, is very rare in Ladakh and not much is known about the species. The [[Tibetan wolf]], which sometimes preys on the livestock of the Ladakhis, is the most persecuted amongst the predators.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Fox |first2=J.L. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |s2cid=30967502 |year=2007 |title=Carnivore-caused livestock mortality in Trans-Himalaya |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69528/NamgailetalLivestockMortality.pdf |journal=Environmental Management |volume=39 |issue=4|pages=490–496 |doi=10.1007/s00267-005-0178-2|pmid=17318699 }}</ref> There are also a few [[brown bear]]s in the [[Suru Valley]] and the area around Dras. The [[Vulpes ferrilata|Tibetan sand fox]] has been discovered in this region.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Namgail |first1=T. |last2=Bagchi |first2=S. |last3=Bhatnagar |first3=Y.V. |last4=Wangchuk |first4=R. |year=2005 |title=Occurrence of the Tibetan sand fox Vulpes ferrilata Hodgson in Ladakh: A new record for the Indian sub-Continent |journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society |volume=102 |pages=217–219 }}</ref> Among smaller animals, [[marmot]]s, [[hare]]s, and several types of [[pika]] and [[vole]] are common.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bagchi |first1=S. |last2=Namgail |first2=T. |last3=Ritchie |first3=M.E. |year=2006 |title=Small mammalian herbivores as mediators of plant community dynamics in the high-altitude arid rangelands of Trans-Himalayas |url=http://www.reg.wur.nl/NR/rdonlyres/CF6DD450-51CA-46E7-950A-5655E5E00336/69524/BagchietalPika.pdfreg.wur.nl |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=127 |issue=4|pages=438–442 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2005.09.003}}</ref>

=== Flora ===
Scant precipitation makes Ladakh a high-altitude desert with extremely scarce vegetation over most of its area. Natural vegetation mainly occurs along water courses and on high altitude areas that receive more snow and cooler summer temperatures. Human settlements, however, are richly vegetated due to irrigation.<ref>{{cite book |author=Vishwas S. Kale |title=Landscapes and Landforms of India |publisher=Springer |isbn=9789401780292 |date=23 May 2014 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t_MsBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA114}}</ref>
Natural vegetation commonly seen along watercourses includes [[seabuckthorn]] (''Hippophae'' spp.), wild roses of pink or yellow varieties, tamarisk (''Myricaria'' spp.), [[caraway]], [[Urtica dioica|stinging nettles]], mint, ''[[Physochlaina]] praealta'', and various grasses.<ref>{{cite book |author=Satish K. Sharma |title=Temperate Horticulture: Current Scenario |publisher=New India Publisher |year=2006 |isbn=9788189422363 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k_Sjt-7O_eAC&q=Hippophae+spp&pg=PA64 }}</ref>

== Administration ==
[[Image:Indian Union territory flag of Ladakh (proposed).png|thumb|upright=0.85||[[Flag of Ladakh|Union Territory flag of Ladakh]].]]
[[File:Ladakh Government Banner.png|thumb|upright=0.85|[[Emblem of Ladakh|Emblem of the Administration of Ladakh]]]]
{{Main|Administration of Ladakh|Politics of Ladakh}}
Under the terms of the [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019|Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act]], Ladakh is administered as a [[union territory]] without a [[State Legislative Assembly (India)|legislative assembly]] or elected government. The head of government is a [[List of lieutenant governors of Ladakh|Lieutenant Governor]] appointed by the [[President of India]] who is assisted by civil servants of the [[Indian Administrative Service]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/new-jk-to-be-like-puducherry-here-is-how-indias-new-union-territory-jk-will-function/articleshow/70532687.cms|title=New J&K to be like Puducherry: Here is how India's new Union territory J&K will function|date=5 August 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>

=== Districts ===
{{Main|List of districts of Ladakh}}

Ladakh is divided into two [[Districts of India|districts]]:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-bottom: 0;"
! Name of District!! Headquarters !! Area (km2) !! Population 2001 Census !! Population 2011 Census
|-
| [[Kargil District]] || [[Kargil town|Kargil]] || {{formatnum: 14036}} || {{formatnum: 119307}} || {{formatnum: 143388}}
|-
| [[Leh District]] || [[Leh]] || {{formatnum: 45110}} || {{formatnum: 117232}} || {{formatnum: 147104}}
|-
|Total ||2 ||{{formatnum: 59146}}||{{formatnum: 236539}} ||{{formatnum: 290492}}
|-
|}

==== Autonomous District Councils ====
Each district of Ladakh is administered by an [[autonomous district council]], they are:

*[[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil]]
*[[Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh]]

The two autonomous district councils work with village [[panchayat]]s to take decisions on economic development, healthcare, education, land use, taxation, and local governance which are further reviewed at the block headquarters in the presence of the chief executive councillor and executive councillors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/india/india78.html|title=India|publisher=Allrefer country study guide|access-date=21 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521234810/http://reference.allrefer.com/country-guide-study/india/india78.html|archive-date=21 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The government of Jammu and Kashmir looks after law and order, the judicial system, communications and the higher education in the region.

The two autonomous district councils continue to exist following the formation of the union territory of Ladakh on 31 October 2019.<ref name="dailyexcelsior.com" />

=== Law enforcement and justice ===
Ladakh is under the jurisdiction of the [[Jammu and Kashmir High Court]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir updates: Rajya Sabha passes bill that divides J&K, Ladakh with 125 votes in favour, 61 against |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/kashmir-turmoil-live-updates-schools-colleges-closed-mobile-service-suspended-section-144-imposed-in-jk/story/370544.html |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=Business Today |date=5 October 2019}}</ref> The union territory of Ladakh has its own [[Ladakh Police|police force]] headed by a [[Director general of police]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dixit |first1=Pranjal |title=लद्दाख की अपनी होगी खाकी, जम्मू-कश्मीर पुलिस भी दिल्ली की तरह उप राज्यपाल को करेगी रिपोर्ट |url=https://www.amarujala.com/jammu/ladakh-will-have-its-own-state-police-jammu-kashmir-police-will-report-to-lieutenant-governor |access-date=16 April 2021 |work=Amar Ujala |date=6 August 2019 |language=hi}}</ref>

=== Ladakh in the Parliament of India ===
Ladakh sends one member (MP) to the lower house of the [[Indian parliament]] the [[Lok Sabha]]. The MP for the [[Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Ladakh constituency]] in the current Lok Sabha is [[Jamyang Tsering Namgyal]] a candidate from the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP).<ref>{{cite web |title=Khan, Shri Hassan: Member's Bioprofile |publisher=Lok Sabha |url=http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/constituencywise/ConstituencywiseS094.htm|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513025423/http://164.100.47.132/LssNew/Members/Biography.aspx?mpsno=191 |archive-date=13 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.elections.in/parliamentary-constituencies/member-of-parliament.html|title=Members of Parliament, MPs of India 2014, Sixteenth Lok Sabha Members|website=elections.in|access-date=28 September 2016}}</ref>

== Economy ==
[[File:LK130030.jpg|thumb|upright|Street market in [[Leh]]]]
[[File:Preparing apricots. Alchi Monastery, Ladakh.jpg|thumb|left|Preparing aricots. Alchi Monastery]]
The land is irrigated by a system of channels which funnel water from the ice and snow of the mountains. The principal crops are [[barley]] and wheat. Rice was previously a luxury in the Ladakhi diet, but, subsidised by the government, has now become a cheap staple.<ref name="Crossroads" />

Naked barley (Ladakhi: ''nas'', Urdu: ''grim'') was traditionally a staple crop all over Ladakh. Growing times vary considerably with altitude. The extreme limit of cultivation is at [[Korzok]], on the [[Tso-moriri]] lake, at {{cvt|4600|m|ft}}, which has what are widely considered to be the highest fields in the world.<ref name="Crossroads" />

A minority of Ladakhi people were also employed as merchants and caravan traders, facilitating trade in textiles, carpets, [[dye]]stuffs and [[narcotics]] between Punjab and [[Xinjiang]]. However, since the Chinese Government closed the borders between Tibet Autonomous Region and Ladakh, this international trade has completely dried up.<ref name="LoramCharlie" /><ref name="LP">{{cite book |last=Weare |first=Garry |year=2002 |title=Trekking in the Indian Himalaya |edition=4th |publisher=[[Lonely Planet]] }}</ref>

[[Indus river]] flowing in the Ladakh region is endowed with vast hydropower potential. Solar and wind power potentials are also substantial. Though the region is a remote hilly area without all-weather roads, the area is also rich in limestone deposits to manufacture cement from the locally available cheap electricity for various construction needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ikashmir.net/geography/chapter3.2.html |title= Distribution of Rocks and Minerals in J&K state |access-date=30 November 2017 }}</ref>

Since 1974, the Indian Government has encouraged a shift in trekking and other tourist activities from the troubled [[Kashmir]] region to the relatively unaffected areas of Ladakh. Although tourism employs only 4% of Ladakh's working population, it now accounts for 50% of the region's [[Gross National Product|GNP]].<ref name="LoramCharlie" />

This era is recorded in Arthur Neves ''The Tourist's Guide to Kashmir, Ladakh, and Skardo'', first published in 1911.<ref name="LP" />

== Transportation ==
[[File:Ladakh Highway.jpg|left|thumb|A vehicle on the Himalaya Highway 3]]
There are about {{cvt|1800|km|mi}} of roads in Ladakh of which {{cvt|800|km|mi}} are surfaced.<ref name="PlanningCommision2">{{cite web |year=2001 |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch3a.pdf |title=State Development Report—Jammu and Kashmir, Chapter 3A |publisher=Planning Commission of India |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130192441/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch3a.pdf |archive-date=30 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The majority of roads in Ladakh are looked after by the [[Border Roads Organisation]]. The third road to Ladakh is the [[Nimmu–Padam–Darcha road]], which is under construction.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 September 2020|others=ANI|title=LAC stand-off: BRO's new highway untraceable by enemy, saves hours and gives 365-day connectivity|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lac-stand-off-bros-new-highway-untraceable-by-enemy-saves-hours-and-gives-365-day-connectivity/articleshow/77952231.cms|access-date=7 September 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

[[File:IXL Front 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport]]]]

There is an airport in Leh, [[Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport]], from which there are daily flights to [[Delhi]] and weekly flights to Srinagar and Jammu. There are two airstrips at [[Daulat Beg Oldie]] and [[Fukche]] for military transport.<ref>{{cite web |author=IAF craft makes successful landing near China border |url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071230 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905091342/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080071230 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 September 2012 |title=NDTV.com |publisher=NDTV.com |date=4 November 2008 |access-date=21 June 2012 }}</ref> The airport at Kargil, [[Kargil Airport]], was intended for civilian flights but is currently is used by the Indian Army. The airport is a political issue for the locals who argue that the airport should serve its original purpose, i.e., should open up for civilian flights. Since past few years the [[Indian Air Force]] has been operating AN-32 air courier service to transport the locals during the winter seasons to [[Jammu]], [[Srinagar]] and [[Chandigarh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=783401 |title=Air Courier Service From Kargil Begins Operation |publisher=news.outlookindia.com |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517161012/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=783401 |archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/iaf-to-start-air-services-to-kargil-during-winter-from-December%206-70300 |title=IAF to start air services to Kargil during winter from December 6 |publisher=NDTV.com |date=3 December 2010 |access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref> A private aeroplane company [[Air Mantra]] landed a 17-seater aircraft at the airport, in presence of dignitaries like the Chief Minister [[Omar Abdullah]], marking the first ever landing by a civilian airline company at Kargil Airport.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Ahmed Ali |last1=Fayyaz |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/kargil-gets-first-civil-air-connectivity/article4283179.ece |title=Kargil gets first civil air connectivity |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 January 2013 |access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=GK News Network |url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Jan/2/-air-mantra-to-operate-flights-to-kargil--69.asp |title=Air Mantra to operate flights to Kargil |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |date=2 January 2013 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604034510/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Jan/2/-air-mantra-to-operate-flights-to-kargil--69.asp |archive-date= 4 June 2013 }}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Pie chart|label1=[[Islam in India|Islam]]|value7=0.02|color8=Black|color7=chartreuse|color6=brown|color4=darkkhaki|color5=dodgerblue|color3=darkorange|color2=Gold|color1=Green|value8=0.47|label8=Religion not stated|label7=Other|value1=46.41|value6=0.05|label6=[[Jainism]]|value5=0.46|label5=[[Christianity]]|value4=0.83|label4=[[Sikhism]]|value3=12.11|label3=[[Hinduism]]|value2=39.65|label2=[[Buddhism]]|caption=Religions in Ladakh (2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = left
| caption=Ladakh (Kargil and Leh Districts) : mother-tongue of population, according to the 2011 Census.<ref name="census2011-C16"/>
|label1 = Bauti |value1 = 35.72 |color1 = DarkGreen
|label2 = Purkhi |value2 = 33.61 |color2 = DarkBlue
|label3 = Hindi |value3 = 8.94 |color3 = Yellow
|label4 = Others |value4 = 6.42 |color4 = Black
|label5 = Shina |value5 = 4.30 |color5 = ForestGreen
|label6 = Balti |value6 = 3.58 |color6 = DarkSlateBlue
|label7 = Tibetan |value7 = 2.33 |color7 = Lime
|label8 = Ladakhi |value8 = 2.06 |color8 = DarkOliveGreen
|label9 = Punjabi |value9 = 1.00 |color9 = SandyBrown
|label10 = Dardi |value10 = 0.76 |color10 = Indigo
|label11 = Marathi |value11 = 0.73 |color11 = Purple
|label12 = Nepali |value12 = 0.55 |color12 = Cyan
}}

People of Dard descent predominate in Dras and Dha-Hanu areas. The residents of the [[Dha-Hanu]] area, known as [[Brokpa]], are predominately followers of Islam while small minorities follow Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism<ref>{{Cite web|title=Religion Data of Census 2011: XXXIII JK-HP-ST|url=https://blog.cpsindia.org/2016/12/religion-data-of-census-2011-xxxiii-jk.html|language=en-GB|access-date=18 May 2020}}</ref> and most Brokpa have preserved much of their original Dardic traditions and customs. The Dards of Dras, however, have converted to [[Islam]] and have been strongly influenced by their Kashmiri neighbours. The Mons are believed to be descendants of earlier Indian settlers in Ladakh, and traditionally worked as musicians, blacksmiths, and carpenters.
The region's population is split roughly in half between the districts of [[Leh district|Leh]] and [[Kargil district|Kargil]]. 76.87% population of Kargil is Muslim (mostly [[Shia]]),<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tarun-vijay/the-right-view/Endangered-Ladakh/articleshow/2742608.cms |title=Endangered Ladakh |work=[[The Times of India]] |first1=Tarun |last1=Vijay |date=30 January 2008 |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref><ref name="census2011-C01"/> with a total population of 140,802, while that of Leh is 66.40% Buddhist, with a total population of 133,487, as per the 2011 census.<ref name="census2011-C01">{{cite report |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community – Jammu & Kashmir |url = https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW01C-01%20MDDS.XLS |publisher = Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=28 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/622-kargil.html|title=Kargil District Population Census 2011-2020, Jammu and Kashmir literacy sex ratio and density|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/621-leh.html|title=Leh District Population Census 2011-2020, Jammu and Kashmir literacy sex ratio and density|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref>

The predominant mother-tongue in Leh district is [[Bauti language|Bauti]], a [[Tibetan languages|Tibetan language]].<ref name="census2011-C16"/>  However, the [[Purgi language|Purkhi]] is the predominant mother-tongue of Kargil district.<ref name="census2011-C16"/><ref>{{citation|last=Rather |first=Ali Mohammad |title=Kargil: The Post-War Scenario |journal=Journal of Peace Studies |publisher=International Center for Peace Studies |volume=6 |number=5–6 |date=September 1999 |url=http://www.icpsnet.org/description.php?ID=138 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141201063036/http://www.icpsnet.org/description.php?ID=138 |archive-date= 1 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Educated Ladakhis usually know Hindi, Urdu and often English. Within Ladakh, there is a range of dialects, so that the language of the [[Changpa|Chang-pa]] people may differ markedly from that of the [[Purigpa|Purig-pa]] in Kargil, or the Zangskaris, but they are all mutually comprehensible.

{|class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! colspan=4| Ladakh (Kargil and Leh Districts) : mother-tongue of population, according to the 2011 Census.<ref name="census2011-C16">{{cite report |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Jammu & Kashmir |url = https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0100.XLSX |publisher = Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=18 July 2020}}</ref>
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! Mother tongue code
! Mother tongue
! People
! Percentage
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 001002 || [[Assamese language|Assamese]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 571
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.21%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 002007 || [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,146
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.42%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 004001 || [[Dogri language|Dogri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,031
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.38%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 005018 || [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 438
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.16%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006102 || [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 182
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.07%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006195 || [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 267
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.10%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006207 || [[Gojri language|Gojri/Gujjari/Gujar]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 123
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.04%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006235 || [[Haryanvi language|Haryanvi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 86
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.03%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006240 || [[Hindi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 24,511
| style="text-align:right;" | 8.94%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006340 || [[Kumauni language|Kumauni]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 66
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.02%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006439 || [[Pahari language|Pahari]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 168
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.06%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006489 || [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 139
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.05%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 006503 || [[Sadan language|Sadan/Sadri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 16
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 007016 || [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 472
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.17%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 008005 || [[Kashmiri language|Kashmiri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,020
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.37%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 008010 || [[Kishtwari language|Kishtwari]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 17
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 008019 || Dardi
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,072
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.76%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 010008 || [[Maithili language|Maithili]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 25
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 010011 || Purbi Maithili
| style="text-align:right;" | 53
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.02%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 011016 || [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 797
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.29%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 012003 || [[Meitei language|Meitei]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 151
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.06%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 013071 || [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,001
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.73%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 014011 || [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,516
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.55%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 015043 || [[Odia language|Odia]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 594
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.22%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 016002 || [[Bagri language|Bagri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 14
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 016038 || [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,747
| style="text-align:right;" | 1.00%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 020027 || [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,009
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.37%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 021046 || [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,011
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.37%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 022015 || [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 226
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.08%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 024001 || [[Pashto language|Afghani/Kabuli/Pashto]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 18
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 029002 || [[Balti language|Balti]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 9,825
| style="text-align:right;" | 3.58%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 031001 || [[Bhotia language|Bhotia]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 320
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.12%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 031011 || [[Bauti language|Bauti]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 97,979
| style="text-align:right;" | 35.72%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 040001 || [[English language|English]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 29
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 053005 || [[Gujari language|Gujari]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 31
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 055007 || [[Khasi language|Khasi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 14
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 071008 || [[Kuki language|Kuki]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 69
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.03%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 073003 || [[Ladakhi language|Ladakhi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 5,640
| style="text-align:right;" | 2.06%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 082005 || [[Lushai language|Lushai/Mizo]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 127
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.05%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 108001 || [[Sherpa language|Sherpa]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 21
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 109005 || [[Shina language|Shina]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 11,798
| style="text-align:right;" | 4.30%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 111001 || [[Tamang language|Tamang]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 18
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 115008 || [[Standard Tibetan|Tibetan]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 6,393
| style="text-align:right;" | 2.33%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 115011 || [[Purgi language|Purkhi]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 92,176
| style="text-align:right;" | 33.61%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|| 116014 || [[Tripuri language|Tripuri]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 18
| style="text-align:right;" | 0.01%
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| style="text-align:center;" | –
|| [[Languages of India|Others]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 7,344
| style="text-align:right;" | 2.68%
|- style="vertical-align:top;" class=sortbottom
| colspan=2 | Total
| style="text-align:right;" | 274,289
| style="text-align:right;" | 100.00%
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+Population of Leh and Kargil districts
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year{{efn|Census was not carried out in Jammu and Kashmir in 1991 due to militancy}} || colspan="3"| [[Leh District]] || colspan="3"| [[Kargil District]]
|-
!| Population||Percentage change ||Females per 1000 males ||Population||Percentage change ||Females per 1000 males
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 1951 || 40,484 ||— ||1011|| 41,856 ||— || 970
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 1961 || 43,587 ||0.74||1010|| 45,064 ||0.74 || 935
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 1971 || 51,891 ||1.76 ||1002|| 53,400 ||1.71 || 949
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 1981 || 68,380 ||2.80 ||886|| 65,992 ||2.14 || 853
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 2001 || 117,637 ||2.75 ||805|| 115,287 ||2.83 || 901
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 2011 || 133,487 || || 690|| 140,802 || || 810
|}

The sex ratio for Leh district declined from 1011 females per 1000 males in 1951 to 805 in 2001, while for Kargil district it declined from 970 to 901.<ref name=PlanningCommision1>{{cite web |title=State Development Report—Jammu and Kashmir, Chapter 2 – Demographics |publisher=Planning Commission of India |year=1999 |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch2.pdf |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213160104/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_jandk/sdr_jkch2.pdf |archive-date=13 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The urban sex ratio in both the districts is about 640. The adult sex ratio reflects large numbers of mostly male seasonal and migrant labourers and merchants. About 84% of Ladakh's population lives in villages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rural population |publisher=Education for all in India |year=1999 |url=http://www.educationforallinindia.com/rudpop2001.html |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710171729/http://www.educationforallinindia.com/rudpop2001.html |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The average annual population growth rate from 1981 to 2001 was 2.75% in Leh District and 2.83% in Kargil district.<ref name=PlanningCommision1 />

== Culture ==

Ladakhi culture is similar to [[Tibetan culture]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ladakh Festival – a Cultural Spectacle |publisher=EF News International |access-date=28 August 2006 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.efi-news.com/2011/09/ladakh-festival-cultural-spectacle.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502152610/http://www.efi-news.com/2011/09/ladakh-festival-cultural-spectacle.html |archive-date= 2 May 2012 }}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
[[File:Thukpa, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.JPG|thumb|[[Thukpa]]]]
Ladakhi food has much in common with [[Tibetan food]], the most prominent foods being ''[[thukpa]]'' (noodle soup) and ''[[tsampa]]'', known in Ladakhi as ''ngampe'' (roasted barley flour). Edible without cooking, ''tsampa'' makes useful trekking food. Strictly Ladakhi dishes include ''skyu'' and ''chutagi'', both heavy and rich soup pasta dishes, ''skyu'' being made with root vegetables and meat, and ''chutagi'' with leafy greens and vegetables.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Motup|first=Sonam|date=|title=Food & Cuisine: 10 Best Dishes to Eat in Leh-Ladakh 🥄🥣|url=https://www.leh-ladakh-taxi-booking.com/practical-info/food-and-cuisine-10-best-dishes-to-eat-in-ladakh|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}</ref> As Ladakh moves toward a cash-based economy, foods from the plains of India are becoming more common.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Namgail, T., Jensen, A., Padmanabhan, S., Desor, S. & Dolma, R. |title=Dhontang: Food in Ladakh |date=2019 |publisher=Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Local Futures |isbn=978-93-83802-15-9 |pages=1–44}}</ref> As in other parts of Central Asia, tea in Ladakh is traditionally made with strong green tea, butter, and salt. It is mixed in a large churn and known as ''[[Butter tea|gurgur cha]]'', after the sound it makes when mixed. Sweet tea (''cha ngarmo'') is common now, made in the Indian style with milk and sugar. Most of the surplus barley that is produced is fermented into ''chang'', an alcoholic beverage drunk especially on festive occasions.<ref name="WomensAlliance">{{cite book |last=Norberg-Hodge |first=Helena |year=2000 |title=Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh |publisher=Oxford India Paperbacks }}</ref>

=== Music and dance ===
{{main|Music of Ladakh}}
[[File:Buddhist deity.jpg|thumb|Dancer in masked dance festival]]
[[File:Jabro Dance Ladakh.jpg|thumb|Jabro Dance]]
The music of Ladakhi Buddhist monastic festivals, like [[Music of Tibet|Tibetan music]], often involves religious [[chanting]] in [[Classical Tibetan|Tibetan]] as an integral part of the religion. These chants are complex, often recitations of sacred texts or in celebration of various festivals. ''Yang'' chanting, performed without metrical timing, is accompanied by resonant drums and low, sustained syllables. Religious mask dances are an important part of Ladakh's cultural life. [[Hemis monastery]], a leading centre of the [[Drukpa Lineage|Drukpa]] tradition of Buddhism, holds an annual masked dance festival, as do all major Ladakhi monasteries. The dances typically narrate a story of the fight between good and evil, ending with the eventual victory of the former.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dollsofindia.com/library/article0010/2/ |title=Masks: Reflections of Culture and Religion |publisher=Dolls of India |access-date=21 August 2006 |date=12 January 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710143621/http://www.dollsofindia.com/library/article0010/2/ |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Weaving is an important part of traditional life in eastern Ladakh. Both women and men weave, on different looms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-0834805219-0 |title=Living Fabric: Weaving Among the Nomads of Ladakh Himalaya |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629123453/http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=62-0834805219-0 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Sport ===
[[File:Sul-ma, woman’s woollen dress (detail), Ladakh, late 19th-early 20th century.JPG|thumb|Sul-ma, woman's woollen dress (detail), Ladakh, late 19th-early 20th century]]
The most popular sport in Ladakh is [[Ice hockey in India|ice hockey]], which is played only on natural ice generally mid-December through mid-February.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sherlip |first=Adam |title=Hockey Foundation |url=http://www.hockeyfoundation.org}}</ref> Cricket is also very popular.

Archery is a traditional sport in Ladakh, and many villages hold archery festivals, which are as much about traditional dancing, drinking and gambling, as they are about the sport. The sport is conducted with strict etiquette, to the accompaniment of the music of ''surna'' and ''daman'' ([[shehnai]] and drum). Polo, the other traditional sport of Ladakh, is indigenous to Baltistan and [[Gilgit]], and was probably introduced into Ladakh in the mid-17th century by King Singge Namgyal, whose mother was a Balti princess.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jktourism.org/cities/ladakh/culture/index.htm |title=Ladakh culture |publisher=Jammu and Kashmir Tourism |access-date=21 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712004749/http://www.jktourism.org/cities/ladakh/culture/index.htm  |archive-date=12 July 2006}}</ref>

Polo, popular among the Baltis, is an annual affair in Drass region of Kargil district.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Jul/10/lalit-group-organises-polo-tourney-in-drass-19.asp |title=Lalit Group Organises Polo Tourney in Drass, Celebrating 100 Years, Sports Events Imperative To Showcase Talent: Omar |work=[[Greater Kashmir]] |date=10 July 2011 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730165436/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Jul/10/lalit-group-organises-polo-tourney-in-drass-19.asp |archive-date=30 July 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://khagta.photoshelter.com/gallery/-/G0000A0sXWCwJqug/ |title=Traditonal [sic] Polo in Drass, Ladakh | Himanshu Khagta – Travel Photographer in India |last=Khagta |first=Himanshu |author-link=Himanshu Khagta |date=18 July 2011 |website=PhotoShelter: Himanshu Khagta |access-date=6 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.statetimes.in/news/manipur-lifts-lalit-suri-polo-cup/ |title=Manipur lifts Lalit Suri Polo Cup |work=[[State Times]] |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517115507/http://www.statetimes.in/news/manipur-lifts-lalit-suri-polo-cup/ |archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-events/the-lalit-suri-exhibition-polo-2009 |title=Business Hotels in India – Event Planning in India – The Lalit Hotels |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314203252/http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-events/the-lalit-suri-exhibition-polo-2009 |archive-date=14 March 2013}}</ref>

The [[Ladakh Marathon]] is a high-altitude [[marathon]] held in [[Leh]] every year since 2012. Held at a height of {{convert|11500|to|17,618|ft}}, it is one of the world's highest marathons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lahdc-organises-3rd-ladakh-marathon-at-leh-114091501153_1.html |title=LAHDC organises 3rd Ladakh Marathon at Leh | Business Standard News |publisher=Business-standard.com |access-date=14 September 2015}}</ref>

[[File:First ever Khelo India Winter Games.jpg|thumb|250px| First ever [[Khelo India Youth Games|Khelo India]] Winter Games in Ladakh]]

=== Social status of women ===
[[File:Woman wearing traditional Ladakhi hat (2014).jpg|thumb|Woman wearing traditional Ladakhi hat]]
A feature of Ladakhi society that distinguishes it from the rest of the state is the high status and relative emancipation enjoyed by women compared to other rural parts of India. Fraternal [[polyandry]] and inheritance by [[primogeniture]] were common in Ladakh until the early 1940s when these were made illegal by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the practice remained in existence into the 1990s especially among the elderly and the more isolated rural populations.<ref name="Gielen, U. P. 1993">{{cite journal |last=Gielen |first=Uwe |title=Gender roles in traditional Tibetan cultures |year=1998 |journal= In L.L Adler (Ed.), International Handbook on Gender Roles. Westport, CT: Greenwood.|pages=413–437}}</ref> Another custom is known as ''khang-bu'', or 'little house', in which the elders of a family, as soon as the eldest son has sufficiently matured, retire from participation in affairs, yielding the headship of the family to him and taking only enough of the property for their own sustenance.<ref name =Crossroads />

=== Traditional medicine ===
{{main|Traditional Tibetan medicine}}
[[Tibetan medicine]] has been the traditional health system of Ladakh for over a thousand years. This school of traditional healing contains elements of [[Ayurveda]] and [[Chinese medicine]], combined with the philosophy and [[cosmology]] of Tibetan Buddhism. For centuries, the only medical system accessible to the people have been the ''[[Sowa Rigpa|amchi]]'', traditional doctors following the Tibetan medical tradition. ''[[Sowa Rigpa|Amchi]]'' medicine remains a component of public health, especially in remote areas.<ref name="Plantlife">{{cite web |url=http://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/plantlife-med-plants-projects-allachy-India-Ladakh.htm |title=Plantlife.org project on medicinal plants of importance to amchi medicine |publisher=Plantlife.org.uk |access-date=21 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617115651/http://www.plantlife.org.uk/international/plantlife-med-plants-projects-allachy-India-Ladakh.htm |archive-date=17 June 2009 }}</ref>

Programmes by the government, local and international organisations are working to develop and rejuvenate this traditional system of healing.<ref name="Plantlife" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cbhi-hsprod.nic.in/listdetails.asp?roid=127 |title=A government of India project in support of Sowa Rigpa-'amchi' medicine |publisher=Cbhi-hsprod.nic.in |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222103818/http://cbhi-hsprod.nic.in/listdetails.asp?roid=127 |archive-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Efforts are underway to preserve the intellectual property rights of [[Sowa Rigpa|''amchi'' medicine]] for the people of Ladakh. The government has also been trying to promote the [[Hippophae|sea buckthorn]] in the form of juice and jam, as some claim it possess medicinal properties.

The [[National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa]] in Leh is an institute for research into traditional medicine and a hospital providing traditional treatments.<ref>{{cite web | title=Modi govt to promote Tibetan healing system with AIIMS-like Sowa-Rigpa hospital in Leh | website=ThePrint | date=28 November 2019 | url=https://theprint.in/health/modi-govt-to-promote-tibetan-healing-system-with-aiims-like-sowa-rigpa-hospital-in-leh/326946/ | access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref>

== Education ==
According to the 2001 census, the overall literacy rate in Leh District is 62% (72% for males and 50% for females), and in Kargil District 58% (74% for males and 41% for females).<ref>{{cite web |year =2001 |url=http://www.educationforallinindia.com/page157.html |title=District-specific Literates and Literacy Rates |publisher=Education for all website |access-date=21 August 2006}}</ref> Traditionally there was little or nothing by way of formal education except in the monasteries. Usually, one son from every family was obliged to master the Tibetan script in order to read the holy books.<ref name="Crossroads" />

The [[Moravian Church|Moravian Mission]] opened a school in Leh in October 1889, and the ''Wazir-i Wazarat'' (''ex officio'' Joint Commissioner with a British officer) of Baltistan and Ladakh ordered that every family with more than one child should send one of them to school. This order met with great resistance from the local people who feared that the children would be forced to convert to Christianity. The school taught Tibetan, Urdu, English, Geography, Sciences, Nature study, Arithmetic, Geometry and Bible study.<ref name =Ray /> It is still in existence today. The first local school to provide western education was opened by a local Society called "Lamdon Social Welfare Society" in 1973. Later, with support from [[Dalai Lama]] and some international organisations, the school, now known as Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, has grown to accommodate approximately two thousand pupils in several branches. It prides itself on preserving Ladakhi tradition and culture.<ref name="Lamdon">{{Cite web |url=https://www.internationaledventures.com/ |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090326084955/http://www.internationaledventures.com/Files/Who%20we%20support/Lamdon%20.pdf |url-status=dead |title=Leh, Ladakh. A History of Lamdon School |publisher=The Lamdon Social Welfare Society |archive-date=26 March 2009 |website=internationaledventures.com}}</ref>

Schools are well distributed throughout Ladakh but 75% of them provide only primary education. 65% of children attend school, but absenteeism of both students and teachers remains high. In both districts the failure rate at school-leaving level ([[Education in India|class X]]) had for many years been around 85%–95%, while of those managing to scrape through, barely half succeeded in qualifying for college entrance (class XII). Before 1993, students were taught in Urdu until they were 14, after which the medium of instruction shifted to English.

In 1994 the [[Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh]] (SECMOL) launched Operation New Hope (ONH), a campaign to provide "culturally appropriate and locally relevant education" and make government schools more functional and effective.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/1285-Education-reform,-interrupted.html |title=Education reform, interrupted |access-date=17 February 2008 |year=2009 |orig-year=2007 |author=Justin Shilad |work=Himal Southasian |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111014438/http://www.himalmag.com/component/content/article/1285-Education-reform%2C-interrupted.html |archive-date=11 November 2013 }}</ref>

[[File:Hanle observatory.jpg|thumb|[[Indian Astronomical Observatory]] near Leh]]
[[University of Ladakh]] and [[Eliezer Joldan Memorial College Leh, Ladakh|Eliezer Joldan Memorial College]], a government degree college, enables students to pursue higher education without having to leave Ladakh.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visit-ladakh.com/ladakh-education.html |title=Education in Ladakh |publisher=Visit Ladakh Travel |access-date=22 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928003704/http://www.visit-ladakh.com/ladakh-education.html |archive-date=28 September 2007 }}</ref> The [[Indian Astronomical Observatory]] is located in [[Hanle (village)|Hanle]] and is operated by the [[Indian Institute of Astrophysics]].<ref>{{cite web | title=New gamma ray telescope coming up in Ladakh to observe exploding stars, black holes | website=Firstpost | date=21 September 2018 | url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/new-gamma-ray-telescope-coming-up-in-ladakh-to-observe-exploding-stars-black-holes-5230301.html | access-date=5 October 2020}}</ref>

In December 2019, the union minister of state for home affairs Mr [[G. Kishan Reddy|G Kishan Reddy]], in a written response has stated in Parliament that the Government of India has approved to establish a Medical College and [[National Research Institute for Sowa-Rigpa]] in the district of Leh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/education/two-aiims-like-institutions-8-medical-colleges-in-jammu-kashmir-ladakh-govt-6159847/|title=Two AIIMS-like institutions, 8 medical colleges in Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh: Govt|date=10 December 2019|website=The Indian Express|access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

== Media ==
{{See also|Ladakh International Film Festival}}
The government radio broadcaster [[All India Radio]] (AIR)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://allindiaradio.gov.in/Station/LEH/Pages/default.aspx |title=AIR Leh |publisher=[[Prasar Bharati]] |access-date=2 August 2013}}</ref> and government television station [[Doordarshan]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/Doordarshan+Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120031304/http://www.ddindia.gov.in/About+DD/Doordarshan+Studios |url-status=dead |title=List of Doordarshan studios |archive-date=20 January 2011}}</ref> have stations in Leh that broadcast local content for a few hours a day. Beyond that, Ladakhis produce feature films that are screened in auditoriums and community halls. They are often made on fairly modest budgets.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/ladakhi-films-overshadow-bollywood-in-the-himalayas_100258767.html |title=Thaindia News |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=10 October 2009 |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>

There are a handful of private news outlets.
* ''Reach Ladakh Bulletin'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Deptt |first=Information |url=http://www.reachladakh.com |title=ReachLadakh.com |publisher=ReachLadakh.com |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref> a biweekly newspaper in English, is the only print media published by and for Ladakhis.
* ''Rangyul'' or ''Kargil Number'' is a newspaper published from Kashmir covering Ladakh in English and Urdu.
* ''Ladags Melong'', an initiative of SECMOL, was published from 1992 to 2005 in English and Ladakhi.
* ''Sintic Magazine'', a lifestyle and tourist magazine of Ladakh, was started in 2018 in English.

Some publications that cover Jammu and Kashmir as a whole provide some coverage of Ladakh.
* ''[[The Daily Excelsior]]'' claims to be "The largest circulated daily of Jammu and Kashmir".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyexcelsior.com |title=The Daily Excelsior |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>
*''Epilogue'', a monthly magazine covering Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.epilogue.in |title=Epilogue's website |publisher=Epilogue.in |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>
*''Kashmir Times'', a daily newspaper covering Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kashmirtimes.com |title=The Kashmir Times |access-date=21 June 2012}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Pensi La-Stod.JPG|Pensi La
File:Lake-on-shingo-la.jpg|Shingo La
File:Shanti Stupa, Leh, 20180814.jpg|Shanti Stupa, Leh
File:Front of the Thiksey Monastery.jpg|Front of the Thiksey Monastery
File:Likir (224).jpg|Likir Monastery
File:Himalayan Backdrop near Leh.jpg|Trees nestled in front of the Himalayas near Leh
File:Nubra Valley view with Reflection.jpg|Nubra Valley view with reflection
File:Mune wall col.jpg|Carved stone tablets, each with the inscription "[[Om Mani Padme Hum]]" along the paths of Zanskar
</gallery>

== See also ==

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Balti language]]
* [[Ladakh Buddhist Association]]
* [[Ladakh (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Ladakh Scouts]]
* [[Ladakh Police]]
* [[Ladakh Union Territory Front]]
* [[Polyandry in Tibet]]
{{div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
* {{citation |first=Gerhard |last=Emmer |chapter=Dga' Ldan Tshe Dbang Dpal Bzang Po and the Tibet-Ladakh-Mugha1 War of 1679–84 |title=Proceedings of the Tenth Seminar of the IATS, 2003. Volume 9: The Mongolia-Tibet Interface: Opening New Research Terrains in Inner Asia |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GPKvCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA95 |year= 2007 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-474-2171-9 |pages=81–108 |ref={{sfnref|Emmer, the Tibet-Ladakh-Mughal War|2007}}}}
* {{citation |last1=Fisher |first1=Margaret W. |last2=Rose |first2=Leo E. |last3=Huttenback |first3=Robert A. |title=Himalayan Battleground: Sino-Indian Rivalry in Ladakh |year=1963 |publisher=Praeger |url=http://www.questia.com/read/10466588 |url-access=subscription |via=[[Questia]] |ref={{sfnref|Fisher, Rose & Huttenback, Himalayan Battleground|1963}}}}
* {{citation |last=Francke |first=August Hermann |author-link=August Hermann Francke (Tibetologist) |title=A History of Western Tibet |publisher=S. W. Partridge & Co |year=1907 |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofwestern00ahfr/page/n6 |via=archive.org |ref={{sfnref|Francke, A History of Western Tibet|1907}}}}
* {{cite book |last=Francke |first=August Hermann |title=Antiquities of Indian Tibet |work=Volume 38; Volume 50 of New imperial series |publisher=[[Asian Educational Services]] |page=94 |year=1992 |orig-year=first published 1926 |isbn=81-206-0769-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WG4J4IKd014C |ref={{sfnref|Francke, Antiquities of Indian Tibet|1992}}}}
* {{citation |last1=Handa |first1=O. C. |title=Buddhist Western Himalaya: A politico-religious history |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R4VuovXa5YUC&pg=PA130 |year=2001 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-124-5 |ref={{sfnref|Handa, Buddhist Western Himalaya|2001}}}}
* {{citation |first=Prem Singh |last=Jina |title=Ladakh: The Land and the People |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kjhcZgDy-WMC |year=1996 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-057-6 |ref={{sfnref|Jina, Ladakh|1996}}}}
* {{citation |editor1-first=Erberto |editor1-last=Lo Bue |editor2-first=John |editor2-last=Bray |chapter=Introduction |title=Art and Architecture in Ladakh: Cross-cultural Transmissions in the Himalayas and Karakoram |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA5 |year=2014 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=978-90-04-27180-7 |ref={{sfnref|Lo Bue & Bray, Art and Architecture in Ladakh|2014}}}}
** {{citation |first=Phuntsog |last=Dorjay |chapter=Embedded in Stone—Early Buddhist Rock Art of Ladakh |title=Ibid |year=2014 |isbn=9789004271807 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA35 |pages=35–67 |ref={{sfnref|Dorjay, Embedded in Stone|2014}}}}
** {{citation |last1=Howard |first1=Neil |last2=Howard |first2=Kath |chapter=Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley, Eastern Ladakh, and a Consideration of Their Relationship to the History of Ladakh and Maryul |title=Ibid |year=2014 |isbn=9789004271807 |pages=68–99 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CJCfAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA68 |ref={{sfnref|Howard & Howard, Historic Ruins in the Gya Valley|2014}}}}
* {{citation |last=Petech |first=Luciano |author-link=Luciano Petech |title=The Kingdom of Ladakh, c. 950–1842 A.D. |publisher=Instituto Italiano Per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente |year=1977 |url=https://www.academia.edu/download/48901732/1977_Kingdom_of_Ladakh_c_950-1842_AD_by_Petech_s.pdf |via=academia.edu |ref={{sfnref|Petech, The Kingdom of Ladakh|1977}}}}
* {{cite book |first=Prem Singh |last=Jina |title=Famous Western Expolorers to Ladakh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9QTJbvggV6EC&q=turki+woman+married+to&pg=PA123 |date=1 January 1995 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn =978-81-7387-031-6 |pages=123–}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* Allan, Nigel J. R. 1995 ''Karakorum Himalaya: Sourcebook for a Protected Area''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20061110121202/http://www.iucn.org/places/pakistan/pdf/Karakoram-sourcebook.pdf IUCN]. {{ISBN|969-8141-13-8}}
* [[Alexander Cunningham|Cunningham, Alexander]]. 1854. ''Ladak: Physical, Statistical, and Historical; with notices of the surrounding countries''. Reprint: Sagar Publications, New Delhi. 1977.
* [[Ippolito Desideri|Desideri, Ippolito]] (1932). ''An Account of Tibet: The Travels of Ippolito Desideri 1712–1727''. Ippolito Desideri. Edited by [[Filippo De Filippi (explorer)|Filippo De Filippi]]. Introduction by C. Wessels. Reproduced by Rupa & Co, New Delhi. 2005
* Drew, Federic. 1877. ''The Northern Barrier of India: a popular account of the Jammoo and Kashmir Territories with Illustrations.'' 1st edition: Edward Stanford, London. Reprint: Light & Life Publishers, Jammu. 1971.
* Francke, A. H. (1914), 1920, 1926. ''Antiquities of Indian Tibet. Vol. 1: Personal Narrative; Vol. 2: The Chronicles of Ladak and Minor Chronicles, texts and translations, with Notes and Maps''. Reprint: 1972. S. Chand & Co., New Delhi. ([https://books.google.com/books?id=WG4J4IKd014C&dq=Antiquities+of+indian+Tibet&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=BiuhhHjBgj&sig=qXScEP1IS27HYdwHmZR_IRea1dE&hl=de&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result Google Books])
* Gielen, U. P. 1998. "Gender roles in traditional Tibetan cultures". In L. L. Adler (Ed.), ''International handbook on gender roles'' (pp. 413–437). Westport, CT: Greenwood.
* Gillespie, A. (2007). [https://lse.academia.edu/AlexGillespie/Papers/1347720/Time_self_and_the_other_the_striving_tourist Time, Self and the Other: The striving tourist in Ladakh, north India]. In Livia Simao and Jaan Valsiner (eds) ''Otherness in question: Development of the self''. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
* Gillespie, A. (2007). [https://lse.academia.edu/AlexGillespie/Papers/97290/In_the_other_we_trust_Buying_souvenirs_in_Ladakh_North_India In the other we trust: Buying souvenirs in Ladakh, north India]. In [[Ivana Marková]] and Alex Gillespie (Eds.), ''Trust and distrust: Sociocultural perspectives''. Greenwich, CT: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
* ''The Road to Lamaland'' by [[Louis Gompertz|Martin Louis Alan Gompertz]]
* ''Magic Ladakh'' by [[Louis Gompertz|Martin Louis Alan Gompertz]]
* Gordon, T. E. 1876. ''The Roof of the World: Being the Narrative of a Journey over the high plateau of Tibet to the Russian Frontier and the Oxus sources on Pamir.'' Edinburgh. Edmonston and Douglas. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company. Tapei. 1971.
* Ham, Peter Van. 2015. '' Indian Tibet Tibetan India: The Cultural Legacy of the Western Himalayas''. Niyogi Books. {{ISBN|9789383098934}}.
* Halkias, Georgios (2009) "Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684", in ''Mountains, Monasteries and Mosques'', ed. John Bray. Supplement to Rivista Orientali, pp. 59–79.[https://www.academia.edu/601756/Until_the_Feathers_of_the_Winged_Black_Raven_Turn_White_Sources_for_the_Tibet-Bashahr_Treaty_of_1679-1684 Until the Feathers of the Winged Black Raven Turn White: Sources for the Tibet-Bashahr Treaty of 1679–1684]
* Halkias, Georgios (2010). ''The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchange in Ladakh and Baltistan.'' In Islam-Tibet: Interactions along the Musk Routes, eds. Anna Akasoy et al. Ashgate Publications, 231–252. [https://www.academia.edu/601746/The_Muslim_Queens_of_the_Himalayas_Princess_Exchanges_in_Baltistan_and_Ladakh The Muslim Queens of the Himalayas: Princess Exchanges in Baltistan and Ladakh]
* [[Andrew Harvey (religious writer)|Harvey, Andrew]]. 1983. ''A Journey in Ladakh''. Houghton Mifflin Company, New York.
*[[K. N. Pandit|Pandit, K. N.]] (1986). ''Ladakh, life & culture.'' Srinagar, Kashmir, India: Centre of Central Asian Studies, Kashmir University.
*Knight, E. F. 1893. ''Where Three Empires Meet: A Narrative of Recent Travel in: Kashmir, Western Tibet, Gilgit, and the adjoining countries''. Longmans, Green, and Co., London. Reprint: Ch'eng Wen Publishing Company, Taipei. 1971.
* Knight, William, Henry. 1863. ''Diary of a Pedestrian in Cashmere and Thibet''. Richard Bentley, London. Reprint 1998: Asian Educational Services, New Delhi.
* [[William Moorcroft (explorer)|Moorcroft, William]] and [[Trebeck, George]]. 1841. ''Travels in the Himalayan Provinces of Hindustan and the Panjab; in Ladakh and Kashmir, in Peshawar, Kabul, Kunduz, and Bokhara ... from 1819 to 1825'', Vol. II. Reprint: New Delhi, Sagar Publications, 1971.
* [[Norberg-Hodge, Helena]]. 2000. ''[[Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh]]''. Rider Books, London.
* [[Peissel, Michel]]. 1984. ''The Ants' Gold: The Discovery of the Greek El Dorado in the Himalayas''. Harvill Press, London.
* Rizvi, Janet. 1998. ''Ladakh, Crossroads of High Asia''. Oxford University Press. 1st edition 1963. 2nd revised edition 1996. 3rd impression 2001. {{ISBN|0-19-564546-4}}.
* Sen, Sohini. 2015. ''Ladakh: A Photo Travelogue''. Niyogi Books. {{ISBN|9789385285028}}.
* ''Trekking in Zanskar & Ladakh: Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri & Pangong Lake, Step By step Details of Every Trek: a Most Authentic & Colourful Trekkers' guide with maps 2001–2002''
* Zeisler, Bettina. (2010). "East of the Moon and West of the Sun? Approaches to a Land with Many Names, North of Ancient India and South of Khotan." In: ''The Tibet Journal'', Special issue. Autumn 2009 vol XXXIV n. 3-Summer 2010 vol XXXV n. 2. "The Earth Ox Papers", edited by Roberto Vitali, pp. 371–463.
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Ladakh}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikivoyage|Ladakh}}
*{{Britannica|327440}}
*[http://ladakh.nic.in/ Government of Ladakh]
*[http://jkladakhaffairs.nic.in/ Department of Ladakh Affairs]

{{Ladakh}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ladakh| ]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2019]]
[[Category:Union Territories of India]]
[[Category:North India|*]]
[[Category:History of the Republic of India]]
[[Category:2019 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of Pakistan]]
[[Category:Territorial disputes of China]]
[[Category:Disputed territories in Asia]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]

Flag of Sikkim

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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
[[Image:Indian state flag of Sikkim (proposed).png|thumb|Elevated proposed Indian state flag for Sikkim (Unofficial).]]

At present there is no official flag of [[Sikkim]], a state in [[India]]. The independent [[Kingdom of Sikkim]] did have a national flag until it became a state of India in 1975.

==Kingdom of Sikkim (1877–1975)==

The [[Kingdom of Sikkim]] had used several flags during its history. They all contained a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] ''[[khorlo]]'' [[prayer wheel]] with the ''[[gankyil]]'' as the central element.<ref>https://fotw.info/flags/in-sk.html</ref>

Until 1967, the previous flag showed a very complex design with a fanciful border and [[ashtamangala|religious pictograms]] surrounding the khorlo.

A more simple design was adopted in 1967 because of the difficulty in duplication of the complex flag. The border became solid red, the pictograms were removed and the wheel was redesigned.

With the [[1975 Sikkimese monarchy referendum|admission]] of [[Sikkim]] to the [[Republic of India]] and with the [[History of Sikkim#Independent monarchy|abolition of the monarchy]], the flag lost its official status in 1975.<ref>https://www.worldstatesmen.org/India.htm#Sikkim</ref>

{{Gallery
|title=
|width=230 | height=160 | lines=2
|align=center
|footer=
|File:Royal flag of Sikkim.svg|Reconstruction of the Sikkimese royal flag from 1877 to 1975
|File:Flag of Sikkim (1877-1914; 1962-1967).svg|Reconstruction of the Sikkimese flag from 1877 to 1914 and from 1962 to 1967
|File:Flag of Sikkim (1914-1962).svg|Reconstruction of the Sikkimese flag from 1914 to 1962
|Flag of Sikkim (1967-1975).svg|Flag of Sikkim used between 1967 and 1975
}}

== State of India (1975–present) ==
The [[Government of Sikkim]] can be represented by a banner that depicts the emblem of the state on a white background.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vexilla Mundi|url=http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/india_governments.html|access-date=2021-02-10|website=www.vexilla-mundi.com}}</ref>
[[File:Flag of the Government of Sikkim.svg|center|thumb|Government banner of Sikkim]]

==See also==
* [[Emblem of Sikkim]]
* [[Flag of India|National flag of India]]
* [[List of Indian state flags]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Flags of Sikkim}}
*{{FOTW|id=in-sk|title=Sikkim}}
*[http://www.flaggenlexikon.de/fsikkim.htm Flag and seal of Sikkim at flaggenlexikon.de]

{{Asia topic|Flag of|title=Flags of Asia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sikkim, Flag of}}
[[Category:National symbols of Sikkim| ]]
[[Category:History of Sikkim|Flag]]
[[Category:Flags of India]]
[[Category:Flags introduced in 1967]]
[[Category:1967 establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:Flags of indigenous peoples|Sikkim]]

{{India-hist-stub}}
{{asia-flag-stub}}

Talk:Flag of Sikkim

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Talk:Flag of Jammu and Kashmir

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Talk:Flag of Tamil Nadu

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File talk:Indian state flag of Tamil Nadu (proposed).png

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Flag of Tamil Nadu

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[[Image:Indian state flag of Tamil Nadu (proposed).png|thumb|A Revised version with Tamil traditional colours.]]

At present there is no official flag for the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] in India. A flag was proposed for the state in 1970 but was not formally adopted at that time.

==1970 flag proposal==
[[File:Flag of Tamil Nadu (proposed).svg|thumb|Proposed flag of Tamil Nadu]]
[[File:..Tamil Nadu Flag(INDIA).png|thumb|Tamil Nadu state banner]]
The [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] proposed a design for a state flag in 1970. The proposed design was grey with the flag of India in the canton and the [[Emblem of Tamil Nadu]] in the fly. It was proposed by newly elected [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu|Chief Minister]] [[M. Karunanidhi]] of the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] party. At the time the proposal was opposed by the Chief Ministers of several other states and it was not officially adopted.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2017/jul/25/when-tamil-nadu-proposed-a-state-flag-nearly-five-decades-ago-1633170--1.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523100006/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2017/jul/25/when-tamil-nadu-proposed-a-state-flag-nearly-five-decades-ago-1633170--1.html |archive-date=23 May 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Government banner==
The [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] can be represented by an image of the [[Emblem of Tamil Nadu|emblem]] of the state placed onto a white background.<ref>[https://www.worldstatesmen.org/India_states.html States of India since 1947]</ref><ref>http://www.vexilla-mundi.com/india_governments.html</ref> The emblem consists of the [[National Emblem of India]] flanked on either side by an [[Flag of India|Indian flag]]. Behind the national emblem, is the image of a ''[[Gopuram]]'' tower based on the West Tower of [[Srivilliputhur Andal temple|Srivilliputhur Andal Temple]].

==See also==
* [[List of Tamil Nadu state symbols]]
*[[Emblem of Tamil Nadu]]
*[[Tamil Thai Valthu]]
*[[Tamil flags]]
*[[Flag of India|National flag of India]]
*[[List of Indian state flags]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Flags of India| ]]

Tamil Nadu

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{{Infobox Settlement

|official_name = Tamil Nadu
|other_name =
|native_name = தமிழ்நாடு
|nickname =
|settlement_type = State of [[India]]
|motto =
|image_skyline = Swamithope.jpg
|imagesize =
|image_caption = Swamithope Pathi Temple
|image_flag = Indian state flag of Tamil Nadu (proposed).png
|flag_size =
|flag_link = Flag of Tamil Nadu
|image_seal = TamilNadu Logo.svg
|seal_size =
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|image_shield =
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|mapsize =
|map_caption = A map showing us where the location of Tamil Nadu is in the Republic of India
|image_map1 = India Tamil Nadu location map.svg
|mapsize1 =
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| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[South India]]
|subdivision_type3 =
|subdivision_name3 =
|subdivision_type4 =
|subdivision_name4 =
|government_footnotes =
|government_type =
| leader_title = [[Governors of Tamil Nadu|Governor]]
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 =
| leader_title2 = [[Legislature of Tamil Nadu|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameral]] (295{{ref|leg|*}} seats)
|leader_title3 =
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| established_title = Established
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|blank_info = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]{{,}}[[English language|English]]
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|footnotes = {{note|leg|*}} 294 elected, 1 nominated
}}
'''Tamil Nadu''' ({{lang-ta|தமிழ்நாடு}}) is one of the states in [[India]]. The capital of this state is [[Chennai]]. [[Tamil language|Tamil]] is the language spoken in Tamil Nadu. [[Coimbatore]], [[Tiruchirapalli]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], [[Madurai]], [[Tirunelveli]], [[Thanjavur]] and [[Thoothukudi]] are other large cities of Tamil Nadu. It is surrounded by the [[Bay of Bengal]] on the east and the [[Indian Ocean]] on the south and also by the [[Arabian Sea]] in the west for a smaller area. Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are its neighbouring states. The Tamilians are very proud of their language and heritage. In traditional Indian geography it falls under the [[South India]]n zone.

The current chief minister of the state is Edapadi K. Palaniswamy from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(AIADMK). Its leader of the opposition is M.K.Stalin, who is also the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK). These two Dravidian parties have been in power alternately in Tamil Nadu, since 1967.

The eastern and western tips of the state are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the southernmost tip is Kanniya Kumari, also called Cape Comorin. The Indian peninsula's southernmost point. With an area of 130,058 km2 and over 62 million people. Tamil Nadu is the 11th largest state in India. The major river is Kaveri which meets the needs of agriculture. The other important rivers are south Pennar, Palar, Vaigai, Tamira bharani, Manimuthar, Noyyal and Bhavani.Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state, is famed for its Dravidian-style Hindu temples.The three ancient Tamil empires of [[Chera Empire|Chera]], [[Chola Empire|Chola]], and [[Pandyan Empire|Pandya]] were of ancient origins.In Tamil Nadu, the [[Neolithic]] period had its advent around 2500 BCE
== Districts of Tamil Nadu ==
# [[Chennai district|Chennai]]
# [[Coimbatore district|Coimbatore]]
# [[Salem district|Salem]]
# [[Sivaganga district|Sivaganga]]
# [[Cuddalore district|Cuddalore]]
# [[Thanjavur district|Thanjavur]]
# [[Dharmapuri district|Dharmapuri]]
# [[The Nilgiris district|Nilgiris]]
# [[Dindigul district|Dindigul]]
# [[Theni district|Theni]]
# [[Erode district|Erode]]
# [[Ariyalur district|Ariyalur]]
# [[Pudukkottai district|Pudukkottai]]
# [[Tiruppur district|Tiruppur]]
# [[Thoothukudi district|Thoothukudi]]
# [[Kanchipuram district|Kanchipuram]]
# [[Chengalpattu district|Chengalpattu]]
# [[Kallakurichi district|Kallakurichi]]
# [[Tiruchirapalli District|Tiruchirappalli]]
# [[Kanyakumari district|Kanyakumari]]
# [[Tirunelveli district|Tirunelveli]]
# [[Tenkasi district|Tenkasi]]
# [[Karur District|Karur]]
# [[Thiruvallur district|Tiruvallur]]
# [[Krishnagiri district|Krishnagiri]]
# [[Tiruvannamalai district|Tiruvannamalai]]
# [[Madurai district|Madurai]]
# [[Thiruvarur district|Thiruvarur]]
# [[Nagapattinam district|Nagapattinam]]
# [[Vellore district|Vellore]]
# [[Ranipet district|Ranipet]]
# [[Tirupathur district|Tirupathur]]
# [[Namakkal district|Namakkal]]
# [[Viluppuram district|Viluppuram]]
# [[Perambalur district|Perambalur]]
# [[Virudhunagar district|Virudhunagar]]
# [[Ramanathapuram district|Ramanathapuram]]
#[[Mayiladuthurai district|Mayiladuthurai]]
== Area and Population ==
Area 50,180 [[square mile|mi²]] or 129,966 ([[km²]]), it is bigger than [[North Korea]] but smaller than [[Greece]]

Population 62405679

By Sex

Male 31400909

Female 31004770

By Area

Rural 34921681

Urban 27483998

Density (per km2) 480

Literates 40524545
=== ''Provincial symbols of Tamil-Nadu'' ===
<gallery>
File:Indian state flag of Tamil Nadu (proposed).png|Provincial flag of Tamil Nadu
File:Chalcophaps indica1.JPG|Provincial bird of Tamil Nadu
File:Nilgiri Tahr, Kerala.jpg|Provincial animal of Tamil Nadu
File:Palm Tamil Nadu.jpg|Provincial tree of Tamil Nadu
File:Gloriosa rothschildiana 01.jpg|Provincial flower of Tamil Nadu
</gallery>
{{commonscat}}
{{India}}
[[Category:Tamil Nadu| ]]

{{Asia-stub}}

Rajasthan

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2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|State in Northern India}}
{{About|the Indian state|the area of the ancient city of Samarkand|Registan|the desert in Afghanistan|Rigestan}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Rajasthan
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| image_flag = File:Indian state flag of Rajasthan (proposed).png
| image_seal = File:Emblem Rajasthan.png
| image_map = IN-RJ.svg
| map_caption = Location of Rajasthan in India
| image_map1 =
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Thar Khuri.jpg
| photo2a = Baroli temple.jpg
| photo2b = JodhpurIndia.jpg
| photo3a = Jantar Mantar at Jaipur.jpg
| photo4a = Amber palace, Jaipur.jpg

| spacing = 1
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 260
| foot_montage = ''From top, left to right:'' [[Thar desert]], [[Ghateshwar Temple]], [[Jodhpur]], [[Jantar Mantar, Jaipur|Jantar Mantar]], [[Amer Fort]]
}}
| image_caption =
| map_caption1 =
| coor_pinpoint = [[Jaipur]]
| coordinates = {{coord|26.6|73.8|region:IN-RJ_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| established_date = 30 March 1949
| established_title = Established
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style = coll
| p1 = {{bulleted list
|[[Ajmer district|Ajmer]]
|[[Alwar district|Alwar]]
|[[Banswara district|Banswara]]
|[[Baran district|Baran]]
|[[Barmer district|Barmer]]
|[[Bharatpur district|Bharatpur]]
|[[Bhilwara district|Bhilwara]]
|[[Bikaner district|Bikaner]]
|[[Bundi district|Bundi]]
|[[Chittorgarh district|Chittorgarh]]
|[[Churu district|Churu]]
|[[Dausa district|Dausa]]
|[[Dholpur district|Dholpur]]
|[[Dungarpur district|Dungarpur]]
|[[Hanumangarh district|Hanumangarh]]
|[[Jaipur district|Jaipur]]
|[[Jaisalmer district|Jaisalmer]]
|[[Jalor district|Jalor]]
|[[Jhalawar district|Jhalawar]]
|[[Jhunjhunu district|Jhunjhunu]]
|[[Jodhpur district|Jodhpur]]
|[[Karauli district|Karauli]]
|[[Kota district|Kota]]
|[[Nagaur district|Nagaur]]
|[[Pali district|Pali]]
|[[Pratapgarh district, Rajasthan|Pratapgarh]]
|[[Rajsamand district|Rajsamand]]
|[[Sawai Madhopur district|Sawai Madhopur]]
|[[Sikar district|Sikar]]
|[[Sirohi district|Sirohi]]
|[[Sri Ganganagar district|Sri Ganganagar]]
|[[Tonk district|Tonk]]
|[[Udaipur district|Udaipur]]
}}
| seat = [[Jaipur]]
| seat_type = [[Capital city|Capital]]
| seat1 = [[Jaipur]]
| seat1_type = Largest city
| government_footnotes =
| governing_body = {{nowrap|[[Government of Rajasthan]]}}
| leader_title = [[Governors of Rajasthan|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Kalraj Mishra]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=Kalraj Mishra is new governor of Rajasthan, Arif Mohd Khan gets Kerala {{!}} India News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/kalraj-mishra-is-new-governor-of-rajasthan-arif-mohd-khan-gets-kerala/articleshow/70932116.cms |access-date=1 September 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=1 September 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
| leader_title1 = [[List of Chief Ministers of Rajasthan|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[Ashok Gehlot]] ([[Indian National Congress|INC]])
| leader_title2 = [[Rajasthan Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameral]] ([[List of constituencies of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly|200 seats]])
| leader_title3 = [[14th Lok Sabha|Parliamentary {{pad|0.6em}}constituency]]
| leader_name3 = [[Rajya Sabha]] ([[List of Rajya Sabha members from Rajasthan|10 seats]]) [[Lok Sabha]] ([[List of members of the 17th Lok Sabha#Rajasthan|25 seats]])
| leader_title4 = [[High courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name4 = [[Rajasthan High Court]]
| unit_pref = Metric 
| area_total_km2 = 342239
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|1st]]
| area_note =
| area_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| elevation_footnotes =
| population_total = 68,548,437
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|7th]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_note =
| population_footnotes = <ref name="RjPOP">{{cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND008_Rajasthan.pdf|title=Rajasthan Profile|publisher=[[Census of India]]|access-date=21 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916102940/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND008_Rajasthan.pdf|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-RJ]]
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#RJ—Rajasthan|RJ]]-
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank_info_sec2 = {{increase}} 0.629<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=13 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|archive-date=23 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> {{color|#FFA500|medium}} · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|29th]]
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank1_info_sec2 = 66.1%<ref name="pc-census2011">{{cite web |title=Census 2011 (Final Data) – Demographic details, Literate Population (Total, Rural & Urban) |url=http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |website=planningcommission.gov.in |publisher=Planning Commission, Government of India |access-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127163347/http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| blank2_name_sec2 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank2_info_sec2 = 928 [[females|♀]]/1000 [[males|♂]]<ref name="pc-census2011" />
| population_demonym = [[Rajasthani people|Rajasthani]]
| demographics_type1 = GSDP {{nobold|(2019–20)}}
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="MOSPI">{{Cite web|url=http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_28_02_2020.xls|title=MOSPI Net State Domestic Product, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India.|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Total]]
| demographics1_info1 = {{INRConvert|10.20|lc}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Per capita]]
| demographics1_info2 = {{INRConvert|118159}}
| demographics_type2 = Languages<ref name=nclmanurep2010>{{cite web |url = http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |title = Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 52nd report (July 2014 to June 2015) |pages = 34–35 |publisher = Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date = 16 February 2016 |df = dmy-all |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171523/http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archive-date = 28 December 2017}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Official
| demographics2_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| demographics2_title2 = Additional official
| demographics2_info2 = [[English language|English]]
| demographics2_title3 = Regional
| demographics2_info3 = [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]]
| website = [http://rajasthan.gov.in/ Rajasthan.gov.in]
| footnotes =
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=Yes
| region = Rajasthan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rajasthan.gov.in/index.php/home/about-rajasthan/state-symbols/|title=Symbols of Rajasthan|publisher=Government of Rajasthan|access-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114002041/http://rajasthan.gov.in/index.php/home/about-rajasthan/state-symbols/|archive-date=14 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| flag =[[Flag of Rajasthan]] [[File:Indian state flag of Rajasthan (proposed).png|50px|left]]
| emblem =[[Emblem of Rajasthan]] [[File:Emblem Rajasthan.png|50px|left]]
| country = India
| mammal = [[Camel]] and [[Chinkara]]
| bird = [[Great Indian Bustard|Godawan]]
| flower = [[Tecomella undulata|Rohida]]
| tree = [[Prosopis cineraria|Khejri]]
| dance = [[Ghoomar]]
| game = [[Basketball]]
}}
| official_name =
}}

'''Rajasthan''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|r|ɑː|dʒ|ə|s|t|æ|n}} {{IPA-hns|raːdʒəsˈtʰaːn|-|Rajasthan.ogg}}; literally, "Land of Kings")<ref name=etymology /> is a [[States and union territories of India|state]] in northern [[India]].<ref name="Indian Zonal Council">{{Cite web|url=http://interstatecouncil.nic.in/iscs/genesis/|title=INTER-STATE COUNCIL SECRETARIAT – Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=1 December 2018|publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217223824/http://interstatecouncil.nic.in/iscs/genesis/|archive-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=MoC-North>{{cite web|title=North Zone Cultural Centre|url=http://www.culturenorthindia.com/|website=www.culturenorthindia.com|publisher=Ministry of Culture, [[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019132454/http://www.culturenorthindia.com/|archive-date=19 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Language /> The state covers an area of {{convert|342239|km2|mi2}} or 10.4 percent of the total geographical area of India. It is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|largest Indian state by area]] and the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|seventh largest by population]]. Rajasthan is located on the northwestern side of India, where it comprises most of the wide and inhospitable [[Thar Desert]] (also known as the "Great Indian Desert") and shares a border with the [[Pakistan]]i provinces of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] to the northwest and [[Sindh]] to the west, along the [[Sutlej]]-[[Indus]] river valley. It is bordered by five other Indian states: [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] to the north; [[Haryana]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] to the northeast; [[Madhya Pradesh]] to the southeast; and [[Gujarat]] to the southwest. Its geographical location is 23.3 to 30.12 North latitude and 69.30 to 78.17 East longitude, with the Tropic of Cancer passing through southernmost tip of the state.

Major features include the ruins of the [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] at [[Kalibangan]] and [[Balathal]], the [[Dilwara Temples]], a [[Jainism|Jain]] pilgrimage site at Rajasthan's only [[hill station]], [[Mount Abu]], in the ancient [[Aravalli Range|Aravalli mountain range]] and in eastern Rajasthan, the [[Keoladeo National Park]] of [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]], a [[World Heritage Site]]<ref name="WorldHeritageList">{{cite web |title=World Heritage List |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/340 |access-date=18 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030050702/https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/340/ |archive-date=30 October 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> known for its bird life. Rajasthan is also home to three national [[tiger]] reserves, the [[Ranthambore National Park]] in [[Sawai Madhopur]], [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]] in [[Alwar]] and [[Mukundara Hills National Park|Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve]] in [[Kota district|Kota]].

The state was formed on 30 March 1949 when Rajputana{{spaced ndash}}the name adopted by the [[British Raj]] for its dependencies in the region<ref name="GuptaBakshi2008PA143">{{cite book|author1=R.K. Gupta|author2=S.R. Bakshi|title=Studies in Indian History: Rajasthan Through The Ages The Heritage Of Rajputs (Set Of 5 Vols.)|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_S7dCkiyLJ6EC|date=1 January 2008|publisher=Sarup & Sons|isbn=978-81-7625-841-8|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_S7dCkiyLJ6EC/page/n151 143]–|access-date=15 November 2015}}</ref>{{spaced ndash}}was merged into the [[Dominion of India]]. Its [[List of state and union territory capitals in India|capital]] and largest city is [[Jaipur]]. Other important cities are [[Jodhpur]], [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], [[Bikaner]], [[Ajmer]], [[Bharatpur, Rajasthan|Bharatpur]] and [[Udaipur]]. The [[economy of Rajasthan]] is the [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|seventh-largest state economy]] in India with {{INRConvert|10.20|lc}} in [[gross domestic product]] and a per capita [[GDP]] of {{INRConvert|118|k}}.<ref name="MOSPI" /> Rajasthan ranks [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|29th]] among Indian states in [[human development index]].<ref name="GlobalDataLab"/>

== Etymology ==
Rajasthan literally means "The Land of Kings".''<ref name="etymology">{{cite book |last1=Boland-Crewe |first1=Tara |last2=Lea |first2=David |title=The Territories and States of India |date=2003 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=9781135356255 |page=208 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M2uPAgAAQBAJ&q=Tara+Boland-Crewe,+David+Lea,+The+Territories+and+States+of+India+rajasthan&pg=PA213 |access-date=26 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref>'' The oldest reference to ''Rajasthan'' is found in a stone inscription dated back to 625 CE.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=K. S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iKsqzB4P1ioC&q=rajasthan|title=Rajasthan|date=1998|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=9788171547661|language=en|author-link=Kumar Suresh Singh}}</ref> The print mention of the name "Rajasthan" appears in the 1829 publication ''Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India'', while the earliest known record of "Rajputana" as a name for the region is in [[George Thomas (soldier)|George Thomas]]'s 1800 memoir ''Military Memories''.<ref name="Kapil1999">{{cite book|author=F. K. Kapil|title=Rajputana states, 1817–1950|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eCZuAAAAMAAJ|year=1990|publisher=Book Treasure|page=1|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101121202/https://books.google.com/books?id=eCZuAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[John Keay]], in his book ''India: A History'', stated that "Rajputana" was coined by the British in 1829, John Briggs, translating [[Firishta|Ferishta]]'s history of early Islamic India, used the phrase "[[Rajput|Rajpoot (Rajput)]] princes" rather than "Indian princes".<ref>{{cite book|title=India: a history|author=John Keay|publisher=Grove Press|year=2001|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ibLUu6RlvqwC&pg=PA231|pages=231–232|quote=Colonel James Todd, who, as the first British official to visit Rajasthan, spent most of the 1820s exploring its political potential, formed a very different idea of "Rush boots" […] and the whole region thenceforth became, for the British, 'Rajputana'. The word even achieved a retrospective authenticity, [for,] in [his] 1829 translation of Ferishta's history of early Islamic India, John Bridge discarded the phrase 'Indian princes', as rendered in Dow's earlier version, and substituted 'Rajpoot princes'.|isbn=978-0-8021-3797-5|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101121202/https://books.google.com/books?id=ibLUu6RlvqwC&pg=PA231&dq|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Rajasthan|List of battles of Rajasthan}}

=== Ancient ===
Parts of what is now Rajasthan were partly part of the [[Vedic Civilisation]] and [[Indus Valley Civilization]]. [[Kalibangan]], in [[Hanumangarh district]], was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazines.com/Indus_Valley_Civilization_related.html|title=INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION Related Articles arsenical bronze writing, literature|publisher=Amazines.com|access-date=5 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220003630/http://www.amazines.com/Indus_Valley_Civilization_related.html|archive-date=20 December 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Another [[Archaeology|archaeological]] excavation at [[Balathal]] site in Udaipur district shows a settlement contemporary with the Harrapan civilisation dating back to 3000–1500 BCE.

Stone Age tools dating from 5,000 to 200,000 years were found in [[Bundi district|Bundi]] and [[Bhilwara district|Bhilwara]] districts of the state.<ref>{{citation |last=Pillai |first=Geetha Sunil |title=Stone age tools dating back 200,000 years found in Rajasthan |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/udaipur/stone-age-tools-dating-back-200000-years-found-in-rajasthan/articleshow/57385393.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=28 February 2017 |access-date=23 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420013802/https://m.timesofindia.com/city/udaipur/stone-age-tools-dating-back-200000-years-found-in-rajasthan/articleshow/57385393.cms |archive-date=20 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Matsya Kingdom]] of the [[Vedic civilisation]] of [[India]], is said to roughly corresponded to the former state of [[Jaipur]] in Rajasthan and included the whole of Alwar with portions of Bharatpur.<ref>{{cite book|author=Chatterjee|first=Ramanand|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KPkEAAAAMAAJ|title=The Modern review|publisher=Prabasi Press Private Ltd.|year=1948|volume=84|type=History|author-link=Ramananda Chatterjee}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Sita Sharma|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qZvWAAAAMAAJ|title=Krishna Leela theme in Rajasthani miniatures|author2=Pragati Prakashan|year=1987|page=132}}</ref> The capital of Matsya was at [[Bairat|Viratanagar]] (modern Bairat), which is said to have been named after its founder king [[Virata]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite book|title=Rajasthan aajtak|isbn=978-81-903622-6-9}}</ref>{{Request quotation|date=July 2018|reason=Non-english source}}

Bhargava<ref>Sudhir Bhargava, "Location of Brahmavarta and Drishadwati river is important to find earliest alignment of Saraswati river" Seminar, Saraswati river-a perspective, 20–22 Nov 2009, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, organized by Saraswati Nadi Shodh Sansthan, Haryana, Seminar Report: pages 114–117</ref> identifies the two districts of [[Jhunjhunu]] and [[Sikar]] and parts of [[Jaipur]] district along with Haryana districts of [[Mahendragarh]] and [[Rewari]] as part of [[Vedic Period|Vedic]] state of [[Brahmavarta]]. Bhargava also locates the present day [[Sahibi River]] as the Vedic [[Drishadwati]] River, which along with [[Saraswati River]] formed the borders of the Vedic state of Brahmavarta.<ref>Manusmriti</ref> Manu and [[Bhrigu]] narrated the [[Manusmriti]] to a congregation of seers in this area only. Ashrams of Vedic seers [[Bhrigu]] and his son Chayvan Rishi, for whom [[Chyawanprash]] was formulated, were near [[Dhosi Hill]] part of which lies in Dhosi village of [[Jhunjhunu]] district of Rajasthan and part lies in [[Mahendragarh]] district of [[Haryana]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Jain|first=M. S.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUfaAQAACAAJ|title=Concise History of Modern Rajasthan|date=1993-01-01|publisher=Wishwa Prakashan|isbn=978-81-7328-010-8|language=en}}</ref>

The [[Western Kshatrapas]] (405–35 BCE), the [[Saka]] rulers of the western part of India, were successors to the [[Indo-Scythians]] and were contemporaneous with the [[Kushans]], who ruled the northern part of the [[Indian subcontinent]]. The Indo-Scythians invaded the area of [[Ujjain]] and established the [[Saka era]] (with their [[Saka calendar|calendar]]), marking the beginning of the long-lived Saka [[Western Satraps]] state.<ref>"The dynastic art of the Kushans", John Rosenfield, p 130.</ref>

=== Classical ===
==== Gurjara-Pratihara ====
[[File:Baroli_temple.jpg|thumb|left|Ghateshwara Mahadeva temple at the [[Baroli Temples|Baroli Temple Complex]]. The temples were built between the 10th and 11th centuries CE by the [[Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty]].]]

The Gurjaras ruled for many dynasties in this part of the country, the region was known as ''[[Gurjaratra]]''.<ref name="Majumdar1994p263">{{cite book| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=XNxiN5tzKOgC&pg=PA263| title = Ancient India| publisher = Motilal Banarsidassr| year = 1994| page = 263| author = R.C. Majumdar| isbn = 978-81-208-0436-4| access-date = 15 November 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160101121202/https://books.google.com/books?id=XNxiN5tzKOgC&pg=PA263&dq| archive-date = 1 January 2016| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}</ref> Up to the 10th century CE, almost all of [[North India]] acknowledged the supremacy of the Gurjaras, with their seat of power at [[Kannauj]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bombay, Volume 21|author=Asiatic Society of Bombay|publisher=Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Bombay Branch|year=1904|page=432|quote=Up to the tenth century almost the whole of North India, excepting Bengal, owned their supremacy at Kannauj.}}</ref>

The [[Gurjara-Pratihara|Gurjara Pratihar Empire]] acted as a barrier for [[Arab]] invaders from the 8th to the 11th century. The chief accomplishment of the [[Gurjara-Pratihara Empire]] lies in its successful resistance to foreign invasions from the west, starting in the days of [[Junaid]]. Historian [[R. C. Majumdar]] says that this was openly acknowledged by the Arab writers. He further notes that historians of India have wondered at the slow progress of Muslim invaders in India, as compared with their rapid advance in other parts of the world. Now there seems little doubt that it was the power of the Gurjara Pratihara army that effectively barred the progress of the Arabs beyond the confines of [[Sindh]], their only conquest for nearly 300 years.<ref>{{cite book|title=History of Ancient India: Earliest Times to 1000 A. D.|author=Radhey Shyam Chaurasia|pages=207–208|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cWmsQQ2smXIC&pg=PA207|publisher=Atlantic Publishers & Distributors|year=2002|isbn=978-81-269-0027-5}}</ref>

{{clear-left}}

=== Medieval and Early Modern ===
Traditionally the [[Brahmin]]s, [[Rajput]]s, [[Gurjars]], [[Jat people|Jats]], [[Meena]]s, [[Bhil]]s, [[Dhanka]]s, [[Rajpurohit]]s, [[Charan]]s, [[Sunaars]], [[Yadav]]s, [[Bishnois]], [[Meghwal]]s, Sermals, [[Rajput Mali]]s ([[Saini]]s) and other tribes made a great contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. All these tribes suffered great difficulties in protecting their culture and the land. Millions of them were killed trying to protect their land.{{cn|date=September 2020}}

[[Prithviraj Chauhan]] defeated the invading [[Muhammad Ghori]] in the [[First Battle of Tarain]] in 1191. In 1192 CE, Muhammad Ghori decisively defeated Prithviraj at the [[Second Battle of Tarain]]. After the defeat of Chauhan in 1192 CE, a part of Rajasthan came under Muslim rulers. The principal centers of their powers were [[Nagaur]] and Ajmer. [[Ranthambore Fort|Ranthambhore]] was also under their suzerainty. At the beginning of the 13th century, the most prominent and powerful state of Rajasthan was Mewar. The Rajputs resisted the Muslim incursions into India, although a number of Rajput kingdoms eventually became subservient to the [[Delhi Sultanate]].

The Rajputs put up resistance to the Islamic invasions with their warfare and chivalry for centuries. The Rana's of [[Mewar]] led other kingdoms in its resistance to outside rule. Rana [[Hammir Singh]], defeated the [[Tughlaq dynasty]] and recovered a large portion of Rajasthan. The indomitable [[Kumbha of Mewar|Rana Kumbha]] defeated the Sultans of [[Malwa Sultanate|Malwa]], Nagaur and [[Gujarat Sultanate|Gujarat]] and made Mewar the most powerful Rajput Kingdom in India. The ambitious [[Rana Sanga]] united the various Rajput clans and fought against the foreign powers in India. Rana Sanga defeated the Afghan [[Lodi Empire]] of Delhi and crushed the Turkic Sultanates of Malwa and Gujarat. Rana Sanga then tried to create an Indian empire but was defeated by the first [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] Emperor [[Babur]] at Khanua. The defeat was due to betrayal by the Tomar king [[Silhadi]] of Raisen. After [[Rana Sanga]]s death there was no one who could check the rapid expansion of the [[Mughal Empire]].<ref>(Elliot's History of India, Vol. V)</ref>

[[Hem Chandra Vikramaditya]], the Hindu Emperor,<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sarkar|first=Sir Jadunath|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qoRDAAAAYAAJ&q=brahmin|title=Military History of India|date=1960|publisher=Orient Longmans|isbn=9780861251551|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Coetzee|first1=Daniel|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DW2jAQAAQBAJ&q=brahmin+hemu&pg=PA43|title=Philosophers of War: The Evolution of History's Greatest Military Thinkers [2 Volumes]: The Evolution of History's Greatest Military Thinkers|last2=Eysturlid|first2=Lee W.|date=21 October 2013|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-07033-4|language=en}}</ref> was born in the village of Machheri in [[Alwar District]] in 1501. He won 22 battles against Afghans, from [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] to [[Bengal]] including states of [[Ajmer]] and [[Alwar]] in Rajasthan, and defeated Akbar's forces twice, first at [[Agra]] and then at [[Delhi]] in 1556 at [[Battle of Delhi (1556)|Battle of Delhi]]<ref>Bhardwaj, K. K. "Hemu-Napoleon of Medieval India", Mittal Publications, New Delhi, p.25</ref> before acceding to the throne of [[Delhi]] and establishing the "Hindu Raj" in [[North India]], albeit for a short duration, from [[Purana Quila]] in Delhi. Hem Chandra was killed in the battlefield at [[Second Battle of Panipat]] fighting against Mughals on 5 November 1556.

[[File:Akbar shoots Jaimal at the siege of Chitor.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Akbar]] shoots the Rajput commander [[Jaimal Rathore|Jaimal]] using a [[matchlock]], during the [[Siege of Chittorgarh (1567–1568)|Siege of Chittor (1567–1568)]].]]
During [[Akbar]]'s reign most of the Rajput kings accepted Mughal suzerainty, but the rulers of Mewar (Rana [[Udai Singh II]]) and Marwar (Rao [[Chandrasen Rathore]]) refused to have any form of alliance with the Mughals. To teach the Rajputs a lesson Akbar attacked Udai Singh and killed Rajput commander Jaimal of Chitor and the citizens of Mewar in large numbers. Akbar killed 20,000 – 25,000 unarmed citizens in Chittor on the grounds that they had actively helped in the resistance.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Richards|first1=John F.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HHyVh29gy4QC&pg=PA26|title=The Mughal Empire|date=1995|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-56603-2|page=26|language=en|author-link=John F. Richards}}</ref>

[[Maharana Pratap]] took an oath to avenge the citizens of Chittor, he fought the Mughal empire till his death and liberated most of Mewar apart from Chittor itself. [[Maharana Pratap]] soon became the most celebrated warrior of Rajasthan and became famous all over India for his sporadic warfare and noble actions. According to [[Satish Chandra]], "Rana Pratap's defiance of the mighty Mughal empire, almost alone and unaided by the other Rajput states, constitutes a glorious saga of Rajput valor and the spirit of self-sacrifice for cherished principles. Rana Pratap's methods of sporadic warfare was later elaborated further by Malik Ambar, the Deccani general, and by Shivaji".<ref name="Satish Chandra">{{cite book|last1=Chandra|first1=Satish|title=Medieval India|date=2000|publisher=National Council of Educational Research and Training|location=New Delhi|page=164}}</ref>

Rana [[Amar Singh I]] continued his ancestor's war against the Mughals under [[Jehangir]], he repelled the Mughal armies at Dewar. Later an expedition was again sent under leadership of Prince [[Shah Jahan|Khurram]], which caused much damage to life and property of Mewar. Many temples were destroyed, several villages were put on fire and women and children were captured and tortured to make Amar Singh accept surrender.{{sfn|Pant|2012|p=129}}

During [[Aurangzeb]]'s rule Rana [[Raj Singh I]] and Veer [[Durgadas Rathore]] were chief among those who defied the intolerant emperor of Delhi. They took advantage of the Aravalli hills and caused heavy damage to the Mughal armies that were trying to occupy Rajasthan.<ref>Storia does Mogor By Niccolo Manucci</ref><ref>Cambridge history of India pg. 304</ref>

After Aurangzeb's death [[Bahadur Shah I]] tried to subjugate Rajasthan like his ancestors but his plan backfired when the three [[Rajput]] [[Raja]]'s of [[Jaipur State|Amber]], [[Udaipur State|Udaipur]], and [[Jodhpur State|Jodhpur]] made a joint resistance to the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]]. The Rajputs first expelled the commandants of [[Jodhpur]] and [[Bayana]] and recovered [[Amer, India|Amer]] by a night attack. They next killed Sayyid Hussain Khan Barha, the commandant of [[Mewat]] and many other Mughal officers. [[Bahadur Shah I]], then in the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] was forced to patch up a truce with the Rajput Rajas.<ref>The Cambridge History of India, Volume 3 pg 322</ref> The [[Jat people|Jats]], under [[Suraj Mal]], overran the Mughal garrison at Agra and plundered the city taking with them the two great silver doors of the entrance of the famous [[Taj Mahal]] which were then melted down by Suraj Mal in 1763.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Dwivedi|first1=Girish Chandra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AR5uAAAAMAAJ|title=The Jats, Their Role in the Mughal Empire|last2=Prasad|first2=Ishwari|date=1989|publisher=Arnold Publishers|isbn=978-81-7031-150-8|pages=56–61|language=en}}</ref>

Over the years, the Mughals began to have internal disputes which greatly distracted them at times. The Mughal Empire continued to weaken, and with the decline of the Mughal Empire in the late 18th century, [[Rajputana]] came under the influence of the [[Maratha Empire|Marathas]]. The Maratha Empire, which had replaced the Mughal Empire as the overlord of the subcontinent, was finally replaced by the [[British Empire]] in 1818.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hallissey|first=Robert C.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3jRuAAAAMAAJ|title=The Rajput Rebellion Against Aurangzeb: A Study of the Mughal Empire in Seventeenth-century India|date=1977|publisher=University of Missouri Press|isbn=978-0-8262-0222-2|pages=34–41|language=en}}</ref>

In the 19th century, the Rajput kingdoms were exhausted, they had been drained financially and in manpower after continuous wars and due to heavy tributes exacted by the Maratha Empire. To save their kingdoms from instability, rebellions and banditry the Rajput kings concluded treaties with the British in the early 19th century, accepting British [[suzerainty]] and control over their external affairs in return for internal autonomy.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Bhargava|first=Visheshwar Sarup|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dbY9AAAAIAAJ|title=Marwar and the Mughal Emperors (A. D. 1526-1748)|date=1966|publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal|pages=123–126|isbn=9788121504003|language=en}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:Maharana Kumbhakarna of Mewar.jpg|[[Rana Kumbha]] was the vanguard of the fifteenth century Rajput resurgence.<ref name="sen2">{{Cite book|last=Sen|first=Sailendra|title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History|publisher=Primus Books|year=2013|isbn=978-9-38060-734-4|pages=116–117}}</ref>
File:Maharaja Hemu Bhargava - Victor of Twenty Two Pitched Battles, 1910s.jpg|The emperor [[Hemu]], who rose from obscurity and briefly established himself as ruler in northern India, from Punjab to Bengal, in defiance of the warring [[Sur Empire|Sur]] and [[Mughal Empire]]s.
File:Rana-udai-singh-ii.jpg|Maharana [[Udai Singh II]] founded [[Udaipur]], which became the new capital of the [[Udaipur State|Mewar kingdom]] after [[Chittor Fort]] was conquered by the Mughal emperor [[Akbar]].
File:RajaRaviVarma MaharanaPratap.jpg|[[Maharana Pratap|Maharana Pratap Singh]], sixteenth-century Rajput ruler of [[Mewar]], known for his defense of his realm against Mughal invasion.
File:Maharaja Suraj Mal.jpg|[[Suraj Mal]] was ruler of [[Bharatpur State|Bharatpur]], some contemporary historians described him as "the [[Plato]] of the [[Jat people]]" and by a modern writer as the "Jat [[Odysseus]]", because of his political sagacity, steady intellect and clear vision.<ref>R.C.Majumdar, H.C.Raychaudhury, ''Kalikaranjan Datta: An Advanced History of India'', fourth edition, 1978, {{ISBN|0-333-90298-X}}, Page-535</ref>
</gallery>

=== Modern ===
{{See also|List of palaces in Rajasthan}}
Modern Rajasthan includes most of [[Rajputana]], which comprises the erstwhile nineteen [[princely state]]s, two chiefships, and the British district of [[Ajmer-Merwara]].<ref name="GuptaBakshi2008">{{cite book|author1=R.K. Gupta|author2=S.R. Bakshi|title=Studies in Indian History: Rajasthan Through The Ages The Heritage Of Rajputs (5 Vols.)|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_S7dCkiyLJ6EC|date=1 January 2008|publisher=Sarup & Sons|isbn=978-81-7625-841-8|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_S7dCkiyLJ6EC/page/n151 143]–|access-date=15 November 2015}}</ref> [[Jaisalmer State|Jaisalmer]], [[Marwar]] (Jodhpur), [[Bikaner]], [[Mewar]] (Chittorgarh), [[Alwar]] and [[Dhundhar]] (Jaipur) were some of the main Rajput princely states. [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]] and [[Dholpur]] were Jat princely states whereas [[Tonk (princely state)|Tonk]] was a princely state under [[Pathan]]s.<ref name="Lodha">{{cite book |last1=Lodha |first1=Sanjay |editor1-last=Kumar |editor1-first=Ashutosh |title=Rethinking State Politics in India: Regions within Regions |date=2011 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0415597777 |page=400 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ypKoAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA400 |access-date=12 December 2019 |chapter=Subregions, Identity and Nature of Political Competition in Rajasthan |quote=The 19 independent ruling houses were governed by different Rajput clans, Jats and Pathans. The Chauhan Rajputs ruled Bundi, Kota and Sirohi; the Gehlot Rajputs ruled Banswara, Dungarpur, Mewar, Pratapgarh and Shahpura; the Jadon Rajputs ruled Jaisalmer and Karauli; the Jhala Rajputs were the rulers of Jhalawar; the Kachhawaha Rajputs controlled Alwar, Jaipur and the Lawa Estate; and the Rathore Rajputs looked after Bikaner, Marwar, Kishangarh and the chiefship of Kushalgarh. Bharatpur and Dholpur were under Jat rule and Tonk was ruled by the Pathans.}}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Main|Climate of Rajasthan}}
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2013}}
The geographic features of Rajasthan are the [[Thar Desert]] and the [[Aravalli Range]], which runs through the state from southwest to northeast, almost from one end to the other, for more than {{convert|850|km}}. [[Mount Abu]] lies at the southwestern end of the range, separated from the main ranges by the [[West Banas River]], although a series of broken ridges continues into [[Haryana]] in the direction of [[Delhi]] where it can be seen as outcrops in the form of the [[Raisina Hill]] and the ridges farther north. About three-fifths of Rajasthan lies northwest of the Aravallis, leaving two-fifths on the east and south direction.

[[File:Mount Abu.jpg|thumb|[[Mount Abu]].]]

The Aravalli Range runs across the state from the southwest peak [[Guru Shikhar]] (Mount Abu), which is {{convert|1722|m}} in height, to [[Khetri]] in the northeast. This range divides the state into 60% in the northwest of the range and 40% in the southeast. The northwest tract is sandy and unproductive with little water but improves gradually from desert land in the far west and northwest to comparatively fertile and habitable land towards the east. The area includes the Thar Desert. The south-eastern area, higher in elevation (100 to 350 m above sea level) and more fertile, has a very diversified topography. in the south lies the hilly tract of Mewar. In the southeast, a large area within the districts of [[Kota district|Kota]] and [[Bundi]] forms a tableland. To the northeast of these districts is a rugged region (badlands) following the line of the [[Chambal River]]. Farther north the country levels out; the flat plains of the northeastern [[Bharatpur district]] are part of an [[alluvial]] basin. [[Merta City]] lies in the geographical center of Rajasthan.

The Aravalli Range and the lands to the east and southeast of the range are generally more fertile and better watered. This region is home to the [[Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests]] ecoregion, with [[tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests|tropical dry broadleaf forests]] that include [[teak]], ''[[Acacia]]'', and other trees. The hilly [[Vagad]] region, home to the cities of [[Dungarpur]], and [[Banswara]] lies in southernmost Rajasthan, on the border with Gujarat and [[Madhya Pradesh]]. With the exception of Mount Abu, Vagad is the wettest region in Rajasthan, and the most heavily forested. North of Vagad lies the [[Mewar]] region, home to the cities of [[Udaipur]] and [[Chittaurgarh]]. The [[Hadoti]] region lies to the southeast, on the border with Madhya Pradesh. North of Hadoti and Mewar lies the [[Dhundhar]] region, home to the state capital of [[Jaipur]]. [[Mewat]], the easternmost region of Rajasthan, borders [[Haryana]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]. Eastern and southeastern Rajasthan is drained by the [[Banas River|Banas]] and [[Chambal River|Chambal]] rivers, tributaries of the [[Ganges]].

The northwestern portion of Rajasthan is generally sandy and dry. Most of this region is covered by the [[Thar Desert]] which extends into adjoining portions of Pakistan. The Aravalli Range does not intercept the moisture-giving southwest [[monsoon]] winds off the [[Arabian Sea]], as it lies in a direction parallel to that of the coming monsoon winds, leaving the northwestern region in a [[rain shadow]]. The Thar Desert is thinly populated; the town of [[Jodhpur]] is the largest city in the desert and known as the gateway of the Thar desert. The desert has some major districts like [[Jodhpur district|Jodhpur]], Jaisalmer, Barmer, [[Bikaner]], and [[Nagaur district|Nagour]]. This area is also important in the defence point of view. Jodhpur airbase is one of the largest airbases in India, BSF and Military bases are also situated here. A single civil airport is also situated in Jodhpur.

The [[Northwestern thorn scrub forests]] lie in a band around the Thar Desert, between the desert and the Aravallis. This region receives less than 400  mm of rain annually. Temperatures can sometimes exceed 45 °C in the summer months and drop below freezing point in the winter. The [[Godwar]], [[Marwar]], and [[Shekhawati]] [[List of regions in India|regions]] lie in the thorn scrub forest zone, along with the city of Jodhpur. The [[Luni River]] and its tributaries are the major river system of Godwar and Marwar regions, draining the western slopes of the Aravallis and emptying southwest into the great [[Rann of Kutch]] wetland in neighboring [[Gujarat]]. This river is saline in the lower reaches and remains potable only up to Balotara in [[Barmer district]]. The [[Ghaggar River]], which originates in [[Haryana]], is an intermittent stream that disappears into the sands of the Thar Desert in the northern corner of the state and is seen as a remnant of the primitive [[Sarasvati river]].
<gallery mode="packed" heights="115">
File:Mt. Abu.jpg|[[Mount Abu]] is a popular hill station in Rajasthan.
File: A sunset on the dunes of the Great Indian Thar Desert Rajasthan India.jpg|The [[Thar Desert]] near [[Jaisalmer]].
File: An aerial view of Udaipur and Aravali hills Rajasthan India 2012.jpg|Aerial view Udaipur and Aravali hills.
</gallery>

== Flora and fauna ==
{{main|Wildlife of Rajasthan}}
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2013}}
{| class="toccolours" style="margin:1em; float:right; width:25%;"
|+ '''State symbols of Rajasthan'''
|-
| '''Formation day'''
| 1 November
|-
| '''State flag'''
| [[Flag of Rajasthan]]<ref name="Rajasthan State Symbol" />
|-
| '''State animal'''
| [[Chinkara]]<ref name="Rajasthan State Symbol">{{cite web|title=States and Union Territories Symbols|url=http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/national_symbols.php?id=16#raj|access-date=7 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112080035/http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/national_symbols.php?id=16#raj|archive-date=12 November 2013}}</ref> and [[Camel]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Now the state animal camel|url=http://www.patrika.com/news/now-the-state-animal-camel/1015253|access-date=7 July 2014|work=Patrika Group|date=1 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806141624/http://www.patrika.com/news/now-the-state-animal-camel/1015253|archive-date=6 August 2014}}</ref>
|-
| '''State bird'''
| [[Great Indian bustard|Godavan (great Indian bustard)]]<ref name="Rajasthan State Symbol" />
|-
| '''State flower'''
| Flower – [[Tecomella undulata|Rohida]]<ref name="Rajasthan State Symbol" />
|-
| '''State Tree'''
| [[Prosopis cineraria|Khejri]]<ref name="Rajasthan State Symbol" />
|}
[[File:Sonchiriya.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[great Indian bustard]] has been classed as [[critically endangered]] since 2011.]]
Though a large percentage of the total area is desert with little forest cover, Rajasthan has a rich and varied flora and fauna. The natural vegetation is classed as Northern Desert Thorn Forest (Champion 1936). These occur in small clumps scattered in a more or less open form. The density and size of patches increase from west to east following the increase in rainfall.

The [[Desert National Park]] in [[Jaisalmer]] is spread over an area of {{convert|3162|km2|sqmi}}, is an excellent example of the [[ecosystem]] of the Thar Desert and its diverse [[fauna (animals)|fauna]]. Seashells and massive [[fossilised]] tree trunks in this park record the geological history of the desert. The region is a haven for [[bird migration|migratory]] and resident birds of the desert. One can see many [[eagle]]s, [[harrier (bird)|harriers]], [[falcon]]s, [[buzzard]]s, [[kestrel]]s and [[vulture]]s. [[Short-toed snake eagle]]s ''(Circaetus gallicus)'', [[tawny eagle]]s ''(Aquila rapax)'', [[spotted eagle]]s ''(Aquila clanga)'', [[laggar falcon]]s ''(Falco jugger)'' and kestrels are the commonest of these.

The [[Ranthambore National Park]] located in [[Sawai Madhopur]],<ref name="Sadhu et al., 2017">{{Cite journal |last1=Sadhu |first1=Ayan |last2=Jayam |first2=Peter Prem Chakravarthi |last3=Qureshi |first3=Qamar |last4=Shekhawat |first4=Raghuvir Singh |last5=Sharma |first5=Sudarshan |last6=Jhala |first6=Yadvendradev Vikramsinh |title=Demography of a small, isolated tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) population in a semi-arid region of western India |journal=BMC Zoology |volume=2 |pages=16 |doi=10.1186/s40850-017-0025-y |issn=2056-3132 |date=28 November 2017|doi-access=free }}</ref> one of the well known tiger reserves in the country, became a part of [[Project Tiger]] in 1973.

The [[Dhosi Hill]] located in the district of Jhunjunu, known as 'Chayvan Rishi's Ashram', where '[[Chyawanprash]]' was formulated for the first time, has unique and rare herbs growing.

The [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]] located in [[Alwar]] district, {{convert|200|km|mi}} from [[Delhi]] and {{convert|107|km|mi}} from Jaipur, covers an area of approximately {{convert|800|km2|sqmi}}. The area was declared a national park in 1979.

[[Tal Chhapar Sanctuary]] is a very small sanctuary in [[Sujangarh]], [[Churu District]], {{convert|210|km|mi}} from [[Jaipur]] in the [[Shekhawati]] region. This sanctuary is home to a large population of [[blackbuck]]. [[Red fox|Desert foxes]] and the [[caracal]], an [[apex predator]], also known as the ''desert lynx'', can also be spotted, along with birds such as the [[partridge]], [[harrier (bird)|harrier]]s, [[Eastern Imperial Eagle]], [[Pale Harrier]], [[Marsh Harrier]], [[Short-toed Eagle]], [[Tawny Eagle]], [[Sparrow Hawk]], [[Crested Lark]], [[Demoiselle Crane]], [[Skylarks]], [[Green Bee-eater]], [[Brown Dove]], [[Black Ibis]] and [[sand grouse]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tal Chhapar Black Buck Sanctuary |date=29 June 2013 |url=https://www.insideindianjungles.com/wildlife-sanctuaries/tal-chhapar-wildlife-sanctuary/ |publisher=Inside Indian Jungles |access-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408182034/https://www.insideindianjungles.com/wildlife-sanctuaries/tal-chhapar-wildlife-sanctuary/ |archive-date=8 April 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Great Indian bustard]], known locally as the ''godavan'', and which is a state bird, has been classed as critically endangered since 2011.<ref>{{cite iucn|title=Ardeotis Nigriceps|url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22691932/0|access-date=31 December 2015}}</ref>

=== Wildlife protection ===
[[File:Reclining Tiger, Ranthambore National Park.JPG|thumb|Reclining tiger, [[Ranthambore National Park]]]]
Rajasthan is also noted for its national parks and [[wildlife]] sanctuaries. There are four national parks and wildlife sanctuaries: [[Keladevi National Park]] of [[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]], [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]] of Alwar, [[Ranthambore National Park]] of [[Sawai Madhopur]], and [[Desert National Park]] of Jaisalmer. A national-level institute, [[Arid Forest Research Institute]] (AFRI) an autonomous institute of the ministry of forestry is situated in Jodhpur and continuously works on desert flora and their conservation.

[[Ranthambore National Park]] is 7 km from [[Sawai Madhopur]] Railway Station. It is known worldwide for its tiger population and is considered by both wilderness lovers and photographers as one of the best places in India to spot tigers. At one point, due to poaching and negligence, tigers became extinct at Sariska, but five tigers have been relocated there.<ref>{{cite news|title=A tale of two tiger reserves|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a-tale-of-two-tiger-reserves/article3019496.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=21 March 2012|access-date=29 January 2014|location=Jaipur|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203160826/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/a-tale-of-two-tiger-reserves/article3019496.ece|archive-date=3 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Prominent among the wildlife sanctuaries are [[Mount Abu]] Sanctuary, Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary, [[Darrah National Park|Darrah Sanctuary]], Jaisamand Sanctuary, [[Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary]], Jawahar Sagar sanctuary, and Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary.

== Communication ==
Major ISP and telecom companies are present in Rajasthan including [[Airtel]], [[Data Infosys Limited]], [[Reliance Group|Reliance Limited]], [[Idea]], [[Jio]], [[RailTel Corporation of India]], [[Software Technology Parks of India]] (STPI), [[Tata Teleservices|Tata Telecom]] and [[Vodafone]]. Data Infosys was the first Internet Service Provider (ISP) to bring Internet in Rajasthan in April 1999<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-01-16/news/30631907_1_isp-email-system-family-business|title=Rajasthan's first ISP|website=timesofindia-economictimes|access-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610214934/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-01-16/news/30631907_1_isp-email-system-family-business|archive-date=10 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Airtel India|OASIS]] was first private mobile telephone company. Today the largest coverage area and the clientele are with [[BSNL]].

== Government and politics ==
{{Main|Politics of Rajasthan|Government of Rajasthan|Legislative Assembly of Rajasthan}}

The politics of Rajasthan is dominated mainly by the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] and the [[Indian National Congress]].

== Administrative divisions ==
[[File:Udaipur Lake India.JPG|thumb|[[Lake Palace]] and [[Jag Mandir]] from a distance, [[Lake Pichola]], Udaipur.]]
{{Main|Districts of Rajasthan}}

Rajasthan is divided into 33 districts within [[Divisions of Rajasthan|seven divisions]]:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="border-bottom:2px solid #aaa;"
! ''[[Divisions of Rajasthan|Division]]''
| ''[[Districts of Rajasthan|Districts]]''
|-
![[Jaipur division|Jaipur]]
| {{hlist |[[Jaipur District|Jaipur]] |[[Alwar District|Alwar]] |[[Jhunjhunu District|Jhunjhunu]] |[[Sikar District|Sikar]] |[[Dausa District|Dausa]]}}
|-
![[Jodhpur division|Jodhpur]]
| {{hlist |[[Barmer District|Barmer]] |[[Jaisalmer District|Jaisalmer]] |[[Jalore District|Jalore]] |[[Jodhpur District|Jodhpur]] |[[Pali District|Pali]] |[[Sirohi District|Sirohi]]}}
|-
![[Ajmer division|Ajmer]]
| {{hlist |[[Ajmer District|Ajmer]] |[[Bhilwara District|Bhilwara]] |[[Nagaur District|Nagaur]] |[[Tonk District|Tonk]]}}
|-
![[Udaipur division|Udaipur]]
| {{hlist |[[Udaipur District|Udaipur]] |[[Banswara district|Banswara]] |[[Chittorgarh district|Chittorgarh]] |[[Pratapgarh district (Rajasthan)|Pratapgarh]] |[[Dungarpur district|Dungarpur]] |[[Rajsamand District|Rajsamand]]}}
|-
![[Bikaner division|Bikaner]]
| {{hlist |[[Bikaner District|Bikaner]] |[[Churu District|Churu]] |[[Sri Ganganagar district|Sri Ganganagar]] |[[Hanumangarh District|Hanumangarh]]}}
|-
![[Kota division|Kota]]
| {{hlist |[[Baran District|Baran]] |[[Bundi District|Bundi]] |[[Jhalawar District|Jhalawar]] |[[Kota District|Kota]]}}
|-
![[Bharatpur division|Bharatpur]]
| {{hlist |[[Bharatpur District|Bharatpur]] |[[Dholpur District|Dholpur]] |[[Karauli District|Karauli]] |[[Sawai Madhopur District|Sawai Madhopur]]}}
|}

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Rajasthan}}
[[File:PV power plants cluster Bhadla (India) develpment 2016 2018 2020.png|thumb|Timeline of the [[Bhadla Solar Park]] (India) development, the World's largest photovoltaic power plants cluster in 2020]]
[[File:Bada Bagh1.jpg|alt=|thumb|Wind Turbines near Bada Bagh, Rajasthan.]]
Rajasthan's economy is primarily agricultural and [[pastoral]]. Wheat and [[barley]] are cultivated over large areas, as are [[pulse (legume)|pulses]], [[sugarcane]], and [[oilseed]]s. Cotton and tobacco are the state's cash crops. Rajasthan is among the largest producers of [[edible oil]]s in India and the second-largest producer of [[oilseeds]]. Rajasthan is also the biggest [[wool]]-producing state in India and the main [[opium]] producer and consumer. There are mainly two crop seasons. The water for irrigation comes from wells and tanks. The [[Indira Gandhi Canal]] irrigates northwestern Rajasthan.

The main industries are mineral based, agriculture-based, and [[textiles|textile]] based. Rajasthan is the second-largest producer of [[polyester]] fiber in India. Several prominent chemical and engineering companies are located in the city of [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]], in southern Rajasthan. Rajasthan is pre-eminent in [[quarrying]] and mining in India. The [[Taj Mahal]] was built from the white marble which was mined from a town called [[Makrana]]. The state is the second-largest source of cement in India. It has rich salt deposits at [[Sambhar, Rajasthan|Sambhar]], copper mines at [[Khetri]], [[Jhunjhunu]], and [[zinc]] mines at Dariba, Zawar mines and Rampura Agucha (opencast) near [[Bhilwara]]. Dimensional stone mining is also undertaken in Rajasthan. Jodhpur [[sandstone]] is mostly used in monuments, important buildings, and residential buildings. This stone is termed as "Chittar Patthar". Jodhpur leads in [[Handicraft]] and [[Guar Gum]] industry.
Rajasthan is also a part of the Mumbai-Delhi Industrial corridor is set to benefit economically. The State gets 39% of the DMIC, with major districts of Jaipur, Alwar, Kota and Bhilwara benefiting.<ref>{{cite web|title=Business Opportunities|url=http://www.rajasthan.gov.in/StateProfile/BusinessOpportunities/Pages/Business-Opportunity.aspx|publisher=Government of Rajasthan|access-date=11 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210064822/http://www.rajasthan.gov.in/StateProfile/BusinessOpportunities/Pages/Business-Opportunity.aspx|archive-date=10 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Rajasthan also has reserves of low-silica limestone.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rsmm.com/mininglime.htm|title=Rajasthan state mines and minerals limited|access-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605044357/http://rsmm.com/mininglime.htm|archive-date=5 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rajasthan connected 100% of its population to electricity power in 2019 (raising the rate of electricity access from 71% of population in 2015).<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Naimoli|first1=Stephen|last2=Singh|first2=Kartikeya|date=October 2019|title=Engaging with India's Electrification Agenda: Powering Rajasthan|url=https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/191009_U.S.IndiaState_Rajasthan_v2.pdf|access-date=16 July 2020|publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)}}</ref> Renewable energy sector plays the most important role in the increase of generation capacities, with the main focus on solar energy. In 2020, [[Bhadla Solar Park]] was recognized as the largest cluster of [[Photovoltaic power station|photovoltaic power plants]] in a single region in the World, with the installed power exceeding the 2.2 GWpeak.

=== Agricultural production ===
{{unreferenced section|date=March 2017}}
Rajasthan is the largest producer of [[barley]], [[Mustard plant|mustard]], [[pearl millet]], [[coriander]], [[fenugreek]] and [[guar]] in India. Rajasthan produces over 72% of guar of the world and 60% of India's barley. Rajasthan is major producer of [[aloe vera]], [[Indian gooseberry|amla]], [[oranges]] leading producer of [[maize]], [[Peanut|groundnut]]. Rajasthan government had initiated [[olive]] cultivation with technical support from [[Israel]]. The current production of olives in the state is around 100–110 tonnes annually. Rajasthan is India's second largest producer of [[milk]]. Rajasthan has 13800 dairy co-operative societies.

== Transport ==

Rajasthan is connected by many national highways. Most renowned being [[NH 8]], which is India's first 4–8 lane highway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajasthandirect.com/tourism/transportation/rajasthan-national-highways|title=Rajasthan National Highways – List of Rajasthan Roads and Highway|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214193054/http://www.rajasthandirect.com/tourism/transportation/rajasthan-national-highways|archive-date=14 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Rajasthan also has an inter-city surface transport system both in terms of railways and bus network. All chief cities are connected by air, rail, and road.

=== Air ===
There are six main airports at Rajasthan – [[Jaipur International Airport]], [[Jodhpur Airport]], [[Udaipur Airport]] and the recently started [[Kishangarh Airport|Ajmer Airport]], [[Nal Airport|Bikaner Airport]] and [[Jaisalmer Airport]]. These airports connect Rajasthan with the major cities of India such as Delhi and Mumbai. There is another airport in Kota but is not open for commercial/civilian flights yet.

=== Rail ===
Rajasthan is connected with the main cities of India by rail.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rajasthan/railways/|title=Rajasthan Railways|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223060058/http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rajasthan/railways/|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Jaipur, Kota, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Abu Road, and Udaipur are the principal railway stations in Rajasthan. Kota City is the only electrified section served by three Rajdhani Expresses and trains to all major cities of India. There is also an international railway, the [[Thar Express]] from [[Jodhpur]] (India) to [[Karachi]] (Pakistan). However, this is not open to foreign nationals.

=== Road ===
Rajasthan is well connected to the main cities of the country including [[Delhi]], [[Ahmedabad]] and [[Indore]] by state and national highways and served by [[Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation]] (RSRTC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rsrtc.gov.in/|title=rsrtc.gov.in|access-date=18 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112022156/http://www.rsrtc.gov.in/|archive-date=12 January 2012}}</ref> and private operators. Now in March 2017, 75 percent of all national highways being built in Rajasthan according to the public works minister of Rajasthan.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Jaipur Airport.JPG|[[Jaipur International Airport]]
File:Maharajas' Express - Mayur Mahal, dining (4809207224).jpg|Maharajah's Express dining saloon
File:Jaipur 03-2016 34 Jaipur Metro.jpg|The [[Jaipur Metro]] is an important urban transportation link
File:National highway 841.jpg|[[NH 8]] between [[Udaipur]] and [[Ahmedabad]]
</gallery>

== Demographics ==
{{See also|List of people from Rajasthan}}
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=10294090|13=1911|14=10983509|15=1921|16=10292648|17=1931|18=11747974|19=1941|20=13863859|21=1951|22=15970774|23=1961|24=20155602|25=1971|26=25765806|27=1981|28=34261862|29=1991|30=44005990|31=2001|32=56507188|33=2011|34=68548437|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=13 December 2019}}</ref>|align=right}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Rajasthan (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = DarkOrange
|value1 = 88.49
|label2 = [[Islam]]
|color2 = Green
|value2 = 9.07
|label3 = [[Sikhism]]
|color3 = DarkKhaki
|value3 = 1.27
|label4 = [[Jainism]]
|color4 = brown
|value4 = 0.91
|label5 = [[Christianity]]
|color5 = DodgerBlue
|value5 = 0.14
|label6 = [[Buddhism]]
|color6 = yellow
|value6 = 0.02
|label7 = Other religions
|color7 = Gray
|value7 = 0.01
|label8 = Not stated
|color8 = Black
|value8 = 0.10
}}

According to the [[2011 Census of India]], Rajasthan has a total population of 68,548,437.<ref name="RjPOP" /> The native [[Rajasthani people]] make up the majority of the state's population. The state of Rajasthan is also populated by [[Sindhi people|Sindhis]], who came to Rajasthan from [[Sindh province]] (now in [[Pakistan]]) during the India-Pakistan separation in 1947. As for religion, Rajasthan's residents are mainly [[Hindus]], who account for 88.49% of the population. [[Rajasthani Muslims|Muslims]] make up 9.07%, [[Sikhs]] 1.27% and [[Jainism|Jains]] 0.91% of the population.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|title=Census of India|access-date=21 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to a report by ''[[Moneycontrol.com]]'' at the time of [[2018 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election]], the [[Scheduled Caste]] (SC) population was 18%, [[Scheduled Tribe]] (ST) was 13%, [[Jats]] 12%, [[Gujjars]] and [[Rajputs]] 9% each, [[Brahmin]]s and [[Meena]]s 7% each.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Handa |first1=Aakriti |title=Rajasthan Assembly Polls 2018: The caste dynamics in the state and the race for reservations |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/politics/rajasthan-assembly-polls-2018-the-caste-dynamics-in-the-state-and-the-race-for-reservations-3086771.html |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=Moneycontrol |date=25 October 2018}}</ref> Brahmins, according to ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'' constituted 8% to 10% of the population of Rajasthan as per a 2003 report, but only 7% in a 2007 report.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/distribution-of-brahmin-population/220442|title=Distribution Of Brahmin Population|date=16 June 2003|work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]|access-date=7 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/brahmins-in-india/234783|title=Brahmins in India|date=4 June 2007|work=Outlook|access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> According to a 2007 ''[[DNA India]]'' report, 12.5% of the state are Brahmins.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-rajasthan-s-brahmins-now-seek-job-quotas-1106039|title=Rajasthan's Brahmins now seek job quotas|date=26 June 2007|work=DNA India|access-date=7 December 2019|language=en}}</ref>

{{Bar chart
| title=Largest cities of Rajasthan by population
| label_type=City Name |data_type=Population
| bar_width=35 |width_units=em |data_max=3,500,000
| label1=[[Jaipur]] |data1=3,073,349
| label2=[[Jodhpur]] |data2=1,138,300
| label3=[[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] |data3=1,001,694
| label4=[[Bikaner]] |data4= 647,804
| label5=[[Ajmer]] |data5= 551,101
| label6=[[Udaipur]] |data6= 474,531
| label7=[[Bhilwara]] |data7= 360,009
| label8=[[Alwar]] |data8= 341,422
| label9=[[Bharatpur, Rajasthan|Bharatpur]] |data9= 252,838
| label10=[[Sri Ganganagar]] |data10= 249,914
}}

=== Language ===
{{Pie chart
| thumb = left
|caption=Languages of Rajasthan (2011)<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web |title=Language – India, States and Union Territories |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |pages=13–14 |access-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114073412/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|label1=[[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]]
|value1=36.88
|color1=red
|label2=[[Hindi]]
|value2=27.34
|color2=orange
|label3=[[Marwari language|Marwari]]
|value3=9.05
|color3=maroon
|label4=[[Mewari language|Mewari]]
|value4=6.1
|color4=pink
|label5 =[[Wagdi]]
|value5=4.94
|color5=darkgreen
|label6 =[[Harauti language|Harauti]]
|value6=4.29
|color6=#E44D2E
|label7=[[Dhundari language|Dhundari]]
|value7=2.15
|color7=#B22222
|label8=[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
|value8=1.68
|color8=gold
|label9=[[Bagri language|Bagri]]
|value9=1.63
|color9=#E60026
|label10=[[Braj Bhasha]]
|value10=1.19
|color10=#fed8b1
|label11=Others
|value11=4.75
|color11=Grey
}}
[[Hindi language (Hindi belt)|Hindi]] is the official and the most widely spoken language in the state (90.97% of the population as per the [[2001 Census of India|2001 census]]), followed by [[Bhili]] (4.60%), [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] (2.01%), and [[Urdu]] (1.17%).<ref name="Language">{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |title=Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 50th report (July 2012 to June 2013) |page=22 |publisher=Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date=26 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2016 }}</ref> [[Rajasthani language|Rajasthani]] is one of the main spoken languages in the state. Rajasthani and various Rajasthani dialects are counted under Hindi in the national census. In the 2001 census, standard Rajasthani had over 18 million speakers,<ref name="censusindia.gov.in">{{Cite web|title = Census of India: Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues –2001|url = http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement1.aspx|website = www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date = 27 September 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131014133158/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement1.aspx|archive-date = 14 October 2013|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref> as well as millions of other speakers of Rajasthani dialects, such as [[Marwari language|Marwari]].

The languages taught under the [[three-language formula]] are:<ref>{{cite web|title=51st REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN INDIA|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|date=15 July 2015|access-date=15 February 2018|page=44|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025959/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2018}}</ref>

First Language: Hindi 
Second Language: English 
Third Language: Gujarati, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi or Urdu

== Culture ==
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2013}}
{{Main|Culture of Rajasthan}}
{{Rajasthanis}}
Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions that reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is rich and varied [[folk culture]] from villages which are often depicted as a symbol of the state. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music has songs that depict day-to-day relationships and chores, often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds.<ref name="Singh1998">{{cite book|author=Singh|first=K S|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iKsqzB4P1ioC|title=Rajasthan|publisher=Popular Prakashan|year=1998|isbn=978-81-7154-766-1|author-link=Kumar Suresh Singh}}</ref>
[[File:Rajasthani food.jpg|thumb|Rajasthani food]]
[[Rajasthani cuisine|Rajasthani cooking]] was influenced by both the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this arid region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred. The scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables have all had their effect on the cooking. It is known for its snacks like [[Bikaneri Bhujia]]. Other famous dishes include ''bajre ki roti'' (millet bread) and ''lahsun ki chutney'' (hot garlic paste), ''mawa kachori'' [[Mirchi Bada]], [[Pyaaj Kachori]] and [[ghevar]] from Jodhpur, [[Alwar]] ka Mawa (milk cake), ''Kadhi kachori'' from Ajmer, ''Malpua'' from Pushkar, Daal [[kachori]] (Kota kachori) from Kota and rassgullas from Bikaner. Originating from the [[Marwar]] region of the state is the concept of [[Marwari Bhojnalaya]], or vegetarian restaurants, today found in many parts of India, which offer vegetarian food popular among [[Marwari people]].[[File:Rajasthani Dish.jpg|alt=|thumb|Dal Bati Choorma, a traditional Rajasthani Dish]] [[Dal baati|Dal-Bati-Churma]] is very popular in Rajasthan. The traditional way to serve it is to first coarsely mash the Baati, and then pour pure ghee on top of it. It is served with the daal (lentils) and spicy garlic chutney. Also served with besan (gram flour) ki kadi. It is commonly served at all festivities, including religious occasions, wedding ceremonies, and birthday parties in Rajasthan.

The [[Ghoomar]] dance from Jaipur, Jodhpur, and [[Kalbelia]] of the Kalbelia tribe have gained international recognition. Folk music is a large part of the Rajasthani culture. The [[Manganiyar]] and [[Langha (tribe)|Langa]] communities from Rajasthan are notable for their folk music. [[Kathputli (puppetry)|Kathputli]], [[Bhopa]], Chang, Teratali, Ghindr, [[Gair dance]], Kachchhi Ghori, and [[Tejaji]] are examples of traditional Rajasthani culture. Folk songs are commonly ballads that relate heroic deeds and love stories; and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis which are often accompanied by musical instruments like [[dholak]], [[sitar]], and [[sarangi]] are also sung.

Rajasthan is known for its traditional, colorful art. The block prints, tie and dye prints, Gota Patti (main), Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, and [[Zari]] embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and crafts, carpets, and blue pottery are commonly found here. Shopping reflects the colorful culture, Rajasthani clothes have a lot of mirror work and embroidery. A Rajasthani traditional dress for females comprises an ankle-length skirt and a short top, known as ''[[chaniya choli]]'' Mainly pure owned by traditional people. A piece of cloth is used to cover the head, both for protection from heat and maintenance of modesty. Rajasthani dresses are usually designed in bright colors like blue, yellow, and orange.

The main religious festivals are [[Deepawali]], [[Holi]], [[Gangaur]], [[Teej]], [[Gogaji]], [[Devnarayan|Shri Devnarayan Jayanti]], [[Makar Sankranti]] and [[Janmashtami]], as the main religion is [[Hinduism]]. Rajasthan's desert festival is held once a year during winter. Dressed in costumes, the people of the desert dance and sing ballads. There are fairs with snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats, and folk performers. Camels play a role in this festival.

== Education ==
{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Rajasthan}}
[[File:NIIT University.jpg|alt=|thumb|NIIT University in Neemrana, Rajasthan]]
During recent years, Rajasthan has worked on improving education. The state government has been making sustained efforts to raise the education standard.

=== Literacy ===
In recent decades the [[literacy]] rate of Rajasthan has increased significantly. In 1991, the state's literacy rate was only 38.55% (54.99% male and 20.44% female). In 2001, the literacy rate increased to 60.41% (75.70% male and 43.85% female). This was the highest leap in the percentage of literacy recorded in India (the rise in female literacy being 23%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajliteracy.org/Literacy.html|title=Directorate of Literacy and Continuing Education: Government of Rajasthan|publisher=Rajliteracy.org|access-date=5 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323190159/http://www.rajliteracy.org/Literacy.html|archive-date=23 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the Census 2011, Rajasthan had a literacy rate of 67.06% (80.51% male and 52.66% female). Although Rajasthan's literacy rate is below the national average of 74.04% and although its female literacy rate is the lowest in the country, the state has been praised for its efforts and achievements in raising literacy rates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/news/81-rajasthan-literacy-rate-now-67-06-census-data.html |title=Rajasthan literacy rate now 67.06 : Census Data | Census 2011 Indian Population |website=Census2011.co.in |date=27 April 2011 |access-date=5 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323190200/http://www.census2011.co.in/news/81-rajasthan-literacy-rate-now-67-06-census-data.html |archive-date=23 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://infopiper.com/2012/2011/rajasthan-population-2011-growth-rate-literacy-sex-ratio-in-census-2011/|title=Rajasthan Population 2011 – Growth rate, literacy, sex ratio in Census 2011 "2011 Updates" InfoPiper|website=Infopiper.com|access-date=5 June 2012|archive-date=23 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323190211/http://infopiper.com/2012/2011/rajasthan-population-2011-growth-rate-literacy-sex-ratio-in-census-2011/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In rural areas of Rajasthan, the literacy rate is 76.16% for males and 45.8% for females. This has been debated across all the party level, when the governor of Rajasthan set a minimum educational qualification for the village panchayat elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/rajasthan-governor-fixes-minimum-education-qualifications-for-panchayat-polls/|title=Rajasthan Governor fixes minimum education qualifications for Panchayat polls|date=22 December 2014|work=The Indian Express|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707035259/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/rajasthan-governor-fixes-minimum-education-qualifications-for-panchayat-polls/|archive-date=7 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/01/06/lok-sabha-tv-insights-educational-qualification-and-elections/|title=Lok Sabha TV Insights: Educational Qualification and Elections|work=INSIGHTS|access-date=16 June 2015|date=6 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408000218/http://www.insightsonindia.com/2015/01/06/lok-sabha-tv-insights-educational-qualification-and-elections/|archive-date=8 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rajasthan Education|url=http://www.rajshikshaorder.in/|website=Rajshiksha|access-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205024234/http://www.rajshikshaorder.in/|archive-date=5 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Rajasthan}}
Rajasthan attracted a total of 45.9 million domestic and 1.6 million foreign tourists in 2017, which is the tenth highest in terms of domestic visitors and fifth highest in foreign tourists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/INDIA%20TOURISM%20STATISTICS%202017.pdf#page=20|title=Tourist Visited in India 2017|website=tourism.gov.in|language=en-IN|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127154409/http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/INDIA%20TOURISM%20STATISTICS%202017.pdf#page=20|archive-date=27 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The tourism industry in Rajasthan is growing effectively each year and is becoming one of the major income sources for the state government.{{Citation needed|date=May 2019}} Rajasthan is home to attractions for domestic and foreign travellers, including the forts and palaces of [[Jaipur]], lakes of [[Udaipur]], Temples of [[Rajsamand]] and [[Pali, Rajasthan|Pali]], sand dunes of [[Jaisalmer]] and [[Bikaner]], Havelis of [[Mandawa]] and [[Fatehpur, Rajasthan]], wildlife of [[Sawai Madhopur]], the scenic beauty of [[Mount Abu]], tribes of [[Dungarpur]] and [[Banswara]], and the cattle fair of [[Pushkar]].

[[File:Man in Rajasthan - Kristian Bertel.jpg|thumb|Man in Rajasthan, [[India]].]]

Rajasthan is known for its custom culture colors, majestic forts, and palaces, [[folk dances]] and music, local festivals, local food, sand dunes, carved temples, beautiful [[haveli]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rajasthan-i-indien.blogspot.com/|title=Rajasthan, Maharajaernes land - Af Kristian Bertel|website=Blogger|access-date=25 January 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Rajasthan's Jaipur [[Jantar Mantar]], [[Mehrangarh Fort]] and [[Stepwell]] of [[Jodhpur]], [[Dilwara Temples]], [[Chittor Fort]], [[Lake Palace]], miniature paintings in [[Bundi]], and numerous city palaces and Havelis are part of the architectural heritage of India. Jaipur, the ''Pink City'', is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sandstone dominated by a pink hue. In Jodhpur, maximum houses are painted blue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/why-is-jodhpur-known-as-the-blue-city/as33916125.cms|title=Why is Jodhpur Known as the Blue City?|website=Times of India|language=en-IN|access-date=2 November 2019}}</ref> At [[Ajmer]], there is white marble Bara-dari on the [[Anasagar]] lake and [[Soniji Ki Nasiyan]]. [[Jain Temples]] dot Rajasthan from north to south and east to west. [[Dilwara Temples]] of Mount Abu, [[Shrinathji]] Temple of Nathdwara, [[Ranakpur Jain temple]] dedicated to Lord [[Rishabhanatha|Adinath]] in [[Pali District]], Jain temples in the fort complexes of [[Chittor]], Jaisalmer and [[Kumbhalgarh]], [[Lodhruva|Lodurva]] Jain temples, [[Mirpur Jain Temple]] of [[Sirohi]], Sarun Mata Temple at [[Kotputli]], Bhandasar and Karni Mata Temple of [[Bikaner]] and [[Mandore]] of [[Jodhpur]] are some of the best examples.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/tourist-destinations|title=Tourist Places to Visit in Rajasthan – Rajasthan Tourism|website=tourism.rajasthan.gov.in|language=en-IN|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116040352/http://tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/tourist-destinations|archive-date=16 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Keoladeo National Park]], [[Ranthambore National Park]], [[Sariska Tiger Reserve]], [[Tal Chhapar Sanctuary]], are wildlife attractions of Rajasthan. Mewar festival of Udaipur, [[Teej festival]] and [[Gangaur]] festival in Jaipur, [[Rajasthan desert festival|Desert festival]] of Jodhpur, Brij Holi of Bharatpur, Matsya festival of Alwar, [[Kite festival]] of Jodhpur, Kolayat fair in Bikaner are some of the most popular fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Camel rides in Thar desert.jpg|Camel rides in Thar desert
File:Bhavai is a genre of folk dance popular in Rajasthan. The male or female performers balance a number of earthen pots while dancing.jpg|Folk dance popular in Rajasthan
File:Demoiselle cranes in Khichan near Bikaner (Rajasthan).jpg|Demoiselle cranes in Khichan near Bikaner
File:Hawa Mahal 2011.jpg|Hawa Mahal
File:20191219 Fort Amber, Amer, Jaipur 0955 9481.jpg|Amber Fort has seen from the bank of Maotha Lake, Jaigarh Fort on the hills in the background
File:Nakki Lake - panoramio.jpg|Nakki Lake, Mount Abu
File:Mehrangarh Fort.jpg|Mehrangarh Fort
File:Kalpavruksha page.jpg|Dilwara Temples
File:Lake Pichola (1580558921).jpg|Lake Palace
File:Kirti Stambha of Fort of Chittaur -Chittaurgarh -Rajasthan -IMG 8307.jpg|Kirti Stambha of Fort of Chittaur
File:A Walk to remember.jpg|Tiger at Ranthambore National Park
File:Jaipur 03-2016 39 Jal Mahal - Water Palace.jpg|Jal Mahal, Jaipur
</gallery>

== See also ==
{{Portal|India|Asia}}
* [[Outline of Rajasthan]]
* [[List of people from Rajasthan]]

{{clear}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* Bhattacharya, Manoshi. 2008. ''The Royal Rajputs: Strange Tales and Stranger Truths''. Rupa & Co, New Delhi.
* Gahlot, Sukhvirsingh. 1992. ''RAJASTHAN: Historical & Cultural''. J. S. Gahlot Research Institute, Jodhpur.
* Somani, Ram Vallabh. 1993. ''History of Rajasthan''. Jain Pustak Mandir, Jaipur.
* Tod, James & Crooke, William. 1829. ''Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India,''. Numerous reprints, including 3 Vols. Reprint: Low Price Publications, Delhi. 1990. {{ISBN|81-85395-68-3}} (set of 3 vols.)
* Mathur, P.C., 1995. ''Social and Economic Dynamics of Rajasthan Politics'' (Jaipur, Aaalekh)

== External links ==

===Government===
* [http://rajasthan.gov.in/ Official Site of the Government of Rajasthan, India]
* [http://tourism.rajasthan.gov.in/ Official Tourism Site of Rajasthan, India]

===General information===
* {{Britannica|490092}}
* {{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Rajasthan/}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|1942920}}

{{Rajasthan}}
{{Districts of Rajasthan}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Rajasthan| ]]
[[Category:North India|*]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1950]]
[[Category:1950 establishments in India]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Punjab, India

2021-10-17T08:16:32Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Punjab
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| image_flag = Indian state flag of East Punjab (proposed).png
| image_seal = Seal of Punjab Government.png
| seal_alt =
| image_map = IN-PB.svg
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Location of Punjab in India
| image_map1 =
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Sarovar and the Golden Temple.jpg
| photo2a = Jaliyalwalabagh massacre memmorial monument.jpg
| photo2b = Wagah border ceremony2.jpg
| photo3a = Punjabi Dance - Opening Ceremony - Wiki Conference India - CGC - Mohali 2016-08-05 6405.JPG
| photo3b = Khalsa Heritage Memorial 207.JPG
| photo4a = Qila Mubarak In 2015.jpg
| spacing = 1
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 280
| foot_montage = Clockwise from top : [[Golden Temple]], [[Wagah]] border, [[Virasat-e-Khalsa]], [[Qila Mubarak]], [[Bhangra (dance)|Punjabi Bhangra dance]], [[Jallianwala Bagh|Jallianwala Bagh memorial]]}}
| map_caption1 =
| coordinates = {{coord|30.79|75.84|region:IN-PB_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint = Chandigarh
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_date1 =
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Punjab, India|22]]
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[Chandigarh]]{{ref|cap|†}}
| seat1_type = Largest city
| seat1 = [[Ludhiana]]
| government_footnotes =
| leader_title = [[List of Governors of Punjab (India)|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Vijayendrapal Singh|V P Singh Badnore]]
| leader_title1 = [[List of Chief Ministers of Punjab (India)|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[Captain Amarinder Singh]] ([[Indian National Congress|INC]])
| leader_title2 = [[Punjab Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameral]] (117 seats)
| leader_title3 = [[Lok Sabha|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name3 = [[Lok Sabha]] (13 seats) [[Rajya Sabha]] (7 seats)
| leader_title4 = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name4 = [[Punjab and Haryana High Court]]{{ref|cap|††}}
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 50362
| area_note =
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|20th]]
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_max_m = 551
| elevation_min_m = 150
| population_footnotes = <ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/ Census of India] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514045222/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/ |date=14 May 2007 }}, 2011. Census Data Online, Population.</ref>
| population_total = 27,704,236
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|16th]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_note =
| population_demonym = [[Punjabis|Punjabi]]
| demographics_type1 = GDP {{nobold|(2018–19)}}
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="MOSPI">{{cite web|url=http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_Series_1mar19.xls|title=MOSPI Gross State Domestic Product|last=|first=|date=1 March 2019|website=[[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]], [[Government of India]]|archive-url=|access-date=9 June 2019}}</ref><ref name="esopb">{{cite web |title=STATE WISE DATA |url=http://www.esopb.gov.in/Static/PDF/GSDP/Statewise-Data/StateWiseData.pdf |website=esopb.gov.in |publisher=Economic and Statistical Organization, Government of Punjab |accessdate=17 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630122203/http://esopb.gov.in/Static/PDF/GSDP/Statewise-Data/statewisedata.pdf |archive-date=30 June 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Total]]
| demographics1_info1 = {{INRConvert|5.18|lc}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Per capita]]
| demographics1_info2 = {{INRConvert|153061}}
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-PB]]
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2017)}}
| blank_info_sec1 = {{increase}} 0.721 (high)<ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |accessdate=25 September 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|8th]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank1_info_sec1 = 76.68%
| blank1_name_sec2 = {{nowrap|[[Official language]]}}
| blank1_info_sec2 = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]<ref name="2011lang">{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|title=Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 50th report (July 2012 to June 2013)|publisher=Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India|accessdate=4 December 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf|archivedate=8 July 2016}}</ref>
| website = {{url|http://punjab.gov.in/}}
| footnotes = {{note|cap|†}}Joint Capital with Haryana. {{ref|cap|††}}Common for Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.{{Infobox region symbols| embedded = yes
| region = Punjab
| country = India
| emblem = [[Lion Capital of Ashoka]] with Wheat stem (above) and Crossed Swords (below)
| language = [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]
| dance = [[Bhangra (dance)|Bhangra]], [[Giddha]]
| mammal = [[Blackbuck]]
| bird = [[Northern goshawk|Baaz]]<ref>{{cite news|title=State Bird is BAAZ|url=http://www.dayandnightnews.com/2011/05/baaz-is-back-as-punjabs-state-bird|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213412/http://www.dayandnightnews.com/2011/05/baaz-is-back-as-punjabs-state-bird/|archivedate=14 July 2014}}</ref> ''(Accipiter gentilis)''}}
| official_name =
}}

'''Punjab''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Punjab.ogg|p|ʌ|n|ˈ|dʒ|ɑː|b}}, {{IPA-pa|pənˈdʒaːb|lang}}) is a state in the northern [[Republic of India]]. About 24 million people live there. Its national capital city is [[Chandigarh]]. The city is a separate territory, because it is also used be the capital of [[Haryana]]. The state is in the [[Punjab region]]. It covers an area of 19,445 [[square mile|mi²]] or 50,362 [[km²]]. It is bigger than [[Slovakia]] but smaller than [[Costa Rica]]. In traditional Indian geography it falls under the [[North India]]n zone. The state of Punjab has 22 districts. It is mainly known as the land of god/gurus, Punjab's culture is very rich and the dwellers of Punjab respect their culture . The half population of Punjab depends on agriculture, that's why its known as food-provider (anna-datta- in Punjabi). In Punjab people of all religions live with integrity and love .

==Etymology==

The word ''Doab'' is a combination of the [[Indo-Iranian languages|Indo-Iranian]] words ''Doab'' (''two'') and ''āb'' (''water''), and thus the (land of) ''two rivers''.<ref name="singh">{{cite book| title=Federalism, Nationalism and Development: India and the Punjab Economy| first=Pritam| last=Singh| publisher=Routledge| year=2008| ISBN=0415456665| pages=3| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mQLDcjhNoJwC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false| location=London; New York}}</ref> The two rivers are the [[Beas River|Beas]] and [[Sutlej River|Sutlej]]. Sometimes, in English, there can be a definite article before the name i.e. ''the [[Doaba]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/asia-pacific/india.asp|title=How to obtain a police certificate - India|publisher=Cic.gc.ca|date=2009-11-09|accessdate=2010-07-18}}</ref> The name is also sometimes spelled as ''Duoab'' or ''Douaab'' or ''Doaab''.
It originally contained 5 rivers before partition, British influence and the influence of the Indian government, so therefore its name came from the Punjabi word for five (Panj/Punj) and the word for river/water (ab).

==History==

All of India was once ruled by the [[British Empire]]. The Indians wanted freedom, but the [[Hindu]]s, [[Sikhs]] and the [[Muslim]]s of India always argued. So it was decided to divide the country into two parts—one part for Muslims and one part for Hindus and Sikhs. In 1947 [[Punjab (British India)]], which was a province of India, was divided into [[West Punjab]] and [[East Punjab]] (which the state is home to the active independence movement of [[w:Khalistan|Khalistan]] by the Sikh nationalists). [[East Punjab]] went to the Republic of modern India, and [[West Punjab]] went to Islamic Pakistan.

==Provincial symbols of East Punjab==
<gallery>
File:Indian state flag of East Punjab (proposed).png|Provincial flag of East Punjab
File:Northern Goshawk ad M2.jpg|Northern Goshawk, provincial bird of East Punjab
File:Blackbuck male female.jpg|Blackbuck, provincial animal of East Punjab
File:Dalbergia sissoo.jpg|Indian Rosewood, provincial tree of East Punjab
File:Fleurs de lys.JPG|Madonna lily, provincial flower of East Punjab
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{commonscat}}

{{india}}

[[Category:Punjab, India| ]]

{{Asia-stub}}

Lakshadweep

2021-10-17T08:12:35Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Redirect|Laccadives|the subgroup|Laccadive Islands}}
{{Short description|Union territory of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Lakshadweep
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| type = [[Union territory]]
| image_flag = Indian Territory flag of Lakshadweep (proposed).png
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Lakshadweep - Agatti Islands.jpg
| photo2a = Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep 20160325- DSC1780.jpg
| photo2b = Viringili.jpg
| photo3a = A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg
| size = 280
| spacing = 1
| position = centre
| border = 0
| color = black
}}
| image_caption = Clock wise from top: Agatti Island, [[Viringili (Maliku Atoll)|Viringili]], beach side resort on [[Kadmat Island]], Bangaram Island
| image_blank_emblem = Banner of Lakshadweep.png
| blank_emblem_size = 100px
| blank_emblem_type = [[Emblem of Lakshadweep|Emblem]]
| image_map = IN-LD.svg
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt = India location map 3.png
| coordinates = {{coord|region:IN-LD|display=inline,title}}
| image_map1 = File:Map of Lakshadweep-en.svg
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_title = Formation
| established_date = 1 November 1956
| seat_type = [[Capital city|Capital]]
| seat = [[Kavaratti]]
| leader_title1 = [[List of Administrators of Lakshadweep|Administrator]]
| leader_name1 = [[Praful Khoda Patel]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/whos-who/|title=Who's Who | Lakshadweep | India}}</ref>
| leader_title2 = [[Lakshadweep (Lok Sabha constituency)|MP]]
| leader_name2 = [[Mohammed Faizal P. P.]] ([[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]])
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2 = 32.62
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|36th]]
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 64,473
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |page=109 |title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date= 8 July 2016 }}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Official Languages
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = [[Jeseri]], [[Maldivian language|Dhivehi]]
| demographics_type2 = Ethnicity
| demographics2_title1 = Ethnic groups
| demographics2_info1 = ≈83% [[Malayali]] ≈17% [[Mahls]]
| demographics2_title2 = Year of data
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code =
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-LD]]
| registration_plate = LD
| blank1_name_sec1 = No. of districts
| blank1_info_sec1 = 1
| blank2_name_sec1 = Largest city
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Andrott]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = HDI {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank3_info_sec1 = {{increase}} 0.750 ({{color|#090|High}}) • [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|4th]]
| blank6_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank6_info_sec1 = 91.85%
| website = {{URL|lakshadweep.gov.in/}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols
| embedded = yes
|region = Lakshadweep
|region_type= 
| country = 
| flag = [[File:Indian Territory flag of Lakshadweep (proposed).png|50px|left]] [[Flag of Lakshadweep]]
| emblem = [[Emblem of Lakshadweep]]
| nickname =
| motto =
| anthem =
| song = 
| language = [[File:Word Malayalam.svg|50px|left]] [[Malayalam]]
| foundation_day =
| currency =
| calendar =
| dance =
| instrument =
| mammal = [[File:Bep chaetodon falcula.jpg|50px|left]] [[Butterfly fish]] (Chaetodon falcula)
| bird = [[File:Anous stolidus by Gregg Yan 01.jpg|50px|left]] [[Brown noddy]] (Anous stolidus)
| fish =
| butterfly = 
| flower = [[File:Kurinji Flowers.jpg|50px|left]] [[Kurinji Flower]] (Strobilanthes kunthianus)
| fruit =
| tree = [[File:Breadfruit Tree.jpg|50px|left]] [[Bread fruit]] (Artocarpus incisa)
| plant =
| vegetable =
| food = 
| drink =
| sweet = 
| river = 
| fossil =
| mineral =
| sport = 
| costume = 
| colour = 
}}
| official_name =
}}

'''Lakshadweep''' ({{IPAc-en|l|ə|k|ˈ|ʃ|ɑː|d|w|iː|p}}) is a group of islands in the [[Arabian Sea|Arabian sea]], {{convert|200|to|440|km|mi|abbr=on}} off the [[Malabar Coast|southwestern coast]] of [[India]]. The archipelago is administered as a [[union territory]] and [[list of districts in India|district]] of India. They were also known as the '''Laccadive Islands''', although geographically this is only the name of the central subgroup of the group. ''Lakshadweep'' means "one lakh islands" in [[Sanskrit]], and [[Malayalam]], the most spoken language in the territory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |publisher=encyclopedia.com |access-date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127104251/http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |archive-date=27 January 2010 }}</ref> The islands form the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|smallest Union Territory of India]] and their total surface area is just {{convert|32|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The [[lagoon]] area covers about {{convert|4200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, the [[territorial waters]] area {{convert|20000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and the [[exclusive economic zone]] area {{convert|400000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The region forms a single [[Indian district]] with 10 subdivisions. [[Kavaratti]] serves as the capital of the Union Territory and the region comes under the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Kerala High Court]]. The islands are the northernmost of the Lakshadweep–Maldives–Chagos group of islands, which are the tops of a vast undersea mountain range, the [[Chagos-Laccadive Ridge|Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Origin and compensation of Chagos-Laccadive ridge, Indian ocean, from admittance analysis of gravity and bathymetry data |date=1991-07-31 |doi=10.1016/0012-821X(91)90119-3 |bibcode=1991E&PSL.105...47A |volume=105 |issue=1–3 |journal=Earth and Planetary Science Letters |pages=47–54 |last1=Ashalatha |first1=B. |last2=Subrahmanyam |first2=C. |last3=Singh |first3=R.N. |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Lakshadweep consisted of 36 islands. But currently there are 35 islands , as the Parali 1 island submerged in water due to sea erosion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Science/QFLIaXhV8NswaWkdcdyisL/Uninhabited-Lakshadweep-island-Parali-I-vanishes-4-others-s.html|title=Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast: study|last=PTI|date=2017-09-06|website=Mint|language=en|access-date=2021-04-07}}</ref>

As the islands have no aboriginal inhabitants, scholars have suggested different histories for the settlement of these islands. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of human settlement in the region around 1500 BCE. The islands have long been known to sailors, as indicated by an anonymous reference from the first century CE to the region in [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]. The islands were also mentioned in the Buddhist [[Jataka tales|Jataka stories]] of the sixth century BCE. [[Islam]] was established in the region when Muslims arrived around the seventh century. During the medieval period, the region was ruled by the [[Chola dynasty]] and [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Cannanore]]. The Catholic [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] arrived around 1498 but were expelled by 1545. The region was then ruled by the Muslim house of [[Arakkal kingdom|Arakkal]], followed by [[Tipu Sultan]]. On his death in 1799, most of the region passed on to the [[British Raj|British]] and with their departure, the Union Territory was formed in 1956.

Ten of the islands are inhabited. At the [[2011 Indian census]], the population of the Union Territory was 64,473. The majority of the indigenous population is Muslim and most of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi school]] of the Sunni sect. The islanders are ethnically similar to the [[Malayali]] people of the nearest [[Indian state]] of [[Kerala]]. Most of the population speaks [[Malayalam]] with [[Maldivian language|Mahl]] being the most spoken language in [[Minicoy]] island. The islands are served by an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] on [[Agatti Island]]. The main occupation of the people is [[fishing]] and coconut cultivation, with [[tuna]] being the main item of export.

==History==
===Ancient History===
One of the earliest references to the region is by an anonymous author in the [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]].<ref name=thefreelibrary>{{cite web|title=Marine investigations in the Lakshadweep Islands, India.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|publisher=thefreelibrary.com|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927040024/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There are references to the control of the islands by the [[Chera Dynasty|Cheras]] in the [[Sangam literature|Sangam]] ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]''. Local traditions and legends attribute the first settlement on these islands to the period of [[Cheraman Perumal]], the last Chera king of Kerala.<ref>“Lakshadweep & Its People 1992-1993” Planning Department, Govt. Secretariat, Lakshadweep Administration, Kavaratti. Page: 12.</ref> The oldest inhabited islands in the group are [[Amini, India|Amini]], [[Kalpeni]] [[Andrott]], [[Kavaratti]], and [[Agatti]].

===Buddhist and Islamic influences===
Archaeological evidence suggests that [[Buddhism]] prevailed in the region during the fifth and sixth centuries CE.<ref name=thefreelibrary/>{{dead link|date=March 2021}} According to popular tradition, [[Islam]] was brought to Lakshadweep by [[Sheikh Ubaidullah|Ubaidullah]] in 661 CE. His grave is located on the island of [[Andrott]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514235511/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|archive-date=14 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Chola Rule===
During the 11th century, the islands came under the rule of the Late [[Cholas]]<ref name=thefreelibrary/> and subsequently the [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Cannanore]].<ref name=britannica>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.|access-date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228225201/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|archive-date=28 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Modern Period===
In the 16th century, the Portuguese ruled the seas between Ormuz and the Malabar Coast and south to Ceylon. As early as 1498, they took control of the archipelago (called Laquedivas by them), later on to exploit [[coir]] production, until the islanders expelled them in 1545. In the 17th century, the islands came under the rule of [[Ali Raja]]hs/Arakkal Bheevi of [[Kannur]], who received them as a gift from the [[Kolathiris]]. The islands are also mentioned in great detail in the stories of the Arab traveller [[Ibn Batuta]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies: Volume 2: Sources towards a history of the Laccadive Islands |journal=South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies |volume=2 |pages=130–150 |date=1979 |doi=10.1080/00856407908722989 |last1=Forbes |first1=Andrew D.W. }}</ref>

The [[Aminidivi]] group of islands (Androth, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlath, and Bitra) came under the rule of [[Tipu Sultan]] in 1787. They passed to British control after the [[Third Anglo-Mysore War]] and were attached to [[South Canara]]. The rest of the islands came under the [[suzerainty]] of the [[Ali Raja|Arakkal family]] of [[Arakkal Kingdom|Cannanore]] in return for a payment of annual tribute. The British took over the administration of those islands for nonpayment of arrears. These islands were attached to the [[Malabar district]] of the [[Madras Presidency]] during the [[British Raj]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Logan|first=William|title=Malabar Manual|year=1887|publisher=Asian Education Services|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-206-0446-9|page=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC&q=Palghat&pg=PA2|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112082021/https://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA2#v=onepage&q=Palghat&f=false|archive-date=12 January 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Independent India===
On 1 November 1956, during the [[States Reorganisation Act|reorganization of Indian states]], the Lakshadweep islands were separated from [[Malabar District]] and organised into a separate union territory for administrative purposes. The new territory was called Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands before adopting the Lakshadweep name on 1 November 1973.{{cn|date=August 2020}}

To safeguard India's vital [[shipping lane]]s to the [[Middle East]], and the growing relevance of the islands in security considerations, an [[Indian Navy]] base, [[INS Dweeprakshak]], was commissioned on Kavaratti island.<ref name=hindu-lakshadweep>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3370886.ece|title=Navy commissions full-scale station in Lakshadweep|publisher=The Hindu|date=1 May 2012|access-date=9 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503220537/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3370886.ece|archive-date=3 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:LakshadweepIsland.jpg|thumb|One of the uninhabited islands in [[Bangaram Atoll]], Lakshadweep.]]
[[File:Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Satellite picture showing the atolls of the Lakshadweep except for [[Minicoy]].]]
Lakshadweep is an [[archipelago]] of twelve [[atoll]]s, three [[reef]]s and five submerged [[Bank (topography)|banks]], with a total of about thirty-nine islands and islets. The reefs are in fact also atolls, although mostly submerged, with only small unvegetated sand cays above the high-water mark. The submerged banks are sunken atolls. Almost all the atolls have a northeast–southwest orientation with the islands lying on the eastern rim, and a mostly submerged reef on the western rim, enclosing a lagoon. It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, attached [[islets]], four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs.<ref name=lap>{{cite web|title=Location, Area and Population|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512103200/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The main islands are [[Kavaratti]], [[Agatti]], [[Minicoy]], and [[Amini Island|Amini]]. The total population of the territory is 64,429 according to the [[demographics of India|2011 census]]. Agatti has an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] with direct flights from [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]].

===India's Coral Islands===
The [[Aminidivi]] subgroup of islands (consisting of Amini, Keltan, Chetlat, Kadamat, Bitra, and Perumal Par) and the [[Laccadive Islands|Laccadive]] subgroup of islands (comprising mainly Androth, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Pitti, and Suheli Par), both subgroups having a submarine connection between them through [[Pitti Bank]]. Together with Minicoy Island, a lonely atoll located at the southern end of the 200-km-broad [[Nine Degree Channel]], they form the Coral Islands of India in the Arabian Sea. All these islands have been built up by [[coral]]s and have fringing [[coral reefs]] very close to their shores.<ref>'INDIA: A Physical Geography' ({{ISBN|81-230-0656-X}}), 1968, Publications Dn, Ministry of I&B, Govt. of India. page:74.</ref>

Two banks further north are not considered part of the group:
* [[Angria Bank]]
* [[Adas Bank]]

The atolls, reefs, and banks are listed from north to south in the table:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
![[Atoll]]/[[Reef]]/[[Bank (topography)|Bank]] (''alternate name'')!!type!!Land Area (km2)!![[Lagoon]] Area (km2)!!No. of islets!!Pop. [[Census]] 2001!![[Geographic coordinate system|Location]]
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"| '''[[Aminidivi|Aminidivi Islands]]'''
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Cora Divh]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|339.45||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|13|42|N|72|11|E|name=Cora Divh}}
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Sesostris Bank]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|388.53||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|13|08|N|72|00|E|name=Sesostris Bank}}
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Bassas de Pedro]] (''Munyal Par'', ''Padua Bank'')||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|2474.33||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|13|07|N|72|25|E|name=Bassas de Pedro}}
|- style="background: #FFC;"
| [[Cherbaniani Reef]] (''Beleapani Reef'')||reef||align=right|0.01|| align=right|172.59||align=right|2|| align=right|-||{{coord|12|18|N|71|53|E|name=Cherbaniani Reef}}
|- style="background: #FFC;"
| [[Byramgore Reef]] (''Chereapani'')||reef||align=right|0.01|| align=right|57.46||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|11|54|N|71|49|E|name=Byramgore Reef}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Chetlat Island]]||atoll|| align=right|1.14|| align=right|1.60||align=right|1|| align=right|2,289||{{coord|11|42|N|72|42|E|name=Chetlat Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Bitra|Bitrā Island]]||atoll|| align=right|0.10|| align=right|45.61||align=right|2|| align=right|264||{{coord|11|33|N|72|09|E|name=Bitrā Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kiltan|Kiltān Island]]||atoll|| align=right|2.20|| align=right|1.76||align=right|1|| align=right|3,664||{{coord|11|29|N|73|00|E|name=Kiltān Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kadmat Island]] (''Cardamom'')||atoll|| align=right|3.20|| align=right|37.50||align=right|1|| align=right|5,319||{{coord|11|14|N|72|47|E|name=Kadmat Island}}
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Elikalpeni Bank]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|95.91||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|11|12|N|73|58|E|name=Elikalpeni Bank}}
|- style="background: #FFC;"
| [[Perumal Par]]||reef||align=right|0.01|| align=right|83.02||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|11|10|N|72|04|E|name=Perumal Par}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Amini, India|Amini Island]] 1)||atoll|| align=right|2.59|| align=right|155.091)||align=right|1|| align=right|7,340||{{coord|11|06|N|72|45|E|name=Amini Island}}
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"| '''[[Laccadive Islands]]'''
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Agatti|Agatti Island]] (''Agatti'') 2)||atoll|| align=right|2.70|| align=right|4.84||align=right|1|| align=right|8,000||{{coord|10|50|N|73|41|E|name=Agatti Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Bangaram|Bangaram Island]] (''Bangaram'') 2)||atoll|| align=right|2.30|| align=right|4.84||align=right|1|| align=right|61||{{coord|10|50|N|73|41|E|name=Bangaram Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Pitti|Pitti Island]] 1)||islet|| align=right|0.01|| align="right" |155.09||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|10|50|N|72|38|E|name=Pitti Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Andrott|Androth Island]] (''Andrott'')||atoll|| align=right|4.90|| align=right|4.84||align=right|1|| align=right|10,720||{{coord|10|50|N|73|41|E|name=Androth Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kavaratti|Kavaratti Island]]||atoll|| align=right|4.22|| align=right|4.96||align=right|1|| align=right|10,113||{{coord|10|33|N|72|38|E|name=Kavaratti Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kalpeni|Kalpeni Island]]||atoll|| align=right|2.79|| align=right|25.60||align=right|7|| align=right|4,319||{{coord|10|05|N|73|38|E|name=Kalpeni Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Suheli Par]] 3)||atoll|| align=right|0.57|| align=right|78.76||align=right|2|| align=right|-||{{coord|10|05|N|72|17|E|name=Suheli Par}}
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"| '''[[Minicoy Island|Minicoy Atoll]]'''
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Investigator Bank]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|141.78||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|08|32|N|73|17|E|name=Investigator Bank}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Minicoy Island]] 4)||atoll|| align=right|4.80|| align=right|30.60||align=right|2|| align=right|9,495||{{coord|08|17|N|73|02|E|name=Minicoy Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Viringili (Maliku Atoll)|Viringili Island]] 4)||islet|| align=right|0.02|| align=right|30.60||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|08|27|N|73|01|E|name=Viringili (Maliku Atoll)}}
|-
|'''Lakshadweep'''|| || align=right|32.69|| align=right|4203.14||align=right|32|| align=right|60,595||08°16'-13°58'N, 71°44°-74°24'E
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|1) Amini Island and Pitti Island are both on [[Pitti Bank]], a largely sunken atoll with a lagoon area of 155.09 km2
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|2) Bangaram and Agatti Islands are connected by a shallow submarine ridge
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|3) new international tourist resort, otherwise uninhabited, but with a population 61 at the 1990 census
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|4) Minicoy Island and Viringili Island are both on [[Minicoy|Maliku Atoll]]
|}

===Flora and fauna===
{{See also|PM Sayeed Marine Birds Conservation Reserve|Dr KK Mohammed Koya Sea Cucumber Conservation Reserve}}
[[File:Ducks on a beach at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|[[Domestic duck]]s on a beach at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep]]

The Lakshadweep Archipelago, together with the [[Maldives]] and the [[Chagos]], forms the [[Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago tropical moist forests]] [[ecoregion]].<ref>{{WWF ecoregion|id=im0125|name=Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago tropical moist forests}}</ref> It has over 600 species of marine fishes, 78 species of [[coral]]s, 82 species of [[seaweed]], 52 species of [[crab]]s, 2 species of [[lobster]]s, 48 species of [[gastropod]]s, 12 species of [[bivalves]], 101 species of birds.<ref name=planningreport1>{{cite web|title=Biodiversity and Environment Protection|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/planning/14.pdf|work=Lakshadweep Development Report|publisher=Planning Commission of India|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505100605/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/planning/14.pdf|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Khan|first=Asif N|date=2017|title=FIRST RECORD OF ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE GLAREOLA MALDIVARUM FROM LAKSHADWEEP ARCHIPELAGO|url=http://www.bnhsjournal.org/index.php/bnhs/article/view/114164|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|volume=114|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831215307/http://bnhsjournal.org/index.php/bnhs/article/view/114164|archive-date=31 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is one of the four coral reef regions in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep Development Report|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/Presentation/Depts/11.pdf|publisher=Department of Environment and Forests (Union Territory of Lakshadweep)|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425132255/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/Presentation/Depts/11.pdf|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The corals are a major attraction for the tourist. [[Pitti]] Island, is an important breeding place for [[sea turtles]] and for a number of [[pelagic bird]]s such as the [[brown noddy]] (''Anous stolidus''), [[lesser crested tern]] (''Sterna bengalensis)'' and [[greater crested tern]] (''Sterna bergii'').<ref>[http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/publications/forktail/10pdfs/Kurup-Lakshadweep.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112215302/http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/publications/forktail/10pdfs/Kurup-Lakshadweep.pdf|date=12 January 2012}}</ref> The island has been declared a bird sanctuary.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/forest/wildlife_(protection)act.htm|publisher=Department of Environment and Forests (Union Territory of Lakshadweep)|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425154656/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/forest/wildlife_(protection)act.htm|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Cetacean]] diversity off the Lakshadweep Islands and in adjacent areas is higher than other areas although a lack of scientific study results in poor understanding and conservation promoting. These include various whales (e.g. [[pygmy blue whale|pygmy blue]], [[Bryde's whale|Bryde's]],<ref>The Marine Mammal Conservation Network of India. [http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4235 Submit a Record - Sightings and Strandings - Bryde's whale] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419193352/http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4235 |date=19 April 2017 }}. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref> [[sperm whale|sperm]]<ref>Khan E.. 2012. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DX5tYWtHyY Whales @ Lakshadweep island-Video by Ehjaz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810115548/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DX5tYWtHyY |date=10 August 2017 }}. [[YouTube]]. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref>), smaller cetaceans (e.g. [[orca]],<ref>The Marine Mammal Conservation Network of India. [http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4668 Submit a Record - Sightings and Strandings - Killer whale] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419200257/http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4668 |date=19 April 2017 }}. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref> [[short-finned pilot whale|pilot whale]]<ref>The [[Nature Conservation Foundation]] India. 2017. [https://twitter.com/ncfindia/status/825923998424788993 This pygmy killer whale took a fancy to our team's dive boat in Lakshadweep, making them feel a tad uncomfortable while diving in to work!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422113013/https://twitter.com/ncfindia/status/825923998424788993 |date=22 April 2017 }}. [[Twitter]]. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref>) and dolphins.<ref>Panicker D.. 2016. [http://www.rufford.org/projects/divya_panicker Cetacean Diversity and Distribution in the Lakshadweep Islands, India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419195138/http://www.rufford.org/projects/divya_panicker |date=19 April 2017 }}. The [[Rufford Foundation]]. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref><ref>Dsouza A.. 2015. [https://www.couponraja.in/theroyale/dolphins-and-whales-in-india/ Angels of the Sea – Dolphins and Whales in India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917124759/https://www.couponraja.in/theroyale/dolphins-and-whales-in-india/ |date=17 September 2017 }}. The Royale - Defining Trenz by couponraja.in.. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref><ref>Vinayak A.. 2016. [http://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/dolphin-destinations-in-india-002421.html Travel Guide - 6 Best Dolphin Destinations in India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420050722/http://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/dolphin-destinations-in-india-002421.html |date=20 April 2017 }}. The Native Planet. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref><ref>Harsha S.. 2014. [http://www.india.com/travel/articles/dolphin-spotting-in-india/ Dolphin Spotting in India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143405/http://www.india.com/travel/articles/dolphin-spotting-in-india/ |date=20 April 2017 }}. The Latest India News. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref>

{| class="infobox border"
|+ Local symbols of Lakshadweep
|-
! Flag
| [[Flag of Lakshadweep]]<ref name="kilak" /><ref name="lk" />
| [[File:Indian Territory flag of Lakshadweep (proposed).png|50px]]
|-
! Animal
| [[Chaetodon falcula|Butterfly fish]]<ref name="kilak">{{cite web | url=http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/national_symbols.php?id=16#ld | title=Symbols of Lakshadweep | work=knowindia.gov.in | access-date=17 October 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112080035/http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/national_symbols.php?id=16#ld | archive-date=12 November 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="lk">{{cite web| url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/lakkeyindicators07.pdf#page=3| title=Lakshadweep Key Indicators| access-date=17 October 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017221721/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/lakkeyindicators07.pdf#page=3| archive-date=17 October 2013| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| [[File:Bep chaetodon falcula.jpg|50px]]
|-
! Bird
| [[Anous stolidus|Noddy tern]]<ref name="kilak" /><ref name="lk" />
| [[File:Anous stolidus by Gregg Yan 01.jpg|50px]]
|-
! Tree
| [[Artocarpus incisa|Bread fruit]]<ref name="kilak" /><ref name="lk" />
| [[File:Breadfruit Tree.jpg|50px]]
|-
! Flower
| [[Strobilanthes kunthianus|Kurinji flower]]<ref name="kilak" /><ref name="lk" />
| [[File:Kurinji Flowers.jpg|50px]]
|}

The region does not have a rich flora and almost all the plants can be found on the mainland of India. There is also an absence of forest in the region. Nearly 400 species of flowering plants have been documented, including three species of sea grasses ''[[Cymodocea isoetifolia]]'', ''[[Syringodium isoetifolium]]'' and ''[[Thalassia hemprichii]]'', other [[angiosperms]] as ''[[Pandanus]]'', ''[[Heliotropium foertherianum]]'', ''[[Tournefortia argentea]]'' and ''[[Pemphis acidula]]'' as well as [[fungi]], [[algae]], [[lichen]]s are also found. The common flora of the coral sands include coconut groves and coastal shrubs as ''[[Pemphis acidula]]'', ''[[Cordia subcordata]]'', ''[[Scaevola taccada]]'', ''[[Thespesia populnea]]'', ''[[Suriana maritima]]'', ''[[Dodonaea viscosa]]'', ''[[Guettarda speciosa]]'' and [[seaweeds]] such as [[sea lettuce]]s, ''[[Codium]]'' and ''[[Hypena]]''.<ref name=planningreport1/><ref>Rao, T.A. & J.L. Ellis, ''Flora of Lakshadweep Islands off the Malabar coast, peninsular India, with emphasis on phytogeographical distribution of plants''. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany 19:235-250. 1995</ref>

==Government and administration==
[[File:INDIA, LAKSHADWEEP (LACCADIVE) ISLANDS c.2000 passenger plate - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|left|Plate in Western Script is from the Laccadive Islands]]
Lakshadweep forms a single [[Districts of India|Indian district]] and is governed by an administrator appointed by the [[President of India]] under article 239 of the [[constitution of India|constitution]]. The present administrator is Dineshwar Sharma IPS<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep Panchayats Regulations, 1994|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/panchayath/lpr94.htm|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505135226/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/panchayath/lpr94.htm|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There are ten Sub Divisions of the territory. In Minicoy and Agatti the Sub Division is under a Deputy Collector while in the remaining eight islands developmental activities are coordinated by Sub Divisional Officers. The Collector cum Development Commissioner who is also the District Magistrate oversees matters coming under district administration, such as revenue, land settlement, law and order. The District Magistrate is assisted by one Additional District Magistrate and Ten Executive Magistrates with respect to enforcement of law and order. Administrator in his capacity as Inspector General of Lakshadweep Police has command and control of the Lakshadweep Police. Administration Secretariat is in Kavaratti.<ref>{{cite web|title=Administrative Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415082341/http://www.lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|archive-date=15 April 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The union territory comes under the jurisdiction of the [[Kerala High Court]] at [[Kochi]] along with a system of lower courts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judicial Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307225309/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|archive-date=7 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The territory elects one member to the [[Lok Sabha]] (lower house of the [[Parliament of India]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Parliament|url=http://www.parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|publisher=parliamentofindia.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709235221/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Demographics==
[[File:ISS002-E-7260.PNG|thumb|150px|NASA picture of Maliku Atoll with Minicoy Island]]
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Lakshadweep has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 64,473,<ref name=districtcensus>{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 30 September 2011 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611224943/http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | archive-date = 11 June 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> roughly equal in number to that of the [[Marshall Islands]].<ref name="cia">
{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison: Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 1 October 2011 | quote = Marshall Islands 67,182 July 2011 est. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927165947/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-date = 27 September 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}
</ref> This gives it a ranking of 627th among the 640 districts in India.<ref name=districtcensus/> The district has a population density of {{convert|2013|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name=districtcensus/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was 6.23%.<ref name=districtcensus/> Lakshadweep has a [[sex ratio]] of 946 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=districtcensus/> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 92.28%.<ref name=districtcensus/>

Most people of Lakshadweep are descendants of migrants from the [[Malabar Coast]] of southwest India and the islanders are ethnically similar to coastal Kerala's [[Malayali people]]. More than 93% of the indigenous population are Muslims, and the majority of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi School]] of the Sunni Sect. The southernmost and second largest island of [[Minicoy Island|Minicoy]] has an ethnically [[Mahls]] population that are native to the [[Maldives]].<ref name=lap/><ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|publisher=borderdarshan.com|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113061357/http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|archive-date=13 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{more citations needed section|date=October 2016}}
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Religion in state (2011)<ref name= "census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community - 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Islam]]|color1 = green
| value1 = 96.58
| label2 = [[Hinduism]]|color2 = darkorange
| value2 = 2.77
| label3 = [[Christianity]]|color3 = dodgerblue
| value3 = 0.49
| label4 = [[Buddhism]]|color5 = brown
| value4 = 0.02
| label5 = [[Jainism]]|color6 = darkkhaki
| value5 = 0.02
| label6 = [[Sikhism]]|color4 = #FFFF00
| value6 = 0.01
| label7 = Other or irreligious|color7 = black
| value7 = 0.11
}}

The inhabitants of Lakshadweep were known to practice different religious customs. Then Islam was propounded by the [[Sheikh Ubaidullah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |title=Kiltan Island |publisher=Lakshadweep.nic.in |access-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503203222/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |archive-date=3 May 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The spread of Islam has contributed to the religious identity of Lakshadweep thus leaving Muslims as the majority of the population. [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid-ul-Fitr]], [[Muharram]], [[Eid al-Adha|Eid-ul-Adha]] and [[Mawlid|Milad-un-Nabi]] are the prominent occasions when the people of the island gather in various mosques.

Religious observance in Lakshadweep is characterized by certain festivals that are found in its core ethnic groups. Moulood is one such religious event when the islanders offer prayers to the divine power and eat in groups. The festival of Ratheeb is another uncommon occasion which originated in the Kavaratti region of Lakshadweep. The grave of Sheikh Kasim, one of the respected saints is praised during Ratheeb by the people of the island to gather his holy blessings.

The Sunni branch of Islam is the predominant faith.

===Languages===
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Languages of Lakshadweep (2011)<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html 2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue]</ref>
| label1 = Malayalam
| value1 = 84.17
| color1 = deepskyblue
| label2 = Dhivehi (Mahl dialect)
| value2 = 14.44
| color2 = maroon
| label3 = Others
| value3 = 1.39
| color3 = grey
}}

The principal languages of Lakshadweep are [[Malayalam]], [[Jeseri language|Jeseri]] (Dweep Bhasha) and [[Maldivian language|Mahl]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.gov.in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205082119/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/ut_lakshadweep.php|url-status=dead|title=National Portal of India|archive-date=5 February 2011|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref> The people of all the northern islands speak a [[dialect]] of Malayalam with the influence of [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Arabic]] similar to [[Arwi]]. The people of [[Minicoy]], the southernmost atoll, speak Mahl, a variant of [[Divehi language]] spoken in the [[Maldives]]. '''Jeseri''' (also known as '''Jesri''' or '''Dweep Bhasha''') is a [[dialect]] of [[Malayalam]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Lakshadweep Pradesikabhasha Nighandu (Translation: Lakshadweep Regional Language Dictionary), Editor: Dr. Koyammakoya M.|isbn=978-81-922822-9-9}}</ref> spoken in the Lakshadweep.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sura's Year Book 2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fz2WDD8sB0MC&q=jeseri%2C+lakshadweep&pg=PA250|year=2006|isbn=978-81-7254-124-8|page=250}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=India, a reference annual|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GHpDAAAAYAAJ&q=jeseri,+lakshadweep|year=2004|publisher=[[Government of India]]|isbn=978-81-230-1156-1|page=851}}</ref> It is spoken on the islands of [[Chetlat]], [[Bitra]], [[Kiltan]], [[Kadmat Island|Kadmat]], [[Amini Island|Amini]], [[Kavaratti]], [[Androth]], [[Agatti]], and [[Kalpeni]], in the archipelago of Lakshadweep. Each of these islands has its own slang.

Malayalam with [[Malayalam script]] was introduced as the official language of Lakshadweep during the [[British raj]]. Previously a type of [[Arabic script]] ([[Arabi Malayalam]]) was used for the language. The policy was continued by the Indian government. Malayalam serves as a link language on the islands including on the Mahl dominated Minicoy Island.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b_a4G_Tw2ycC&q=Lakshadweep+malayalam&pg=PA13 |title=The Muslim Tribes of Lakshadweep Islands: An Anthropological Appraisal of ... - Makhan Jha - Google Books |access-date=2015-02-25|isbn=9788175330320 |last1=Jha |first1=Makhan |year=1997 }}</ref> The dances here include: Lava Dance, Kolkali Dance and Parichakli Dance.

==Economy==
Lakshadweep's gross territorial domestic product for 2004 is estimated at [[United States dollar|US$]] 60 million at current prices. There is little [[economic inequality]] in Lakshadweep and the [[poverty]] index is low. [[Coconut fibre]] extraction and production of fibre products is Lakshadweep's main industry. There are five coir fibre factories, five production demonstration centres and seven fibre curling units run by the government of India. These units produce coir fibre, coir yarn, curled fibre and corridor mattings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/84466.pdf |title=Report of the Working Group on Improvement of Banking Services in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep |publisher=Rbidocs.rbi.org.in |access-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525191638/http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/84466.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Fisheries===
Lakshadweep comprises the only coral [[atolls]] of the country. With a vast [[lagoon]] of {{convert|4,200|km2|abbr=on}}, it has [[territorial waters]] of {{convert|20,000|km2|abbr=on}}, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4 lakh ({{convert|400,000|km2|abbr=on|disp=sqbr}}) and [[coast|coastal line]] of about {{convert|132|km}}. There is an estimation of about one [[lakh]] tonnes ({{convert|100,000|tonne|disp=sqbr|abbr=off}}) of [[tuna]] and tuna-like fishes and about an equal quantity of [[shark]] in the [[Laccadive Sea|sea around Lakshadweep]]. Fishing is the main livelihood of the islanders, or else it is coconut fibre.<ref name=fisheries1>{{cite web|title=FISHERIES|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/AnnualPlan_2011_2012_7.htm|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511234921/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/AnnualPlan_2011_2012_7.htm|archive-date=11 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Freshly caught tuna is processed by drying it in the sun after cooking and smoking. The resultant product, known as 'mas', are popular products exported from these islands to [[Southeast Asia|southeast Asian countries]].<ref name=fisheries2>{{cite web|title=Department of Fisheries-About Us|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/fisheries/About%20Us.htm|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425212729/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/fisheries/About%20Us.htm|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Eleven workshops in the islands and two boat building yards cater to the needs of fishermen. There are 375 boats in operation in Lakshadweep.<ref name=fisheries3>{{cite web|title=Fisheries|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_Fisheries.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512104129/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_Fisheries.html|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Tourism===

Due to its isolation and scenic appeal, Lakshadweep was already known as a tourist attraction for Indians since 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |title=Tourism in Lakshadweep |publisher=Lakshadweeptourism.nic.in |date=1988-10-22 |access-date=2015-02-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123906/http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |archive-date=19 February 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This brings in significant revenue, which is likely to increase. Since such a small region cannot support industries, the government is actively promoting tourism as a means of income in [[Bangaram Island|Bangaram]] and Kadmat islands. Bangaram is projected to become a major destination for international tourism.<ref>[http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510124248/http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html|date=10 May 2011}}</ref> Marine fauna are plentiful. Water sports activities such as [[scuba diving]], [[wind surfing]], [[snorkelling]], [[surfing]], [[kayaking]], [[canoeing]], [[water skiing]], [[sportfishing]], yachting and night sea voyages are popular activities among tourists. Tourists flock to these islands throughout the year, except during the [[southwest monsoon]] months when seas are extremely rough. The government has also proposed to set up two customs clearance check-in offices so that tourists can enter directly instead of getting permission from the nearest customs office in Kochi, which is {{convert|260|nmi|mi km}} from these islands. These will be the smallest customs offices in India. Tourism is expected to get a big boost after these offices open as the islands lie on one of the busiest cruise passages.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

===Desalination===
A [[low-temperature thermal desalination]] plant opened on Kavaratti in 2005, at a cost of {{INR}}50 million (€922,000). The experimental plant, which uses the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and much colder seawater at 500m depth to generate potable water as well as energy, was slated to produce 100,000 litres/day of potable water from seawater.<ref name=plantpress>{{cite press release|title=World's first ever low temperature thermal desalination plant opened at Kavaratti|publisher=[[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)]]|date=23 May 2005|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=9439|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426172244/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=9439|archive-date=26 April 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=One Million Litre Per Day (1 MLD) Barge Mounted Desalination Plant|publisher=[[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)]]|date=18 April 2007|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=26958|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425230651/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=26958|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Production costs in 2005 were {{INR}}220-250/m3 (€4.1-4.6/m3); the cost was supposed to drop to {{INR}}30-60/m3 (€0.55-1.11/m3) with increased capacity.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Desalination: India opens world's first low temperature thermal desalination plant |publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India |date=23 May 2005 |url=http://www.source.irc.nl/page/24010 |access-date=3 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722034730/http://www.source.irc.nl/page/24010 |archive-date=22 July 2012 }}</ref>

The technology was developed by the [[National Institute of Ocean Technology]]. It can be used to produce drinking water and also for power generation and air conditioning. In addition, the deep seawater contains extra nutrients for fish, an important source of food and income for the local population. The government plans to set up desalination plants with a capacity of 10 million litres/per day on all islands and coastal areas.<ref name=plantpress/> In 2009, the NIOT announced plans to build plants on [[Maliku Atoll|Minicoy]], [[Agatti Island|Agatti]] and [[Andrott]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/19/stories/2009111961820300.htm|title=City institute plans to develop manned submersibles|date=19 November 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224082947/http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/19/stories/2009111961820300.htm|archive-date=24 December 2009|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Education==
===Colleges===
* [[Calicut University Centre, Kadmath]]
* [[Government Jawaharlal Nehru College, Lakshadweep]]
* [[Mahatma Gandhi College, Lakshadweep]]
* [[P. M. Sayeed Calicut University Centre, Andrott]]

===School===
* [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Minicoy]]

==Transport and tourism==
[[Agatti Aerodrome]] on Agatti Island is the only airport in Lakshadweep. [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]], a subsidiary of the state-owned carrier [[Air India]], serves Agatti and flies to [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]] and [[Bengaluru]] on the mainland. [[Kingfisher Airlines]] had flights connecting [[Kochi]] and [[Bangalore]] to [[Agatti]] before the airline ceased operations. The other islands are linked by the [[Pawan Hans]] helicopter or boat service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |title=Kochi to Agatti Flights and their Schedule |publisher=Mapsofindia.com |date=2014-09-08 |access-date=2015-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117043118/http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |archive-date=17 November 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Six ships connect Kochi, Calicut (Beypore) and Lakshadweep: {{ship|MV|Kavaratti||6}}, MV ''Amindivi'', MV ''Minicoy'', MV ''Arabian Sea'', MV ''Lakshadweep Sea'' and MV ''Bharath Seema''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|title=Means of Transport|publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231102317/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|archive-date=31 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Mangala Lakshadweep Express]] is a superfast train that runs between [[Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station|Delhi]] and [[Ernakulam Junction|Kochi]].

Tourists need a permit to visit the islands; foreign nationals are not permitted to visit certain islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |title=Entry Permits |publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224123645/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |archive-date=24 February 2015 }}</ref> According to the current [[alcohol laws of India]], [[alcoholic beverage]] consumption is not permitted in the Lakshadweep Archipelago except on [[Bangaram Island]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Introduction to Lakshadweep Islands|url=http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211045612/http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|archive-date=11 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
{{clear}}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:MV Amindivi 001.JPG|Passenger ship MV ''Amindivi'' of the Lakshadweep Islands administration docked at Old Mangalore port
File:Agatti Airstrip.jpg|Agatti Airstrip
File:A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg|A beachside resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep
File:Agatti island, Lakshadweep.jpg|Agatti island, Lakshadweep
File:RED BILLED TROPIC BIRD.jpg|A rare red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus subsp. indicus) found in small islands of Lakshadweep
File:Green turtle Lakshadweep.jpg|Green turtle
File:Scuba diving @ Lakshadweep.jpg|Octopus
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[Coral reefs in India]]
* [[Lakshadweep (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Lakshadweep Police]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
* [[R. C. Majumdar]] (1979) ''The History of Ancient Lakshadweep'', Calcutta.

==External links==

{{Commons category|Lakshadweep}}
* {{wikivoyage-inline|Lakshadweep}}

{{Lakshadweep}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Indian Ocean}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Lakshadweep| ]]
[[Category:South India|.]]
[[Category:Union Territories of India]]
[[Category:Islands of Lakshadweep|*]]
[[Category:Atolls of India]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes of the Indian Ocean]]
[[Category:5th-century establishments]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 5th century]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1956]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:Districts of Lakshadweep]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Lakshadweep

2021-10-17T08:05:42Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Flora and fauna */

{{Redirect|Laccadives|the subgroup|Laccadive Islands}}
{{Short description|Union territory of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Lakshadweep
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| type = [[Union territory]]
| image_flag =
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Lakshadweep - Agatti Islands.jpg
| photo2a = Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep 20160325- DSC1780.jpg
| photo2b = Viringili.jpg
| photo3a = A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg
| size = 280
| spacing = 1
| position = centre
| border = 0
| color = black
}}
| image_caption = Clock wise from top: Agatti Island, [[Viringili (Maliku Atoll)|Viringili]], beach side resort on [[Kadmat Island]], Bangaram Island
| image_blank_emblem = Banner of Lakshadweep.png
| blank_emblem_size = 100px
| blank_emblem_type = [[Emblem of Lakshadweep|Emblem]]
| image_map = IN-LD.svg
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt = India location map 3.png
| coordinates = {{coord|region:IN-LD|display=inline,title}}
| image_map1 = File:Map of Lakshadweep-en.svg
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_title = Formation
| established_date = 1 November 1956
| seat_type = [[Capital city|Capital]]
| seat = [[Kavaratti]]
| leader_title1 = [[List of Administrators of Lakshadweep|Administrator]]
| leader_name1 = [[Praful Khoda Patel]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lakshadweep.gov.in/about-lakshadweep/whos-who/|title=Who's Who | Lakshadweep | India}}</ref>
| leader_title2 = [[Lakshadweep (Lok Sabha constituency)|MP]]
| leader_name2 = [[Mohammed Faizal P. P.]] ([[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]])
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2 = 32.62
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|36th]]
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 64,473
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |page=109 |title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date= 8 July 2016 }}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Official Languages
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[English language|English]]
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = [[Jeseri]], [[Maldivian language|Dhivehi]]
| demographics_type2 = Ethnicity
| demographics2_title1 = Ethnic groups
| demographics2_info1 = ≈83% [[Malayali]] ≈17% [[Mahls]]
| demographics2_title2 = Year of data
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code =
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-LD]]
| registration_plate = LD
| blank1_name_sec1 = No. of districts
| blank1_info_sec1 = 1
| blank2_name_sec1 = Largest city
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Andrott]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = HDI {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank3_info_sec1 = {{increase}} 0.750 ({{color|#090|High}}) • [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|4th]]
| blank6_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank6_info_sec1 = 91.85%
| website = {{URL|lakshadweep.gov.in/}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols
| embedded = yes
|region = Lakshadweep
|region_type= 
| country = 
| flag =
| emblem = [[Emblem of Lakshadweep]]
| nickname =
| motto =
| anthem =
| song = 
| language = [[File:Word Malayalam.svg|50px|left]] [[Malayalam]]
| foundation_day =
| currency =
| calendar =
| dance =
| instrument =
| mammal = [[File:Bep chaetodon falcula.jpg|50px|left]] [[Butterfly fish]] (Chaetodon falcula)
| bird = [[File:Anous stolidus by Gregg Yan 01.jpg|50px|left]] [[Brown noddy]] (Anous stolidus)
| fish =
| butterfly = 
| flower =
| fruit =
| tree = [[File:Breadfruit Tree.jpg|50px|left]] [[Bread fruit]] (Artocarpus incisa)
| plant =
| vegetable =
| food = 
| drink =
| sweet = 
| river = 
| fossil =
| mineral =
| sport = 
| costume = 
| colour = 
}}
| official_name =
}}

'''Lakshadweep''' ({{IPAc-en|l|ə|k|ˈ|ʃ|ɑː|d|w|iː|p}}) is a group of islands in the [[Arabian Sea|Arabian sea]], {{convert|200|to|440|km|mi|abbr=on}} off the [[Malabar Coast|southwestern coast]] of [[India]]. The archipelago is administered as a [[union territory]] and [[list of districts in India|district]] of India. They were also known as the '''Laccadive Islands''', although geographically this is only the name of the central subgroup of the group. ''Lakshadweep'' means "one lakh islands" in [[Sanskrit]], and [[Malayalam]], the most spoken language in the territory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |publisher=encyclopedia.com |access-date=1 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127104251/http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Lakshadweep.aspx |archive-date=27 January 2010 }}</ref> The islands form the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|smallest Union Territory of India]] and their total surface area is just {{convert|32|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The [[lagoon]] area covers about {{convert|4200|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, the [[territorial waters]] area {{convert|20000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} and the [[exclusive economic zone]] area {{convert|400000|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The region forms a single [[Indian district]] with 10 subdivisions. [[Kavaratti]] serves as the capital of the Union Territory and the region comes under the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Kerala High Court]]. The islands are the northernmost of the Lakshadweep–Maldives–Chagos group of islands, which are the tops of a vast undersea mountain range, the [[Chagos-Laccadive Ridge|Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Origin and compensation of Chagos-Laccadive ridge, Indian ocean, from admittance analysis of gravity and bathymetry data |date=1991-07-31 |doi=10.1016/0012-821X(91)90119-3 |bibcode=1991E&PSL.105...47A |volume=105 |issue=1–3 |journal=Earth and Planetary Science Letters |pages=47–54 |last1=Ashalatha |first1=B. |last2=Subrahmanyam |first2=C. |last3=Singh |first3=R.N. |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Lakshadweep consisted of 36 islands. But currently there are 35 islands , as the Parali 1 island submerged in water due to sea erosion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Science/QFLIaXhV8NswaWkdcdyisL/Uninhabited-Lakshadweep-island-Parali-I-vanishes-4-others-s.html|title=Uninhabited Lakshadweep island Parali I vanishes, 4 others shrinking fast: study|last=PTI|date=2017-09-06|website=Mint|language=en|access-date=2021-04-07}}</ref>

As the islands have no aboriginal inhabitants, scholars have suggested different histories for the settlement of these islands. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of human settlement in the region around 1500 BCE. The islands have long been known to sailors, as indicated by an anonymous reference from the first century CE to the region in [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]. The islands were also mentioned in the Buddhist [[Jataka tales|Jataka stories]] of the sixth century BCE. [[Islam]] was established in the region when Muslims arrived around the seventh century. During the medieval period, the region was ruled by the [[Chola dynasty]] and [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Cannanore]]. The Catholic [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] arrived around 1498 but were expelled by 1545. The region was then ruled by the Muslim house of [[Arakkal kingdom|Arakkal]], followed by [[Tipu Sultan]]. On his death in 1799, most of the region passed on to the [[British Raj|British]] and with their departure, the Union Territory was formed in 1956.

Ten of the islands are inhabited. At the [[2011 Indian census]], the population of the Union Territory was 64,473. The majority of the indigenous population is Muslim and most of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi school]] of the Sunni sect. The islanders are ethnically similar to the [[Malayali]] people of the nearest [[Indian state]] of [[Kerala]]. Most of the population speaks [[Malayalam]] with [[Maldivian language|Mahl]] being the most spoken language in [[Minicoy]] island. The islands are served by an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] on [[Agatti Island]]. The main occupation of the people is [[fishing]] and coconut cultivation, with [[tuna]] being the main item of export.

==History==
===Ancient History===
One of the earliest references to the region is by an anonymous author in the [[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]].<ref name=thefreelibrary>{{cite web|title=Marine investigations in the Lakshadweep Islands, India.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|publisher=thefreelibrary.com|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927040024/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Marine+investigations+in+the+Lakshadweep+Islands,+India.-a065537229|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There are references to the control of the islands by the [[Chera Dynasty|Cheras]] in the [[Sangam literature|Sangam]] ''[[Patiṟṟuppattu]]''. Local traditions and legends attribute the first settlement on these islands to the period of [[Cheraman Perumal]], the last Chera king of Kerala.<ref>“Lakshadweep & Its People 1992-1993” Planning Department, Govt. Secretariat, Lakshadweep Administration, Kavaratti. Page: 12.</ref> The oldest inhabited islands in the group are [[Amini, India|Amini]], [[Kalpeni]] [[Andrott]], [[Kavaratti]], and [[Agatti]].

===Buddhist and Islamic influences===
Archaeological evidence suggests that [[Buddhism]] prevailed in the region during the fifth and sixth centuries CE.<ref name=thefreelibrary/>{{dead link|date=March 2021}} According to popular tradition, [[Islam]] was brought to Lakshadweep by [[Sheikh Ubaidullah|Ubaidullah]] in 661 CE. His grave is located on the island of [[Andrott]].<ref>{{cite web|title=History|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514235511/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_History.html|archive-date=14 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Chola Rule===
During the 11th century, the islands came under the rule of the Late [[Cholas]]<ref name=thefreelibrary/> and subsequently the [[Kolathunadu|Kingdom of Cannanore]].<ref name=britannica>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.|access-date=2 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228225201/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/328296/Lakshadweep/46340/History|archive-date=28 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Modern Period===
In the 16th century, the Portuguese ruled the seas between Ormuz and the Malabar Coast and south to Ceylon. As early as 1498, they took control of the archipelago (called Laquedivas by them), later on to exploit [[coir]] production, until the islanders expelled them in 1545. In the 17th century, the islands came under the rule of [[Ali Raja]]hs/Arakkal Bheevi of [[Kannur]], who received them as a gift from the [[Kolathiris]]. The islands are also mentioned in great detail in the stories of the Arab traveller [[Ibn Batuta]].<ref>{{Cite journal|title=South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies: Volume 2: Sources towards a history of the Laccadive Islands |journal=South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies |volume=2 |pages=130–150 |date=1979 |doi=10.1080/00856407908722989 |last1=Forbes |first1=Andrew D.W. }}</ref>

The [[Aminidivi]] group of islands (Androth, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlath, and Bitra) came under the rule of [[Tipu Sultan]] in 1787. They passed to British control after the [[Third Anglo-Mysore War]] and were attached to [[South Canara]]. The rest of the islands came under the [[suzerainty]] of the [[Ali Raja|Arakkal family]] of [[Arakkal Kingdom|Cannanore]] in return for a payment of annual tribute. The British took over the administration of those islands for nonpayment of arrears. These islands were attached to the [[Malabar district]] of the [[Madras Presidency]] during the [[British Raj]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Logan|first=William|title=Malabar Manual|year=1887|publisher=Asian Education Services|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-206-0446-9|page=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC&q=Palghat&pg=PA2|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112082021/https://books.google.com/books?id=9mR2QXrVEJIC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA2#v=onepage&q=Palghat&f=false|archive-date=12 January 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Independent India===
On 1 November 1956, during the [[States Reorganisation Act|reorganization of Indian states]], the Lakshadweep islands were separated from [[Malabar District]] and organised into a separate union territory for administrative purposes. The new territory was called Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands before adopting the Lakshadweep name on 1 November 1973.{{cn|date=August 2020}}

To safeguard India's vital [[shipping lane]]s to the [[Middle East]], and the growing relevance of the islands in security considerations, an [[Indian Navy]] base, [[INS Dweeprakshak]], was commissioned on Kavaratti island.<ref name=hindu-lakshadweep>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3370886.ece|title=Navy commissions full-scale station in Lakshadweep|publisher=The Hindu|date=1 May 2012|access-date=9 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503220537/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article3370886.ece|archive-date=3 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:LakshadweepIsland.jpg|thumb|One of the uninhabited islands in [[Bangaram Atoll]], Lakshadweep.]]
[[File:Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|Satellite picture showing the atolls of the Lakshadweep except for [[Minicoy]].]]
Lakshadweep is an [[archipelago]] of twelve [[atoll]]s, three [[reef]]s and five submerged [[Bank (topography)|banks]], with a total of about thirty-nine islands and islets. The reefs are in fact also atolls, although mostly submerged, with only small unvegetated sand cays above the high-water mark. The submerged banks are sunken atolls. Almost all the atolls have a northeast–southwest orientation with the islands lying on the eastern rim, and a mostly submerged reef on the western rim, enclosing a lagoon. It has ten inhabited islands, 17 uninhabited islands, attached [[islets]], four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs.<ref name=lap>{{cite web|title=Location, Area and Population|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512103200/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_locationAreaPopulation.html|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The main islands are [[Kavaratti]], [[Agatti]], [[Minicoy]], and [[Amini Island|Amini]]. The total population of the territory is 64,429 according to the [[demographics of India|2011 census]]. Agatti has an [[Agatti Aerodrome|airport]] with direct flights from [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]].

===India's Coral Islands===
The [[Aminidivi]] subgroup of islands (consisting of Amini, Keltan, Chetlat, Kadamat, Bitra, and Perumal Par) and the [[Laccadive Islands|Laccadive]] subgroup of islands (comprising mainly Androth, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Pitti, and Suheli Par), both subgroups having a submarine connection between them through [[Pitti Bank]]. Together with Minicoy Island, a lonely atoll located at the southern end of the 200-km-broad [[Nine Degree Channel]], they form the Coral Islands of India in the Arabian Sea. All these islands have been built up by [[coral]]s and have fringing [[coral reefs]] very close to their shores.<ref>'INDIA: A Physical Geography' ({{ISBN|81-230-0656-X}}), 1968, Publications Dn, Ministry of I&B, Govt. of India. page:74.</ref>

Two banks further north are not considered part of the group:
* [[Angria Bank]]
* [[Adas Bank]]

The atolls, reefs, and banks are listed from north to south in the table:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
![[Atoll]]/[[Reef]]/[[Bank (topography)|Bank]] (''alternate name'')!!type!!Land Area (km2)!![[Lagoon]] Area (km2)!!No. of islets!!Pop. [[Census]] 2001!![[Geographic coordinate system|Location]]
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"| '''[[Aminidivi|Aminidivi Islands]]'''
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Cora Divh]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|339.45||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|13|42|N|72|11|E|name=Cora Divh}}
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Sesostris Bank]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|388.53||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|13|08|N|72|00|E|name=Sesostris Bank}}
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Bassas de Pedro]] (''Munyal Par'', ''Padua Bank'')||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|2474.33||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|13|07|N|72|25|E|name=Bassas de Pedro}}
|- style="background: #FFC;"
| [[Cherbaniani Reef]] (''Beleapani Reef'')||reef||align=right|0.01|| align=right|172.59||align=right|2|| align=right|-||{{coord|12|18|N|71|53|E|name=Cherbaniani Reef}}
|- style="background: #FFC;"
| [[Byramgore Reef]] (''Chereapani'')||reef||align=right|0.01|| align=right|57.46||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|11|54|N|71|49|E|name=Byramgore Reef}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Chetlat Island]]||atoll|| align=right|1.14|| align=right|1.60||align=right|1|| align=right|2,289||{{coord|11|42|N|72|42|E|name=Chetlat Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Bitra|Bitrā Island]]||atoll|| align=right|0.10|| align=right|45.61||align=right|2|| align=right|264||{{coord|11|33|N|72|09|E|name=Bitrā Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kiltan|Kiltān Island]]||atoll|| align=right|2.20|| align=right|1.76||align=right|1|| align=right|3,664||{{coord|11|29|N|73|00|E|name=Kiltān Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kadmat Island]] (''Cardamom'')||atoll|| align=right|3.20|| align=right|37.50||align=right|1|| align=right|5,319||{{coord|11|14|N|72|47|E|name=Kadmat Island}}
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Elikalpeni Bank]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|95.91||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|11|12|N|73|58|E|name=Elikalpeni Bank}}
|- style="background: #FFC;"
| [[Perumal Par]]||reef||align=right|0.01|| align=right|83.02||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|11|10|N|72|04|E|name=Perumal Par}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Amini, India|Amini Island]] 1)||atoll|| align=right|2.59|| align=right|155.091)||align=right|1|| align=right|7,340||{{coord|11|06|N|72|45|E|name=Amini Island}}
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"| '''[[Laccadive Islands]]'''
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Agatti|Agatti Island]] (''Agatti'') 2)||atoll|| align=right|2.70|| align=right|4.84||align=right|1|| align=right|8,000||{{coord|10|50|N|73|41|E|name=Agatti Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Bangaram|Bangaram Island]] (''Bangaram'') 2)||atoll|| align=right|2.30|| align=right|4.84||align=right|1|| align=right|61||{{coord|10|50|N|73|41|E|name=Bangaram Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Pitti|Pitti Island]] 1)||islet|| align=right|0.01|| align="right" |155.09||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|10|50|N|72|38|E|name=Pitti Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Andrott|Androth Island]] (''Andrott'')||atoll|| align=right|4.90|| align=right|4.84||align=right|1|| align=right|10,720||{{coord|10|50|N|73|41|E|name=Androth Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kavaratti|Kavaratti Island]]||atoll|| align=right|4.22|| align=right|4.96||align=right|1|| align=right|10,113||{{coord|10|33|N|72|38|E|name=Kavaratti Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Kalpeni|Kalpeni Island]]||atoll|| align=right|2.79|| align=right|25.60||align=right|7|| align=right|4,319||{{coord|10|05|N|73|38|E|name=Kalpeni Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Suheli Par]] 3)||atoll|| align=right|0.57|| align=right|78.76||align=right|2|| align=right|-||{{coord|10|05|N|72|17|E|name=Suheli Par}}
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"| '''[[Minicoy Island|Minicoy Atoll]]'''
|- style="background: #CCF;"
|[[Investigator Bank]]||bank|| align=right|-|| align=right|141.78||align=right|-||align=right|-||{{coord|08|32|N|73|17|E|name=Investigator Bank}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Minicoy Island]] 4)||atoll|| align=right|4.80|| align=right|30.60||align=right|2|| align=right|9,495||{{coord|08|17|N|73|02|E|name=Minicoy Island}}
|- style="background: #CFC;"
|[[Viringili (Maliku Atoll)|Viringili Island]] 4)||islet|| align=right|0.02|| align=right|30.60||align=right|1|| align=right|-||{{coord|08|27|N|73|01|E|name=Viringili (Maliku Atoll)}}
|-
|'''Lakshadweep'''|| || align=right|32.69|| align=right|4203.14||align=right|32|| align=right|60,595||08°16'-13°58'N, 71°44°-74°24'E
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|1) Amini Island and Pitti Island are both on [[Pitti Bank]], a largely sunken atoll with a lagoon area of 155.09 km2
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|2) Bangaram and Agatti Islands are connected by a shallow submarine ridge
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|3) new international tourist resort, otherwise uninhabited, but with a population 61 at the 1990 census
|-
| colspan=9 style="text-align:left; background:#fff;"|4) Minicoy Island and Viringili Island are both on [[Minicoy|Maliku Atoll]]
|}

===Flora and fauna===
{{See also|PM Sayeed Marine Birds Conservation Reserve|Dr KK Mohammed Koya Sea Cucumber Conservation Reserve}}
[[File:Ducks on a beach at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep.jpg|thumb|[[Domestic duck]]s on a beach at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep]]

The Lakshadweep Archipelago, together with the [[Maldives]] and the [[Chagos]], forms the [[Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago tropical moist forests]] [[ecoregion]].<ref>{{WWF ecoregion|id=im0125|name=Maldives-Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago tropical moist forests}}</ref> It has over 600 species of marine fishes, 78 species of [[coral]]s, 82 species of [[seaweed]], 52 species of [[crab]]s, 2 species of [[lobster]]s, 48 species of [[gastropod]]s, 12 species of [[bivalves]], 101 species of birds.<ref name=planningreport1>{{cite web|title=Biodiversity and Environment Protection|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/planning/14.pdf|work=Lakshadweep Development Report|publisher=Planning Commission of India|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505100605/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/planning/14.pdf|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Khan|first=Asif N|date=2017|title=FIRST RECORD OF ORIENTAL PRATINCOLE GLAREOLA MALDIVARUM FROM LAKSHADWEEP ARCHIPELAGO|url=http://www.bnhsjournal.org/index.php/bnhs/article/view/114164|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|volume=114|access-date=6 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831215307/http://bnhsjournal.org/index.php/bnhs/article/view/114164|archive-date=31 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is one of the four coral reef regions in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep Development Report|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/Presentation/Depts/11.pdf|publisher=Department of Environment and Forests (Union Territory of Lakshadweep)|access-date=3 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425132255/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/documents/Presentation/Depts/11.pdf|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The corals are a major attraction for the tourist. [[Pitti]] Island, is an important breeding place for [[sea turtles]] and for a number of [[pelagic bird]]s such as the [[brown noddy]] (''Anous stolidus''), [[lesser crested tern]] (''Sterna bengalensis)'' and [[greater crested tern]] (''Sterna bergii'').<ref>[http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/publications/forktail/10pdfs/Kurup-Lakshadweep.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112215302/http://www.orientalbirdclub.org/publications/forktail/10pdfs/Kurup-Lakshadweep.pdf|date=12 January 2012}}</ref> The island has been declared a bird sanctuary.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/forest/wildlife_(protection)act.htm|publisher=Department of Environment and Forests (Union Territory of Lakshadweep)|access-date=5 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425154656/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/forest/wildlife_(protection)act.htm|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Cetacean]] diversity off the Lakshadweep Islands and in adjacent areas is higher than other areas although a lack of scientific study results in poor understanding and conservation promoting. These include various whales (e.g. [[pygmy blue whale|pygmy blue]], [[Bryde's whale|Bryde's]],<ref>The Marine Mammal Conservation Network of India. [http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4235 Submit a Record - Sightings and Strandings - Bryde's whale] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419193352/http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4235 |date=19 April 2017 }}. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref> [[sperm whale|sperm]]<ref>Khan E.. 2012. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DX5tYWtHyY Whales @ Lakshadweep island-Video by Ehjaz] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810115548/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DX5tYWtHyY |date=10 August 2017 }}. [[YouTube]]. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref>), smaller cetaceans (e.g. [[orca]],<ref>The Marine Mammal Conservation Network of India. [http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4668 Submit a Record - Sightings and Strandings - Killer whale] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419200257/http://www.marinemammals.in/index.php/database/sightings-strandings/details/1/4668 |date=19 April 2017 }}. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref> [[short-finned pilot whale|pilot whale]]<ref>The [[Nature Conservation Foundation]] India. 2017. [https://twitter.com/ncfindia/status/825923998424788993 This pygmy killer whale took a fancy to our team's dive boat in Lakshadweep, making them feel a tad uncomfortable while diving in to work!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422113013/https://twitter.com/ncfindia/status/825923998424788993 |date=22 April 2017 }}. [[Twitter]]. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref>) and dolphins.<ref>Panicker D.. 2016. [http://www.rufford.org/projects/divya_panicker Cetacean Diversity and Distribution in the Lakshadweep Islands, India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419195138/http://www.rufford.org/projects/divya_panicker |date=19 April 2017 }}. The [[Rufford Foundation]]. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref><ref>Dsouza A.. 2015. [https://www.couponraja.in/theroyale/dolphins-and-whales-in-india/ Angels of the Sea – Dolphins and Whales in India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917124759/https://www.couponraja.in/theroyale/dolphins-and-whales-in-india/ |date=17 September 2017 }}. The Royale - Defining Trenz by couponraja.in.. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref><ref>Vinayak A.. 2016. [http://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/dolphin-destinations-in-india-002421.html Travel Guide - 6 Best Dolphin Destinations in India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420050722/http://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/dolphin-destinations-in-india-002421.html |date=20 April 2017 }}. The Native Planet. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref><ref>Harsha S.. 2014. [http://www.india.com/travel/articles/dolphin-spotting-in-india/ Dolphin Spotting in India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420143405/http://www.india.com/travel/articles/dolphin-spotting-in-india/ |date=20 April 2017 }}. The Latest India News. Retrieved on April 19, 2017</ref>

{| class="infobox border"
|+ Local symbols of Lakshadweep
|-
! Animal
| [[Chaetodon falcula|Butterfly fish]]<ref name="kilak">{{cite web | url=http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/national_symbols.php?id=16#ld | title=Symbols of Lakshadweep | work=knowindia.gov.in | access-date=17 October 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112080035/http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/national_symbols.php?id=16#ld | archive-date=12 November 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="lk">{{cite web| url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/lakkeyindicators07.pdf#page=3| title=Lakshadweep Key Indicators| access-date=17 October 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017221721/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/lakkeyindicators07.pdf#page=3| archive-date=17 October 2013| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| [[File:Bep chaetodon falcula.jpg|50px]]
|-
! Bird
| [[Anous stolidus|Noddy tern]]<ref name="kilak" /><ref name="lk" />
| [[File:Anous stolidus by Gregg Yan 01.jpg|50px]]
|-
! Tree
| [[Artocarpus incisa|Bread fruit]]<ref name="kilak" /><ref name="lk" />
| [[File:Breadfruit Tree.jpg|50px]]
|-
! Flower
| [[Strobilanthes kunthianus|Kurinji flower]]<ref name="kilak" /><ref name="lk" />
| [[File:Kurinji Flowers.jpg|50px]]
|}
The region does not have a rich flora and almost all the plants can be found on the mainland of India. There is also an absence of forest in the region. Nearly 400 species of flowering plants have been documented, including three species of sea grasses ''[[Cymodocea isoetifolia]]'', ''[[Syringodium isoetifolium]]'' and ''[[Thalassia hemprichii]]'', other [[angiosperms]] as ''[[Pandanus]]'', ''[[Heliotropium foertherianum]]'', ''[[Tournefortia argentea]]'' and ''[[Pemphis acidula]]'' as well as [[fungi]], [[algae]], [[lichen]]s are also found. The common flora of the coral sands include coconut groves and coastal shrubs as ''[[Pemphis acidula]]'', ''[[Cordia subcordata]]'', ''[[Scaevola taccada]]'', ''[[Thespesia populnea]]'', ''[[Suriana maritima]]'', ''[[Dodonaea viscosa]]'', ''[[Guettarda speciosa]]'' and [[seaweeds]] such as [[sea lettuce]]s, ''[[Codium]]'' and ''[[Hypena]]''.<ref name=planningreport1/><ref>Rao, T.A. & J.L. Ellis, ''Flora of Lakshadweep Islands off the Malabar coast, peninsular India, with emphasis on phytogeographical distribution of plants''. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany 19:235-250. 1995</ref>

==Government and administration==
[[File:INDIA, LAKSHADWEEP (LACCADIVE) ISLANDS c.2000 passenger plate - Flickr - woody1778a.jpg|thumb|left|Plate in Western Script is from the Laccadive Islands]]
Lakshadweep forms a single [[Districts of India|Indian district]] and is governed by an administrator appointed by the [[President of India]] under article 239 of the [[constitution of India|constitution]]. The present administrator is Dineshwar Sharma IPS<ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep Panchayats Regulations, 1994|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/panchayath/lpr94.htm|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505135226/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/panchayath/lpr94.htm|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> There are ten Sub Divisions of the territory. In Minicoy and Agatti the Sub Division is under a Deputy Collector while in the remaining eight islands developmental activities are coordinated by Sub Divisional Officers. The Collector cum Development Commissioner who is also the District Magistrate oversees matters coming under district administration, such as revenue, land settlement, law and order. The District Magistrate is assisted by one Additional District Magistrate and Ten Executive Magistrates with respect to enforcement of law and order. Administrator in his capacity as Inspector General of Lakshadweep Police has command and control of the Lakshadweep Police. Administration Secretariat is in Kavaratti.<ref>{{cite web|title=Administrative Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415082341/http://www.lakshadweep.nic.in/administration.html|archive-date=15 April 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The union territory comes under the jurisdiction of the [[Kerala High Court]] at [[Kochi]] along with a system of lower courts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judicial Setup|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307225309/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/judicialsetup.html|archive-date=7 March 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The territory elects one member to the [[Lok Sabha]] (lower house of the [[Parliament of India]]).<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Parliament|url=http://www.parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|publisher=parliamentofindia.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709235221/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/p1.htm|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Demographics==
[[File:ISS002-E-7260.PNG|thumb|150px|NASA picture of Maliku Atoll with Minicoy Island]]
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Lakshadweep has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 64,473,<ref name=districtcensus>{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 30 September 2011 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611224943/http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | archive-date = 11 June 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> roughly equal in number to that of the [[Marshall Islands]].<ref name="cia">
{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison: Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 1 October 2011 | quote = Marshall Islands 67,182 July 2011 est. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927165947/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-date = 27 September 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}
</ref> This gives it a ranking of 627th among the 640 districts in India.<ref name=districtcensus/> The district has a population density of {{convert|2013|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.<ref name=districtcensus/> Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was 6.23%.<ref name=districtcensus/> Lakshadweep has a [[sex ratio]] of 946 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,<ref name=districtcensus/> and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 92.28%.<ref name=districtcensus/>

Most people of Lakshadweep are descendants of migrants from the [[Malabar Coast]] of southwest India and the islanders are ethnically similar to coastal Kerala's [[Malayali people]]. More than 93% of the indigenous population are Muslims, and the majority of them belong to the [[Shafi'i|Shafi School]] of the Sunni Sect. The southernmost and second largest island of [[Minicoy Island|Minicoy]] has an ethnically [[Mahls]] population that are native to the [[Maldives]].<ref name=lap/><ref>{{cite web|title=Lakshadweep|url=http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|publisher=borderdarshan.com|access-date=1 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113061357/http://www.borderdarshan.com/lakshadweep.html|archive-date=13 January 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{more citations needed section|date=October 2016}}
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Religion in state (2011)<ref name= "census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community - 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Islam]]|color1 = green
| value1 = 96.58
| label2 = [[Hinduism]]|color2 = darkorange
| value2 = 2.77
| label3 = [[Christianity]]|color3 = dodgerblue
| value3 = 0.49
| label4 = [[Buddhism]]|color5 = brown
| value4 = 0.02
| label5 = [[Jainism]]|color6 = darkkhaki
| value5 = 0.02
| label6 = [[Sikhism]]|color4 = #FFFF00
| value6 = 0.01
| label7 = Other or irreligious|color7 = black
| value7 = 0.11
}}

The inhabitants of Lakshadweep were known to practice different religious customs. Then Islam was propounded by the [[Sheikh Ubaidullah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |title=Kiltan Island |publisher=Lakshadweep.nic.in |access-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503203222/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/ISLAND_web/KILTAN/history.html |archive-date=3 May 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The spread of Islam has contributed to the religious identity of Lakshadweep thus leaving Muslims as the majority of the population. [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid-ul-Fitr]], [[Muharram]], [[Eid al-Adha|Eid-ul-Adha]] and [[Mawlid|Milad-un-Nabi]] are the prominent occasions when the people of the island gather in various mosques.

Religious observance in Lakshadweep is characterized by certain festivals that are found in its core ethnic groups. Moulood is one such religious event when the islanders offer prayers to the divine power and eat in groups. The festival of Ratheeb is another uncommon occasion which originated in the Kavaratti region of Lakshadweep. The grave of Sheikh Kasim, one of the respected saints is praised during Ratheeb by the people of the island to gather his holy blessings.

The Sunni branch of Islam is the predominant faith.

===Languages===
{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Languages of Lakshadweep (2011)<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html 2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue]</ref>
| label1 = Malayalam
| value1 = 84.17
| color1 = deepskyblue
| label2 = Dhivehi (Mahl dialect)
| value2 = 14.44
| color2 = maroon
| label3 = Others
| value3 = 1.39
| color3 = grey
}}

The principal languages of Lakshadweep are [[Malayalam]], [[Jeseri language|Jeseri]] (Dweep Bhasha) and [[Maldivian language|Mahl]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.gov.in/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110205082119/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/ut_lakshadweep.php|url-status=dead|title=National Portal of India|archive-date=5 February 2011|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref> The people of all the northern islands speak a [[dialect]] of Malayalam with the influence of [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Arabic]] similar to [[Arwi]]. The people of [[Minicoy]], the southernmost atoll, speak Mahl, a variant of [[Divehi language]] spoken in the [[Maldives]]. '''Jeseri''' (also known as '''Jesri''' or '''Dweep Bhasha''') is a [[dialect]] of [[Malayalam]],<ref>{{cite book|title=Lakshadweep Pradesikabhasha Nighandu (Translation: Lakshadweep Regional Language Dictionary), Editor: Dr. Koyammakoya M.|isbn=978-81-922822-9-9}}</ref> spoken in the Lakshadweep.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sura's Year Book 2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fz2WDD8sB0MC&q=jeseri%2C+lakshadweep&pg=PA250|year=2006|isbn=978-81-7254-124-8|page=250}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=India, a reference annual|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GHpDAAAAYAAJ&q=jeseri,+lakshadweep|year=2004|publisher=[[Government of India]]|isbn=978-81-230-1156-1|page=851}}</ref> It is spoken on the islands of [[Chetlat]], [[Bitra]], [[Kiltan]], [[Kadmat Island|Kadmat]], [[Amini Island|Amini]], [[Kavaratti]], [[Androth]], [[Agatti]], and [[Kalpeni]], in the archipelago of Lakshadweep. Each of these islands has its own slang.

Malayalam with [[Malayalam script]] was introduced as the official language of Lakshadweep during the [[British raj]]. Previously a type of [[Arabic script]] ([[Arabi Malayalam]]) was used for the language. The policy was continued by the Indian government. Malayalam serves as a link language on the islands including on the Mahl dominated Minicoy Island.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b_a4G_Tw2ycC&q=Lakshadweep+malayalam&pg=PA13 |title=The Muslim Tribes of Lakshadweep Islands: An Anthropological Appraisal of ... - Makhan Jha - Google Books |access-date=2015-02-25|isbn=9788175330320 |last1=Jha |first1=Makhan |year=1997 }}</ref> The dances here include: Lava Dance, Kolkali Dance and Parichakli Dance.

==Economy==
Lakshadweep's gross territorial domestic product for 2004 is estimated at [[United States dollar|US$]] 60 million at current prices. There is little [[economic inequality]] in Lakshadweep and the [[poverty]] index is low. [[Coconut fibre]] extraction and production of fibre products is Lakshadweep's main industry. There are five coir fibre factories, five production demonstration centres and seven fibre curling units run by the government of India. These units produce coir fibre, coir yarn, curled fibre and corridor mattings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/84466.pdf |title=Report of the Working Group on Improvement of Banking Services in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep |publisher=Rbidocs.rbi.org.in |access-date=25 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525191638/http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/84466.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

===Fisheries===
Lakshadweep comprises the only coral [[atolls]] of the country. With a vast [[lagoon]] of {{convert|4,200|km2|abbr=on}}, it has [[territorial waters]] of {{convert|20,000|km2|abbr=on}}, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 4 lakh ({{convert|400,000|km2|abbr=on|disp=sqbr}}) and [[coast|coastal line]] of about {{convert|132|km}}. There is an estimation of about one [[lakh]] tonnes ({{convert|100,000|tonne|disp=sqbr|abbr=off}}) of [[tuna]] and tuna-like fishes and about an equal quantity of [[shark]] in the [[Laccadive Sea|sea around Lakshadweep]]. Fishing is the main livelihood of the islanders, or else it is coconut fibre.<ref name=fisheries1>{{cite web|title=FISHERIES|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/AnnualPlan_2011_2012_7.htm|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511234921/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/AnnualPlan_2011_2012_7.htm|archive-date=11 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Freshly caught tuna is processed by drying it in the sun after cooking and smoking. The resultant product, known as 'mas', are popular products exported from these islands to [[Southeast Asia|southeast Asian countries]].<ref name=fisheries2>{{cite web|title=Department of Fisheries-About Us|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/fisheries/About%20Us.htm|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425212729/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/fisheries/About%20Us.htm|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Eleven workshops in the islands and two boat building yards cater to the needs of fishermen. There are 375 boats in operation in Lakshadweep.<ref name=fisheries3>{{cite web|title=Fisheries|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_Fisheries.html|publisher=lakshadweep.nic.in|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512104129/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/KL_Fisheries.html|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Tourism===

Due to its isolation and scenic appeal, Lakshadweep was already known as a tourist attraction for Indians since 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |title=Tourism in Lakshadweep |publisher=Lakshadweeptourism.nic.in |date=1988-10-22 |access-date=2015-02-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219123906/http://lakshadweeptourism.nic.in/ |archive-date=19 February 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> This brings in significant revenue, which is likely to increase. Since such a small region cannot support industries, the government is actively promoting tourism as a means of income in [[Bangaram Island|Bangaram]] and Kadmat islands. Bangaram is projected to become a major destination for international tourism.<ref>[http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510124248/http://www.mapsofindia.com/lakshadweep/tourism/bangaram-island.html|date=10 May 2011}}</ref> Marine fauna are plentiful. Water sports activities such as [[scuba diving]], [[wind surfing]], [[snorkelling]], [[surfing]], [[kayaking]], [[canoeing]], [[water skiing]], [[sportfishing]], yachting and night sea voyages are popular activities among tourists. Tourists flock to these islands throughout the year, except during the [[southwest monsoon]] months when seas are extremely rough. The government has also proposed to set up two customs clearance check-in offices so that tourists can enter directly instead of getting permission from the nearest customs office in Kochi, which is {{convert|260|nmi|mi km}} from these islands. These will be the smallest customs offices in India. Tourism is expected to get a big boost after these offices open as the islands lie on one of the busiest cruise passages.{{citation needed|date=February 2020}}

===Desalination===
A [[low-temperature thermal desalination]] plant opened on Kavaratti in 2005, at a cost of {{INR}}50 million (€922,000). The experimental plant, which uses the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and much colder seawater at 500m depth to generate potable water as well as energy, was slated to produce 100,000 litres/day of potable water from seawater.<ref name=plantpress>{{cite press release|title=World's first ever low temperature thermal desalination plant opened at Kavaratti|publisher=[[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)]]|date=23 May 2005|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=9439|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426172244/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=9439|archive-date=26 April 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=One Million Litre Per Day (1 MLD) Barge Mounted Desalination Plant|publisher=[[Ministry of Science and Technology (India)]]|date=18 April 2007|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=26958|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425230651/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=26958|archive-date=25 April 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Production costs in 2005 were {{INR}}220-250/m3 (€4.1-4.6/m3); the cost was supposed to drop to {{INR}}30-60/m3 (€0.55-1.11/m3) with increased capacity.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Desalination: India opens world's first low temperature thermal desalination plant |publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India |date=23 May 2005 |url=http://www.source.irc.nl/page/24010 |access-date=3 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722034730/http://www.source.irc.nl/page/24010 |archive-date=22 July 2012 }}</ref>

The technology was developed by the [[National Institute of Ocean Technology]]. It can be used to produce drinking water and also for power generation and air conditioning. In addition, the deep seawater contains extra nutrients for fish, an important source of food and income for the local population. The government plans to set up desalination plants with a capacity of 10 million litres/per day on all islands and coastal areas.<ref name=plantpress/> In 2009, the NIOT announced plans to build plants on [[Maliku Atoll|Minicoy]], [[Agatti Island|Agatti]] and [[Andrott]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/19/stories/2009111961820300.htm|title=City institute plans to develop manned submersibles|date=19 November 2009|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224082947/http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/19/stories/2009111961820300.htm|archive-date=24 December 2009|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

==Education==
===Colleges===
* [[Calicut University Centre, Kadmath]]
* [[Government Jawaharlal Nehru College, Lakshadweep]]
* [[Mahatma Gandhi College, Lakshadweep]]
* [[P. M. Sayeed Calicut University Centre, Andrott]]

===School===
* [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Minicoy]]

==Transport and tourism==
[[Agatti Aerodrome]] on Agatti Island is the only airport in Lakshadweep. [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]], a subsidiary of the state-owned carrier [[Air India]], serves Agatti and flies to [[Kochi (India)|Kochi]] and [[Bengaluru]] on the mainland. [[Kingfisher Airlines]] had flights connecting [[Kochi]] and [[Bangalore]] to [[Agatti]] before the airline ceased operations. The other islands are linked by the [[Pawan Hans]] helicopter or boat service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |title=Kochi to Agatti Flights and their Schedule |publisher=Mapsofindia.com |date=2014-09-08 |access-date=2015-02-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111117043118/http://www.mapsofindia.com/flight-schedule/kochi-agatti.html |archive-date=17 November 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Six ships connect Kochi, Calicut (Beypore) and Lakshadweep: {{ship|MV|Kavaratti||6}}, MV ''Amindivi'', MV ''Minicoy'', MV ''Arabian Sea'', MV ''Lakshadweep Sea'' and MV ''Bharath Seema''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|title=Means of Transport|publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231102317/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/howtoreach.html|archive-date=31 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> [[Mangala Lakshadweep Express]] is a superfast train that runs between [[Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station|Delhi]] and [[Ernakulam Junction|Kochi]].

Tourists need a permit to visit the islands; foreign nationals are not permitted to visit certain islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |title=Entry Permits |publisher=Union Territory of Lakshadweep |access-date=25 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224123645/http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/revenue/entry_permits.htm |archive-date=24 February 2015 }}</ref> According to the current [[alcohol laws of India]], [[alcoholic beverage]] consumption is not permitted in the Lakshadweep Archipelago except on [[Bangaram Island]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Introduction to Lakshadweep Islands|url=http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211045612/http://travel.nytimes.com/frommers/travel/guides/asia/india/kerala/lakshadweep-islands/frm_lakshadwee_3484010001.html|archive-date=11 February 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
{{clear}}

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:MV Amindivi 001.JPG|Passenger ship MV ''Amindivi'' of the Lakshadweep Islands administration docked at Old Mangalore port
File:Agatti Airstrip.jpg|Agatti Airstrip
File:A beach side resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep.jpg|A beachside resort at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep
File:Agatti island, Lakshadweep.jpg|Agatti island, Lakshadweep
File:RED BILLED TROPIC BIRD.jpg|A rare red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus subsp. indicus) found in small islands of Lakshadweep
File:Green turtle Lakshadweep.jpg|Green turtle
File:Scuba diving @ Lakshadweep.jpg|Octopus
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[Coral reefs in India]]
* [[Lakshadweep (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Lakshadweep Police]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
* [[R. C. Majumdar]] (1979) ''The History of Ancient Lakshadweep'', Calcutta.

==External links==

{{Commons category|Lakshadweep}}
* {{wikivoyage-inline|Lakshadweep}}

{{Lakshadweep}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Indian Ocean}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Lakshadweep| ]]
[[Category:South India|.]]
[[Category:Union Territories of India]]
[[Category:Islands of Lakshadweep|*]]
[[Category:Atolls of India]]
[[Category:Archipelagoes of the Indian Ocean]]
[[Category:5th-century establishments]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 5th century]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1956]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:Districts of Lakshadweep]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Puducherry (union territory)

2021-10-17T02:26:27Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{short description|Union territory of India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name = Puducherry
| other_name =
| image_skyline = {{photomontage
| photo1a = Rock beach aerial view.jpg
| photo2a = Image pondicherry.jpg
| photo2b = Matrimandir, Soul of the Auroville, near Pondicherry.JPG
| photo3b = Long exposure shot of Beach road near Pondicherry harbour.jpg
| spacing = 2
| position = centre
| size = 300
| border = 0
| color =
}}
| image_caption = Clockwise from the top: [[Promenade Beach]], [[Matrimandir]], Pondicherry harbour, Beach in Pondicherry
| native_name =
| type = [[Union territory]]
| image_flag = Indian Territory flag of Puducherry (proposed).png
| flag_type = Flag
| flag_size = 125px
| image_blank_emblem = Seal of Puducherry.svg
| anthem = [[Tamil Thai Valthu (Puducherry)|Tamil Thai Valthu]]
| blank_emblem_type = Emblem
| blank_emblem_size = 125px
| image_map = IN-PY.svg
| map_caption = Location of Puducherry (marked in red) in [[India]]
| coordinates = {{coord|11.911082|79.812533|region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = Region
| subdivision_name1 = [[South India]]
| established_title1 = Formation
| established_date1 = 1 November 1954
(16 August 1962 as a UT)
| seat_type = Capital and Largest city
| seat = [[Pondicherry]]
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Puducherry|4]]
| leader_title = [[List of lieutenant governors of Puducherry|Lieutenant Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Tamilisai Soundararajan]] [[Additional Charge]]
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Puducherry|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[N. Rangaswamy]] ([[All India NR Congress|AINRC]])
| area_total_km2 = 483
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|34th]]
| population_total = 1,394,467
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by population|29th]]
| population_demonym = Puducherrian, Pondicherrian, Pondian
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN CODE]]
| postal_code = 6050(01)-(14)
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-PY]]
| registration_plate = PY 01, PY 02, PY 03, PY 04, PY 05
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_title2 = Additional
| demographics1_info1 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Indian English|English]], [[Indian French|French]]<ref name="1965act">{{cite web |title=The Pondicherry Official Languages Act, 1965 |url=http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/puducherry/1965/1965Pondicherry3.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200503022028/http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/puducherry/1965/1965Pondicherry3.pdf |archive-date=3 May 2020 |website=lawsofindia.org |publisher=Laws of India |access-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>
| demographics1_info2 = [[Malayalam]]'' (in [[Mahé district|Mahé]])'', [[Telugu language|Telugu]] ''(in [[Yanam district|Yanam]])''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://districts.ecourts.gov.in/pondicherry/history |title=Official Languages of Pondicherry - E-Courts Mission, Government of India |access-date=12 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402195506/http://ecourts.gov.in/pondicherry/history |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref>
| footnotes = {{note|leg|*}} 30 elected, 3 nominated
| leader_title2 = [[Chief Secretary (India)|Chief Secretary]]
| leader_name2 = Ashwani Kumar, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/new-chief-secretary-assumes-charge/article7288665.ece|title=New Chief Secretary assumes charge|last=Varma|first=M. Dinesh|date=6 June 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref>
| leader_title3 = [[Director General of Police]]
| leader_name3 = Balaji Srivastava, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]
| leader_title4 = [[Puducherry Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name4 = [[Unicameral]] (33{{ref|leg|*}}seats) <ref>{{cite web|title=PUDUCHERRY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY|url=http://legislativebodiesinindia.nic.in/PONDICHERY.htm|access-date=26 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103094411/http://legislativebodiesinindia.nic.in/PONDICHERY.htm|archive-date=3 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank_info_sec1 = {{increase}}0.738 (High) •[[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|7th]]
| website = [https://www.py.gov.in www.py.gov.in]
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
| region = Puducherry
| flag = [[File:Indian Territory flag of Puducherry (proposed).png|50px|left]] [[Flag of Puducherry]]
| emblem = [[File:Seal of Puducherry.svg|50px|left]] [[Emblem of Puducherry]]
| country = India
| mammal = [[File:Funambulus palmarum (Bengaluru).jpg|50px|left]] [[Indian palm squirrel]] (Funambulus palmarum)<ref name="symbols"/>
| bird =[[File:Asian koel.jpg|50px|left]] [[Koel]] (Eudynamys scolopaceus)<ref name="symbols"/>
| flower = [[File:Lingam Flower.jpg|50px|left]] [[Cannonball tree|Cannonball tree flower]]<ref name="symbols"/>
| tree =[[File:Bael (Aegle marmelos) tree at Narendrapur W IMG 4116.jpg|50px|left]] [[Bael fruit tree]]<ref name="symbols">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/21/stories/2007042103560200.htm |title=Tamil Nadu News : Puducherry comes out with list of State symbols |date=21 April 2007 |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104225327/http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/21/stories/2007042103560200.htm |archive-date=4 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
}}
'''Puducherry''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|p|ʊ|d|ᵿ|ˈ|tʃ|ɛr|i}}), also known as '''Pondicherry''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|p|ɒ|n|d|ᵻ|ˈ|tʃ|ɛr|i}}), is a [[States and union territories of India|union territory]] of India. It was formed out of four territories of former [[French India]], namely [[Puducherry district|Pondichéry]] (Pondicherry; now Puducherry), [[Karaikal district|Karikal]] (Karaikal), [[Mahé district|Mahé]] and [[Yanaon]] ([[Yanam]]), excluding [[Chandannagar]]. It is named after the largest district, Puducherry. Historically known as Pondicherry ({{transl|ta|ISO|Pāṇṭiccēri}}), the territory [[Renaming of cities in India|changed its official name]] to Puducherry on 20 September 2006.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5365248.stm |title=South Asia | New name for old French territory |work=BBC News |date=20 September 2006 |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222055544/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5365248.stm |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/22/stories/2006082207481000.htm |title=National : Bill to rename Pondicherry as Puducherry passed |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=22 August 2006 |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021123517/http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/22/stories/2006082207481000.htm |archive-date=21 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Union Territory of Puducherry lies in the [[South India|southern part]] of the Indian Peninsula. The areas of [[Puducherry district]] and [[Karaikal district]] are bound by the state of [[Tamil Nadu]], while [[Yanam district]] and [[Mahé district]] are enclosed by the states of [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Kerala]], respectively. Puducherry is the 29th most populous and the third most densely populated of the states and union territories of India. It has a gross domestic product (GDP) of {{INRConvert|210|b}} and ranks [[List of Indian states by GDP|25th in India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=State Domestic Product and other aggregates, 2004–05 series |url=http://mospi.nic.in/Mospi_New/upload/State-wise%20SDP-27.02.2015.xls |publisher=Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation |access-date=18 June 2015|archive-date=23 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323115356/http://mospi.nic.in/Mospi_New/upload/State-wise%20SDP-27.02.2015.xls|date=27 February 2015}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Puducherry}}
The earliest recorded history of the [[Pondicherry|municipality of Puducherry]] can be traced to the second century AD. The ''[[Periplus of the Erythraean Sea]]'' mentions a marketplace named ''Poduke'' (ch 60). [[G. W. B. Huntingford]] suggested this might be a site about 2 miles from the modern Puducherry, which was possibly the location of [[Arikamedu]] (now part of [[Ariyankuppam]]). Huntingford noted that Roman pottery was found at Arikamedu in 1937. In addition, [[archeology|archaeological]] excavations between 1944 and 1949 showed that it was "a trading station to which goods of Roman manufacture were imported during the first half of the 1st century" Subsequent investigation by Vimala Begley from 1989 to 1992 modified this assessment, and now place the period of occupation from the third or second century BC to the eighth century AD.<ref>
{{cite web | title=The Dating of Arikamedu and its Bearing on the Archaeology of Early Historical South India | author=Vimala Begley | url=http://utilisateurs.linguist.univ-paris-diderot.fr/~chevilla/FestSchrift/V_Beg_3x.pdf | access-date=1 January 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101100834/http://utilisateurs.linguist.univ-paris-diderot.fr/~chevilla/FestSchrift/V_Beg_3x.pdf | archive-date=1 January 2019 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}
</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea: Travel and Trade in the Indian Ocean by a Merchant of the First Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZoZwPQAACAAJ|date=July 2007|publisher=Kessinger Publishing|isbn=978-0-548-20943-1|page=119|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517054619/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZoZwPQAACAAJ|archive-date=17 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1674, the municipality of Pondicherry (Pondichéry) became a French colony of the [[French colonial empire]]. Together with [[Chandannagar|Chandernagor]] (already French since 1673), [[Mahé, Puducherry|Mahé]] (since 1721), [[Yanam]] ([[Yanaon]]) (since 1731), [[Karaikal]] (Karikal) (since 1739) and [[Masulipatam]] (1760), it formed the French colony of [[French India]], under a single French governor in Pondicherry, although French rule over one or more of these enclaves was repeatedly interrupted by [[United Kingdom|British]] occupations. The territories of [[French India]] were completely transferred to the Republic of India de facto on 1 November 1954, and de jure on 16 August 1962, when French India ceased to exist, becoming the present Indian constituent union territory of Pondicherry, combining four coastal enclaves (with the exception of [[Chandannagar]], which merged with the state of [[West Bengal]] in 1954).

==Geography==
[[File:Puducherry Map.svg|thumb|left|Map showing the districts of Puducherry]]
{{further|List of rivers of Puducherry}}
The Union Territory of Puducherry consists of [[List of districts of Puducherry|four small unconnected districts]]: [[Puducherry district]] ({{cvt|293|sqkm|sqmi|disp=or}}), [[Karaikal district]] ({{cvt|161|sqkm|sqmi|disp=or}}) and [[Yanam district]] ({{cvt|20|sqkm|sqmi|disp=or}}) on the [[Bay of Bengal]] and [[Mahé district]] ({{cvt|9|sqkm|sqmi|disp=or}}) on the [[Laccadive Sea]], covering a total area of {{cvt|483|sqkm|sqmi}}. Puducherry and Karaikal have the largest areas and population, and are both [[enclaves]] of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Yanam and Mahé are enclaves of [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Kerala]], respectively. Its population, as per the [[2011 Census of India|2011 Census]], is 1,244,464.

Some of Puducherry's regions are themselves amalgamations of non-contiguous enclaves, often called "pockets" in India. The Puducherry region is made of 11 such pockets, some of which are very small and entirely surrounded by the territory of Tamil Nadu. Mahé region is made up of three pockets. This unusual geography is a legacy of the [[Colonialism|colonial period]] with Puducherry retaining the borders of former [[French India]].

All four regions of Puducherry are located in the coastal region. Five rivers in [[Puducherry district]], seven in [[Karaikal district]], two in [[Mahé district]] and one in [[Yanam district]] drain into the sea, but none originates within the territory.

===Districts of Union Territory of Puducherry===

* [[Puducherry district]] is an enclave of [[Tamil Nadu]].
* [[Karaikal district]] is also an enclave of [[Tamil Nadu]].
* [[Mahé district]] is an enclave of [[Kerala]].
* [[Yanam district]] is an enclave of [[Andhra Pradesh]].

==Demographics==
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=2,46,354|13=1911|14=2,57,179|15=1921|16=2,44,156|17=1931|18=2,58,628|19=1941|20=2,85,011|21=1951|22=3,17,253|23=1961|24=3,69,079|25=1971|26=4,71,707|27=1981|28=6,04,471|29=1991|30=8,07,785|31=2001|32=9,74,345|33=2011|34=12,47,953|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]</ref>|align=right}}{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Puducherry
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = DarkOrange
|value1 = 87.30
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|color2 = DodgerBlue
|value2 = 6.29
|label3 = [[Islam]]
|color3 = Green
|value3 = 6.05
|label4 = Others
|value4 = 0.36
|color4 = Chartreuse
}}

[[Hinduism]] is the major religion with 87.3% of the population adhering to it. Other religions include [[Christianity]] (6.29%) and [[Islam]] (6.05%).<ref>{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>

== Government and administration ==

{{main|Puducherry Legislative Assembly|Puducherry Municipal Council}}
{{See also|List of Lieutenant Governors of Puducherry|List of Chief Ministers of Puducherry|List of districts of Puducherry}}

[[File:Puducherry Electoral Constituencies Map.svg|thumb|Puducherry Assembly seats]]

Puducherry is a [[Union Territory]] of India rather than a state, which implies that governance and administration fall directly under federal authority. However, Puducherry is one of the three union territories in India (the other being [[Delhi|National Capital Territory of Delhi]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]]) that is entitled by a [[Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of India|special constitutional amendment]] to have an elected legislative assembly and a cabinet of ministers, thereby conveying partial statehood.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lankabbc.com/blog/tag/pondicherry |title=Lanka BBC Info Know Puducherry: Government Name Pondicherry As Puducherry |website=lankabbc.com |date=29 June 2012 |access-date=24 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202235835/https://lankabbc.com/blog/tag/pondicherry/ |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> There has been some interest by the territory's government in receiving full statehood, but budgetary issues remain a consideration. Also, Mahe and Yanam may oppose such a change of status.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2018/jul/26/will-pondys-attempt-to-get-statehood-succeed-1848833.html|title=Will Pondy's attempt to get statehood succeed?|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

The Centre is represented by the [[List of lieutenant governors of Puducherry|Lieutenant Governor]], who resides at the Raj Nivas (Le Palais du Gouverneur) at the Park, the former palace of the French governor. The central government is more directly involved in the territory's financial well-being unlike states, which have a central grant that they administer. Consequently, Puducherry has at various times, enjoyed lower taxes, especially in the [[indirect taxation|indirect]] category.

=== Special administration status ===

According to the Treaty of Cession of 1956, the [[French India|four territories of former French India]] territorial administration are permitted to make laws with respect to specific matters. In many cases, such legislation may require ratification from the federal government or the assent of the [[President of India]].

Article II of the Treaty states:
<blockquote>The Establishments will keep the benefit of the special administrative status which was in force prior to 1 November 1954. Any constitutional changes in this status which may be made subsequently shall be made after ascertaining the wishes of the people.</blockquote>

=== Languages ===
{{main article|Languages of Puducherry}}
The most widely spoken first language is [[Tamil language|Tamil]], which is native to {{sigfig|88.237|3}}% of the population. There are also speakers of [[Telugu language|Telugu]] ({{sigfig|5.9585|3}}%), [[Malayalam]] ({{sigfig|3.8448|3}}%) and [[Urdu]] ({{sigfig|0.6913|2}}%).

[[French language|French]] was the [[official language]] according to Article XXVIII of the ''[[Treaty establishing De Jure Cession of French Establishments in India|Traité de Cession]] (Treaty of Cession) of 1956''. According to the treaty, "''the French language shall remain the official language of the Establishments so long as the elected representatives of the people shall not decide otherwise''".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/hindi/sites/upload_files/mhahindi/files/pdf/GovernmentUnionterritoriesAct1963.pdf|title=The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011621/http://mha.nic.in/hindi/sites/upload_files/mhahindi/files/pdf/GovernmentUnionterritoriesAct1963.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Puducherry code volume 1|url=http://py.gov.in/portalapp/citizens/actsrules/LAWVOL1.pdf|publisher=Government of Puducherry|access-date=1 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925050612/https://www.py.gov.in/portalapp/citizens/actsrules/LAWVOL1.pdf|archive-date=25 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> After independence, the new official languages were recognised by The Pondicherry Official Language Act, 1965 (Act No. 3 of 1965) which makes no mention of French (but also not officially denying it)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ecourts.gov.in/pondicherry/history |title=History |publisher=District Court of Puducherry |access-date=12 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402195506/http://ecourts.gov.in/pondicherry/history |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This act stated that "the Tamil language shall (...) be the language to be used for all or any of the official purposes of the Union territory".<ref name="1965act" /> It also provides for the use of the Malayalam and Telugu languages in the Mahé and Yanam districts. The law also states that English "may be used for all or any of the official purposes of the Union territory".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cidif.go1.cc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84:0390-le-francais-a-pondichery-par-roland-breton&catid=25:lettre-nd22&Itemid=3|title=06-Le français à Pondichéry, par Roland Breton|author=CIDIF|work=go1.cc|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409112352/http://cidif.go1.cc/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84:0390-le-francais-a-pondichery-par-roland-breton&catid=25:lettre-nd22&Itemid=3|archive-date=9 April 2015}}</ref> While the Union Territory official gazette's name is in French (''La Gazette de L'État de Poudouchéry'') it is published exclusively in English.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gstcouncil.gov.in/sites/default/files/sgst-notification/PUD-(R)-(18)-9.pdf |title=La Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry The Gazette of Puducherry |website=gstcouncil.gov.in |access-date=21 June 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> Through the ''1963 Union Territories Act'', Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam became official languages used region-wide.

== Economy ==

The gross domestic product of Puducherry, at market prices estimated by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with figures in millions of [[Indian rupee]]s grew from 1,840 to 258,190 million rupees from 1980 to 2014.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year || Gross domestic product{{Clarify|date=June 2019}}
|-
| 1980 || 1,840
|-
| 1985 || 3,420
|-
| 1990 || 6,030
|-
| 1995 || 13,200
|-
| 2000 || 37,810
|-
| 2010 || 130,920
|-
| 2014 || 258,190<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://statisticstimes.com/economy/economy-of-puducherry.php|title=Economy of Puducherry - StatisticsTimes.com|website=statisticstimes.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.southasiaathudson.org/indian-states-1/2016/4/5/puducherry|title=Union Territory of Puducherry|website=South Asia Program at Hudson Institute}}</ref><ref>[[List of Indian states by GDP]]</ref>{{Better source needed|date=June 2019}}
|}

===Fisheries===
The potential for [[fishery|fisheries]] is substantial in the Union Territory. The four regions of the Union Territory have a coastline of 45 km with {{var|675|km2}} of inshore waters, {{convert|1.347|ha}} of inland water and 800 ha of [[brackish water]]. 27 marine fishing villages and 23 inland fishing villages host a fishermen population of about 65,000 of which 13,000 are actively engaged in fishing. Tanks and ponds are also tapped for commercial fish rearing.

===Tourism===
{{Main|Tourism in Puducherry}}

Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist spots in India for national and international tourists. Puducherry was the residence of [[Sri Aurobindo]] (1872–1950) and the [[Sri Aurobindo Ashram]] still operates from Puducherry. A unique experimental city [[Auroville]], the brainchild of [[Mirra Alfassa|the Mother]], whose inhabitants are drawn from all parts of the world is situated on the outskirts of the city. There are several temples, churches, monuments, parks, and mosques which attract tourists.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Pondicherry Legislative Assembly.jpg|Puducherry Legislative Assembly
File:Puducherry Coast.jpg|Puducherry Coast view
File:Mahe Boat House.jpg|Mahe riverside
File:A camel on the beach in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg|A camel on the beach in Puducherry, India
File:Karaikal Church.jpg|Karaikal church
File:Puducherry Immaculate Conception Cathedral retouched.jpg|Immaculate Conception Cathedral
File:Overview of Yanam.jpg|A bird's eye view of Yanam
File:Karaikal main road.JPG|Downtown Karaikal
</gallery>

==Transport==

=== Rail ===
[[File:Puducherry train station.JPG|thumbnail|[[Pondicherry railway station|Puducherry railway station]]]]
Puducherry is connected by a railway branch line from the five-way junction at [[Viluppuram]] and [[Chennai]]. The railway line is a [[broad gauge]] line with 16 originating trains and 17 terminating trains.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/puducherry-pondicherry-pdy/1232|title=Pondicherry Station - 16 Train Departures SR/Southern Zone - Railway Enquiry|last=karthik|website=indiarailinfo.com|access-date=17 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817161727/https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/puducherry-pondicherry-pdy/1232|archive-date=17 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Mean while [[Karaikal district|Karaikal]] and [[Mahé district|Mahe]] also well connected by railway lines. [[Peralam–Karaikal line|Several railway lines]] are also under construction in [[Karaikal district]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rajaram|first=R.|date=2021-02-05|title=Karaikal-Peralam railway line project gets an impetus|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/karaikal-peralam-railway-line-project-gets-an-impetus/article33761412.ece|access-date=2021-05-12|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Air ===
Puducherry has an airport called [[Pondicherry Airport|Puducherry airport]]. It has flight operations between Puducherry and Hyderabad.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puducherry airport becomes AAI’s first 100% solar-powered airport - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/puducherry/puducherry-airport-becomes-aais-first-100-solar-powered-airport/articleshow/78464506.cms|access-date=2021-05-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> A new airport is proposed in karaikal which is called as [[Karaikal Airport|karaikal airport]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-03-04|title=Greenfield airport at Karaikal waiting to take wings|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/greenfield-airport-at-karaikal-waiting-to-take-wings/article30979514.ece|access-date=2021-05-12|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Sea ===
Puducherry U.T. has several ports namely Karaikal port, Puducherry port, Mahe port. Among them, Largest port is [[Karaikal Port]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=India's Largest Private Port to Handle large Vessels and Diverse Cargo Mix|url=https://karaikalport.com/|access-date=2021-05-12|website=karaikalport.com}}</ref>

=== Road ===
{{Main|Road Network in Puducherry District}}
{{further|Puducherry Road Transport Corporation}}
Puducherry has a network all-weather metalled roads connecting the territory. Puducherry has a road length of 2,552 km (road length per 4.87 km2), the highest in the country. [[Puducherry Road Transport Corporation|PRTC]] busses plays a vital role in puducherry U.T.
[[File:Yanam Draksharamam Road.jpg|thumb|Yanam Draksharamam Road, Puducherry]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! colspan="4" | Road length comparison with Tamil Nadu and India as a whole
|-
! colspan="3" | Total road length (in Puducherry)
| 2,552 km
|-
! rowspan="2" | Road length per 1000 km2
! Puducherry
! Tamil Nadu
! India
|-
| 4,575
| 1,572
| 663
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Classification of roads
! Sl. No.
! Type of road
! Length (km)
|-
| 1 || align=left | National highways || 64.450
|-
| 2 || align=left | State highways || 49.304
|-
| 3 || align=left | District and other roads {{blist|Puducherry– 173.384| [[Karaikal]]– 55.162| [[Mahé, India|Mahé]]– 19.622| [[Yanam]]– 26.460}} || '''274.628'''
|-
|-
| 4 || align=left | Rural roads {{blist|Puducherry–164.964| [[Karaikal]]– 83.470}} || '''248.434'''
|-
! colspan=2 align=left | Total length || 636.816
|}

== Education ==
[[File:JIPMER admin block.jpg|thumb|[[Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research]]]]
{{main|List of educational institutions in Puducherry}}
According to the 2011 census, Puducherry had a literacy rate of 86.55.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_chapter6.pdf|title=Ranking of states and union territories by literacy rate: 2011|publisher=Government of India|access-date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706191931/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/india/Final_PPT_2011_chapter6.pdf|archive-date=6 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Pondicherry University]] is a university centrally located in Puducherry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pondicherry University |url=http://www.pondiuni.edu.in/about_uni.htm |publisher=Pondicherry University |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425174938/http://www.pondiuni.edu.in/about_uni.htm |archive-date=25 April 2011 }}</ref> Other educational institutions include [[Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research]] (JIPMER), Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (Government of Puducherry), Mahathma gandhi post graduate institute of dental science[GOVT OF PUDUCHERRY], Tagore Arts and Science College, Indira Gandhi College of Arts and Science (Government of Puducherry), [[Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute]], [[National Institute of Technology, Puducherry]], [[Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Institute of Engineering and Technology]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pkiet.edu.in |title=Welcome to the Website of PKIET |publisher=Pkiet.edu.in |access-date=10 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217215809/http://www.pkiet.edu.in/ |archive-date=17 February 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Pondicherry Engineering College]], Mother Theresa Post Graduate and Research Institute of Health Sciences, Achariya College of Engineering Technology (ACET), [[Rajiv Gandhi College of Engineering and Technology]], [[Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences]], Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College Hospital, Sri Ganesh College of Engineering and Technology, and [[Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre]].

== In popular culture ==
{{in popular culture|date=December 2020}}
* Puducherry was the setting for [[Yann Martel]]'s first third of his [[Booker Prize]]-winning novel ''[[Life of Pi]]'' (2001). A portion of the subsequent [[Life of Pi (film)|film adaptation]] was filmed there.<ref name=IMDBLifeofPi>{{cite web|title=Filming Locations|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454876/locations|publisher=[[IMDb]]|access-date=3 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201104912/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0454876/locations|archive-date=1 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[Lee Langley]]'s novel ''A House in Pondicherry'' (1996) was set there.
* ''Prince Pondicherry'' is an Indian character from [[Roald Dahl]]'s children's novel ''[[Charlie and the Chocolate Factory]]'' (1964). The prince orders [[Willy Wonka]] to build a palace of chocolate in [[India]]; the palace melts in the hot sun.

== See also ==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[Puducherry (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Chandannagar]]
* [[French East India Company]]
* [[French colonial empire]]
* [[Municipal Administration in French India]]

== References ==
{{reflist|group=note}}
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Pondicherry (union territory)}}
{{commons category|Puducherry (union territory)}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [https://www.py.gov.in/ Official website of the Government of the Union Territory of Puducherry]
* [http://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/5302/Treaty+establishing+De+Jure+Cession+of+French+Establishments+in+India Treaty establishing De Jure Cession of French Establishments in India]
* [http://tourism.puducherry.gov.in/ Official website of Department of Tourism, Pondicherry]
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}
* [https://frenchbooksonindia.com/ Frenchbooksonindia.com an open access multilingual discovery tool on Pondicherry with book data from 1673 to 2020, full-text ebooks from 1531 to 1937 and in-text search from c. 1830 to c. 1920]
{{Puducherry}}
{{States and territories of India}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Puducherry| ]]
[[Category:South India|.]]
[[Category:Union territories of India]]
[[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Tamil-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1963]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]

Delhi

2021-10-17T02:19:18Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Delhi
| official_name = National Capital Territory of Delhi
| native_name = 
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| image_flag = Indian Territory flag of Delhi (NCR) (proposed).png
| flag_type =
| flag_size = 280px
| image_blank_emblem = Seal_of_the_National_Capital_Territory_of_Delhi.svg
| blank_emblem_type = Seal of NCT Delhi
| settlement_type = [[Union territory]] / [[Megacity]]
| image_skyline = Delhi Montage.jpg
| image_caption = From top clockwise: [[Lotus Temple]], [[Humayun's Tomb]], [[Connaught Place, New Delhi|Connaught Place]], [[Akshardham (Delhi)|Akshardham temple]] and [[India Gate]]
| image_size = 280
| image_map = IN-DL.svg
| map_caption = Location of Delhi in India
| mapsize =
| coordinates = {{coord|28|36|36|N|77|13|48|E|display=inline, title}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_title = Settled
| established_date = 6th century B.C.
| established_title2 = Capital formation
| established_date2 = 1911
| established_title3 = Formation of Union Territory
| established_date3 = 1956
| established_title4 = Formation of NCT
| established_date4 = 1 February 1992
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[New Delhi]]
| parts_type = Districts
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Delhi|11]]
| governing_body = [[Government of Delhi]]
| leader_title = [[List of lieutenant governors of Delhi|Lt. Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Anil Baijal]], [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Anil Baijal takes over as new Lt Governor of Delhi|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/india/anil-baijal-takes-over-as-new-lt-governor-of-delhi/articleshow/56268275.cms|accessdate=31 December 2016|work=[[Times of India]]|location=Delhi|date=31 December 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103035905/http://m.timesofindia.com/india/anil-baijal-takes-over-as-new-lt-governor-of-delhi/articleshow/56268275.cms|archivedate=3 January 2017}}</ref>
| leader_title1 = {{nowrap|[[List of Chief Ministers of Delhi|Chief Minister]]}}
| leader_name1 = [[Arvind Kejriwal]] ([[Aam Aadmi Party|AAP]])
| leader_title2 = [[Deputy Chief Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Manish Sisodia]] ([[Aam Aadmi Party|AAP]])
| leader_title3 = [[Chief Secretary (India)|Chief Secretary]]
| leader_name3 = Vijay Kumar Dev, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/senior-ias-officer-vijay-kumar-dev-to-be-next-delhi-chief-secretary/1391302/lite/|title=Senior IAS officer Vijay Kumar Dev to be next Delhi Chief Secretary|date=23 November 2018|work=[[The Financial Express (India)]]|access-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420103356/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/senior-ias-officer-vijay-kumar-dev-to-be-next-delhi-chief-secretary/1391302/lite/|archive-date=20 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
| leader_title4 = [[Commissioner of Police, Delhi|Commissioner of Police]]
| leader_name4 = Amulya Patnaik, [[Indian Police Service|IPS]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/amulya-kumar-patnaik-officially-takes-charge-as-delhi-police-commissioner-1654695 |title=Amulya Kumar Patnaik Officially Takes Charge As Delhi Police Commissioner |accessdate=31 January 2017 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131171915/http://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/amulya-kumar-patnaik-officially-takes-charge-as-delhi-police-commissioner-1654695 |archivedate=31 January 2017 }}</ref>
| total_type = [[Union territory]]
| area_magnitude = 1 E8
| area_total_km2 = 1484.0
| area_total_sq_mi = 573.0
| area_water_sq_mi = 6.9
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|31st]]
| elevation_m = 200–250
| elevation_ft = 650–820
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 16,787,941
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_sq_mi = 29,298
| population_urban_footnotes = <ref name="delhi2011">{{cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/India-Delhi.html?cityid=2925|title=Delhi (India): Union Territory, Major Agglomerations & Towns – Population Statistics in Maps and Charts|work=City Population|accessdate=28 February 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302112054/https://www.citypopulation.de/India-Delhi.html?cityid=2925|archivedate=2 March 2017}}</ref>
| population_urban = 16,349,831 ([[List of million-plus urban agglomerations in India|2nd]])
| population_blank1_footnotes =
| population_blank1_title = [[Municipal Corporation of Delhi|Megacity]]
| population_blank1 = 11,034,555 ([[List of cities in India by population|2nd]])
| population_blank2_footnotes =
| population_blank2_title = [[Metropolitan area|Metro]] (2016)
| population_blank2 = 26,454,000 ([[List of metropolitan areas in India|1st]])
| population_demonym = Delhiite
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = {{hlist|[[Hindi]]|[[English language|English]]<ref name="OLA 2000">{{cite web|url=http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/d09fd2004bd07ad9a305ab56803943f0/Delhi+Official+Languages+Act+2000.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&lmod=-344844204|title=Official Language Act 2000|date=2 July 2003|publisher=Government of Delhi|accessdate=17 July 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084459/http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/d09fd2004bd07ad9a305ab56803943f0/Delhi+Official+Languages+Act+2000.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&lmod=-344844204|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref> }}
| demographics1_title2 = Additional official
| demographics1_info2 = {{hlist| [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]|[[Urdu language|Urdu]]<ref name="OLA 2000" /> }}
| demographics_type2 = GDP {{nobold|(2018–19)}}
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="Delhi_Budget">{{cite web|url=http://delhiplanning.nic.in/sites/default/files/Budget%202019-20_English%20for%20CM.pdf|title=Gross State Domestic Product of Delhi|publisher=Planning Department, [[Government of Delhi]]|page=16|accessdate=9 June 2019}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Total]]
| demographics2_info1 = {{INRConvert|7.80|lc}}
| demographics2_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Per Capita]]
| demographics2_info2 = {{INRConvert|365529}}
| demographics2_title3 = [[Gross metropolitan product|Metro GDP]]/[[Purchasing power parity|PPP]]
| demographics2_info3 = $167–370 billion
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2017)}}
| blank_info_sec2 = {{nowrap|{{increase}} 0.744<ref name="snhdi-gdl">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |website=Global Data Lab |publisher=Institute for Management Research, Radboud University |accessdate=25 September 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> ({{color|green|High}})}} · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|5th]]
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank1_info_sec2 = 86.21%<ref name="pc-census2011">{{cite web |title=Census 2011 (Final Data) – Demographic details, Literate Population (Total, Rural & Urban) |url=http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |website=planningcommission.gov.in |publisher=Planning Commission, Government of India |accessdate=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127163347/http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| blank2_name_sec2 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank2_info_sec2 = 868 [[females|♀]]/1000 [[males|♂]]<ref name="pc-census2011" />
| timezone = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset = +5.30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PINs]]<ref name=pin>{{cite web | url = https://www.indiapost.gov.in/vas/pages/FindPinCode.aspx | title = Find Pin Code | publisher = [[India Post|Department of Posts]] | accessdate = 5 June 2019}}</ref>
| postal_code = 110000{{ndash}}110099
| area_code = [[Telephone numbers in India|+91 11]]
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-DL]]
| registration_plate = DL
| website = {{url|http://delhi.gov.in/}}
}}

'''Delhi''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|ˈ|d|ɛ|l|i}}; {{IPA-hi|ˈdɪlːi|lang}} ''Dillī''; {{IPA-pa|ˈdɪlːi|lang}} ''Dillī''; {{IPA-ur|ˈdeɦli|lang}} ''Dēhlī''), officially the '''National Capital Territory of Delhi''' ('''NCT'''), is a territory in [[India]]. It includes the country's capital [[New Delhi]]. It covers an area of {{convert|573|mi2}}. It is bigger than the [[Faroe Islands]] but smaller than [[Guadeloupe]]. Delhi is a part of the National Capital Region, which has 12.5 million residents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_delhi.html|title=Census of India : Provisional Population Totals Paper 1 of 2011 : NCT of Delhi|website=www.censusindia.gov.in}}</ref> The governance of Delhi is like that of a state in India. It has its own [[legislature]], [[high court]] and a council of [[executive]] ministers.

Delhi is on the banks of the [[Yamuna River]]. Historians have evidence that people have been living in this region since at least the [[6th century BC]]. People also believe that the legendary city of Indraprastha was here. This city has many remains and monuments of historic importance.

The India Gate is a war memorial in Delhi. Following the Bangladesh Liberation war in 1972, a structure consisting of a black marble plinth with a reversed rifle, capped by a war helmet and bounded by four eternal flames, was built beneath the archway. This structure, called Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier), has since 1971 served as India's tomb of the unknown soldier

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{commonscat}}

== Other websites ==
* [https://arrestedworld.com/nightlife-in-india/ Nightlife in Delhi]
* [https://newstaza.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206154422/https://newstaza.com/ |date=2020-12-06 }} newstaza

{{wikivoyage}}
{{india}}

{{geo-stub}}
{{authority control}}
[[Category:Delhi| ]]
[[Category:Capital cities in Asia]]

Dadra and Nagar Haveli

2021-10-17T02:12:14Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Administration */

{{short description|District in Western India}}
{{about|the district|the Indian union territory in which this district is located|Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Dadra and Nagar Haveli district
| native_name =
| settlement_type = [[Districts of India|District]]
| image_skyline = Dadra and Nagar Haveli Silvassa.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_caption = [[Daman Ganga River]] in [[Silvassa]]
| image_blank_emblem =
| blank_emblem_type =
| nickname =
| image_map = IN-DN.svg
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map =
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|20.27|N|73.02|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|Union territory]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu emblem.png}} [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]]
| established_title =
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat = [[Silvassa]]
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 = [[Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]]
| leader_name1 = [[Seat vacant]]
| leader_title2 =
| leader_name2 =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 491
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|32nd]]
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 16
| population_total = 343,709
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank = 33rd
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Languages<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |page=87 |title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India |date=29 March 2016 |access-date=15 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code =
| iso_code =
| registration_plate = DD-01
| blank1_name_sec1 =
| blank1_info_sec1 =
| website = {{URL|dnh.gov.in}}
| footnotes =
| blank2_name_sec1 = HDI
| blank2_info_sec1 = {{steady}} 0.663 (2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=24 October 2018}}</ref>
| blank3_name_sec1 = HDI Category
| blank3_info_sec1 = medium
}}
'''Dadra and Nagar Haveli''' is a district of the [[India]]n [[union territory]] of [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]] in western India. It is composed of two separate geographical entities: [[Nagar Haveli]], wedged between [[Maharashtra]] and [[Gujarat]] and {{convert|1|km|mi}} to the northwest, the smaller [[enclave]] of [[Dadra, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu|Dadra]], which is surrounded by Gujarat. [[Silvassa]] is the administrative headquarters of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Unlike the surrounding areas, Dadra and Nagar Haveli was ruled by the Portuguese from 1783 until the mid-20th century. The area was captured by pro-India forces in 1954 and administered as the de facto state of [[Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli]] before being [[Annexation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli|annexed]] to India as a [[union territory]], the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 1961.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.worldstatesmen.org/India_states.html#Dadra-Nagar | title=Indian states since 1947}}</ref> The union territory was merged with the neighbouring union territory of [[Daman and Diu]] to form the new union territory of "Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu" on 26 January 2020. The territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli then became one of the [[List of districts of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu|three districts]] of the new union territory, as the Dadra and Nagar Haveli district.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indusdictum.com/2019/12/04/dadra-nagar-haveli-and-daman-diu-uts-merge-for-better-admin-efficiency-service-mos-home/|title=Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu UTs merge for 'better admin efficiency, service': MoS Home|first=The ID|last=Staff|date=4 December 2019|website=Indus Dictum|access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref>

==History==

===Pre-Portuguese era===
The history of Dadra and Nagar Haveli begins with the defeat of the [[Koli people|Koli]] chieftains of the region by the Rajput kings. In the year 1262 a [[Rajput]] prince from [[Rajasthan]] named Ramsinh established himself as the ruler of Ramnagar, the present-day [[Dharampur State|Dharampur]], which consisted of 8 [[pargana]]s (a group of villages) and assumed the title Maharana. Nagar Haveli was one of the Parganas, and its capital was Silvassa.

In 1360 Rana Dharamshah shifted his capital from Nagar Haveli to Nagar Fatehpur.

With the rise of [[Maratha]] power, Shivaji Maharaj viewed Ramnagar as an important locality. He captured the region, but Somshah Rana recaptured it in 1690.

After the Treaty of Vasai (6 May 1739), [[Vasai]] and the surrounding territories came under the Maratha rule.<ref name="penguin">The Penguin Guide to the States & Union Territories of India, 2007</ref>

Soon after, the Marathas captured Ramnagar but reinstated the ruler, Ramdeo, under conditions. Thus the Marathas acquired the rights to collect revenue, known as ''chauthai''. from Nagar Haveli and two other Parganas.

During the time of Dharamdeo, the son of Ramdeo, due to his change of policies (he neglected the conditions imposed earlier by the Marathas), the Marathas captured Nagar Haveli and the surrounding region.

===Portuguese era===
{{Main|Portuguese India}}
[[File:Damão, Dadra, Nagar Haveli.png|thumb|Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli during the Portuguese period]]
The Portuguese were granted the area of Nagar Haveli on 10 June 1783 on the basis of Friendship Treaty executed on 17 December 1779 as compensation towards damage to the Portuguese frigate Santana by [[Maratha Navy]] in 1772.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Nair|first=Rajeshwary|title=Study of Ethnobotanical Plants of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Their Significance to the Tribes|journal=Life Sciences Leaflets|date=1 October 2011|page=7|issn=0976-1098|url=http://api.ning.com/files/L*EC3kOB8rEqeDrTd-zaT3pnMEknAzeJwJoj61eEXX7WuoM2BcxLQoDxNf-lOY8ZEqP7DyPt7CGtyD1vdEB9gqFCmjHwO6MT/872.STUDYOFETHNOBOTANICALPLANTSOFDADRAANDNAGARHAVELIANDTHEIRSIGNIFICANCETOTHETRIBESByRAJESHWARYNAIR.pdf|access-date=25 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203082007/http://api.ning.com/files/L*EC3kOB8rEqeDrTd-zaT3pnMEknAzeJwJoj61eEXX7WuoM2BcxLQoDxNf-lOY8ZEqP7DyPt7CGtyD1vdEB9gqFCmjHwO6MT/872.STUDYOFETHNOBOTANICALPLANTSOFDADRAANDNAGARHAVELIANDTHEIRSIGNIFICANCETOTHETRIBESByRAJESHWARYNAIR.pdf|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The treaty allowed the Portuguese to collect revenue from 72 villages in Nagar Haveli. Then, in 1785 the Portuguese purchased Dadra, annexing it to Portuguese India (Estado Português da Índia).

In 1818, the [[Maratha Empire]] was defeated by the British in the [[Third Anglo-Maratha War]], and the Portuguese ultimately became the effective rulers of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Under the Portuguese rule, Dadra and Nagar Haveli were part of the ''Distrito de Damão'' ([[Daman district, India|Daman district]]) of the ''[[Estado da Índia]]'' (Portuguese State of India). The two territories formed a single ''[[concelho]]'' (municipality), named "Nagar Haveli", with its head in Darará until 1885 and, after that, with its head in the town of [[Silvassa]]. The local affairs were overseen by an elected ''câmara municipal'' (municipal council), with the higher level affairs administrated by the district governor of Daman, who was represented in Nagar Haveli by an administrator.

The Nagar Haveli ''concelho'' was itself divided in the following ''[[freguesia]]''s ([[civil parish]]es): Silvassa, Noroli, Dadra, Quelalunim, Randá, Darará, Cadoli, Canoel, Carchonde, and Sindonim.

The Portuguese rule lasted until 1954, when Dadra and Nagar Haveli were captured by supporters of the Indian Union. It was the first colony to be detached from the Empire by the occupation of the Indian Union in 1954, after nearly two centuries of Portuguese rule.

===End of Portuguese rule===
{{Main|Indian annexation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli}}
After India attained Independence in 1947, the residents of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, with the help of volunteers of organisations like the United Front of Goans (UFG), the National Movement Liberation Organisation (NMLO), and the Azad Gomantak Dal, conquered the territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli from [[Portuguese India]] in 1954.<ref name =lele>P S Lele, ''Dadra and Nagar Haveli: past and present'', published by Usha P. Lele, 1987</ref>

As time passed the Indian Independence Struggle picked up momentum. On 18 June 1946, [[Ram Manohar Lohia]] was arrested in Goa. This was the beginning of the Independence struggle in Goa. He was deported to India. On 15 August 1947, India became independent from British rule, but the Portuguese and other European colonies were not immediately incorporated.

The Goan struggle continued for many years. Atmaram Narsinh Karmalkar, an officer in the Banco Colonial (Portuguese Bank) at [[Panaji]] (in Goa) (then known as Panjim), who was popularly known as Appasaheb Karmalkar was indirectly involved in the freedom struggle in Goa. He was dismissed from the bank and finally took up the struggle to liberate Goa. In the course of time, he realised that the liberation of DNH was crucial if Goa was to be liberated. Karmalkar reached Vapi and met Jayantibhai Desai from Dadra. He also met Bhikubhai Pandya from Nani Daman and Vanmali Bhavsar from Silvassa.

Azad Gomantak Dal under the leadership of Vishwanath Lavande, Dattatreya Deshpande, Prabhakar Sinar and others, Communist Party under the leadership of Shamrao Parulekar and Godavaribai Parulekar, and the United Front of Goans under the leadership of Francis Mascerenhas, J.M. D'Souza, Waman Desai and others were also attempting the liberation of DNH.

On 18 June 1954, many leaders met at Lavaccha. Lavaccha and Vapi were Indian territories. The order in which these places are lying (from east to west) is Nagar Haveli, Lavaccha, Dadra, Vapi and Daman (on the sea coast). So the Portuguese officers required transit permits through Indian territories of Lavaccha and Vapi to travel between N.H, Dadra, and Daman.

On the night of 22 July 1954, 15 volunteers of the United Front of Goans under the leadership of Francis Mascerenhas and Waman Desai sneaked into the territory of Dadra and reached the police station. There was only three personnel at the police station. One was attacked with a knife by one of the volunteers and the other two were overpowered. The Indian tricolour was hoisted and the Indian National Anthem was sung. Dadra was declared "Free territory of Dadra".

On the night of 28 July, around 30 to 35 volunteers of Azad Gomantak Dal proceeded to Naroli from Karambele (Karambeli) by swimming across the rivulets. June to September is the rainy season in the region and the rivers are usually flooded during this season. The Daman Ganga river was flooded and no help could reach Naroli. This was the reason to choose this date for proceeding to Naroli. There were only six police personnel. The volunteers and the villages reached the police station and asked them to surrender or face death. They immediately surrendered. The Portuguese rule of Naroli came to an end.

The Special Reserve Police in the Indian Territory did not intervene. J.D. Nagarwala, the Dy. Inspector General of the Special Reserve Police in the Indian Territory, without entering DNH asked Captain Fidalgo, the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to surrender to the Indian Forces along with his paramilitary forces before they would be butchered by the liberators.

Leaving about 50 policemen and five civilian officers posted at Silvassa, Captain Fidalgo fled to Udva passing through Rakholi, Dappada, and Khanvel and surrendered to the SRP on 11 August. They were later allowed to go to Goa.

In the meanwhile, there were several rumours and the officers at Silvassa were in confusion. On 1 August the liberators took advantage of the situation and proceeded from Dadra and Naroli and liberated Pipariya. The five police officers surrendered without resistance.

During the night the RSS volunteers divided themselves into three batches and reached the police chowky at Silvassa. The police Chowky at Silvassa was protected by sandbags. There were three policemen guarding from three sides. Vasant Badve, Vishnu Bhople, and Shantaram Vaidya overpowered them from behind when least expected. The other policemen surrendered without resistance on seeing the other volunteers. The volunteers spent the night awake at the police [[chowky]].

On the morning of 2 August 1954, the liberators reached the town of Silvassa to find it free of any Portuguese occupation. The liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli was complete.

Senhor Luis de Gama, the eldest nationalist hoisted the Indian National Flag and declared the territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli liberated and the Indian National Anthem was sung.

===Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli===
{{main|Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli}}
[[File:Dadra-Nagarhaveli 1956.jpg|thumb|Old map of the territory.]]
From 1954 to 1961, Dadra and Nagar Haveli existed as a ''de facto'' state known as [[Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli]]. It was administered by a body called the Varishta Panchayat of Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli,<ref name="const10">[[Constitution of India]], 10th Amendment</ref><ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/~andrew/CommonLII/INSC/1986/43.html Umaji Keshao Meshram & Ors v. Radhikabhai w/o Anandrao Banapurkar AIR 1986 SC 1272]{{dead link|date=August 2015}}: this judgment mentions the Administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli in this period</ref> with administrative help from the government of India. Although it enjoyed ''de facto'' independence, Dadra and Nagar Haveli were still recognised internationally (e.g. by the [[International Court of Justice]]) as Portuguese possessions.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Case cing Right of Passage over Indian Territory (Merits), Judgement of 12 April 1960 |journal=International Court of Justice Reports 1960 |page=6 |url=http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/32/4521.pdf |access-date=1 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220044651/http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/32/4521.pdf |archive-date=20 December 2011 }}</ref>

===Integration into India===
In 1961, amidst Indian preparation for the [[Invasion of Goa|invasion of Goa, Daman, and Diu]], K.G. Badlani, an officer of the [[Indian Administrative Service]] was, for one day, designated the Prime Minister of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, so that, as Head of State, he could sign an agreement with the Prime Minister of India, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], and formally merge Dadra and Nagar Haveli with the Republic of India. The [[Tenth Amendment of the Constitution of India]] was passed to incorporate Dadra and Nagar Haveli as a union territory, effective 11 August 1961.

On 31 December 1974 a treaty was signed between India and Portugal on recognition of India's sovereignty over Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.commonlii.org/in/other/treaties/INTSer/1974/53.html |title=Treaty Between the Government of India and the Government of the Republic of Portugal on Recognition of India's Sovereignty Over Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Related Matters 1974 |access-date=2 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000634/http://www.commonlii.org/in/other/treaties/INTSer/1974/53.html |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2019, the Parliament of India passed legislation to merge Dadra and Nagar Haveli with the nearby union territory of [[Daman and Diu]] to create a single union territory to be known as [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]] on 26 January 2020. Dadra and Nagar Haveli will be one of the three districts of the new union territory.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dutta |first1=Amrita Nayak |title=There will be one UT less as Modi govt plans to merge Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |url=https://theprint.in/india/there-will-be-one-ut-less-as-modi-govt-plans-to-merge-dadra-nagar-haveli-and-daman-diu/261056/ |access-date=22 August 2019 |work=The Print |date=10 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/national/754685-govt-plans-to-merge-2-uts----daman-and-diu-dadra-and-nagar-haveli |title = Govt plans to merge 2 UTs -- Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli}}</ref><ref>http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/Asintroduced/366_2019_LS_Eng.pdf</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Dadra Nagar Haveli Locator Map.svg|thumb|Location of Dadra and Nagar Haveli]]
The area of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is spread over {{convert|491|km2|sqmi}}. Its population density is {{convert|698|km2|sqmi|abbr=}}. Though landlocked between [[Gujarat]] to the north and [[Maharashtra]] to the south, it is close to the western coast of India (between 20°0′ and 20°25′ N latitude and between 72°50′ and 73°15′ E longitude),<ref name='Reference Annual'>{{cite book | editor1 = Srivastava, Dayawanti |editor2=others |display-editors=1 | title = India 2010: A Reference Annual | chapter = States and Union Territories: Dadra and Nagar Haveli | edition = 54th | publisher = Additional Director General, Publications Division, [[Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India)]], [[Government of India]] | year = 2010 | location = New Delhi, India | page = 1213 | isbn = 978-81-230-1617-7}}</ref> and the [[Arabian Sea]] can be reached via [[Vapi]] in Gujarat.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli comprises two separate geographical units. The larger part—Nagar Haveli—spans a roughly C-shaped area upriver from the city of [[Daman, Daman and Diu|Daman]] on the coast, at the centre of which, straddling the border with Gujarat, is the Madhuban reservoir. The smaller enclave of Dadra is a short distance to the northwest.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is in the middle of the undulating watershed of the [[Daman Ganga River]], which flows through Nagar Haveli and later forms the short southern border of Dadra. The towns of Dadra and Silvassa lie on the north bank of the river. The [[Western Ghats]] range rises to the east, and the foothills of the range occupy the eastern portion of the district.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is surrounded by Valsad District of Gujarat on the west, north, and east, and by Thane District of Maharashtra on the south and southeast (after the division of Thane District, it is now surrounded by the newly formed Palghar District).<ref name="socio-eco">{{cite journal|last=Singh |first=A.K. |title=Socio Economic Development of Dadra and Nagar Haveli since its Liberation|year=2008|series=24}}</ref>

[[Maghval]] is a small enclave village belonging to Gujarat that is located within [[Nagar Haveli]], just south of [[Silvassa]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://vlist.in/sub-district/03930.html | title=Villages in Kaprada Taluka | publisher=vlist.in | website=vlist.in/ | access-date=18 November 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304222805/http://vlist.in/sub-district/03930.html | archive-date=4 March 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite map|url=http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/damao_1956.jpg|year=1956|title=Damao (Daman) 1954 (Topographic Map) original scale 1:250,000.|access-date=6 October 2013|quote=Portion of Navsari, Sheet NF 43-13, Series U502, U.S. Army Map Service compiled in 1954 and printed in 1956 (Perry–Castañeda Library Map Collection, University of Texas Libraries)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911003530/http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/damao_1956.jpg|archive-date=11 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The nearest railway station are Bhilad & Vapi in Gujarat on the Mumbai-Delhi route ( Western Railways ) .<ref>{{Cite web|last=karthik|title=0 COVID-19 Special Departures from Bhilad WR/Western Zone - Railway Enquiry|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/departures/bhilad-bld/2172|access-date=5 August 2020|website=indiarailinfo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Aniket|title=14 COVID-19 Special Arrivals at Vapi WR/Western Zone - Railway Enquiry|url=https://indiarailinfo.com/arrivals/vapi-vapi/68|access-date=5 August 2020|website=indiarailinfo.com}}</ref> Bhilad is about 14 km west of Silvassa & Vapi is about 18 km northwest of Silvassa. [[Mumbai]] is approximately 180 km from Silvassa. [[Surat]] city is about 140 km away. Mumbai and Surat are the nearest airports.

===Topography===
The stretch of the main southern area is hilly terrain especially towards the northeast and east where it is surrounded by ranges of the Sahyadri mountains (Western Ghats). The central [[alluvial plain|alluvial]] region of the land is almost plain and the soil is fertile and rich. The river Damanganga rises in the Ghat 64 km from the western coast and discharges itself in the Arabian Sea at the port of Daman after crossing Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Its three tributaries, Varna, Pipri and Sakartond, join Daman Ganga within the territory.<ref name="webmail">{{cite web|url=http://www.webindia123.com/Territories/DADRANAGARHAVELI/land/land.htm|title=Dadra and Nagar Haveli – Land, Climate and transport|access-date=12 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612045222/http://www.webindia123.com/Territories/DADRANAGARHAVELI/land/land.htm|archive-date=12 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=TCS />

===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Baby Cheetal Deer.jpg|thumb|left|Baby Cheetal Deer]]
Dadra and Nagar Haveli lies within the [[North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests]] ecoregion, characterised by forests of [[teak]] (''Tectona grandis'') and other dry-season deciduous trees.<ref>Worldwide Fund for Nature. "North Western Ghats Moist Deciduous Forests". Accessed 4 September 2017. [https://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/im0134] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905140801/https://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/im0134 |date=5 September 2017 }}</ref>

[[File:Dnh forest cover mix.png|thumb|350px]]
About 43% of the land is under forest cover. However, the reserved forest territory constitutes about 40% of the total geographical area. The protected forests constitute 2.45% of the total land area.

According to satellite data taken in 2008, DNH has roughly about {{convert|114|km2|acre}} of moderately dense forest and {{convert|94|km2|acre}} open forest. According to the Forest Survey of India, DNH has two major forest types: tropical moist deciduous forest and tropical dry deciduous forest. The major produce is khair wood and general timber. [[Teak]], sandra, khair, mahara and sisam are the major tree species in the region.<ref name=TCS>{{cite journal|author=Tata Consultancy Services|title=Tourism Perspective Plan for Dadra & Nagar Haveli|year=2002|publisher=Government of India}}</ref>
[[File:Dnh forest type group mix.png|thumb|350px]] Tree cover has been estimated around 27 km2 from the six-year data (2002–08), which is around 5.5% of the total geographical area of DNH.<ref name=FSI>{{cite journal|title=Forest and Tree Resources in States and Union Territories|year=2011|pages=255–257|publisher=Forest Survey of India}}</ref>

The Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary covers 91.39 square kilometres, or about 19% of the union territory's total area. The sanctuary provides a habitat for [[leopard]] (''Panthera pardus''), [[wildcat]] (''Felis silvestris''), [[striped hyena]] (''Hyaena hyaena''), fox (''Vulpes'' spp.), [[golden jackal]] (''Canis aureus''), [[nilgai]] (''Boselaphus tragocamelus''), [[four-horned antelope]] (''Tetracerus quadricornis''), [[sambar deer]] (''Rusa unicolor''), and [[chital|chital deer]] (''Axis axis''), and birds including black drongo, bulbul, kingfisher, egret, hoopoe, mynah, heron, and red jungle fowl. In 2014 an additional eco-sensitive area was designated in the 100-meter buffer zone around the wildlife sanctuary, with an area of 26.57 square kilometres.<ref>Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India (2014) "Draft Notification of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary - Declaration as Eco-sensitive Zone around Dadra and Nagar Haveli" S.O.2927(E) [17 November 2014]. Accessed 4 September 2017. [http://www.moef.nic.in/sites/default/files/ESZ_Draft_notification_dadra_nagar_haveli.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703061700/http://www.moef.nic.in/sites/default/files/ESZ_Draft_notification_dadra_nagar_haveli.pdf |date=3 July 2015 }}</ref>

The rich biodiversity makes it a habitat for a variety of birds and animals and thus a destination for inland and coastal [[safari]] and [[eco-tourism]]. Silvassa's hills and [[buffer zone|wide, forested buffer land]] attract wildlife enthusiasts.

===Climate===
The climate of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is typical of its type. Being near the coast, all but the sparsely inhabited easternmost parts have a typical north [[Indian Ocean]] maritime climate. The summers are hot and become in their later part more humid with temperatures reaching as high as 39 °C in the month of May. The monsoon starts in the month of June and extends until September. The rainfall is brought by southwest monsoon winds. It is known as the [[Cherrapunji]] that covers the bulk of western India (apart from the [[Thar Desert]]) which produces most of the annual rainfall of 200–250 cm. Winters are between maritime temperate and semi-tropical with temperatures ranging from 14 °C to 30 °C, reliably, as with the monsoon, with scant deviation from this range.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hotels Silvassa summary sections|url=http://www.hotelssilvassa.com/Silvassa-info/silvassa-climate.aspx|access-date=12 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614035012/http://www.hotelssilvassa.com/Silvassa-info/silvassa-climate.aspx|archive-date=14 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Silvassa Weather, Silvassa Weather Forecast, Temperature, Festivals, Best Season|url=http://www.mustseeindia.com/Silvassa-weather|work=tourism|access-date=13 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626213334/http://www.mustseeindia.com/Silvassa-weather|archive-date=26 June 2012}}</ref>
{{Wide image|Dadra and Nagar Haveli banner.jpg|1200px|Dadra and Nagar Haveli Coastal}}This image is the coast of Daman. Dadra and Nagar Haveli has no coastal region as it is land-locked.

==Administration==
[[File:Indian Territory flag of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (proposed).jpg|thumb|Flag Administration]]
[[File:Dadra and Nagar Haveli Silvassa 3.jpg|thumb|Silvassa Town Hall|alt=]]
{{IndiaCensusPop
| title= Population Growth
| state=
| 1951= 42000
| 1961= 58000
| 1971= 74000
| 1981= 104000
| 1991= 138000
| 2001= 220000
| 2011=342853
| estimate=
| estyear=
| estref=
| footnote=Source:Census of India<ref name="Census Population">{{cite web|url=http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf|title=Census Population|work=Census of India|publisher=Ministry of Finance India|access-date=18 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219073658/http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf|archive-date=19 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
Dadra and Nagar Haveli covers an area of 487 km2 and consists of two talukas:
* [[Dadra DNH|Dadra]]
* [[Nagar Haveli DNH|Nagar Haveli]]

Dadra is the headquarters of Dadra taluka, comprising Dadra town and two other villages.

Silvassa is the headquarters of Nagar Haveli taluka, comprising Silvassa town and 68 other villages.<ref name="dnh official">{{cite web|title=Dadra and Nagar Haveli|url=http://dnh.nic.in/|work=Government of D&NH|publisher=Administration of D&NH|access-date=19 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118002436/http://dnh.nic.in/|archive-date=18 November 2012}}</ref>

==Education==
There are no universities in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Colleges in the territory include [[Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Government College, Silvassa]] and [[SSR College of Arts, Science and Commerce]] and Smt.Devkiba Mohansinhji Chauhan College of Commerce and Science.

==Economy==
Dadra and Nagar Haveli's gross state domestic product for 2004 is estimated at $218 million in current prices. Its nominal GDP increased to $360 million in the year 2009 with a per capita GDP of $1,050. The economy of DNH relies on five major activities viz. agriculture, industries, forestry, animal husbandry and tourism.<ref name=TCS /><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite book|last=Shah|first=N.R.|title=Socio Economic Development of Dadra and Nagar Haveli|year=2008|publisher=Dept. of Planning and Statistics, DNH|location=DNH|page=51}}</ref><ref name="dnh_ind">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dnh.nic.in/industry.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212125843/http://www.dnh.nic.in/industry.html|url-status=dead|title=Industries in Dadar and Nagar Haveli|archive-date=12 February 2010|access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=DNHIA>{{cite web|title=Dadra and Nagar Haveli Industries Association |url=http://www.ut-dnhindass.org/Facts_Figure.html |access-date=23 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625165947/http://www.ut-dnhindass.org/Facts_Figure.html |archive-date=25 June 2012 }}</ref>

===Agriculture===
[[File:Blossom, Vanganga Lake, Dadra - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Blossom at Vanganga Lake, Dadra]]
The basic economic activity of the territory is agriculture involving about 60% of the working population. The total land area under cultivation is {{convert|236.27|km2|acre}} i.e. 48% of the total geographical area. The area under high yielding crops is {{convert|12000|acre|km2}}. The main food crops cultivated in this area are paddy (40% of the net sown area), ''ragi'', small millets, jowar, sugarcanes, ''tur'', ''nagli'' and ''val''. Vegetables like tomato, cauliflower, cabbage and brinjal and fruits like mango, chikoo, guava, coconut and banana are also grown.<ref name=agri>{{cite web|title=Agriculture Department |url=http://dnh.nic.in/deptdoc/Agri.pdf |work=Government of Dadra and Nagar Haveli |publisher=UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli |access-date=27 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413082013/http://dnh.nic.in/deptdoc/Agri.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2012 }}</ref> Agriculture sector has given a major boost to the economy of DNH.

The local population is also involved in forestry and animal husbandry. 92.76% of the farmers belong to the weaker sections and 89.36% of them are tribal farmers.<ref name=agri /> There is a full-fledged veterinary hospital and nine veterinary dispensaries. Mass vaccination against various diseases is done regularly free of cost by the Animal Husbandry Department.<ref name="socio-eco" />

===Industry===

Another major contributor to the economy is the manufacturing industries. Due to heavy industrialisation in the region owing to tax stops for industries in the union territories, steady growth in employment has been observed. The employment generation is increasing at a pace of 5% per annum.

Industrialisation in the area began in 1965 when the first industrial unit in the UT was started at Piparia, Silvassa in the cooperative sector by Dan Udyog Sahakari Sangh Ltd, following which three industrial estates were established at Masat (1976), Khadoli (1982) and Silvassa (1985). Earlier (before 1965) only traditional craftsmen who made clay pots, leather items, viz., chappals, shoes and some other items of bamboo were present. Since there was no sales tax in the UT, it attracted many entrepreneurs. Around 30 new units comprising Engineering, fabric weaving units and dyeing and printing units were established until 1970.

In 1971, UT was declared as an industrially backward area by [[Government of India]] and increased the cash subsidy to 15 to 25% for the industrial units on their capital investment which resulted in the speedy industrial development. The scheme was however terminated from 30 September 1988. Sales Tax Act was implemented from January 1984 until 1998 under which industries enjoyed sales tax exemption for 15 years from the start-up date. [[VAT]] was introduced in 2005. At present, the newly established units get Central Sales Tax exemption which will continue until 2017.<ref name="dnh_ind" />

There are more than 2710 units functioning providing employment to about 46000 people with a capital investment of {{INRConvert|377.8310|m}}.<ref name="socio-eco" />
{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|-
! scope="col" | Type
! scope="col" | Number
|-
| Small scale industries || 2118
|-
| Medium scale industries|| 564
|-
|Large scale industries|| 28
|}

==Demographics==

According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Dadra and Nagar Haveli has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 343,709.<ref name=districtcensus>{{cite web | url = http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | title = District Census 2011 | access-date = 30 September 2011 | year = 2011 | publisher = Census2011.co.in | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611224943/http://www.census2011.co.in/district.php | archive-date = 11 June 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 1 October 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927165947/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | archive-date = 27 September 2011 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 566th in India, out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]] districts.<ref name=districtcensus/> It has a population density of {{convert|698|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}, and its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade from 2001 to 2011 was 55.5 percent, which is the highest percentage growth among all Indian states and union territories.<ref name=districtcensus/><ref name=statecensus>{{cite web | url=http://www.census2011.co.in/staest.php | title = State Census 2011}}{{dead link|date=August 2015}}</ref> Dadra and Nagar Haveli has a [[human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 775 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1,000 males, and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 77.65%.<ref name=districtcensus/>

== Ethnography, religion and language ==
Tribal groups make up a large part of the population viz 62%. The most prominent are Dhodia (16.90%), Kokna (16.85%) and Warli (62.94%), with small groups of [[Koli People|Koli]], Kathodi, Naika, and Dubla scattered across the territory, collectively representing 3.31% of the population. Dhodias and Dublas mainly populate the Northern part, whereas Koknas and Warlis are found all over the Union Territory. They worship the primary deities of Dis (Sun) and Chand (Moon), and Narandev, Kanasari, Himai, Hirva, Veer, Rangtai and Vagdev.

One prominent feature of this territory is that people from all over India form a part of non-tribal residents. DNH has many industries due to tax concessions granted to industry and therefore people from all over the country have migrated to the region.
North Indians have a prime influence in the area. Gujarati is one of the three official languages, the others being Hindi and English. Besides Gujarati persons, one can find Marathi, Rajasthani, Bihari, Udia, Tamil, Uttar Pradeshi and people from several other states. The prime reason for such a diverse population is the industrial hub. Employment opportunities, good climate, and the landscape are highly appealing.

Per the 2001 Census, out of the 137,225 ST persons of the UT, almost all were Hindus except for 3,796 Christians (2.8%).<ref name="census 2001">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/States_at_glance/State_Links/26_dnh.pdf|title=Dadra & Nagar Haveli (26): Housing Profile|work=Census 2001|publisher=Government of India|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930122148/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/States_at_glance/State_Links/26_dnh.pdf|archive-date=30 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> As a former Portuguese enclave, [[Silvassa]] has a significant Roman Catholic population. Kokna has the highest Christian population in 2001, 6.7%. Recently Digambara Jains constructed a temple in the capital city Silvassa. Swetambara Jains also have a temple in Dadra and Silvassa.

{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in State (2011)<ref name= "census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community - 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = orange
|value1 = 93.93
|label2 = [[Islam]]
|color2 = Green
|value2 = 3.75
|label3 = [[Christianity]]
|color3 = DodgerBlue
|value3 = 1.48
|label4 = [[Jainism]]
|color4 = red
|value4 = 0.34
|label5 = [[Buddhism]]
|color5 = yellow
|value5 = 0.18
|label6 = [[Sikhism]]
|color6 = DarkKhaki
|value6 = 0.06
|label7 = Other Religions
|color7 = Black
|value7 = 0.08
|label8 = [[Irreligion|Atheist]]
|color8 = Gray
|value8 = 0.001
}}

There are 72 villages, mainly inhabited by the various tribal communities like the Warly (Warlie), Kokana, Dhodia, Koli, Kathodi, Naika, Dubla and Kolgha. The tribal communities are locally known as Adivasi (which means original inhabitant). Each community has its own culture, traditions and languages and dialects. None of these languages has written literature or script until today. The tribal communities consist of approximately 60% of the population of DNH. (Earlier in the eighties it was more than 80%, but after influx from different parts of the country, the percentage has reduced). But the influx has helped the tribal people in increasing their earnings and standard of living.

[[Varli language|Warli]] is the language spoken by the Warli people. [[Agri language|Agri]] the dialect of [[Marathi language|Marathi]] which is spoken by Agri community.

{{Pie chart| thumb = right
|caption=Languages Dadra and Nagar Haveli (2011)<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web |title=Language – India, States and Union Territories |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |pages=12–14, 32 |access-date=25 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114073412/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|label1=[[Bhili language|Bhili]]
|value1=37.26
|label2=[[Hindi]]
|value2=26.16|color2= orange
|label3=[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
|value3=21.48
|label4=[[Marathi language|Marathi]]
|value4=7.01
|label5=[[Konkani]]
|value5=2.26
|label6=[[Odia language|Odia]]
|value6=1.30
|color6 = green
|label7=[[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value7=0.91
|color7=purple
|label8 = Others
|value8 = 3.62
|color8 = grey
}}

The languages taught in schools in Dadra and Nagar Haveli under the [[three-language formula]] are as follows:<ref>{{cite web|title=51st REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN INDIA|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|date=15 July 2015|access-date=15 February 2018|page=121|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025959/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

#First Language: Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi
#Second Language: Marathi, Gujarati
#Third Language: English

A former Portuguese enclave, [[Silvassa]] has a significant Roman Catholic population, speaking a distinct dialect of [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]. [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] languages are widely spoken.<ref name="Dadra Nagar Haveli tourism">{{Cite web|url=http://dnh.nic.in/Home%20Page_files/Tourism/silvassa.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616040015/http://dnh.nic.in/Home%20Page_files/Tourism/silvassa.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Dadra Nagar Haveli tourism|archive-date=16 June 2006|access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref> [[Hindi]] and [[Marathi language|Marathi]] are also understood.<ref name="Dadra Nagar Haveli tourism"/>

The main tribes are [[Warli]]s, [[Dhodia]] [[Kokna]], etc.<ref name=kre>{{Cite web |url=http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/T-Anth/Anth-11-0-000-09-Web/Anth-11-1-001-09-Abst-PDF/Anth-11-1-065-09-521-Meitei-S-Y/|title= Anth-11-1-065-09-521-Meitei-S-Y-Tt.pdf |access-date=15 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102203725/http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/T-Anth/Anth-11-0-000-09-Web/Anth-11-1-001-09-Abst-PDF/Anth-11-1-065-09-521-Meitei-S-Y/Anth-11-1-065-09-521-Meitei-S-Y-Tt.pdf |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Castes===
The prominent castes occupying this territory are [[Rajput]]s, [[Ahir]]s, [[Chamar]], [[Mahar]], and associated castes.

===Warli===
[[File:Painted prayers, Warli paintings, at Sanskriti Kendra, Anandagram, New Delhi.jpg|thumb|Warli Painting at Saskriti Kendra, New Delhi]]
Although commonly associated with Maharashtra, and also found in Gujarat, Warlis consider the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to be their original home. The [[Warli]]s speak an [[Indo-Aryan language]] [[Varli language|related to Marathi and Konkani]] and are the largest tribal group in the territory and constitute ~ 63% (62.94%) of the total tribal population.

Rituals are extremely important to the Warlis; they are nature worshipers who regard the Sun and the Moon as the eyes of God. Their main deities are Naran dev, Hirwa, Himai, and Waghio, and stone images of these deities are found in tree groves. A Bhagat plays the Ghangal (a musical instrument made from gourd, bamboo and iron strings) and performs the rituals.

Traditionally the Warlis wear a loin cloth with a small waist coat and a turban. The women wear a knee-length, one-yard saree – lugde – and adorn themselves with silver and white metal ornaments.<ref name=tribe>{{cite book|title=Tribes of Silvassa |publisher=Department of Tourism, UT of D&NH |location=Silvassa |pages=1–7 |url=http://www.silvassa-tourism.com/pdf/tribes_of_dnh.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324044401/http://www.silvassa-tourism.com/pdf/tribes_of_dnh.pdf |archive-date=24 March 2012 }}</ref>

===Dhodia===
The term Dhodia seems to be derived from Dhundi, which means a small thatched hut, and the Dhodias are primarily hut dwellers. They reside mostly in the northern part of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. They are known to be the most educated among all the tribes and are good cultivators. Some own enough farmland to be able to earn a decent livelihood.

Traditionally the men wear a white knee-length dhoti with a shirt or waistcoat, white or coloured caps, and ornaments like earrings and silver chains around their waist. The women wear a knee-length dark blue saree with an ''aanchal'' worn from the front and left loose at the back. Popular accessories include colourful bead necklaces, and metal ornaments such as bangles or thick ''kadas'' around their ankles.<ref name=tribe />

===Kokna===
The Koknas derive their name from the Konkan region in West India. They have land of their own, produce paddy and are better cultivators than the Warlis. With the introduction of formal education many of them have moved up the social ladder.

Koknas well built and both men and women often tattoo their bodies, especially their foreheads. The men wear a dhoti up to the knees, with a waistcoat or shirt and a turban. The women wear traditional colourful sarees that are either knee-length or full length.<ref name=tribe />

===Kathodia===
The Kathodis, called Katkari in the Thane district of Maharashtra, make up 0.08% of the total tribal population of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Their name is derived from their profession of kattha or catechew making.

They are considered to be at the bottom of the tribal social ladder. They usually live in forests, in semi-permanent settlements. Most of them cut wood and collect charcoal. The government has tried to improve their standard of living by engaging them in permanent professions.
They wear minimal jewelry; what is worn adorns the women only.<ref name =tribe />

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India|}}
* [[Portuguese Empire]]
* [[Portuguese India]]
* [[Annexation of Goa]]
* [[Goa]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://dnh.gov.in/ District administration]
* [http://collectordnh.gov.in/ District collector]
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Dadra and Nagar Haveli UT
|North = [[Gujarat]] State
|Northeast =
|East = [[Maharashtra]] State
|Southeast =
|South = [[Maharashtra]] State
|Southwest = [[Maharashtra]] State
|West =
|Northwest =
}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Dadra and Nagar Haveli district
|North = [[Valsad district]], Gujarat
|Northeast =
|East =
|Southeast =
|South = [[Palghar district]], Maharashtra
|Southwest =
|West =
|Northwest =
}}

{{Portuguese overseas empire}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Dadra And Nagar Haveli}}
[[Category:Dadra and Nagar Haveli| ]]
[[Category:Former colonies in Asia]]
[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]
[[Category:Former countries in South Asia]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1961]]
[[Category:1961 establishments in India]]
[[Category:History of Dadra and Nagar Haveli]]
[[Category:India–Portugal relations]]
[[Category:Portuguese India]]
[[Category:Districts of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]]
[[Category:States and territories disestablished in 2020]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 2020]]

Daman and Diu

2021-10-17T02:08:50Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Administration */

{{short description| Union Territory India}}
{{about|the union territory of India|the current Indian union territory|Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox subdivision
| common_name = Daman and Diu ''Damão e Diu''
| conventional_long_name = Daman and Diu
| image ={{Photomontage
| photo1a =
| photo2a =
| photo2b =
| size = 280
| spacing = 1
| position = centre
| border = 0
| color = white
}}
| image_caption =
| nation = India
| status_text = [[Union Territory of India ]]
| capital = [[Daman, India|Daman]]
| date_end = 8 January
| event_end = Formation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
| p1 = Goa, Daman and Diu
| flag_p1 = Emblem of Goa, Daman and Diu.png
| s1 = Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
| flag_s1 = Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu emblem.png
| image_flag =
| symbol_type = Seal
| image_coat = Seal of Daman and Diu.svg
| image_map = IN-DD.svg
| image_map_caption = Map of Daman and Diu
| coordinates =
| legislature =
| house1 =
| house2 =
| political_subdiv = [[Districts of India|2 districts]]
| title_leader = [[Administrator of Daman and Diu|Administrator]]
| leader1 = Gopal Singh
| year_leader1 = 1987 (''first'')
| leader2 = [[Praful Khoda Patel]]
| year_leader2 = 2019 (''last'')
| title_deputy =
| deputy1 =
| year_deputy1 =
| deputy2 =
| footnotes =
|stat_year1 =
|stat_area1 = 112
|stat_pop1 = 242,911
}}
'''Daman and Diu''' ({{IPAc-en|d|ə|ˈ|m|ɑː|n|...|'|d|iː|uː}}; [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]: ''Damão e Diu''; {{audio|Daman & Diu.ogg|locally}}) is a district of the [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]] union territory in western [[India]]. It was a separate [[union territory]] until January 8, 1983, later it is merged with [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]] union territory to form a single UT due to its small landmass. With an area of {{cvt|112|km2}}, it was the smallest federal division of [[India]] on the mainland. The territory comprised two distinct regions—[[Daman District, India|Daman]] and [[Diu District|Diu]]—that are geographically separated by the [[Gulf of Khambhat]]. The state of [[Gujarat]] and the [[Arabian Sea]] bordered the territory. A [[Portuguese India]]n colony since the early 1500s, the territories were [[Annexation of Goa|annexed]] by India in 1961. Daman and Diu were administered as part of the union territory of [[Goa, Daman and Diu]] between 1961 and 1987, when they became a separate union territory. In 2019, legislation was passed to merge the union territory of Daman and Diu with its neighbouring union territory, [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]], to form the new union territory of [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]] with effect from January 8 2783.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indusdictum.com/2019/12/04/dadra-nagar-haveli-and-daman-diu-uts-merge-for-better-admin-efficiency-service-mos-home/|title=Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu UTs merge for 'better admin efficiency, service': MoS Home|first=The ID|last=Staff|date=4 December 2019|website=Indus Dictum|access-date=5 December 2019}}</ref>

== History ==
For over 450 years, the coastal enclaves of Daman ([[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]: Damão) and Diu on the Arabian Sea coast were part of [[Portuguese India]], along with [[Goa]] and [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]]. [[Goa, Daman and Diu]] were incorporated into the Republic of India on 19 December 1961, by [[Operation Vijay (1961)|military conquest]]. [[Portugal]] did not recognise the Indian annexation of these territories until the [[Carnation Revolution]] of 1974. The territory has also been ruled by [[Kolis]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7EHTBl_pyQC&q=Daman+Diu+Koli&pg=PA136|title=Gujarat–Daman–Diu: A Travel Guide|last=Ward|date=1998|publisher=Orient Longman Limited|isbn=9788125013839|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lS-vD6l8cO8C&q=Daman+Diu+Koli&pg=PP19|title=Daman and Diu|last1=Singh|first1=K. S.|last2=Solanki|first2=B. R.|last3=Sinha|first3=N. K.|last4=Pereira|first4=Jaime F.|date=1994|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=9788171547616|language=en}}</ref>

The territory of Goa, Daman and Diu was administered as a single union territory until 30 May 1987, when Goa was granted statehood, leaving Daman and Diu as a separate union territory. Each enclave constituted one of the union territory's two [[district]]s. Daman and Diu are approximately 650 kilometres away from each other by road.

On 3 November 2019, Daman [[District magistrate|Collector]] Rakesh Minhas issued a [[Unlawful assembly#India|Section 144]] order banning peaceful assembly of four or more persons, slogan-shouting and the use of loudspeakers across the entire district and ordered the conversion of Government High School, Bhimpore and the Government Sarvottam High School, Moti Daman into 'temporary jails'.<ref>{{Cite news|date=4 November 2019|title=Daman: Section 144 Imposed, Two Government Schools Converted Into 'Temporary Jails'|url=https://thewire.in/rights/section-144-daman-protests-evictions|access-date=2 March 2021|work=The Wire|language=en}}</ref> This was in response to a land ownership dispute between the local indigenous fishing community and the [[List of administrators of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu|local administration]]<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 November 2019|title=Demolition of houses: Section 144 in Daman after residents protest|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/demolition-of-houses-section-144-in-daman-after-residents-protest-6103699/|access-date=2 March 2021|work=Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> that had confiscated their land and bulldozed their homes. The ensuing [[2019 Daman Indigenous Land Clearing Protests]] resulted with the detention of 70 protesters in the 'temporary jails' and another 8 arrests. Few of the [[adivasi]] fisherfolk were rehoused whilst most languished traumatised and homeless on the streets near the rubble of their razed homes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Uppal|first=Jas|date=6 January 2020|title=Daman – Land and Property Owned by the Fishing Communities Confiscated and Homes Demolished|url=https://www.justiceupheld.org.uk/daman-land-and-property-owned-by-the-fishing-communities-confiscated-and-homes-demolished/|access-date=2 March 2021|website=Justice Upheld|language=en}}</ref>

In December 2019, the Parliament of India passed legislation to merge Daman and Diu with the nearby union territory of [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli]] to create a new union territory to be known as [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dutta |first1=Amrita Nayak |title=There will be one UT less as Modi govt plans to merge Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu |url=https://theprint.in/india/there-will-be-one-ut-less-as-modi-govt-plans-to-merge-dadra-nagar-haveli-and-daman-diu/261056/ |access-date=22 August 2019 |work=The Print |date=10 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/national/754685-govt-plans-to-merge-2-uts----daman-and-diu-dadra-and-nagar-haveli |title = Govt plans to merge 2 UTs -- Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli}}</ref><ref>http://164.100.47.4/BillsTexts/LSBillTexts/Asintroduced/366_2019_LS_Eng.pdf</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{IndiaCensusPop
| title = Population growth
| state =
| 1951 = 49000
| 1961 = 37000
| 1971 = 63000
| 1981 = 79000
| 1991 = 102000
| 2001 = 158000
| estimate =
| estyear =
| estref =
| footnote = Source:Census of India<ref name="Census Population">{{cite web|url=http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf|title=Census Population|work=Census of India|publisher=Ministry of Finance India|access-date=18 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219073658/http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2006-07/chapt2007/tab97.pdf|archive-date=19 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
{{bar box
|title=Literacy rates in Daman and Diu
|titlebar=#ddd
|bars=
{{bar percent|Male|lightblue|91.5}}
{{bar percent|Female|pink|79.5}}
{{bar percent|Total|grey|87.1}}
}}

According to the 2011 census, Daman and Diu had a literacy rate of 87.1%, higher than the national average of 74.04%.<ref>census 2011</ref> Male and female literacy rates are 91.5 and 79.5 per cent respectively. The lowest female-to-male ratio in India (618 females per thousand males) was recorded in Daman and Diu.<ref name="census">{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Data_Products/Library/Provisional_Population_Total_link/PDF_Links/chapter3.pdf |title=Ranking of States and Union territories by population size : 1991 and 2001 |work=Government of India (2001) |publisher=Census of India |pages=5–6 |access-date=12 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192159/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Data_Products/Library/Provisional_Population_Total_link/PDF_Links/chapter3.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Daman district, with a female-to-male ratio of 0.533,{{clarify|This is a number, not a ratio|date=February 2020}} is among the lowest of all the districts.

===Religion===
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Daman and Diu<ref name= "Census 2011 website">{{cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/daman+and+diu.html|title=Daman and Diu |access-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621222156/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/daman+and+diu.html|archive-date=21 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|Hinduism|orange|90.50}}
{{bar percent|Islam|green|7.92}}
{{bar percent|Christianity|red|1.16}}
{{bar percent|Others|grey|0.41}}
}}

Hinduism was by far the most common religion in Daman and Diu. Muslims were the second-largest religious group in the territory, followed by Christians. The Catholic Christians of Daman and Diu are pastorally served by the Metropolitan [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman]], which has its see in Goa, the [[primate (bishop)|primatial see]] of India.

===Languages===
{{Pie chart| thumb = right
|caption=Languages of Daman and Diu (2011)<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web |title=Language – India, States and Union Territories |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |pages=13–14 |access-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114073412/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|label1=[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]|value1=50.83
|color1 = purple
|label2=[[Hindi language|Hindi]]|value2=36.31
|color2= orange
|label3=[[Marathi language|Marathi]]|value3=4.53
|color3= yellow
|label4=[[Bengali language|Bengali]]|value4=2.15
|color4= green
|label5= [[Odia language|Odia]]
|value5 = 1.82
|color5= blue
|label6= [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|value6= 0.58
|color6= brown
|label7= [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
|value7=0.51
|color7= violet
|label8=[[Assamese language|Assamese]]
|value8=0.49
|color8= lightblue
|label9 = Others
|value9= 2.78
|color9= grey
}}

[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] was the mother tongue of most of the territory's population, as they belong to the Gujarati-speaking [[Damaniya]] sub-caste. Along with Gujarati, [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]] are also widely used. Daman and Diu were once part of a combined union territory along with [[Goa]] (a Konkani-speaking region) before Goa became a state in 1987.

The use of Portuguese, which was the territory's official language during the colonial period, is in decline and relegated to home use. It is also used as a liturgical language by the territory's Catholics. Standard Portuguese exists in a [[post-creole continuum]] while [[Daman and Diu Portuguese]] is spoken by about 10,000–12,000 people in Daman.

The languages taught in schools in Daman and Diu under the [[three-language formula]] were:<ref>{{cite web|title=51st REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN INDIA|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|date=15 July 2015|access-date=15 February 2018|page=125|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216025959/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM51stReport.pdf|archive-date=16 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

*First language: Gujarati
*Second language: Hindi
*Third language: English

== Administration ==
[[File:Indian Territory flag of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (proposed).jpg|thumb|Flag Administration]]

According to the Constitution of India, the administration of Daman and Diu was carried out by an Administrator, appointed by the President of India as an agent of the President, not a head of state/government or a governor. He was assisted by several other officers in carrying out his duty.

===Districts===
The union territory of Daman and Diu had two districts:
* [[Diu District]], an area of {{cvt|40|km2}}. The main settlement is the town of [[Diu, India|Diu]].
* [[Daman District, India|Daman District]], an area of {{cvt|72|km2}}. The main settlement is the city of [[Daman, Daman and Diu|Daman]].

== See also ==
{{Portal|Geography|India}}
* [[Battle of Diu]]
* [[Damania]]
{{clear right}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
{{wikivoyage|Daman and Diu}}
* [https://www.daman.nic.in/ Daman Administration's official website]
* [https://www.worldstatesmen.org/India_goa-dep.html#Daman WorldStatesmen, including lists of Portuguese captains/governors of Damão and Diu]

{{Geographic Location
| Centre = Daman and Diu
| North =
| Northeast =
| East = [[Gujarat]]
| Southeast =
| South =
| Southwest =
| West = [[Arabian Sea]]
| Northwest =
}}

{{Daman and Diu}}
{{Portuguese overseas empire}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Daman And Diu}}
[[Category:Daman and Diu| ]]
[[Category:1987 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Arabian Sea]]
[[Category:City-states]]
[[Category:Diu, India]]
[[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]
[[Category:Gulf of Khambhat]]
[[Category:Portuguese India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1987]]
[[Category:Former union territories of India]]
[[Category:2019 disestablishments in India]]
[[Category:Former states and territories of India]]

Chandigarh

2021-10-17T02:04:29Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Territorial symbols of Chandigarh */

[[Image:Chandigarh in India (disputed hatched).svg|thumb|right|300px|Location of Chandigarh]]
'''Chandigarh''', also called "The Beautiful City", is a city in [[India]]. It is a [[union territory]], because it is the [[capital (city)|capital]] of two [[states and territories of India|states]]: [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]] and [[Haryana]]. As a territory it does not belong to either state. Before 1 november,1966 it was capital of Punjab, but after formation of Haryana on 1 November, 1966 it become a union territory.There are many tourism places in Chandigarh like Rock garden, Rose garden and Sukhna lake.

Chandigarh came into existence in 1952 when its first stone was laid. It is one of the modern cities of India, designed by a French architect Le Carbusier. It was the dream city of India's first Prime Minister, Sh.Jawahar Lal Nehru.

It is well known for its mixed cultural background and its fast development in the field of Information Technology. It has outlets of many famous multinational companies established here and is emerging as a hub for business development. The territory covers an area of 44 [[square mile|mi²]] or 114 [[km²]], it is bigger than [[Montserrat]] but smaller than [[Jersey]]. It's also the proposed capital of [[Khalistan]].

==Territorial symbols of Chandigarh==
<gallery>
Image:Indian Territory flag of Chandigarh (proposed).png|Flag of Chandigarh
Image:Indian Grey Hornbill I IMG 4051.jpg|[[Indian Grey Hornbill]], territorial bird
Image:Herpestes edwardsii at Hyderaba.jpg|[[Herpestes edwardsii]], territorial animal
Image:Mangifera indica. Tropical Brazil.JPG|[[Mangifera indica]], territorial tree
Image:STS 001 Butea monosperma.jpg|[[Butea monosperma]], territorial flower
</gallery>

{{clear}}

{{commonscat}}

{{India}}

{{geo-stub}}
{{authority control}}
[[Category:Capital cities in India]]
[[Category:Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Haryana]]
[[Category:Territories of India]]

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2021-10-17T02:02:15Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|Union territory of India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement

| name = Andaman and Nicobar Islands
| official_name =
| type = [[Union territory]]
| image_flag = Indian Archipelago Territory flag of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (proposed).png
| flag_type = Flag
| flag_size = 100px
| image_blank_emblem = Andaman and Nicobar Administration Banner.png
| blank_emblem_type = Emblem
| blank_emblem_size = 75px
| image_map = IN-AN.svg
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Barren island.jpg
| photo2a = Floaters @ Andaman.jpg
| photo2b = Ross and Smith island, Andaman Nicobar Island.jpg
| photo3b = Sunset at Andaman Islands.jpg
| color = transparent
| size = 250
| border = 0
}}
| image_caption = (clockwise from top) [[Barren Island (Andaman Islands)|Barren Island]], Beach at [[Ross Island, North and Middle Andaman district|Ross]] and [[Smith Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)|Smith]] island; Sunset at [[Andaman Islands|Andaman Island]]; Diving in Andamans
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Location of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India
| coordinates = {{coord|11.68|92.77|type:adm1st_region:IN-AN|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint = Port Blair
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_title = Established
| established_date = 1 November 1956
| seat_type = Capital and largest city
| seat = [[Port Blair]]
| leader_title = [[List of Lieutenant Governors of Andaman and Nicobar Islands|Lieutenant Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Devendra Kumar Joshi|Admiral (ret.) Devendra Kumar Joshi]]
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Secretary (India)|Chief Secretary]]
| leader_name1 = Chetan Bhushan Sanghi, IAS
| leader_name2 = [[Bishnu Pada Ray]] ([[BJP]])
| leader_title3 = [[List of constituencies of the Lok Sabha#Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1)|Lok Sabha constituencies]]
| leader_name3 = [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Lok Sabha constituency)|1]]
| leader_title4 = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name4 = [[Calcutta High Court#The Itanagar bench for Arunachal Pradesh state|Calcutta High Court - Port Blair Bench]]

| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts = 3
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.and.nic.in/andaman/location.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218234103/http://www.and.nic.in/andaman/location.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2015 |title=Andaman and Nicobar Administration |publisher=And.nic.in |access-date=8 July 2013}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 8249
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|28th]]
| population_total = 380,520
| population_as_of = 2012
| population_footnotes = <ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/ Census of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614053639/http://www.censusindia.net/cendat/language/lang_table1.PDF |date=14 June 2007}}, 2011. Census Data Online, Population.</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_note =
| demographics_type1 = Languages<ref name="langoff">{{cite web|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322000632/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 March 2015 |page=109 |title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India |date=16 July 2014 |access-date=6 November 2016}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]], [[English language|English]]<ref name="langoff" />
| demographics1_title2 = Spoken
| demographics1_info2 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Nicobarese language|Nicobarese]], [[Kurukh language|Kurukh]], [[Munda languages|Munda]], [[Kharia language|Kharia]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.andaman.gov.in/web/guest/general-information |title=www.andaman.gov.in |access-date=27 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120055809/http://www.andaman.gov.in/web/guest/general-information |archive-date=20 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-AN]]
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank_info_sec1 = {{increase}}0.739 (High) • [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|6th]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.andaman.gov.in/}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=Yes
| region = Andaman and Nicobar Islands
| country = India
| flag = [[File:Indian Archipelago Territory flag of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (proposed).png|50px|left]] [[Flag of Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]
| emblem = [[Emblem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]
| motto = [[Satyameva Jayate]] (Truth alone triumphs)
| mammal = [[Dugong]]
| bird = [[Andaman Wood Pigeon]]
| tree = [[File:Andaman padauk 02.JPG|50px|left]] [[Andaman Padauk]]
| flower = [[Lagerstroemia speciosa]] Pyinma
}}
}}

'''Andaman and Nicobar Islands''' is a [[union territory]] of [[India]] consisting of 572 islands, of which 38 are inhabited, at the juncture of the [[Bay of Bengal]] and the [[Andaman Sea]].<ref name="tribune-watchtower">{{cite news |last1=Sawhney |first1=Pravin |title=A watchtower on the high seas |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/a-watchtower-on-the-high-seas/720929.html |newspaper=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |access-date=16 April 2019 |date=30 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416050217/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/a-watchtower-on-the-high-seas/720929.html |archive-date=16 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The territory is about {{convert|150|km|abbr=on}} north of [[Aceh]] in [[Indonesia]] and separated from [[Thailand]] and [[Myanmar]] by the [[Andaman Sea]]. It comprises two island groups, the [[Andaman Islands]] (partly) and the [[Nicobar Islands]], separated by the 150 km wide [[Ten Degree Channel]] (on the [[10th parallel north|10°N parallel]]), with the Andaman islands to the north of this [[latitude]], and the Nicobar islands to the south (or by 179 km). The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west.

The territory's capital is the city of [[Port Blair]]. The total land area of the islands is approximately {{convert|8249|km2|abbr=on}}. The territory is divided into three districts: the [[Nicobar District]] with [[Car Nicobar]] as its capital, the [[South Andaman district]] with Port Blair as its capital and the [[North and Middle Andaman district]] with [[Mayabunder]] as its capital.

The islands host the [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]], the only tri-service geographical command of the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)|url=https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/andaman-and-nicobar-command-anc|access-date=8 December 2020|website=Drishti IAS|language=en}}</ref>

The Andaman Islands are also home to the [[Sentinelese people]], an [[uncontacted people|uncontacted tribe]]. The Sentinelese might be the only people currently known to not have reached further than a [[Paleolithic|Paleolithic level of technology]],<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.andaman.gov.in/web/guest/indigenous-tribes|title=Andaman & Nicobar Administration|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218205553/http://www.and.nic.in/andaman/tribes.php|archive-date=18 February 2015|url-status=dead|work=and.nic.in}}</ref> however, this is disputed, as evidence of metalwork was found on their island.<ref>{{cite book |last=Pandit| first=T. N. |year=1990 |title=The Sentinelese |pages=17–20 |location=Kolkata |publisher=Seagull Books |isbn=978-81-7046-081-7 }}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands}}

===First inhabitants===
The earliest [[archaeology|archaeological]] evidence documents some 2,200 years. However, [[genetics|genetic]] and [[culture|cultural]] studies suggest that the indigenous [[Andamanese peoples|Andamanese]] people may have been isolated from other populations during the [[Middle Paleolithic]], which ended 30,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Palanichamy |first1=Malliya G. |first2=Suraksha |last2=Agrawal |first3=Yong-Gang |last3=Yao |first4=Qing-Peng |last4=Kong |first5=Chang |last5=Sun |first6=Faisal |last6=Khan |first7=Tapas Kumar |last7=Chaudhuri |first8=Ya-Ping |last8=Zhang |year=2006 |title=Comment on 'Reconstructing the Origin of Andaman Islanders' |journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]] |volume=311 |issue=5760 |pages=470 |doi=10.1126/science.1120176 |pmid=16439647 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Since that time, the Andamanese have diversified into linguistically and culturally distinct, territorial groups.

The Nicobar Islands appear to have been populated by people of various backgrounds. By the time of European contact, the indigenous inhabitants had coalesced into the [[Nicobarese people]], speaking a [[Austroasiatic]] language, and the [[Shompen people|Shompen]], whose language is of uncertain affiliation. Neither language is related to Andamanese.

===Chola empire period===
{{See also|Andaman Tamils|Chola empire}}
[[Rajendra Chola I]] (1014–1042 CE), used the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a strategic naval base to launch an expedition against the [[Srivijaya|Srivijaya Empire]] (modern-day Indonesia). The [[Cholas]] called the island Ma-Nakkavaram ("great open/naked land"), found in the [[Thanjavur]] inscription of 1050 CE. European traveller [[Marco Polo]] (12th–13th century) also referred to this island as 'Necuverann' and a corrupted form of the Tamil name Nakkavaram would have led to the modern name Nicobar during the British colonial period.<ref name="goi1908">{{Cite book|title=The Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Local Gazetteer |author=Government of India |publisher=Superintendent of Government Printing, Calcutta |year=1908 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rrwBAAAAYAAJ |quote=''... In the great Tanjore inscription of 1050 CE, the Andamans are mentioned under a translated name along with the Nicobars, as '''Nakkavaram''' or land of the naked people.}}</ref>

===Danish colonial period and British rule===
[[File:Andaman tribals fishing (c. 1870).jpg|thumb|Andaman tribals fishing (c. 1870)]]
The history of organised European [[colonisation]] on the islands began when settlers from the [[Danish East India Company]] arrived in the Nicobar Islands on 12 December 1755. On 1 January 1756, the Nicobar Islands were made a Danish colony, first named New Denmark,{{cn|date=August 2020}} and later (December 1756) Frederick's Islands (''Frederiksøerne''). During 1754–1756 they were administrated from [[Tranquebar]] (in continental [[Danish India]]). The islands were repeatedly abandoned due to outbreaks of malaria between 14 April 1759 and 19 August 1768, from 1787 to 1807/05, 1814 to 1831, 1830 to 1834 and gradually from 1848 for good.{{cn|date=August 2020}}

From 1 June 1778 to 1784, [[Austria]] mistakenly assumed that Denmark had abandoned its claims to the Nicobar Islands and attempted to [[Austrian colonisation of Nicobar Islands|establish a colony]] on them,<ref name="ColVoy">{{cite web|url=http://www.colonialvoyage.com/DanishP.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050404001731/http://www.colonialvoyage.com/DanishP.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 April 2005 |title=Chronology of Danish Colonial Settlements |first=Marco |last=Ramerini |publisher=ColonialVoyage.com |access-date=16 November 2010}}</ref> renaming them '''Theresia Islands'''.{{cn|date=August 2020}}

In 1789 the British set up a naval base and penal colony on Chatham Island next to Great Andaman, where now lies the town of [[Port Blair]]. Two years later the colony was moved to [[Port Cornwallis]] on Great Andaman, but it was abandoned in 1796 due to disease.

In 1858 the British again established a colony at Port Blair, which proved to be more permanent. The primary purpose was to set up a [[penal colony]] for criminal convicts from the [[Indian subcontinent]]. The colony came to include the infamous [[Cellular Jail]].

[[Italy]] made an attempt at buying the Nicobar Islands from Denmark between 1864 and 1865. The Italian Minister of Agriculture and Commerce [[Luigi Torelli]] started a negotiation that looked promising, but failed due to the unexpected end of his office and the {{ill|second La Marmora Cabinet|it|Governo La Marmora II}}. The negotiations were interrupted and never brought up again.<ref>Ministero della Guerra, Ufficio Storico, Storia Militare della Colonia Eritrea, Vol. I, Roma 1935, pp. 15-16</ref>

[[Denmark]]'s presence in the territory ended formally on 16 October 1868 when it sold the rights to the Nicobar Islands to Britain,<ref name="ColVoy"/> which made them part of [[British India]] in 1869.

In 1872 the Andaman and Nicobar islands were united under a single chief commissioner at [[Port Blair]].

===World War II===
{{main|Japanese occupation of the Andaman Islands}}
During [[World War II]], the islands were practically under Japanese control, only nominally under the authority of the [[Arzi Hukumate Azad Hind]] of [[Subhash Chandra Bose]]. Bose visited the islands during the war and renamed them as "Shaheed-Dweep" (Martyr Island) and "Swaraj-dweep" (Self-rule Island).

General [[A. D. Loganathan|Loganathan]], of the [[Indian National Army]], was made the Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On 22 February 1944 he along with four INA officers—Major Mansoor Ali Alvi, Sub. Lt. Md. Iqbal, Lt. Suba Singh, and stenographer Srinivasan—arrived at Lambaline Airport in [[Port Blair]]. On 21 March 1944, the Headquarters of the Civil Administration was established near the [[gurdwara]] at Aberdeen Bazaar. On 2 October 1944, Col. [[A. D. Loganathan|Loganathan]] handed over the charge to Maj. Alvi and left Port Blair, never to return.<ref>"Black Days in Andaman and Nicobar Islands" by [[Rabin Roychowdhury]], [Pub. Manas] Pubs. New Delhi</ref>

Japanese Vice Admiral Hara Teizo and Major-General Tamenori Sato surrendered the islands to Brigadier J A Salomons, commander of [[116th Indian Infantry Brigade]], and Chief Administrator Noel K Patterson, Indian Civil Service, on 7 October 1945, in a ceremony performed on the Gymkhana Ground, Port Blair.

===After independence===
[[File:The British Occupation of the Nicobar Islands, 1945 SE5438.jpg|thumb|Japanese military delegation salute Lieutenant Colonel [[Nathu Singh Rathore|Nathu Singh]], commanding officer of the [[Rajput Regiment]], following their surrender of Islands, 1945]]
During the independence of both India (1947) and [[Burma]] (1948), the departing British announced their intention to resettle all [[Anglo-Indians]] and [[Anglo-Burmese people|Anglo-Burmese]] on these islands to form their own nation, although this never materialised. It became part of India in 1950 and was declared as a union territory of the nation in 1956.<ref name="Planning Commission Report">{{cite book|title=Andaman and Nicobar Islands Development Report|series=State Development Report series|author=Planning Commission of India|edition=illustrated|publisher=Academic Foundation|year=2008|isbn=978-81-7188-652-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ujf2N5O4iKgC|access-date=12 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209011823/https://books.google.com/books?id=ujf2N5O4iKgC|archive-date=9 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

India has been developing defence facilities on the islands since the 1980s. The islands now have a key position in India's strategic role in the Bay of Bengal and the [[Strait of Malacca|Malacca Strait]].<ref>{{cite book|title=India's Defence Strategy and the India-ASEAN Relationship, RSIS Monograph No.28 |author=David Brewster|url= https://www.academia.edu/7716140 |access-date=24 August 2014}}</ref>

===2004 tsunami===
{{Main|2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami}}
On 26 December 2004, the coasts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were devastated by a {{convert|10|m|abbr=on}} high [[tsunami]] following [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|an undersea earthquake in the Indian Ocean]]. More than 2,000 people lost their lives, 4,000 children were orphaned or suffered the loss of one parent, and at least 40,000 people were rendered homeless. More than 46,000 people were injured.<ref name="TCLEE 30">{{cite book|title=Sumatra-Andaman Islands Earthquake and Tsunami of December 6, 2004: Lifeline Performance |year=2007 |publisher=ASCE, Technical Council on Lifeline Earthquake Engineering |location= Reston, VA |isbn=9780784409510 |url=http://www.asce.org/Product.aspx?id=2147486137&productid=5511 |editor=Carl Strand and John Masek |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024115815/http://www.asce.org/Product.aspx?id=2147486137&productid=5511 |archive-date=24 October 2013}}</ref> The worst affected Nicobar islands were [[Katchal Island|Katchal]] and [[Indira Point]]; the latter subsided {{convert|4.25|m|abbr=off}} and was partially submerged in the ocean. The lighthouse at Indira Point was damaged but has been repaired since. A significant portion of the union territory was submerged and subsequently lost to sea. The territory which measured {{convert|8073|km2|abbr=on}} before the tsunami now stands at {{convert|7950|km2|abbr=on}}.<ref>[[Effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on India]]</ref>

While the locals and tourists on the islands suffered the greatest casualties from the tsunami, most of the aboriginal people survived on account of oral traditions passed down over generations that warned them to [[emergency evacuation|evacuate]] from the large waves that follow earthquakes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4181855.stm |work=BBC News |title=Tsunami folklore 'saved islanders' |date=20 January 2005 |access-date=23 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930002820/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4181855.stm |archive-date=30 September 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Barren I Andamans ISS006-E-33378.jpg|thumb|left|[[Barren Island (Andaman Islands)|Barren Island]] in the Andaman Islands]]
There are 572 [[islands]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Brief Industrial Profile of Andaman and Nicobar Islands|url=http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/a%20&%20n%20islands.pdf|publisher=Government of India Ministry of M.S.M.E|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106072349/http://dcmsme.gov.in/dips/A%20%26%20N%20Islands.pdf|archive-date=6 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> in the territory having an area of {{convert|8249|km2|0|abbr=on}}. Of these 38 are permanently inhabited. The islands extend from 6° to 14° North latitudes and from 92° to 94° East longitudes. The Andamans are separated from the Nicobar group by a channel (the [[Ten Degree Channel]]) some {{convert|150|km|abbr=on}} wide. The highest point is located in North Andaman Island ([[Saddle Peak (Andaman Islands)|Saddle Peak]] at {{convert|732|m|abbr=on}}). The Andaman group has 325 islands which cover an area of {{convert|6170|km2|0|abbr=on}} while the Nicobar group has only 247 islands with an area of {{convert|1765|km2|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Planning Commission Report"/>{{rp|33}}

The capital of the union territory, Port Blair, is located {{convert|1255|km|abbr=on}} from [[Kolkata]], {{convert|1200|km|abbr=on}} from [[Visakhapatnam]] and {{convert|1190|km|abbr=on}} from [[Chennai]].<ref name="Planning Commission Report"/>{{rp|33}} The northernmost point of the Andaman and Nicobars group is {{convert|901|km|abbr=on}} away from the mouth of the [[Hooghly River]] and {{convert|280|km|abbr=on}} from Myanmar Mainland. Indira Point at 6°45’10″N and 93°49’36″E at the southern tip of the southernmost island, Great Nicobar, is the southernmost point of India and lies only {{convert|200|km|abbr=on}} from [[Sumatra]] island in [[Indonesia]].

The only volcano in [[India]], [[Barren Island (Andaman Islands)|Barren Island]], is located in Andaman and Nicobar. It is an active volcano and had last erupted in 2017. It also has a mud volcano situated in Baratang Island. These mud volcanoes have erupted sporadically, with recent eruptions in 2005 believed to have been associated with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The previous major eruption recorded was on 18 February 2003. The locals call this mud volcano ''Jalki''. There are other volcanoes in the area. This island's beaches, mangrove creeks, limestone caves, and mud volcanoes are some of the physical features.

In December 2018, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]], who was on a two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, renamed three of the islands as a tribute to [[Subhas Chandra Bose]]. Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island; Neil Island as Shaheed Island; and [[Havelock Island]] as Swaraj Island. The PM made this announcement during a speech at the Netaji Stadium, marking the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the Indian flag by Bose there.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/01/india-strips-islands-british-colonial-names-renames-freedom/|title=Indian PM strips islands of British colonial names – and renames them after freedom fighter|last=Bedi|first=Rahul|date=1 January 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103005058/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/01/india-strips-islands-british-colonial-names-renames-freedom/|archive-date=3 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-modi-renames-3-islands-of-andaman-and-nicobar/articleshow/67311674.cms |title=PM Modi renames 3 Andaman & Nicobar islands as tribute to Netaji |work=The Economic Times |date=31 December 2018 |access-date=2 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103010545/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-modi-renames-3-islands-of-andaman-and-nicobar/articleshow/67311674.cms |archive-date=3 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===The Sisters===
[[file:Beautiful sea shore at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.jpg|thumb|Sea shore at Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]
The Sisters are two small uninhabited islands, East Sister Island and West Sister Island, in the Andaman Archipelago, at the northern side of the Duncan Passage, about {{convert|6|km|nmi|abbr=on}} southeast of Passage Island and {{convert|18|km|nmi|abbr=on}} north of North Brother. The islands are about {{convert|820.21|feet|abbr=off}} apart, connected by a [[coral reef]]; they are covered by forests and have rocky shores except for a beach on the northwest side of East Sister Island.

Before the British established a colony on the Andaman, the Sisters were visited occasionally by the [[Onge people]] of Little Andaman Island for fishing. The islands may have been a waystation on the way to their temporary settlement of [[Rutland Island]] between 1890 and 1930.

The islands have been designated as a [[wildlife refuge]] since 1987, with an area of {{convert|0.36|km2}}.

==Flora==
[[File:Map of Nicobar and Andaman Islands-en.svg|thumb|Map of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with an extra detailed area around Port Blair.]]
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical rainforest canopy, made of a mixed flora with elements from Indian, Myanmar, Malaysian and endemic floral strains. So far, about 2,200 varieties of plants have been recorded, out of which 200 are endemic and 1,300 do not occur in mainland India.

The South Andaman forests have a profuse growth of [[epiphytic]] vegetation, mostly ferns, and orchids. The Middle Andamans harbours mostly moist [[deciduous forests]]. North Andamans is characterised by the wet evergreen type, with plenty of woody climbers. The North Nicobar Islands (including Car Nicobar and Battimalv) are marked by the complete absence of evergreen forests, while such forests form the dominant vegetation in the central and southern islands of the Nicobar group. Grasslands occur only in the Nicobars, and while [[deciduous forests]] are common in the Andamans, they are almost absent in the Nicobars. The present forest coverage is claimed to be 86.2% of the total land area.

This atypical forest coverage is made up of twelve types, namely:
# Giant [[evergreen forest]]
# Andamans tropical evergreen forest
# Southern hilltop [[tropical evergreen forest]]
# Canebrakes
# Wet bamboo brakes
# Andamans semi-evergreen forest
# Andamans moist deciduous forest
# Andamans secondary moist deciduous forest
# [[Littoral]] forest
# [[Mangrove forest]]
# Brackish water mixed forest
# Submontane forest

==Fauna==
[[File:Nicobar Pigeon 820.jpg|thumb|[[Nicobar pigeon]]]]
[[File:Ross island - Andaman.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep, Andaman]]
This tropical rain forest, despite its isolation from adjacent landmasses, is surprisingly rich with a diversity of animal life.

About 50 varieties of forest mammals are found to occur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Some are endemic, including the Andaman wild boar. Rodents are the largest group with 26 species, followed by 14 species of bat. Among the larger mammals there are two endemic{{Citation needed|date=December 2007}} varieties of wild boar, ''Sus scrofa andamanensis'' from Andaman and ''Sus scrofa nicobaricus'' from Nicobar, which are protected by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Sch I). [[Saltwater crocodile]] is also found in abundance. The State Animal of Andaman is the [[dugong]], also known as the sea cow, which can be found in [[Little Andaman]]. Around 1962 there was an attempt to introduce the [[leopard]], which was unsuccessful because of unsuitable habitat. These were ill-considered moves as exotic introductions can cause havoc to island flora and fauna. Elephants also can be found in forested or mountainous areas of the islands, they were brought over from the mainland to help with timber extraction in 1883.<ref>{{cite web|title=The incredible life of India's iconic swimming elephant|url=https://qz.com/india/749169/the-incredible-life-of-indias-iconic-swimming-elephant/|access-date=22 June 2020|date=4 August 2016|work=qz.com|first=Maria|last=Thomas}}</ref>
[[file:Elephant at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.jpg|thumb|Elephant at Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]
About 270 species of birds are found in the territory; 14 of them are endemic, the majority to the Nicobar island group. The islands' many [[caves]] are nesting grounds for the edible-nest swiftlet, whose nests are prized in [[China]] for [[bird's nest soup]].<ref name="soup">R. Sankaran (1999), ''[http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_birds8.pdf The impact of nest collection on the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704194845/http://www.traffic.org/species-reports/traffic_species_birds8.pdf |date=4 July 2010}}''. Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, India.</ref> The islands also serve as a stopover site for several migratory birds such as [[Horsfield's bronze cuckoo|Horsfield’s bronze cuckoo]], [[Zappey's flycatcher|Zappey’s flycatcher]] and [[Javan pond heron]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Singh|first=Shiv Sahay|date=21 April 2019|title=In a first, east Asian birds make Andaman stopover|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/in-a-first-east-asian-birds-make-andaman-stopover/article26905336.ece|access-date=7 March 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The territory is home to about 225 species of [[butterfly|butterflies]] and [[moth]]s. Ten species are endemic to these Islands. [[Mount Harriet National Park]] is one of the richest areas of butterfly and moth diversity on these islands.

The islands are well known for prized [[shellfish]], especially from the genera ''[[Turbo (genus)|Turbo]]'', ''[[Trochus]]'', ''[[Murex]]'' and ''[[Nautilus]]''. Earliest recorded commercial exploitation began during 1929. Many cottage industries produce a range of decorative shell items. [[Giant clam]]s, [[green mussel]]s and [[oyster]]s support edible shellfishery. The shells of [[scallop]]s, [[clam]]s, and [[cockle (bivalve)|cockle]] are burnt in kilns to produce edible [[Lime (material)|lime]].

There are 96 wildlife sanctuaries, nine national parks and one biosphere reserve in these islands.<ref>India Year Book 2015</ref>

==Demographics==
{{India census population
|title= Population growth
|1951= 30971
|1961= 63548
|1971= 115133
|1981= 188741
|1991= 280661
|2001= 356152
|2011= 380581
|estimate=
|estyear=
|estref=
|footnote=Source:Census of India<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|title= Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901}}</ref>
|1901=24649|1911=26459|1921=27086|1931=29463|1941=33768}}

{{As of|2011}} [[Census of India]], the population of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands was 379,944, of which 202,330 (53.25%) were male and 177,614 (46.75%) were female. The sex ratio was 878 females per 1,000 males.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census of India|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/ani/ani_press_release.pdf|access-date=13 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113163050/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/ani/ani_press_release.pdf|archive-date=13 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Only 10% of the population lived in Nicobar islands.

The original population of the islands – the Great Andamanese, the Onge, the Jarawa and the Sentinelese, were estimated to be around 5,000 150 years ago. The population of islands increased massively due to the ''colonisation policy'' of Govt of India into islands under [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] in the late 1960s, that brought settlers from other parts of the country.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sekhsaria|first=Pankaj|title=How a statist vision of development has brought Andaman's tribals close to extinction|url=https://scroll.in/article/833293/how-a-statist-vision-of-development-has-brought-andamans-tribals-close-to-extinction|access-date=21 November 2020|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref>

The areas and populations (at the 2001 and 2011 Censuses) of the three districts<ref>source: The Office of Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India</ref> are:

{|class="sortable wikitable"
|-
! Name ||Area (km2) ||Population Census 2001 ||Population Census 2011 ||Capital
|-
|[[Nicobar district|Nicobar]] ||align="right"|1,765||align="right"|42,068||align="right"|36,842||[[Car Nicobar]]
|-
|[[North and Middle Andaman district|North and Middle Andaman]] ||align="right"|3,536||align="right"|105,613||align="right"|105,597||[[Mayabunder]]
|-
|[[South Andaman district|South Andaman]]||align="right"|2,640||align="right"|208,471||align="right"|238,142||[[Port Blair]]
|-
|'''''Totals'''''||align="right"|7,950||align="right"|356,152||align="right"|380,581||
|}

There remain approximately 400–450 [[Andamanese peoples|indigenous Andamanese]] in the Andaman islands, the [[Jarawa people (Andaman Islands)|Jarawa]] and [[Sentinelese people|Sentinelese]] in particular maintaining steadfast independence and refusing most attempts at contact. In the Nicobar Islands, the indigenous people are the [[Nicobarese people|Nicobarese]], or ''Nicobari'', living throughout many of the islands, and the [[Shompen people|Shompen]], restricted to the hinterland of [[Great Nicobar]]. More than 2,000 people belonging to the [[Karen people|Karen]] tribe live in the [[Mayabunder]] tehsil of North Andaman district, almost all of whom are Christians. Despite their tribal origins, the Karen of Andamans have [[Other Backward Class]] (OBC) status in the Andamans.

===Languages===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Languages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 2011
|label1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]] |value1 = 28.49
|color1 = Red
|label2 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]] |value2 = 19.29 |color2 = Orange
|label3 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]] |value3 = 15.20 |color3 = Blue
|label4 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]|value4 = 13.24 |color4 = Yellow
|label5 = [[Nicobarese language|Nicobarese]] |value5 = 7.65 |color5 = purple
|label6 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] |value6 = 7.22
|color6 = Green
|label7 = Others
|value7 = 8.91
|color7 = grey
|other =
}}

[[Bengali language|Bengali]] is the most spoken language in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.<ref name=langoff/> [[Hindi]] is the official language of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while [[English language|English]] is declared an additional official language for communication purposes.<ref name=":0" /> As of the 2011 census, Bengali is spoken as the first language by 28.49 per cent of the Union Territory's population followed by Hindi (19.29%), [[Tamil language|Tamil]] (15.20%), [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (13.24%), [[Nicobarese languages|Nicobarese]] (7.65%) and [[Malayalam]] (7.22%).<ref name=censusindia>{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language-2011/Part-A.pdf |title=Distribution Of The 22 Scheduled Languages - India/States/Union Territories – 2011 Census |access-date=29 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114073500/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language-2011/Part-A.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Religion===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Andaman and Nicobar (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = Orange
|value1 = 69.45
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|color2 = DodgerBlue
|value2 = 21.7
|label3 = [[Islam]]
|color3 = Green
|value3 = 8.51
|label4 = [[Sikhism]]
|color4 = DarkKhaki
|value4 = 0.33
|label5 = [[Buddhism]]
|color5 = Yellow
|value5 = 0.08
|label6 = Other or non-religious
|color6 = Black
|value6 = 0.5
}}
The majority of people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are [[Hindu]]s (69.45%), with [[Christians]] forming a large minority of 21.7% of the population, according to the 2011 census of India. There is a significant [[Muslim]] (8.51%) minority.

==Administration==
In 1874, the British had placed the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in one administrative territory headed by a Chief Commissioner as its judicial administrator. On 1 August 1974, the Nicobar islands were hived off into another revenue district with district headquarters at Car Nicobar under a Deputy Commissioner. In 1982, the post of [[List of Lieutenant Governors of Andaman and Nicobar Islands|Lieutenant Governor]] was created who replaced the Chief Commissioner as the head of administration. Subsequently, a "Pradesh council" with Councillors as representatives of the people was constituted to advise the Lieutenant Governor.<ref name="Planning Commission Report"/> The Islands sends one representative to [[Lok Sabha]] from its [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Lok Sabha constituency)]].

===Administrative divisions===
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is divided into three districts:
# [[North and Middle Andaman district|North and Middle Andaman]] (Capital: [[Mayabunder]])
# [[South Andaman district|South Andaman]] (Capital: [[Port Blair]])
# [[Nicobar district|Nicobar]] (Capital: [[Car Nicobar]])

Each district is further divided into sub-divisions and [[taluk]]s:

===Sub-Divisions and Taluks in North and Middle Andaman District===
* Diglipur Sub-Division
** [[Diglipur]] taluk
* Mayabunder Sub-Division
** [[Mayabunder]] taluk
** [[Rangat]] taluk

===Sub-Divisions and Taluks in South Andaman District===
* Port Blair Sub-Division
** [[Port Blair]] taluk
** [[Ferrargunj]] taluk
** [[Jirkatang]] taluk (native Jarawa reservation)
* [[Ritchie's Archipelago]] Sub-Division
** [[Ritchie's Archipelago]] taluk ([[Havelock Island]])
* Little Andaman Sub-Division
** [[Little Andaman]] taluk ([[Hut Bay]])

===Sub-Divisions and Taluks in Nicobar District===
* Car Nicobar Sub-Division
** [[Car Nicobar]] taluk
* Nancowrie Sub-Division
** [[Nancowry Island|Nancowrie]] taluk
** [[Kamorta Island|Kamorta]] taluk
** [[Teressa (Nicobar Islands)|Teressa]] taluk
** [[Katchal Island|Katchal]] taluk
* Great Nicobar Sub-Division
** [[Little Nicobar]] taluk
** [[Great Nicobar]] taluk ([[Campbell Bay (Great Nicobar)|Campbell Bay]])

==Economy==
[[File:Andaman Islands SPOT 1281.jpg|thumb|Little Andaman Island seen by Spot satellite.]]
[[File:Andaman ross is.jpg|thumb|Ross Island a couple of days before the [[tsunami]] of December 2004.]]

===Agriculture===
A total of {{convert|48675|ha}} of land is used for agriculture purposes. [[Paddy (unmilled rice)|Paddy]], the main food crop, is mostly cultivated in Andaman group of islands, whereas coconut and [[arecanut]] are the cash crops of Nicobar group of islands. Field crops, namely, [[pulses]], [[oilseeds]] and vegetables are grown, followed by [[Rice|paddy]] during [[Rabi crop|Rabi]] season. Different kinds of fruits such as [[mango]], [[sapota]], [[Orange (fruit)|orange]], [[banana]], [[papaya]], pineapple and [[root crops]] are grown on hilly land owned by farmers. Spices such as pepper, [[clove]], [[nutmeg]], and [[cinnamon]] are grown under a multi-tier cropping system. [[Rubber]], [[red oil]], [[Palm (plant)|palm]], [[noni]] and [[cashew]] are grown on a limited scale in these islands.

===Industry===
There are 1,374 registered small-scale, village and handicraft units. Two units are export-oriented in the line of fish processing activity. Apart from this, there are shells and wood-based handicraft units. There are also four medium-sized industrial units. SSI units are engaged in the production of polythene bags, PVC conduit pipes and fittings, paints and varnishes, fiberglass and mini flour mills, soft drinks, and beverages, etc. Small scale and handicraft units are also engaged in shell crafts, bakery products, rice milling, furniture making, etc.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation has spread its wings in the field of tourism, fisheries, industries, and industrial financing and functions as authorised agents for [[Air India Regional|Alliance Air]]. The Islands have become a tourist destination, due to the draw of their largely unspoiled virgin beaches and waters.<ref>{{cite news|title=Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Unexplored Beauty of India |url=http://www.indianbackpacker.com/index.php/india/islands/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-unexplored-beauty-of-india |access-date=2 January 2013 |newspaper=The Indian Backpacker |date=December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221184850/http://indianbackpacker.com/index.php/india/islands/andaman-and-nicobar-islands-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-unexplored-beauty-of-india |archive-date=21 December 2012}}</ref>

===Tourism===
{{main|Tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands}}
[[file:North Bay Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.jpeg|thumb|left|Tourist enjoying scuba diving]]
Tourism to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is increasing due to the popularity of beaches and adventure sports like snorkelling and sea-walking.<ref name=bp1/> Plans to develop various islands under NITI (National Institute of Transforming India) Aayog is also in progress. Luxury resorts with participation from the Government are set up to plan in Avis Island, Smith Island and Long Island.<ref>{{cite web |title=Holistic Development of Islands |url=http://niti.gov.in/content/holistic-development-islands-islanders-benefits |website=Niti Aayog |publisher=Niti Aayog |access-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204200629/http://niti.gov.in/content/holistic-development-islands-islanders-benefits |archive-date=4 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:A statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.jpg|thumb|A statue of [[Vinayak Damodar Savarkar]] at [[Cellular Jail]].]]
In Port Blair, the main places to visit are the Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman Water sports complex, Chatham Saw Mill, Mini Zoo, Corbyn's cove, Chidiya Tapu, Wandoor Beach, Forest Museum, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum, Naval Museum (Samudrika), Ross Island and North Bay Island. Viper Island which was earlier visited is now kept closed by the administration. Other places include Havelock island famous for Radhanagar Beach, Neil Island for Scuba diving/snorkeling/sea walking, Cinque Island, Saddle peak, Mt Harriet, and Mud Volcano. Diglipur, located at North Andaman is also getting popular in 2018 and many tourists have started visiting North Andaman as well. The southern group (Nicobar islands) is mostly inaccessible to tourists.

Indian tourists do not require a permit to visit the Andaman Islands, but if they wish to visit any tribal areas they need a special permit from the Deputy Commissioner in Port Blair. Permits are required for foreign nationals. For foreign nationals arriving by air, these are granted upon arrival at Port Blair.

According to official estimates, the flow of tourists tripled to nearly 430,000 in 2016-17 from 130,000 in 2008–09. The Radha Nagar beach was chosen as Asia's best beach in 2004.<ref name="bp1">{{cite web |title=How Andaman & Nicobar can fully capitalize its Tourism Potential? |url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/how-andaman-nicobar-can-fully-capitalize-its-tourist-potential/ |work=IANS |date=6 March 2014 |publisher=news.biharprabha.com |access-date=6 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105002010/http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/03/how-andaman-nicobar-can-fully-capitalize-its-tourist-potential/ |archive-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Indian Archipelago Territory flag of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (proposed).png|Flag of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
File:Andaman Islands.jpg|Andaman Islands
File:Andaman and Nicobar islands.JPG|Andaman and Nicobar islands
File:The Coral Reef at the Andaman Islands.jpg|The coral reef at Havelock in Andaman
File:Shaheed Island, Andamans, Mangrove beach, True wilderness.jpg|Mangrove trees on the beach, Shaheed Island
File:Havelock Island, Canopy of tropical moist evergreen forest, Andaman Islands.jpg|Canopy of tropical rainforest
File:AndamansAndNicobarIslands.jpg|The Andaman coast lined with coconut palms
File:Seascape at Chidiyatapu, Andaman islands.jpg|Seascape at Chidiyatapu, Andaman islands
</gallery>

===Macro-economic trend===
This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product (GSDP) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands at market prices, estimated by the [[Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]], with figures in millions of Indian rupees.<ref>[http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_nad_main.htm] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116074714/http://mospi.nic.in/mospi_nad_main.htm |date=16 November 2011}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! [[Gross state domestic product|GSDP]] (millions of {{INR|link=yes}})
|-
|1985
|590
|-
|1990
|1,100
|-
|1995
|4,000
|-
|2000
|7,750
|-
|2005
|10,560
|-
|2010
|16,130
|}

Andaman and Nicobar Islands' gross state domestic product for 2004 was estimated at $354 million in current prices.

=== Power generation ===
With Japanese assistance, Southern Andaman Island will now have a 15-megawatt diesel [[power plant]]. This would be the first foreign investment of any kind allowed at this strategically significant island chain. This is believed to be an [[India–Japan relations|Indo-Japanese]] strategic initiative to strengthen civilian infrastructure in the vicinity of the [[Strait of Malacca]] – a strategically important choke-point for the Chinese oil supply.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/india-collaborates-with-japan-on-andamans-project/article8347298.ece|title=India collaborates with Japan on Andamans project|date=13 March 2016|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=14 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316150103/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/india-collaborates-with-japan-on-andamans-project/article8347298.ece|archive-date=16 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.in/These-8-narrow-chokepoints-are-critical-to-the-worlds-oil-trade/articleshow/46775193.cms|title=These 8 narrow chokepoints are critical to the world's oil trade|website=Business Insider|access-date=14 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629151009/http://www.businessinsider.in/These-8-narrow-chokepoints-are-critical-to-the-worlds-oil-trade/articleshow/46775193.cms|archive-date=29 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==

=== Internet ===
Internet access on the islands used to be limited and unreliable, since all connectivity to the outside world had to go through [[Satellite Internet access|satellite links]]. [[Bharat Broadband Network]] started work on laying a [[Fiber-optic communication|fibre optic]] [[Submarine communications cable|submarine cable]] running from the five islands to [[Chennai]] on 30 December 2018, with completion expected in December 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=PM Modi inaugurates 2,312-kilometre undersea optical fibre cable link between Andaman-Chennai|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/narendra-modi-chennai-andaman-nicobar-islands-submarine-optical-fibre-project-6548424/|access-date=10 August 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/its-2018-but-still-tough-to-get-online-in-the-andamans/article22785543.ece|title=It's 2018, but still tough to get online in the Andamans|last=Sridhar|first=Lalitha|date=17 February 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=8 November 2018|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 10 August 2020, PM [[Narendra Modi]] formally inaugurated the [[Chennai]]–Andaman undersea [[Submarine communications cable|Optical fibre cable]] which enables high-speed broadband connections in the Union Territory. The submarine cable also connects [[Port Blair]] to [[Swaraj Dweep]], [[Little Andaman]], [[Car Nicobar]], [[Kamorta Island|Kamorta]], [[Great Nicobar Island|Great Nicobar]], [[Long Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)|Long Island]] and [[Rangat]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Andaman and Nicobar islands' fast-speed internet will depend on a 2,300 kilometre-long fibre optic cable|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/pm-modi-andaman-and-nicobar-islands-fast-speed-internet-will-depend-on-a-2300-kilometer-long-fiber-optic-cable/articleshow/77460772.cms|access-date=11 August 2020|website=Business Insider}}</ref> The initial bandwidth of the cable is 400 [[Data-rate units#Gigabit per second|Gbit/s]], roughly 400 times more than what the islands possessed before the fibre link.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 June 2018|title=BSNL to enhance bandwidth 400 times in Andaman and Nicobar island in 2 years|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/bsnl-to-enhance-bandwidth-400-times-in-andaman-and-nicobar-island-in-2-years/1221457/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108184401/https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/bsnl-to-enhance-bandwidth-400-times-in-andaman-and-nicobar-island-in-2-years/1221457/|archive-date=8 November 2018|access-date=8 November 2018|website=Financial Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=10 August 2020|title=PM Modi inaugurates Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar submarine optical cable project - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/pm-modi-inaugurates-chennai-andaman-nicobar-submarine-optical-cable-project/articleshow/77456251.cms|access-date=10 August 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Ports ===
On 10 August 2020, PM [[Narendra Modi]] announced plans for the construction of a transshipment port in the [[Great Nicobar Island]] at a cost of ₹10,000 crore to provide shippers an alternative to similar ports in the region. The move is aimed at improving the ease of doing business of the country and enhancing maritime logistics.<ref>{{Cite web|last=www.ETHRWorld.com|title=India plans Rs 10,000 cr transshipment port at Great Nicobar Island: PM - ETHRWorld|url=https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/india-plans-rs-10000-cr-transshipment-port-at-great-nicobar-island-pm/77466638|access-date=10 August 2020|website=ETHRWorld.com|language=en}}</ref>

=== Transportation ===
The only civil airport of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is [[Veer Savarkar International Airport]] near Port Blair. It has regular flights to [[Chennai]], [[Kolkata]], [[New Delhi]], [[Bangalore]], and [[Visakhapatnam]]. From 2016 onwards, night flights were also operated along with the day flights.{{cn|date=November 2020}}

Another mode of transport is ship which has routes from [[Chennai]], [[Kolkata]] and [[Visakhapatnam]]. The journey takes approximately three days and two nights.{{cn|date=November 2020}}

==Popular culture==
Sir [[Arthur Conan Doyle]] refers to the Andaman Islands in his [[Sherlock Holmes]] novel ''[[The Sign of the Four]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|title=The 'wild' people as tourist stops|last=Hill|first=David|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=31 March 2012|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-wild-people-as-tourist-stops/article3263326.ece|access-date=12 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225080305/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-wild-people-as-tourist-stops/article3263326.ece|archive-date=25 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[National Film Awards|National Award]] winning [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]] film ''[[Kaalapani]]'' was set against backdrop of the [[Cellular Jail|Port Blair's Cellular Jail]]. It is one of the films that was extensively shot in the islands.<ref>{{Cite news|title=കാലാപാനി എന്ന വിസ്മയം; ഷൂട്ട് 60 ദിവസം; അന്നത്തെ മെഗാ ബജറ്റ്; കുറിപ്പ്|url=https://www.manoramaonline.com/movies/features/2020/04/09/kalapani-movie-24-years-special-article.html|access-date=21 November 2020|work=ManoramaOnline|date=9 April 2020|language=ml}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Islands|Geography|Asia|India}}
* [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]]
* [[Effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on India]]
* [[Endemic birds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands]]
* [[2014 Andaman boat disaster]]
* [[Coral reefs in India]]
* [[List of islands of India]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{Commons category|Andaman and Nicobar Islands}}
* [http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/ani/ani_press_release.pdf Census of India], Provisional Population Totals
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181213232827/http://www.and.nic.in/ Andaman and Nicobar Administration Website]
* {{Britannica|23488}}
* {{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Andaman_and_Nicobar_Islands/}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}

{{Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands}}
{{States and Union Territories of India}}
{{GeoSouthAsia}}
{{Countries and territories of Southeast Asia}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Andaman And Nicobar Islands}}
[[Category:Andaman and Nicobar Islands| ]]
[[Category:Union Territories of India]]
[[Category:Andaman Sea]]
[[Category:Dependent territories in Asia]]
[[Category:Islands of the Bay of Bengal]]
[[Category:Islands of the Andaman Sea]]
[[Category:Islands of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands|01]]
[[Category:Volcanic arc islands]]
[[Category:Maritime Southeast Asia]]
[[Category:Southeast Asian countries]]
[[Category:History of West Bengal]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1956]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Bengali-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]

{{en-Wikipedia}}

Odisha

2021-10-17T01:53:34Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Infobox Settlement

|official_name = Orissa
|other_name =
|native_name = ଓଡ଼ିଶା
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|settlement_type = State of [[India]]
|motto =
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| subdivision_name1 = [[East India]]
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| leader_title = [[Governors of Orissa|Governor]]
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| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Orissa|Chief Minister]]
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| leader_title2 = [[Legislature of Orissa|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameral]] ({{ref|leg|*}} seats)
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''Odisha,'' formerly '''Orissa''', is a state in Eastern [[Republic of India|India]], with an area of {{convert|60,162|mi2}},<ref>{{Cite web|title=Topography, Odisha State Government|url=https://odisha.gov.in/odisha-profile/topography|url-status=live|access-date=}}</ref> and population of almost 42 million.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Orissa Population Sex Ratio in Orissa Literacy rate Odissa 2011-2021|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/orissa.html|access-date=2021-02-19|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref> [[Oriya language|Oriya or Odia]] is the most widely spoken language in the state and is used on an official basis alongside [[English language|English]], other languages which are widely spoken include [[Hindi]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Languages in Odisha|url=https://www.toursorissa.com/languages-in-odisha/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Tours Orissa|language=en-US}}</ref> Chilika lake which is located in Odisha is the largest migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent. Odisha is the 8th largest Indian State and the 11th most populous.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian Census, 2011|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The capital city is [[Bhubaneshwar|Bhubaneswar]], and other major cities in the state are [[Cuttack]], Sambalpur, and [[Rourkela]]. Odisha is bordered by the states of [[West Bengal]] to the north east, [[Jharkhand]] to the north west, [[Chhattisgarh]] to the west, [[Andhra Pradesh]] to the south, and has a 482km coastline along the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Land and People, Odisha State Government|url=https://odisha.gov.in/odisha-profile/land-and-people|url-status=live}}</ref>

Modern-day Odisha falls under the boundaries of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga in the 3rd Century BCE, and the state is still sometimes referred to as Kalinga. Odisha is also known as Utkal, and is mentioned in the Indian National Anthem, [[Jana Gana Mana]], under this name. The Orissa province was founded on the 1st April 1936, and the anniversary of this is celebrated as ''Utkal Dibas'' throughout the state. The state was created on the basis of the Odia language, encompassing the native speakers of the language.

Popular tourist destinations in Odisha include the Konark Sun Temple, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, the Puri Jagannath Temple, and Chilika Lake. Odisha has a rich culture, the Odissi classical dance form originates from the state and Odia cuisine is well-renowned for its seafood dishes and desserts. Odisha has successfully hosted several sports events as Asian Junior Women's Rugby Tournament, the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship, and the Men's Hockey World Cup in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Odisha aspiration to be India's sports hub crystallises|url=https://www.statesman.com}}</ref>

Odisha is mostly inhabited by the Odia people, with [[Hinduism]] being the major religion in the state and [[Christianity|Christian]] and [[Islam|Muslim]] minorities.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-08-25|title=Indian Census 2001, Religion [archived]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-19|website=web.archive.org}}</ref> There is a large tribal population in Odisha, referred to as the ''adivasi'' people, they are the indigenous people and speak various tribal languages and follow traditional religions, although many have converted to Christianity. [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]] also have important histories in the state.

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) is Odisha's only airport, and the state is well-connected by railways, and national highways. The current [[Chief Minister]] of the state is Naveen Patnaik. <gallery>
Khandagiri caves ,odisha.jpg|Khandagiri
Temple-Jagannath.jpg|The Jagannath Temple in Puri
Artistes performing Chhau dance.jpg|[[Chhau dance]].
</gallery>

==Provincial symbols of Odisha==
<gallery>
File:Indian state flag of Odisha (proposed).jpg|Provincial flag of Odisha
File:Blue Jay or The Indian Roller.JPG|Blue jay, provincial bird of Odisha
File:Sambhar deer.jpg|Sambhar deer, provincial animal of Odisha
File:Ficus religiosa Bo.jpg|Sacred fig tree, provincial tree of Odisha
File:Sita-Ashok (Saraca asoca) flowers in Kolkata W IMG 4146.jpg|Ashoka tree, provincial flower of Odisha
</gallery>

==References==
{{commonscat}}
{{reflist}}

{{India}}

{{Asia-stub}}

[[Category:Odisha| ]]

Nagaland

2021-10-17T01:49:45Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Provincial symbols of Nagaland */

'''Nagaland''' is a northeastern state in the [[Republic of India]]. It has an area of {{convert|6,401|mi2}}. It is bigger than [[East Timor]] but smaller than [[Eswatini]]. In traditional Indian geography it falls under the [[North-east India]]n zone.

==Provincial symbols of Nagaland==
<gallery>
Image:Indian state flag of Nagaland (proposed).png|Provincial flag of Nagaland
Image:Tragopan blythii01.jpg|Provincial bird of Nagaland
Image:Gayal Thrissur Zoo.jpg|Provincial animal of Nagaland
Image:Alnus incana rugosa leaves.jpg|Provincial tree of Nagaland
Image:Rhododendron-by-eiffel-public-domain-20040617.jpg|Provincial flower of Nagaland
</gallery>

{{commonscat}}

{{India}}

{{Asia-stub}}

[[Category:Nagaland| ]]

Meghalaya

2021-10-17T01:45:22Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E: /* Provincial symbols of Meghalaya */

'''Meghalaya''' ({{lang-bn|মেঘালায়া, ভারত}}) is a state within the [[Republic of India]]. Occupying an area of 8,660 [[square mile|mi²]] (22,429 [[km²]]),<ref name="glance">{{cite web |url=http://meghalaya.nic.in/intro/glance.htm |title=At a Glance, Meghalaya |publisher=Meghalaya.nic.in |accessdate=2011-11-01 |archive-date=2011-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031051738/http://meghalaya.nic.in/intro/glance.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> bigger than the [[Israel|State of Israel]] but smaller than [[Belize]].<ref>{{cite book| author = Federal Research Division| title = Israel: A Country Study| url = https://books.google.com/?id=Vh3qJ8O73VIC&pg=PA8| year = 2004| publisher = Kessinger Publishing| isbn = 978-1-4191-2689-5| page = 8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Americas/Belize.html |title=Belize - Location and size, Population, Industry, Mining, Manufacturing, Construction, Services |publisher=Nationsencyclopedia.com |date=2011-02-07 |accessdate=2011-11-01}}</ref> It is derived from [[Sanscrit]] meaning "abode of clouds", megha which means "cloud" + ā-laya, "abode".<ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/meghalaya-the-abode-of-clouds/story-TEZv37DfEub6C18HhTDd5I.html</ref> Its capital is [[Shillong]].<ref name="glance" /> Meghalaya's population is 2,318,822.<ref name="glance" /> The population of Shillong was 314,610 in 2001. There are problems in Meghalaya arise from the divide between tribals and non tribal settlers, identity issues and growing corruption besides the fear of being reduced to minority by native tribals. The activity status is classified as active. In traditional Indian geography it falls under the [[North-east India]]n zone.

==Provincial symbols of Meghalaya==
<gallery>
Image:Indian state flag of Meghalaya (proposed).png|Provincial flag of Meghalaya
File:Beo-2.jpg|Provincial bird of Meghalaya
File:Clouded leopard.jpg|Provincial animal of Meghalaya
File:Gmelina arborea bark I IMG 3543.jpg|Provincial tree of Meghalaya
File:Pinkslipper.jpg|Provincial flower of Meghalaya
</gallery>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Other websites ==
{{commonscat}}
* [http://meghalaya.nic.in Meghalaya Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219093032/http://meghalaya.nic.in/ |date=2008-12-19 }}

{{India}}

[[Category:Meghalaya| ]]

{{geo-stub}}

Mizoram

2021-10-17T01:43:00Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|State in Northeast India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Mizoram
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Vantawng Khawhthla.jpg
| photo2a = Champhai, Mizoram, from south, with Zotlang in the foreground.jpg
| photo2b =Kolodyne castle in Mizoram.jpg
| photo3a =Mizoram Bango Nirtya performed at the 44th India International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2013), in Panaji, Goa on November 26, 2013.jpg
| size = 280
| spacing = 1
| position = centre
| border = 0
| color = black
}}''Italic text''
| image_caption = Clockwise from top: Vantawng Waterfall, Rock formation known as Kolodyne Castle in Mizoram, Mizoram Bango Nritya perform, Champhai
| image_flag = [[File:Indian state flag of Mizoram (proposed).png|150px]]
| image_seal = [[File:Seal of Mizoram.svg|150px]]
| image_map = IN-MZ.svg
| map_alt =
| coordinates = {{coord|23.36|92.8|region:IN-MZ_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint = Aizawl
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| established_title = Union territory
| established_date = 21 January 1972
| established_title1 = State
| established_date1 = 20 February 1987{{ref|cap|†}}
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[Aizawl]]
| parts_type = [[Districts of Mizoram|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Mizoram|11]]
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| seat1_type = Largest city
| seat1 = Aizawl
| government_footnotes =
| leader_title = [[Governors of Mizoram|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[P. S. Sreedharan Pillai]]<ref name=TNM/>
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Mizoram|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[Zoramthanga]] ([[Mizo National Front|MNF]])
| leader_title2 = [[Deputy Chief Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Tawnluia]]
| leader_title3 = [[Mizoram Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name3 = [[Unicameral]] (40 seats)
| leader_title4 = [[15th Lok Sabha|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name4 = [[Rajya Sabha]] 1 [[Lok Sabha]] 1
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =<ref>{{cite web |title=AREA AND POPULATION - Statistical Year Book India 2017 {{!}} Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation {{!}} Government Of India |url=http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/statistical_year_book_india_2015/Table%202.1_5.xls |website=www.mospi.gov.in |access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 21081
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|25th]]
| area_note =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 1,091,014
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|28th]]
| population_note =
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-MZ]]
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| blank_info_sec2 = 91.58% (2011 Census)
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Official language]]
| blank1_info_sec2 = [[Mizo language|Mizo]] and [[English language|English]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, North East India|url=https://mdoner.gov.in/about-north-east/mizoram|access-date=2021-02-24|website=mdoner.gov.in}}</ref>
| website = {{url|mizoram.gov.in}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols
| embedded = Yes
|region = Mizoram
|region_type= 
| country = 
| flag =[[Flag of Mizoram]][[File:Indian state flag of Mizoram (proposed).png|50px|left]]
| emblem =[[Emblem of Mizoram]][[File:Seal of Mizoram.svg|50px|left]]
| nickname =
| motto =
| anthem =
| song = 
| language =
| foundation_day =
| currency =
| calendar =
| dance =
| instrument =
| mammal =[[Himalayan serow]] (Capricornis thar)
| bird =[[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]] (Syrmaticus humiae)
| fish =
| butterfly = 
| flower =Red Vanda ([[Renanthera imschootiana]])
| fruit =
| tree =Indian rose chestnut ([[Mesua ferrea]])
| plant =
| vegetable =
| food = 
| drink =
| sweet = 
| river = 
| fossil =
| mineral =
| sport = 
| costume = 
| colour = 
}}
| footnotes = {{ref|cap|†}}It was elevated to the status of a full State by the State of Mizoram Act, 1986
| official_name =
}}

'''Mizoram''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|pron|audio=Mizorampron.ogg|m|ɪ|ˈ|z|ɔːr|ə|m}}) is a state in northeastern [[India]], with [[Aizawl]] as its seat of government and capital city. The name of the state is derived from "[[Mizo people|Mizo]]", the self described name of the native inhabitants, and "Ram", which in the Mizo language means "land." Thus "Mizo-ram" means "land of the Mizos".<ref>Sajnani, Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India, Volume 1, {{ISBN|81-78350173}}, page 241</ref> Within India's northeast old-Assam region, it is the southernmost landlocked state, sharing borders with three of the [[Seven Sister States]] of old Assam, namely [[Tripura]], [[Assam]] and [[Manipur]]. The state also shares a {{convert|722|km|adj=on}} border with the neighbouring countries of [[Bangladesh]] and [[Myanmar]].<ref>[http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/page/about-mizoram About Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620093508/http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/page/about-mizoram |date=20 June 2014 }} DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS, Government of Mizoram</ref>

Like several other northeastern states of India, Mizoram was previously part of [[Assam]] until 1972, when it was carved out as a [[Union Territory]]. In 1986 the Indian Parliament adopted the 53rd amendment of the Indian Constitution, which allowed for the creation of the State of Mizoram on 20 February 1987, as India's 23rd state.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mizoram To Be 23rd State Of India, Tribal Customs Protected|url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1986/Mizoram-To-Be-23rd-State-Of-India-Tribal-Customs-Protected/id-3ad643fb331a404302e1b02172ded7b5|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=APN News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728192739/http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1986/Mizoram-To-Be-23rd-State-Of-India-Tribal-Customs-Protected/id-3ad643fb331a404302e1b02172ded7b5|archive-date=28 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to a 2011 census, in that year Mizoram's population was 1,091,014. It is the [[list of states and union territories of India by population|2nd least populous state]] in the country.<ref name=mizocensus/> Mizoram covers an area of approximately 21,087 square kilometres.<ref name=ppimizo/> About 91% of the state is forested.<ref name=fsi11/>

About 95% of Mizoram's population descends from a diverse tribal origin. Mizos first began to settle the area in the 16th century, coming in waves of immigration from [[Southeast Asia]]. This immigration lasted through the 18th century.<ref>J.M. Lloyd, History of the Church in Mizoram: Harvest in the Hills (Aizawl: Synod publication Board, 1991, 2), {{OCLC|29798339}}</ref> Among all of the states of India, Mizoram has the highest concentration of tribal people. The Mizoram people are currently protected under the Indian constitution as a [[Scheduled Tribe]].<ref name=tribalmizo/> Mizoram is one of three states of India with a Christian majority (87%).<ref name=Census>{{Citation | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm | contribution = Mizoram | title = Population by religious communities | publisher = Census | place = [[India|IN]] | year = 2001 | access-date = 11 October 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100701214405/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/C_Series/Population_by_religious_communities.htm | archive-date = 1 July 2010 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}.</ref> Its people belong to various Christian denominations, being mostly [[Presbyterians]] in the north and [[Baptists]] in the south.

Mizoram is a highly literate [[agrarian economy]]. [[Slash-and-burn]] ''jhum'', or [[shifting cultivation]], is the most common form of farming here, though it gives poor crop yields.<ref name=sapagri/> In recent years, the jhum farming practices are steadily being replaced with a significant [[horticulture]] and [[bamboo]] products industry.<ref name=agristat/><ref name=ibef2/> The state's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at {{INRConvert|69.91|b}}.<ref name=ppimizo/> About 20% of Mizoram's population lives below poverty line, with 35% rural poverty as of 2014.<ref name=rbipov/> The state has about 871 kilometres of national highways, with NH-54 and NH-150 connecting it to Assam and Manipur respectively. It is also a growing transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh.<ref name=ibef/>

==Etymology==
The term Mizoram is derived from two Mizo words-''Mizo'' and ''ram''. 'Mizo' is the name used to call the native inhabitants and 'Ram' means 'land'. There is dispute on the term 'zo'. According to one view, 'zo' means 'highland' (or hill) and Mizoram means 'land of the Mizos'. B. Lalthangliana says 'zo' may also mean 'cold region' and therefore, Mizo may also signify people of the cold region.<ref>Lalthangliana B (2001) The History of Mizos in India, Burma and Bangladesh.</ref>

==History==
{{Main |History of Mizoram}}
[[File:First Shell Fired At Howsatta's Village - ILN 1889.jpg|thumb|upright|One of the many battles between British troops and British-aligned tribes of Mizoram against a Lusei clan in Mizoram.<ref name=cnun2/> This sketch is by Lieutenant Cole in 1889 titled "Looshai expedition".]]
The origin of the [[Mizos]], like those of many other tribes in the northeastern India, is shrouded in mystery. The people living in the Mizo Hills were generally referred to as the Cucis or [[Kukis]] by their neighbouring ethnic groups which was also a term adopted by the British writers. The claim that 'The [[Kuki people|Kukis]] are the earliest known residents of the Mizo hills area,' must be read in this light.<ref name = "Suhas1994">{{cite book | first=Suhas | last=Chatterjee | title=Making of Mizoram: Role of Laldenga | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GI-1rMckfpEC&pg=PA1 | access-date=28 August 2013 | year=1994 | publisher=M.D. Publications | isbn=978-81-85880-38-9 | page=1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142843/http://books.google.com/books?id=GI-1rMckfpEC&pg=PA1 | archive-date=31 December 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The majority of the tribes classified as "Mizo" today most likely migrated to their present territories from the neighbouring countries in several waves, starting around 1500 CE.<ref name="GrantSteve_2010">{{cite book | title = Rodent Outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=yaI0NFQb36UC&pg=PA22 | editor1-first = Grant | editor1-last = Singleton | editor2-first = Steve | editor2-last = Belmain | editor3-first = Peter | editor3-last = Brown | editor4-first = Bill | editor4-last = Hardy | access-date = 28 August 2013 | year = 2010 | publisher = International Rice Research Institute | isbn = 978-971-22-0257-5 | pages = 22– | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142819/http://books.google.com/books?id=yaI0NFQb36UC&pg=PA22 | archive-date = 31 December 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

Before the [[British Raj]], the various Mizo clans lived in autonomous villages. The tribal chiefs enjoyed an eminent position in the [[gerontocracy|gerontocratic]] Mizo society. The various clans and subclans practised slash-and-burn, locally called ''[[jhum cultivation|jhum]]'' cultivation - a form of [[subsistence agriculture]].<ref>RAMAKRISHNAN and PATNAIK, [https://www.jstor.org/stable/23002231 Jhum: Slash and Burn Cultivation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907082559/https://www.jstor.org/stable/23002231 |date=7 September 2018 }}, India International Centre Quarterly, Vol. 19, No. 1/2, INDIGENOUS VISION: PEOPLES OF INDIA ATTITUDES TO THE ENVIRONMENT (SPRING-SUMMER 1992), pp. 215-220</ref> The chiefs were the absolute rulers of their respective clans' territories (''ram''), although they remained under the nominal political jurisdictions of the Rajas of Manipur, Tripura and Burma.<ref name = "Suhas1995">{{cite book | first = Suhas | last = Chatterjee | title = Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=YON9iVgsDRUC&pg=PA1 | access-date = 28 August 2013 | date = 1 January 1995 | publisher = M.D. Publications | isbn = 978-81-85880-72-3 | pages = 1–3 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160609201244/https://books.google.com/books?id=YON9iVgsDRUC&pg=PA1 | archive-date = 9 June 2016 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

Prior to 1895, the year that the British Raj gained political control over Mizoram, there were many reports of head-hunting in the Mizoram area via tribal raids led by the village chieftains. Head-hunting was a practice which often involved the ambushing of a rival tribe, the taking of slaves and the cutting off of the heads of the defenders. These heads would sometimes be displayed at the entrances to the tribal village of the victors.<ref>John Shakespeare, {{Google book|N0PXAAAAMAAJ|The Lushei Kuki Clans}}, pages 60, 144-158, 200-220</ref>

===British era (1840s to 1940s)===
Some of the earliest records of raids and intertribal conflicts are from the early 19th century.<ref name=cnun2>C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}, pp 51-55</ref> In the 1840s, Captain Blackwood of Britain marched into the Mizo Hills with his troops to punish a Palian tribal chief for raiding British interests in India. A few years later, Captain Lester was wounded in a battle with the Lusei tribe in the region that is now Mizoram. In 1849, a Lusei tribal raid killed 29 members of the Thadou tribe and added 42 captives to their clan. Colonel Lister retaliated in 1850, with the co-operation of the Thadou tribe, an event historically called the ''First British invasion'', burning down a Lusei village of 800 tribal houses and freeing 400 Thadou captives.<ref name=cnun2/><ref>Lalrinnunga Hmar (2010), MIGRATION AND SOCIAL FORMATION OF THE MIZO, PhD Thesis (Awarded), THE NORTH EASTER HILL UNIVERSITY SHILLONG, Chapter 5, pages 115-140</ref> British historical records on the Mizo Hills state that similar inter-ethnic tribal raids continued for decades after the ''First British Invasion.'' Such raids would be for the purpose of seeking out loot, slaves or retaliation for earlier lost battles.<ref name=misai/>

The Mizo Hills formally became part of [[British India]] in 1895, and practices such as head-hunting were banned in Mizoram as well as neighbouring regions.<ref>Ved Prakash (2007), Encyclopaedia of North-East India, Vol. 1 ({{ISBN|978-81-269-0703-8}}), 4 ({{ISBN|978-81-269-0706-9}}) & 5 ({{ISBN|978-81-269-0707-6}})</ref> The northern and southern Mizo Hills became the Lushai Hills, with Aizawl as their headquarters by declaring the whole area as Excluded Area till India got independence from the British.<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/about/history.htm Mizoram History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721173040/http://www.mizoram.nic.in/about/history.htm |date=21 July 2011 }}, National Informatics Centre, Government of India (2012)</ref> At the time of the British conquest, there were around 60 chiefs.<ref name="Suhas1995"/> After Christian missionaries arrived with the gospel, the majority of the population became Christians in the first half of the 20th century.

===Post 1947===
By the time India gained independence from the British Empire, the number of tribal chiefs had increased to over 200. The educated elites among the Mizos campaigned against the tribal [[chiefdom]]s under the banner of the [[Mizo Union]]. As a result of their campaign, the hereditary rights of the 259 chiefs were abolished under the Assam-Lushai District ("Acquisition of Chief's Rights") Act, 1954.<ref name="Suhas1995"/><ref name=misai/> Village courts were re-implemented in the Mizo region along with other parts of Assam. Few Christian missionaries came to Mizoram, during colonial period, knowing that the rural hill population is busy fighting among between different tribes. The missionaries propagated Christianity with the support of the British government. As a result, majority converted to Christianity and changed their faiths without giving up any resistance. The Mizos were particularly dissatisfied with the government's inadequate response to the 1959–60 [[mautam]] famine. The Mizo National Famine Front, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the [[Mizo National Front]] (MNF) in 1961.<ref name="Braja1998"/> A period of protests and [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|armed insurgency]] followed in the 1960s, which resulted in the MNF seeking independence from India.<ref name=dommen/> The Mizo insurgents were getting funded and sponsored by then East Pakistan and China. However, the turmoil for secession from India staged by MNF failed to garner any public support or participation from people. In an attempt to counter these insurgency threats, the Indian government bombed state areas affected with insurgency (which is the only known bombing of India on its own soil) on 5 March 1966. Four French-built Dassault Ouragan Fighter Jets (nicknamed Toofani) of the Indian Air Force and British hunters from Tezpur, Kumbhirgram and Jorhat in Assam were deployed to Aizawl (the heart of Mizoram) and other areas as a part of the operation, which continued until 13 March.

In 1971, the government agreed to convert the Mizo Hills into a Union Territory, which became Mizoram in 1972. Following the [[Mizoram Peace Accord]] (1986) between the Government and the MNF, Mizoram was declared a full-fledged state of India in 1987.<ref name = "AlfredJuan2011">{{cite book | first1 =Alfred | last1 =Stepan | first2 =Juan J | last2 =Linz | first3 =Yogendra | last3 =Yadav | title =Crafting State-Nations: India and Other Multinational Democracies | url =https://books.google.com/books?id=kGUuOdeCiXQC&pg=PA105 | access-date =28 August 2013 | date =20 January 2011 | publisher =JHU Press | isbn =978-0-8018-9723-8 | pages =105– | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142846/http://books.google.com/books?id=kGUuOdeCiXQC&pg=PA105 | archive-date =31 December 2013 | url-status =live | df =dmy-all }}</ref> Mizoram was given two seats in the [[Parliament of India|Parliament]], one each in the [[Lok Sabha]] and in the [[Rajya Sabha]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Baruah|first=Sanjib|title= Durable Disorder: Understanding the Politics of Northeast India|year=2007|publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref>

The Christian majority Mizo population started persecuting and driving the Buddhist Chakmas and Hindu Brus, both minorities in the state, out of Mizoram after statehood. In 2020, India started settling persecuted Brus in the neighbouring state of Tripura to address the issue. After the statehood of Mizoram, the region has benefited considerably from the creation of a Central University, High Court Bench and autonomous districts for tribes.

==Geography==
[[file:Tuirihiau falls, Mizoram 2.jpg|thumb|Tuirihiau falls]]
{{Main|Geography of Mizoram}}
Mizoram is a landlocked state in [[Northeast India|North East India]] whose southern part shares 722<ref name=ppimizo/> kilometres long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and northern part share domestic borders with Manipur, Assam and Tripura. It is the fifth smallest state of India with {{convert|21087|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}}. It extends from 21°56'N to 24°31'N, and 92°16'E to 93°26'E.<ref name=ripa>Rintluanga Pachuau, pagal Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography, {{ISBN|978-81-7211-264-6}}, Chapter 3</ref> The [[tropic of cancer]] runs through the state nearly at its middle. The maximum north–south distance is 285 km, while maximum east–west stretch is 115 km.<ref name=ripa/>

Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes. As many as 21 major hill ranges or peaks of different heights run through the length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there. The average height of the hills to the west of the state are about {{convert|1000|m|ft}}. These gradually rise up to {{convert|1300|m|ft}} to the east. Some areas, however, have higher ranges which go up to a height of over {{convert|2000|m|ft}}. [[Phawngpui|Phawngpui Tlang]] also known as the Blue Mountain, situated in the southeastern part of the state, is the highest peak in Mizoram at {{convert|2210|m|ft}}.<ref name=haba>Hamlet Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, {{ISBN|8170997925}}, pp 173-175</ref> About 76% of the state is covered by forests, 8% is fallows land, 3% is barren and considered uncultivable area, while cultivable and sown area constitutes the rest.<ref>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf Hydro Electric Power Policy of Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093148/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf |date=3 September 2014 }} Government of Mizoram (2010), page 2</ref> [[Slash-and-burn]] or ''jhum'' cultivation, though discouraged, remains in practice in Mizoram and affects its topography.<ref>T. R. Shankar Raman, Effect of Slash-and-Burn Shifting Cultivation on Rainforest Birds in Mizoram, Northeast India Conservation Biology, Vol. 15, No. 3 (Jun. 2001), pp. 685-698</ref><ref>Grogan, P., Lalnunmawia, F., & Tripathi, S. K. (2012), Shifting cultivation in steeply sloped regions: a review of management options and research priorities for Mizoram state Northeast India, Agroforestry systems, 84(2), 163-177</ref> The State of Forest Report 2017 states that Mizoram has the highest forest cover as a percentage of its geographical area of any Indian state, being 86.27% forest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/ISFR2017|title=Total Forest and Tree cover|last=Kumar|first=Rahul|date=14 April 2019|website=pib.nic.in}}</ref>

{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
| align = right
| width = 225px
| footer = Tlawng River (top) and Tuipui river of Mizoram
| image1 = Tlawng River.JPG
| image2 =Toipui, Tuipui river Mizoram India.jpg
}}
Mizoram terrain is, according to the Geological Survey of India, an immature topography, and the physiographic expression consists of several almost north–south longitudinal valleys containing series of small and flat hummocks, mostly anticlinal, parallel to sub-parallel hill ranges and narrow adjoining synclinal valleys with series of topographic highs. The general geology of western Mizoram consists of repetitive succession of Neogene sedimentary rocks of the Surma Group and Tipam Formation such as sandstone, siltstone, mudstone and rare pockets of shell limestone. The eastern part is the Barail Group.<ref name=gsi/> Mizoram lies in [[Earthquake hazard zoning of India|seismic zone V]], according to the India Meteorological Department; as with other northeastern states of India, this means the state has the highest risk of earthquakes relative to other parts of India.<ref>{{cite map |publisher=India Meteorological Department |title=Seismic zoning map |url=http://www.imd.gov.in/section/seismo/static/seismo-zone.htm |access-date=20 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603143951/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/seismo/static/seismo-zone.htm |archive-date=3 June 2014 }}</ref>

The biggest river in Mizoram is Chhimtuipui, also known as Kaladan (or Kolodyne). It originates in Chin state in Burma and passes through [[Saiha district|Saiha]] and [[Lawngtlai district|Lawngtlai]] districts in the southern tip of Mizoram, goes back to Burma's Rakhine state. Although many more rivers and streams drain the hill ranges, the most important and useful rivers are the [[Tlawng]], [[Tut River|Tut]], [[Tuirial River|Tuirial]] and [[Tuivawl River|Tuivawl]] which flow through the northern territory and eventually join the [[Barak River]] in [[Cachar District]]. The rivers have a gentle drainage gradient particularly in the south.<ref name=gsi/>

Palak lake is the biggest in Mizoram and covers {{convert|30|ha|acre}}. The lake is situated in Saiha district of southern Mizoram. It is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood. The local people believe that a submerged village remains intact deep under the waters. The [[Tam Dil]] lake is a natural lake situated {{convert|85|km|mi}} from Aizawl. Legend has it that a huge [[mustard plant]] once stood in this place. When the plant was cut down, jets of water sprayed from the plant and created a pool of water, thus the lake was named Ţam Dil which means of 'lake of mustard plant'. Today the lake is an important tourist attraction and a holiday resort. The most significant lake in Mizo history, [[Rih Lake|Rih Dil]], is ironically located in Burma, a few kilometres from the Indo-Burma border. It was believed that departed souls pass through this lake before making their way to [[Pialral]] or heaven. Mizoram is also called a "peninsula state" as it is surrounded by international borders on three sides.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}

===Climate===
Mizoram has a mild climate, being relatively cool in summer {{convert|20|to|29|C|F}} but progressively warmer, most probably due to climate change, with summer temperatures crossing 30 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures ranging from {{convert|7|to|22|C|F}}. The region is influenced by [[monsoon]]s, raining heavily from May to September with little rain in the dry (cold) season. The climate pattern is moist tropical to moist sub-tropical, with average state rainfall {{convert|254|cm|in}} per annum. In the capital Aizawl, rainfall is about {{convert|215|cm|in}} and in [[Lunglei]], another major centre, about {{convert|350|cm|in}}.<ref name=gsi>{{Cite report| title= Geology and mineral resources of Manipur, Mizoram, '''Nagaland''' and Tripura| url= http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiImages/information/miscpub30-4-2_man-mizo-naga-tripura.pdf| publisher= Geological Survey of India, Government of India| series= Miscellaneous publication No. 30 Part IV| volume= 1 (Part-2)| year= 2011| access-date= 20 June 2014| url-status= dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130510091749/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/gsiImages/information/miscpub30-4-2_man-mizo-naga-tripura.pdf| archive-date= 10 May 2013| df= dmy-all}}</ref> The state is in a region where cyclones and landslides can cause weather-related emergencies.<ref>[http://ndma.gov.in/en/mizoram-sdma-office Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329161431/http://www.ndma.gov.in/en/mizoram-sdma-office |date=29 March 2014 }} National Disaster Management Authority, Govt of India (2011)</ref>

{{Weather box
|collapsed=
|open= yes
|metric first=yes
|single line= yes
|location= Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram

|temperature colour= 


|Jan high F= |Jan high C=20.4
|Feb high F= |Feb high C=21.7
|Mar high F= |Mar high C=25.2
|Apr high F= |Apr high C=26.8
|May high F= |May high C=26.3
|Jun high F= |Jun high C=25.5
|Jul high F= |Jul high C=25.3
|Aug high F= |Aug high C=25.5
|Sep high F= |Sep high C=25.7
|Oct high F= |Oct high C=24.7
|Nov high F= |Nov high C=23.0
|Dec high F= |Dec high C=21.0
|year high F= |year high C=

|Jan low F= |Jan low C=11.4
|Feb low F= |Feb low C=12.8
|Mar low F= |Mar low C=15.6
|Apr low F= |Apr low C=17.5
|May low F= |May low C=18.1
|Jun low F= |Jun low C=18.9
|Jul low F= |Jul low C=19.1
|Aug low F= |Aug low C=19.1
|Sep low F= |Sep low C=19.2
|Oct low F= |Oct low C=18.0
|Nov low F= |Nov low C=15.1
|Dec low F= |Dec low C=12.2
|year low F= |year low C=

|precipitation colour= 

|Jan precipitation inch= |Jan precipitation cm= |Jan precipitation mm=13.4
|Feb precipitation inch= |Feb precipitation cm= |Feb precipitation mm=23.4
|Mar precipitation inch= |Mar precipitation cm= |Mar precipitation mm=73.4
|Apr precipitation inch= |Apr precipitation cm= |Apr precipitation mm=167.7
|May precipitation inch= |May precipitation cm= |May precipitation mm=289.0
|Jun precipitation inch= |Jun precipitation cm= |Jun precipitation mm=406.1
|Jul precipitation inch= |Jul precipitation cm= |Jul precipitation mm=320.4
|Aug precipitation inch= |Aug precipitation cm= |Aug precipitation mm=320.6
|Sep precipitation inch= |Sep precipitation cm= |Sep precipitation mm=305.2
|Oct precipitation inch= |Oct precipitation cm= |Oct precipitation mm=183.7
|Nov precipitation inch= |Nov precipitation cm= |Nov precipitation mm=43.2
|Dec precipitation inch= |Dec precipitation cm= |Dec precipitation mm=15.3
|year precipitation inch= |year precipitation cm= |year precipitation mm=

|source 1=<ref name="IMD">{{Cite web|url=http://www.imd.gov.in/doc/climateimp.pdf |title=Monthly mean maximum & minimum temperature and total rainfall based upon 1901–2000 data |publisher=India Meteorology Department |page=8 |access-date=20 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413020426/http://www.imd.gov.in/doc/climateimp.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2015 }}</ref>
}}

===Biodiversity===
{| class="toccolours" style="margin:1em; float:right; width:25%;"
|+ '''State symbols of Mizoram'''<ref>{{cite web|title=Mizoram at a glance|url=http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm|publisher=National Informatics Centre:Mizoram|access-date=5 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630154732/http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm|archive-date=30 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| '''Animal'''
| [[Serow]] (Saza) || [[File:Serow_Capricornis_sumatraensis.JPG|50px]]
|-
| '''Bird'''
| [[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]] (Vavu)|| [[File:Syrmaticus_humiae.jpg|50px]]
|-
| '''Tree'''
| [[Mesua ferrea|Indian rose chestnut]] (Herhse) || [[File:MesuaFerrea_IronWood.jpg|50px]]
|-
| '''Flower'''
| [[Red Vanda]] (Senhri)|| [[File:Wanda_blau.JPG|50px]]
|}
{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
| align = left
| width =
| footer = Vavu ([[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]]) is the state bird<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm Mizoram at a glance] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630154732/http://mizoram.nic.in/about/glance.htm |date=30 June 2015 }} Government of India</ref> (top) and Senhri ([[Renanthera imschootiana]]) the state flower of Mizoram.<ref>[http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/state-flower State Flower] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106125602/http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/state-flower |date=6 November 2014 }} Government of Mizoram</ref>
| image2 =
| image1 = Burmese Barred-backed Pheasant by George Edward Lodge.png
}}
Mizoram has the third highest total forest cover with {{formatnum:1594000}} hectares ({{formatnum:3940000}} acres), and highest percentage area (90.68%) covered by forests, among the states of India, according to 2011 Forest Survey of India.<ref name=fsi11/> Tropical semi-evergreen, tropical moist deciduous, subtropical broadleaved hill and subtropical pine forests are the most common vegetation types found in Mizoram. Bamboo is common in the state, typically intermixed with other forest vegetation; about 9,245 km2 (44%) of the state's area is bamboo bearing. The state and central governments of India have cooperated to reserve and protect 67% of the land covered by forests, and additional 15% by management. Only 17% of the land is non-forested area for cultivation, industry, mining, housing and other commercial human activity. Satellite data suggests 91% of state's geographical area is covered by forests.<ref name=fsi11>[http://www.fsi.org.in/cover_2011/mizoram.pdf 9.19 Mizoram] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126034506/http://www.fsi.org.in/cover_2011/mizoram.pdf |date=26 November 2013 }} India State of Forest Report 2011, Govt of India (2012)</ref>

Jhum cultivation, or slash-and-burn practice, was a historic tradition in Mizoram and a threat to its forest cover. This practice has reduced in recent decades, due to a government-supported initiative to support horticultural crops such as pineapple and banana plantations.<ref name=fsi11/>

[[File:Neptunia oleracea-IMG 1661.jpg|thumb|Neptunia oleracea]]
Mizoram is host to numerous species of birds, wildlife and flora. About 640 species of birds have been identified in the state, many of which are endemic to the Himalayan foothills and southeast Asia. Of the birds found in Mizoram forests, 27 are on the worldwide threatened species lists and eight are on the critically endangered list.<ref name=avibase>[http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=INneml&list=howardmoore Birds of Meghalaya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122054357/http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/checklist.jsp?region=INneml&list=howardmoore |date=22 January 2015 }} Avibase (2013)</ref> Prominent birds spotted in Mizoram include those from the families of [[Phasianidae]], [[Anatidae]], [[Ciconiidae]], [[Threskiornithidae]], [[Ardeidae]], [[Pelecanidae]], [[Phalacrocoracidae]], [[Falconidae]], [[Accipitridae]], [[Otididae]], [[Rallidae]], [[Heliornithidae]], [[Turnicidae]], [[Burhinidae]], [[Charadriidae]], [[Scolopacidae]], [[Jacanidae]], [[Laridae]], [[Columbidae]], [[Psittacidae]], [[Cuculidae]], [[Strigidae]], [[Caprimulgidae]], [[Apodidae]], [[Alcedinidae]], [[Meropidae]], [[Bucerotidae]], [[Ramphastidae]], [[Picidae]], [[Pittidae]], [[Laniidae]], [[Campephagidae]], [[Dicruridae]], [[Corvidae]], [[Paridae]], [[Hirundinidae]], [[Cisticolidae]], [[Pycnonotidae]], [[Sylviidae]], [[Timaliidae]], [[Sittidae]], [[Sturnidae]], [[Turdidae]], Dicaedae, [[Chloropseidae]], [[Ploceidae]], [[Motacillidae]], [[Fringillidae]], [[Nectariniidae]] and [[Muscicapidae]].<ref name=avibase/> Each of these families have many species.

The state is also host to a variety of fauna, just like its sister northeastern Indian states. Mammal species observed in the Mizoram forests include [[Sunda slow loris|slow loris]] (''Nycticebus coucang''), [[red serow]] (''Capricornis rubidus''), which is the state animal, [[Himalayan goral|goral]] (''Nemorhaedus goral''), [[tiger]] (''Panthera tigris''), [[leopard]] (''Panthera pardus''), [[clouded leopard]] ("Neofelis nebulosi"), [[leopard cat]] (''Prionailurus bengalensis''), [[Bengal fox]] (''Vulpes bengalensis''), and [[Asiatic black bear]] (''Ursus thibetanus''). Primates seen include [[stump-tailed macaque]] (''Macaca arctoides''), hoolock gibbon (''Hylobates hoolock''), [[Phayre's leaf monkey]] (''Trachypithecus phayrei'') and [[capped langur]] (''Trachypithecus pileatus''). The state is also home to many reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.<ref>Pawar, S. and Birand, A. (2001), A survey of amphibians, reptiles and birds in Northeast India, CERC Technical Report 6, Centre for Ecological Research and Conservation, Mysore</ref><ref>Choudhury (2001), Primates in Northeast India: An overview of their Distribution and Conservation Status, In: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife and Protected Areas, Non-Human Primates of India. (Editor: Gupta) 1(1): 92-101</ref>

The state has two national parks and six wildlife sanctuaries – Blue Mountain (Phawngpui) National Park, Dampa Tiger Reserve (largest), Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Murlen National Park, Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, and Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary.<ref>[http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/wildlife-sanctuary.html WILDLIFE SANCTUARY] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718022426/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/wildlife-sanctuary.html |date=18 July 2014 }} Department of Tourism, Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref>

==Demographics==
{{IndiaCensusPop
|title = Population growth
|1951 = 196202
|1961 = 266063
|1971 = 332390
|1981 = 493757
|1991 = 689573
|2001 = 888573
|2011 = 1091014
|estimate =
|estyear =
|estref =
|footnote = Source:Census of India<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in}}</ref>
|1901=82434|1911=91204|1931=124404|1941=152786|1921=98406}}
Mizoram has a population of 1,091,014 with 552,339 males and 538,675 females.<ref name=mizocensus>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2-vol2/data_files/Mizoram/Chapter_2.pdf|title=CHAPTER 2 SIZE, GROWTH RATE AND RURAL-URBAN DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION IN MIZORAM|publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113201758/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2-vol2/data_files/Mizoram/Chapter_2.pdf|archive-date=13 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> This reflects a 22.8% growth since 2001 census; still, Mizoram is second least populated state of [[India]]. The sex ratio of the state is 976 females per thousand males, higher than the national ratio 940. The density of population is 52 persons per square kilometre.<ref name=mizocensus2>{{cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND015_Mizoram.pdf|title=Mizoram Profile|publisher=Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324140658/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND015_Mizoram.pdf|archive-date=24 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[literacy rate]] of Mizoram in 2011 was 91.33 per cent,<ref name=mizocensus2/> higher than the national average 74.04 per cent, and second best among all the states of India. About 52% of Mizoram population lives in urban areas, much higher than India's average. Over one third of the population of Mizoram lives in [[Aizawl district]], which hosts the capital.<ref name=mizocensus/><ref>{{cite web|title= Classification of urban areas and rural areas in Mizoram|url= http://mizoram.nic.in/printing/508/227.pdf|publisher= The Mizoram Gazette|access-date= 27 August 2012|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130412010645/http://mizoram.nic.in/printing/508/227.pdf|archive-date= 12 April 2013|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = Alphabetical list of towns & their population, Mizoram| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/towns/miz_towns.pdf| publisher = Census| location = [[India]]| access-date = 27 August 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120927073924/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/towns/miz_towns.pdf| archive-date = 27 September 2012| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}</ref>

===Ethnic groups===
The great majority of Mizoram's population consists of several ethnic tribes who are either culturally or linguistically linked. These ethnic groups are collectively known as [[Mizo people|Mizo]]s (''Mi'' means People, ''Zo'' meaning the name of a progenitor; Mizo thus is People of Zo origin<ref name=misai>Michael Sailo (2006), Administration of Justice in Mizoram, {{ISBN|978-8183240598}}, Chapter 2</ref>). Mizo people are spread throughout the [[Northeast India|northeastern states of India]], [[Myanmar|Burma]], and [[Bangladesh]]. They belong to numerous tribes; however, to name a particular tribe as the largest is difficult as no concrete census has ever been undertaken.

Sometime in the 16th century CE, the first batch of Mizo crossed Tiau river and settled in Mizoram and they were called as [[Kuki people|Kukis]] by [[Bengalis]].<ref name=lsmgov/> The term Kuki mean the inhabitants of the interior and inaccessible mountain tracts. Sometimes grouped as [[Kuki-Chin-Mizo people|Kuki-Chin]] tribes, The First batch were called Old Kukis which are the [[Biate people|Biate]] and the [[Hrangkhol people|Hrangkhol]] and the second batch that followed include [[Lushei]] (or Lusei), [[Paite people|Paite]], [[Lai people|Lai]], [[Mara people|Mara]], [[Ralte people|Ralte]], [[Hmar people|Hmar]], [[Thadou people|Thadou]], Shendus, and several other.<ref name=lsmgov>[http://landrevenue.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/historical-evolution-of-mizoram.pdf THE LAND SYSTEMS OF MIZORAM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714155933/http://landrevenue.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/historical-evolution-of-mizoram.pdf |date=14 July 2014 }}, Govt of Mizoram (2007)</ref> These tribes are subdivided into numerous clans, and these clans are further sub-divided into sub-clans, for example the Hmars are divided into Thiek, [[Saihriem people|Faihriem]], Lungtau, Darngawn, [[Khawbung]], Zote and others. These clans sometimes have slight linguistic differences. The [[Bru people|Bru]] ([[Reang language|Reang]]), [[Chakma people|Chakma]], [[Tanchangya people|Tanchangya]], origin of Northern [[Arakan Mountains|Arakan Mountain]], are some non-Kuki tribes of Mizoram, with some suggestion that some of these are [[Indo-Aryan peoples|Indo-Aryan]] in their origins.<ref name=lsmgov/> The [[Bnei Menashe]] tribe claim [[Jews|Jewish]] descent.<ref name=mzote>Zote, Mona (2005), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/23006028 Heaven in Hell: A paradox] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002342/https://www.jstor.org/stable/23006028 |date=13 September 2018 }}, India International Centre Quarterly, Vol. 32, No. 2/3, pp 203-212.</ref>

The diversity of tribal groups reflects the historical immigration patterns. Different tribes and sub-tribes arrived in the present Mizoram, in successive waves and settled down in different parts of the state. Further, as they arrived, there were raids, fear of raids and intertribal feuds. The resulting isolation and separation created numerous tribes and sub-tribes.<ref name=lsmgov/> The Mizo people usually suffix their descriptive given names with their tribe.

Other than tribal groups, other ethnic groups inhabit Mizoram. For example, [[Gurkha|Nepali Gorkhas]] were encouraged to settle in [[Aizawl]] area and other parts of Mizoram during the British colonial times. Thousands of their descendants are now residents of Mizoram.<ref>Hamlet Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, {{ISBN|8170997925}}, pp 260-261</ref>

===Protected demographic category===
According to 2011 census, Mizoram had 1,036,115 people (95% of total) classified as [[Scheduled Tribe]], the highest concentration of protected tribal people in all states of India.<ref name=tribalmizo>[http://www.tribal.gov.in/WriteReadData/CMS/Documents/201306110208002203443DemographicStatusofScheduledTribePopulationofIndia.pdf Demographic Status of Scheduled Tribe Population of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903101121/http://www.tribal.gov.in/WriteReadData/CMS/Documents/201306110208002203443DemographicStatusofScheduledTribePopulationofIndia.pdf |date=3 September 2013 }} Table 1.1, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India (2013)</ref><ref>[http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/fiveyr/10th/volume2/v2_ch4_2.pdf SCHEDULED TRIBES Chapter 4.2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616053238/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/planrel/fiveyr/10th/volume2/v2_ch4_2.pdf |date=16 June 2015 }} Planning Commission, Govt of India (2012)</ref> This demographic classification, given to [[List of Scheduled Tribes in India|Mizoram tribes]] since the 1950s, has provided reservations and extra resources in education and government job opportunities, a preferential treatment as a means to accelerate their integration with mainstream society.<ref>[http://www.tribal.nic.in/Content/IntroductionScheduledTribes.aspx Scheduled Tribes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620031439/http://tribal.nic.in/Content/IntroductionScheduledTribes.aspx |date=20 June 2014 }} Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India (2013)</ref>

===Languages===
{{Main|Mizo language}}

{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Languages of Mizoram in 2011<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|last=ORGI|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=9 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815035759/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|archive-date=15 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1500.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=3 January 2021}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Mizo language|Mizo]]
| value1 = 73.13
| color1 = salmon
| label2 = [[Chakma language|Chakma]]
| value2 = 8.51
| color2 = darkblue
| label3 = [[Mara language|Mara]]
| value3 = 3.84
| color3 = pink
| label4 = [[Kokborok language|Tripuri]]
| value4 = 2.99
| color4 = red
| label5 = [[Hakha Chin language|Pawi]]
| value5 = 2.62
| color5 = gold
| label6 = [[Paite language|Paite]]
| value6 = 2.04
| color6 = maroon
| label7 = [[Hmar language|Hmar]]
| value7 = 1.65
| color7 = orange
| label8 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| value8 = 1.37
| color8 = turquoise
| label9 = Other
| value9 = 3.85
| color9 = Grey
}}

[[Mizo language|Mizo]], English and [[Hindi]] are the official languages of the state. Mizo is the most widely used language for verbal interactions, but English, being important for education, administration, formalities and governance, is widely used. The Duhlian dialect, also known as the [[Lusei]], was the first language of Mizoram and has come to be known as the [[Mizo language]]. The language is mixed with other dialects like the [[Hmar language|Hmar]], [[Mara language|Mara]], [[Lai languages|Lai]], [[Thadou-Kuki]], [[Paite language|Paite]], [[Gangte language|Gangte]], etc. Christian missionaries developed the Mizo script. Writing is a combination of the [[Roman Script]] and [[Hunterian transliteration]] methodology with prominent traces of a phonetics-based spelling system. There are 25 letters in the alphabet: ''A, AW, B, CH, D, E, F, G, NG, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, R, S, T, Ṭ ''(with a dot under)'', U, V, Z''.

===Religion===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Mizoram (2011)<ref name= "census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community - 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Christianity]]
|value1 = 87.16
|color1 = dodgerblue
|label2 = [[Buddhism]]
|value2 = 8.51
|color2 = Yellow
|label3 = [[Hinduism]]
|value3 = 2.75
|color3 = darkorange
|label4 = [[Islam]]
|value4 = 1.35
|color4 = Green
|label5 = Other or not religious
|value5 = 0.23
|color5 = Black
}}
The majority (87%) of Mizos are [[Christians]] in various denominations, predominantly [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]]. Mizoram has a significant [[Theravada Buddhist]] population of 8.5%, who are mainly [[Chakma people]], making them the largest religious minority in the region, followed by [[Hindus]] at 2.7% according to the 2011 census.<ref name = "census2011"/> There are several thousand people, mostly ethnic Mizo, who have converted to [[Judaism]] claiming to be one of the lost Judaic tribe group [[Bnei Menashe]], with descent from the biblical [[Menasseh]].<ref name=mzote/> [[Muslims]] make up about 1.3% of the state population. The remaining 3,000 people are [[Sikhs]], [[Jainism|Jains]] and other religions.

====Christianity====
{{Main|History of Christianity in Mizoram}}
[[File:Solomon's Temple on a cloudy day.jpg|thumb|left|[[Solomon's Temple, Aizawl]]]]
The major Christian denomination is [[Mizoram Presbyterian Church]] which was established by a Welsh missionary Rev. D.E. Jones starting in 1894.<ref>T Raatan, Encyclopaedia of North-east India: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram; {{ISBN|978-8178350684}}</ref> By the time [[India]] gained independence from [[British Empire]], some 80% of [[Lushei]] tribe people had converted to [[Christianity]].<ref name=cnun>C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}, pp 59-63</ref> The [[Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod|Mizoram Presbyterian Church]] is one of the constituted bodies of the [[Presbyterian Church of India|General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of India]] at [[Shillong]] in [[Meghalaya]]; it became the dominant Christian group in north Mizoram hills. In the southern hills of Mizoram, the [[Baptist Church of Mizoram|Baptist Church]] had the dominant following.<ref name=cnun/> Other Christian churches present in Mizoram include the [[United Pentecostal Church]], the [[Salvation Army]], the [[Seventh-day Adventist Church]], [[Church of God (Seventh-Day)|Church of God (Seventh Day)]], Mizoram Conference, [[Kohhran Thianghlim]], [[Roman Catholic]], Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Kohhran (LIKBK), [[Congregational Church of India (Maraland)]], [[Evangelical Church of Maraland]], Independent Church of India (ICI) and Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI).

====Buddhism====
According to 2011 census report there are 93,411 people who follow [[Buddhism]] in Mizoram.<ref name= "census2011"/> The [[Chakma people|Chakmas]] and [[Tanchangya people|Tongchangya or Tanchangya]] have been Buddhist since {{when|date=May 2017}} historical times and there are approximately one hundred monasteries (known as [[Vihāra|vihara]] in [[Pali]]) in Mizoram. Of the many schools of Buddhism that are exist recent time [[Theravada]] [[Buddhism]] in Mizoram.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}

====Hinduism====
According to the 2011 census, there were 30,136 [[Hindu]]s in Mizoram or about 2.75% of the population.<ref name= "census2011"/> Earlier there were significant Hindu population among the [[Reang language|Reang]] ([[Bru people|Bru]]) communities, but after the communal clash, many of them migrated to [[Tripura]] and [[Assam]].{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} In 1961, the Hindu population was about 6%.<ref name=cnun/>

====Others====
There are also a few Mizos who practice [[Judaism]] (866 according to the 2001 census) and a modernised traditional Mizo religion called ''Hnam sakhua'', which puts a particular emphasis on Mizo culture and seeks to revive traditional Mizo values, while at the same time attacking the influence brought about by [[Christianity]] on Mizo people.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}

A total of 1,367 people practised the Mizo religion according to the 2001 census. This number included, in addition to the original Mizo religion (755 people), adherents of other tribal religions such as Lalchhungkua (279), Lalhnam (122), and Nunna Lalchhungkua (211).<ref>Table ST-14a, Indian Census 2001</ref>

==Politics==
{{Main|Politics of Mizoram|Government of Mizoram}}
[[File:Mizoram Assembly House.jpg|thumb|Mizoram Assembly House]]
Originally village land, locally called ''ram'', was the property of the tribal chief. The institution of [[chieftainship]] began in the 16th century. Each village behaved like a small state, and the chief was called ''Lal''. The rule was hereditary, and there were no written laws (the first script for Mizo language was developed by [[Christian Missionaries]] Lorraine and Savidge about 1895).<ref name=misai/>

After annexation by the [[British Empire|British]] in the 1890s, northern part of Mizoram was administered as the [[Lushai Hills]] district of [[Assam]], while southern Mizoram was part of [[Bengal]]. In 1898, the southern part was transferred from Bengal to Assam. The colonial power retained the chiefs and Mizo customs, including the socially stratified hereditary transfer of political power. In 1937, under Section 6 of the Scheduled District Act, the British administration<ref name=misai/> consolidated executive and legislative political power to the [[Deputy Commissioner (India)|Deputy Commissioner]] and [[District magistrate]]s, with village chiefs in advisory role. The political and judiciary powers of chiefs were neither final nor exclusive, thereafter. Rulings could be appealed to courts staffed with British officials. After India gained independence from the colonial rule, the region was granted autonomous status in 1952, where Mizo people formulated their own laws and delivered judicial decisions. The region was renamed as Mizo District within Assam State in April 1954 and in that year, the institution of hereditary chieftainship was abolished, and instead village courts/council were set up.<ref name=misai/> In the same year the [[Young Mizo Association]] was formed which is still an important institution in Mizoram.

The representatives of the Lushai Hills Autonomous District Council and the [[Mizo Union]] pleaded with the [[States Reorganisation Commission]] (SRC) to integrate the Mizo-dominated areas of [[Tripura]] and [[Manipur]] with the District Council in Assam. The tribal leaders in the northeast were unhappy with the final SRC recommendations and met in Aizawl in 1955 to form a new political party, [[Eastern Indian Tribal Union|Eastern India Tribal Union (EITU)]].<ref name=dommen>Dommen, A. J. (1967). Separatist Tendencies in Eastern India. Asian Survey, Vol. 7, No. 10 (Oct. 1967), 726-739</ref> This group raised their demand for a separate state comprising all the hill districts of [[Assam]]. However, the demand was not accepted by the government.

[[File:Mizoram University Entrance.JPG|thumb|left|Mizoram Peace Accord was signed in June 1986. The Accord granted political freedoms by making Mizoram a full state of India, and included infrastructure provisions such as a High Court and establishment of Mizoram University (shown).<ref>[http://peacemaker.un.org/india-mizoram-accord86 Memorandum of Settlement (Mizoram Accord)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013222318/http://peacemaker.un.org/india-mizoram-accord86 |date=13 October 2016 }}, United Nations</ref>]]
In the 1950s, the fears of [[Assamese people|Assamese]] hegemony and perceived lack of government concern led to growing discontent among the Mizos. The Mizos were particularly dissatisfied with the government's inadequate response to the 1959–60 [[mautam]] famine. The Mizo National Famine Front, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the [[Mizo National Front]] (MNF) in 1961.<ref name="Braja1998">{{cite book | first=Braja Bihārī | last=Kumāra | title=Small States Syndrome in India | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA75 | access-date=28 August 2013 | date=1 January 1998 | publisher=Concept | isbn=978-81-7022-691-8 | pages=75 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231142829/http://books.google.com/books?id=nKqF_AgDd4gC&pg=PA75 | archive-date=31 December 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Front sought sovereign independence for the Mizo territory, staging an armed insurrection with the [[March 1966 Mizo National Front uprising|28 February 1966 uprising]] against the government.<ref name=dommen/> The revolt was suppressed by the government of India, which carried out airstrikes in Aizawl and surrounding areas.<ref>{{cite book|last = Lalchungnunga |title= Mizoram politics of regionalism and national integration|year= 1994|publisher=Reliance}}</ref><ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.newslink.in/2007/03/06/memories-of-inferno-still-remain-fresh | title = Memories of inferno still remain fresh | date = 6 March 2007 | newspaper = News link | place = IN | access-date = 17 April 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171951/http://www.newslink.in/2007/03/06/memories-of-inferno-still-remain-fresh | archive-date = 3 March 2016 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}.</ref> The secessionist Mizo National Front was outlawed in 1967, as the Mizo Union and other organisations continued the demand for a separate Mizo state within the Republic of India.

Assam state was split, re-organised into multiple political regions, Mizo hills area was declared Mizoram after the insurgency, and it received status as a Union Territory in 1972.<ref name=misai/> A Peace Accord was signed between central government and insurgent groups of Mizoram on 30 June 1986. Per the accord, insurgents surrendered their arms and Mizoram became the 23rd state of India in 1986, formalised the following year. The first election of Mizoram Legislative Assembly was held on 16 February 1987.<ref name=misai/> Elections have been held at 5-year intervals since then. The most recent [[2018 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election|Mizoram elections]] were held for 40 seats of legislative assembly on 28 November 2018. The voter turnout was 80%. The Mizo National Front led by [[Zoramthanga]] was elected to power.<ref>{{cite web|title=Assembly Elections December 2013 Results |work=ECI |publisher=Election Commission of India |url=http://eciresults.ap.nic.in |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6LocAsgys?url=http://eciresults.ap.nic.in |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[P. S. Sreedharan Pillai]] is the present governor of Mizoram.<ref name=TNM>{{cite news |title=Kerala BJP President PS Sreedharan Pillai appointed as Mizoram Governor |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kerala-bjp-president-ps-sreedharan-pillai-appointed-mizoram-governor-111216 |access-date=6 November 2019 |work=www.thenewsminute.com |date=26 October 2019}}</ref>

==Administration==
{{Main|List of districts of Mizoram}}
{| class="wikitable floatleft" style="text-align: center;"
|-
!District<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/ Districts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040130015404/http://mizoram.nic.in/ |date=30 January 2004 }} Government of Mizoram</ref>
!Population (2011)
!Population Density per km2
|-
| [[Aizawl district|Aizawl]]
| 400,309
| 117
|-
| [[Lunglei district|Lunglei]]
| 161,428
| 35
|-
| [[Champhai district|Champhai]]
| 125,745
| 37
|-
| [[Lawngtlai district|Lawngtlai]]
| 117,894
| 39
|-
| [[Mamit district|Mamit]]
| 86,364
| 29
|-
| [[Kolasib district|Kolasib]]
| 83,955
| 56
|-
| [[Serchhip district|Serchhip]]
| 64,937
| 47
|-
| [[Saiha district|Saiha]]
| 56,574
| 52
|}
[[File:Mizoramdistrictsmap.png|right|thumb|Districts of Mizoram]]

The Mizoram State Legislative Assembly has 40 seats and the Village Councils are the [[grassroots]] of democracy and leadership in Mizoram. The state has a chief minister, council of ministers with a portfolio of ministries responsible for different priorities and role of the government.<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/minister.htm Council of Ministers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624163948/http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/minister.htm |date=24 June 2014 }} Govt of Mizoram</ref>

There are three [[Autonomous regions of India|Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)]] for ethnic tribes in Mizoram, namely [[Chakma Autonomous District Council]] (in the southern part of state, bordering [[Bangladesh]]), [[Lai Autonomous District Council]] (LADC) for [[Lai people]] in the southern part of the state, and [[Mara Autonomous District Council]] (MADC) for [[Mara people]] in the southern-eastern corner. The Chakma people has been demanding to covert the existing [[Chakma Autonomous District Council]] in Mizoram into a Union territory under the name Chakmaland. This is because the predominantly Buddhist [[Chakma people]] in Mizoram have faced discrimination by the Mizo people, who are predominantly Christian.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2018/10/chakma-autonomous-district-council-mizoram/amp/|title=The Chakmas In Mizoram Are Struggling To Secure Their Rights And Identity|access-date=11 March 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2017/09/21/sc-verdict-on-chakmas-hajongs-could-prove-catastrophic-for-arunachal/|title=SC verdict on Chakmas, Hajongs could prove catastrophic for Arunachal|newspaper=Arunachal Times|author=Taba Ajum|date=21 September 2017|access-date=11 March 2021}}</ref>

There are eleven districts in Mizoram. A district of Mizoram is headed by a [[Deputy Commissioner]] who is in charge of the administration in that particular district. The Deputy Commissioner is the executive head of the district, responsible for implementing government regulations, the law and order situation in the district, as well as being responsible for tax collection for the government.<ref name=distgov/>

A Superintendent of Police is responsible for the police administration of each district.<ref name=distgov>[http://www.mizoram.gov.in/web/guest/districts Districts in Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006040655/http://www.mizoram.gov.in/web/guest/districts |date=6 October 2013 }} Govt of Mizoram (2012)</ref> These officials work with the village councils in each district.

==Economy==
{{Main |Economy of Mizoram}}
[[File:View of the ridgetop city of Aizawl, state capital of Mizoram.jpg|left|thumb|Aizawl The capital city of Mizoram]]
Mizoram gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2011-2012 was about {{INRConvert|69.91|b}}.<ref name=ppimizo/> The state's gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth rate was nearly 10% annually over 2001-2013 period. With international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, it is an important port state for southeast Asian imports to India, as well as exports from India.<ref name=ibef/>

The biggest contributors to state's GSDP growth are Agriculture, Public Administration and Construction work.<ref>{{cite news | title = Mizoram GSDP a thang chak NLUP inrêlbawlna sum a tam lo | url = http://vanglaini.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13838:mizoram-gsdp-a-thang-chak-nlup-inrelbawlna-sum-a-tam-lo-pl-thanga&catid=99:tualchhung&Itemid=2 | access-date = 24 August 2012 | newspaper = Vanglaini | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131017165537/http://www.vanglaini.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13838:mizoram-gsdp-a-thang-chak-nlup-inrelbawlna-sum-a-tam-lo-pl-thanga&catid=99:tualchhung&Itemid=2 | archive-date = 17 October 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Tertiary sector of service sector continued to have the contribution to the GSDP with its share hovering between 58 per cent and 60 per cent during the past decade.<ref name=ibef/><ref>{{cite news|title= Mizoram per capita income|url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mizoram-per-capita-income-rs-50-021/768758/|access-date= 20 August 2012|newspaper= Indian Express|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110406031208/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mizoram-per-capita-income-rs-50-021/768758/|archive-date= 6 April 2011|url-status= live|df= dmy-all}}</ref>

As of 2013, according to the [[Reserve Bank of India]], 20.4% of total state population is below poverty line, about same as the 21.9% average for India. Rural poverty is significantly higher in Mizoram, with 35.4% below the poverty line compared to India's rural poverty average of 25.7; while in urban areas of Mizoram, 6.4% are below the poverty line.<ref name=rbipov>{{cite web|url=http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |title=See 2012 data in 3rd set of Table 162, Number and Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line |publisher=Reserve Bank of India, Government of India |year=2013 |access-date=20 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102043/http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |archive-date= 7 April 2014 }}</ref>

Mizoram has a highly literate work force, with literacy rate of nearly 90% and widespread use of English. The state has a total of 4,300 kilometres of roads of which 927 kilometres are high quality national highways and 700 kilometres of state highways. The state is developing its Kolodyne river for navigation and international trade. Mizoram's airport is at the capital city of Aizawl. The state is a power deficit state, with plans to develop its hydroelectric potential. After agriculture, the major employer of its people include handloom and horticulture industries. Tourism is a growth industry. In 2008, the state had nearly 7,000 registered companies. The state government has been implementing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to encourage economic growth.<ref name=ibef2>[http://www.ibef.org/download/Mizoram_190111.pdf Mizoram Economy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233831/http://www.ibef.org/download/Mizoram_190111.pdf |date=3 March 2016 }} IBEF, New Delhi (2010)</ref>

===Agriculture===
[[File:Serchhip Zawlpui.jpg|thumb|A paddy field in Zawlpui, Serchhip]]
Between 55% to 60% of the working population of the state is annually deployed on agriculture.<ref name=sapagri/><ref name=agristat>[http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/Documents/Agriculture_Statiscal_Abstract_2012_13.pdf Agriculture Statistical Abstract 2012-2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808052945/http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/Documents/Agriculture_Statiscal_Abstract_2012_13.pdf |date=8 August 2014 }} Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref> The sector's contribution to the gross state domestic product was 30% in 1994, just 14% in 2009 due to economic growth of other sectors.<ref name=birthal>Birthal, Unlocking the potential of Agriculture in northeastern hill region of India, Ind. Journal of Agri. Econ., Vol 65, No. 3, July-Sept 2010, pp 335</ref>

Agriculture has traditionally been a subsistence profession in Mizoram. It is seen as a means for generate food for one's family, ignoring its potential for commerce, growth and prosperity. Rice remains the largest crop grown in Mizoram by gross value of output.<ref>Dikshit, K. R., & Dikshit, J. K. (2014), Agriculture in North-East India: Past and Present, In North-East India: Land, People and Economy (pp. 587-637), {{ISBN|978-94-007-7054-6}}, Springer Netherlands</ref> Fruits have grown to become the second largest category, followed by condiments and spices.<ref name=birthal/>

;Jhum practice
Before 1947, agriculture in Mizoram predominantly used to be slash-and-burn driven ''[[shifting cultivation|Jhum]]'' cultivation. This was discouraged by the state government, and the practice has been slowly declining.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mizoram to implement new land use policy|url=http://www.sify.com/news/mizoram-to-implement-new-land-use-policy-news-national-kdrtkededhc.html|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=Sify News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510071435/http://www.sify.com/news/mizoram-to-implement-new-land-use-policy-news-national-kdrtkededhc.html|archive-date=10 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> A 2012 report<ref name=goswami/> estimates the proportion of shifting cultivation area in Mizoram to be about 30% - predominant part of which was for rice production (56% to 63% depending on the year). Despite dedicating largest amount of labour, jhum cultivated and non-jhum crop area to rice, the yields are low; Mizoram average rice yields per acre is about 70% of India's average rice yield per acre and 32% of India's best yield. Mizoram produces about 26% of rice it consumes every year, and it buys the deficit from other states of India.<ref name=agristat/>

The crop area used for jhum cultivation rotates in Mizoram; that is, the area slashed and burnt for a crop is abandoned for a few years and then ''jhumias'' return to slash and burn the same plot after a few years of non-use. The primary reasons for cyclical jhum cultivation includes, according to Goswami et al.,<ref name=goswami>Goswami, K., Choudhury, H. K., & Saikia, J. (2012), ''Factors influencing farmers' adoption of slash and burn agriculture in North East India'', Forest Policy and Economics, 15, pp 146-151</ref> personal, economic, social and physical. Jhum cultivation practice offers low crop yields and is a threat to the biome of Mizoram; they suggest increased government institutional support, shift to higher income horticultural crops, assured supply of affordable food staples for survival as means to further reduce jhum cultivation.

;Horticulture
[[File:Oil palm in Mamit.JPG|thumb|upright|Oil palm in Mamit]]
In horticulture and floriculture, Mizoram is a significant producer and global exporter of ''[[Anthurium]]'' (over 7 million a year) and roses. It is also a significant producer and domestic supplier of banana, ginger, [[turmeric]], passion fruit, orange and [[Chayote|chowchow]].<ref name=ibef2/> Mizoram has accomplished this horticulture success and exports in 2009, with just 6% of its cultivated land dedicated to horticulture and floriculture, indicating a large potential for further growth and economic integration with other Indian states as well export driven economy.<ref>[http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Speeches/PDFs/MIZSP19122013.pdf Economic and Financial Developments in Mizoram] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406213724/http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Speeches/PDFs/MIZSP19122013.pdf |date=6 April 2014 }} Reserve Bank of India (2013)</ref> In 2013, the area dedicated to horticulture and floriculture increased to 9.4% of 1.2 million hectares potential.<ref name=ppimizo>[http://www.mizoram.gov.in/documents/19/1e418678-5683-4eb0-a809-42c143257876 Economic Survey, Mizoram 2012-13] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073027/http://www.mizoram.gov.in/documents/19/1e418678-5683-4eb0-a809-42c143257876 |date=28 April 2015 }} Planning & Programme Implementation, Department Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref>

The agricultural productivity is very low in Mizoram.<ref name=kumof/> The state gets a lot of rain, but its soil is porous and irrigation infrastructure very inadequate; this has affected it crop yield and reliability.<ref name=sapagri>[http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/sap.html State Agriculture Plan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716135331/http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in/sap.html |date=16 July 2014 }} Agriculture Department, Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref> The yield issue that can be addressed by building irrigation infrastructure and adoption of better crop technologies. The state also has very low consumption of fertiliser and pesticides, which scholars<ref name=kumof>Kumar et al. (2013), ''Prospects of organic agriculture in eastern himalayan region-A case study of Mizoram'', Progressive Agriculture, Vol 13, Issue 2, pp 139-150</ref> suggest offers an opportunity for organic farming particularly of vegetables and fruits.

===Forestry, fisheries and sericulture===
Mizoram is one of the leading producers of bamboo in India, has 27 species of bamboo, and supplies 14% of India's commercial bamboo.<ref name=ppimizo/><ref name=ibef/> Forest products contribute about 5% to the state's gross product. The state produces about 5,200 metric tonnes of fish a year, about 12% of potential that can be sustainably achieved.<ref name=ppimizo/> Sericulture is an important handicraft industry engaged by nearly 8,000 families in over 300 Mizo villages.<ref name=ibef>[http://www.ibef.org/states/Mizoram.aspx Mizoram Snapshot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702191426/http://www.ibef.org/states/Mizoram.aspx |date=2 July 2014 }} IBEF India</ref>

[[File:אנטוריום1.JPG|thumb|Mizoram produces over 7 million tonnes of Anthurium (shown), supplying the domestic market as well as exporting it to UAE, UK and Japan. The majority of producers and income earners from this business are Mizoram women.<ref name=ibef2/><ref>Singh and Punitha, ''Entrepreneurship Development through Anthurium Flower – A Case Study of Mizoram, North-East India'', Indian Res. J. Ext. Edu. 12 (3), September 2012, pp 74-78</ref>]]

===Industry===
Mizoram faces difficulties in the advancement of industries. Lack of transport infrastructure is one of the major drawbacks. Other problems faced by the state includes shortage of electricity, capital, telecommunication and export market access.

Mizoram has two industrial estates at Zuagtui and Kolasib.<ref name=ibef/> Another software technology park is being established in Mizoram University campus.<ref>{{cite news|title=Northeast's fourth software technology park in Mizoram|url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may0612/at0153|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=Assam Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716234449/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may0612%2Fat0153|archive-date=16 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The state government has acquired 127 acres of land in Khawnuam for development of the Indo-Myanmar border trade township.<ref name=ibef/>

===Education infrastructure===
{{Main|Education in Mizoram}}
[[File:SHSS building.jpg|thumb|left|A school campus in Mizoram]]
The first primary school was set up in 1898 at Aizawl by Christian missionaries. The state has long enjoyed higher literacy rates than average literacy rates for India. In 1961, the literacy was 51%.<ref>C. Nunthara (2002), Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}, pp 37-39</ref> By 2011 census, it had reached 92%, compared to 74% average for India.<ref name=ppimizo/> Mizoram is second only to [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|last=India Gov|title=India 2010 - A Reference Annual|url=http://india.gov.in/knowindia/profile.php?id=13|publisher=India Gov Website|access-date=10 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927023601/http://india.gov.in/knowindia/profile.php?id=13|archive-date=27 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

There were 3,894 schools in Mizoram as of 2012. Of these, 42% are publicly owned and managed by Central/State governments, 28% are private without government subsidies, 21% are private with government subsidies, and the rest are primary and middle schools that are government financed by run by three Autonomous District Councils of Mizoram. The teacher-pupil ratio is about 1:20 for primary, 1:9 for middle School, 1:13 for high, and 1:15 for higher secondary schools.<ref name=ppimizo/>

There are several educational establishments under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, including universities, colleges and other institutions. Within [[Mizoram University]], there are 29 undergraduate departments including 2 professional institutions affiliated with the university. The state had 22 other colleges, and the total college enrolment was approximately 10,600 students in 2012.<ref name=ppimizo/> Other well known institutes are [[National Institute of Technology Mizoram]], [[ICFAI University, Mizoram]], [[College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoram]] and [[Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Aizawl]].

===Energy infrastructure===
Mizoram is not self-sufficient in power. In 2012, the state had a demand for 107 MW of power, but had an effective installed capacity of only 29.35 MW. To bridge the gap, it purchased electricity from the national grid.<ref name=mizopow>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/annual-report-2011-12.pdf Annual Report For 2011-12] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428072850/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/annual-report-2011-12.pdf |date=28 April 2015 }} Power & Electricity Department, Government of Mizoram (2013)</ref>

Of the total installed power generation capacity, all 29.35 MW came from hydel. The state also has 22.92 MW of thermal power and 0.50 MW of Diesel generating set as of March 2012. The thermal and diesel generating stations were kept on standby mode owing to their high cost of operation, and because it was cheaper to buy the power from the national grid than to operate these standby units.<ref name=mizopow/>

The hydroelectric power potential of Mizoram was assessed to be about 3600 MW in 2010,<ref name=mizopow2>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf Hydro Electric Power Policy Of Mizoram - 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903093148/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/hydro-power-policy-of-mizoram.pdf |date=3 September 2014 }} Govt of Mizoram</ref> and about 4500 MW in 2012.<ref name=mizropow3>[http://power.mizoram.gov.in/page/hydro-power-potential-its-development.html Hydro Power Potential & its Development] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073205/http://power.mizoram.gov.in/page/hydro-power-potential-its-development.html |date=28 April 2015 }}, Power & Electricity Department, Government Of Mizoram</ref> If even half of this is realised, the state could supply all its citizens and industry with 24/7 electricity, as well as earn income by selling surplus power to the national grid. The topography of Mizoram hydroelectric resources is ideal for power projects. The following rivers are suited for hydel projects with minimal impact on its biosphere – [[Tuivai River|Tuivai]], Tuivawl, Tlawng, Tut, Serlui, Tuirial, Kolodyne, Tuichang, Tuipui, [[Tiau River|Tiau]] and Mat. Beyond the major rivers, Mizoram has many small but perennial streams and rivulets with ideal condition for developing micro/mini and small hydroelectric projects.<ref name=mizopow2/> The state has proposed projects to attract private investments on Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis with financial assistance in rehabilitating its citizens were they to be affected by the project. The largest proposed project is expected to be on Kolodyne (460 MW), and there are dozens of small to micro projects that have been identified.<ref name=mizopow2/>

By 2014, the state had signed memorandums to build and add 835 MW of electricity generation projects – Tuivai SHP with VGF (210 MW) in Champhai district, Kolodyne-II SHP with NHPC (460 MW) in Siaha district, Bairabi with Sikaria Power (80 MW) in Kolasib district, Tuirini with SPNL (38 MW) in Aizawl district, and Tuivawl with SPML as well (42 MW) in Aizawl district.<ref name=mizropow3/><ref>{{cite web |last= Lalfakzuala |title= Bairabi Dam Project 80MW leh Tlawng Hep 55MW Tan Mou Ziakfel |url= http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/bairabi-dam-project-80mw-leh-tlawng-hep-55mw-tan-mou-ziakfel |publisher= DIPR Mizoram |access-date= 13 August 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140108010749/http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/bairabi-dam-project-80mw-leh-tlawng-hep-55mw-tan-mou-ziakfel |archive-date= 8 January 2014 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}</ref>

===Transport infrastructure===
{{multiple image
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The state is the southernmost in India's far northeast, placing Mizoram in a disadvantageous position in terms of logistical ease, response time during emergencies, and its transport infrastructure. Prior to 1947, the distance to Kolkata from Mizoram was shorter; but ever since, travel through Bangladesh has been avoided, and traffic loops through Assam an extra 1,400 kilometres to access the economic market of West Bengal. This remoteness from access to economic markets of India is balanced by the state's closeness to southeast Asian market and its over 700 kilometres of international boundary.

*'''Road Network''': In 2012, Mizoram had a road network of around {{convert|8500|km|mi}} including unsurfaced village roads to surfaced national highways; and there were 106,000 registered motor vehicles.<ref name=ppimizo/> The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks that are typically lightly trafficked. Mizoram had 871 kilometres of national highways, 1,663 kilometres of state highways and 2,320 kilometres of surfaced district roads. All of Mizoram's 23 urban centres and 59% of its 764 villages are connected by all weather roads. However, landslide and weather damage to these roads is significant in parts.<ref>[http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=oct1413/oth06 Dilapidated roads snap Mizoram lifeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707200500/http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=oct1413%2Foth06 |date=7 July 2015 }} The Assam Tribune</ref> The state is connected to the Indian network through Silchar in Assam through the National Highway 54. Another highway, NH-150 connects the state's [[Seling]] Mizoram to Imphal [[Manipur]] and NH-40A links the State with [[Tripura]]. A road between [[Champhai]] and Tiddim in [[Burma]] has been proposed and is awaiting co-operation from the Burmese authorities.
[[File:Lengpui Airport Building.JPG|thumb|Lengpui Airport Building]]
*'''Airport''': Mizoram has an airport, [[Lengpui Airport]] (IATA: AJL), near Aizawl and its runway is 3,130 feet long at an elevation of 1,000 feet.<ref>[http://www.theairdb.com/airport/AJL.html Aijawl airport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017140307/http://theairdb.com/airport/AJL.html |date=17 October 2012 }} The Air Database (2011)</ref> Aizawl airport is linked from [[Kolkata]] – a 60-minute flight. Inclement weather conditions mean that at certain times the flights are unreliable. Mizoram can also be reached via Assam's [[Silchar Airport]], which is about {{convert|200|km|mi}} (around 6 hours) by road to Aizawl.
*'''Railway''': There is a rail link at [[Bairabi railway station]] but it is primarily for goods traffic. The nearest practical station to Mizoram is at [[Silchar]] in Assam. Bairabi is about {{convert|110|km|miles}} and [[Silchar]] is about {{convert|180|km|mi}} from the state capital. The Government is now planning to start a broad gauge [[Bairabi Sairang Railway]] connection for better connectivity in the state.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}
*'''Helicopter''': A Helicopter service by [[Pawan Hans]] has been started which connects the Aizawl with [[Lunglei]], [[Lawngtlai]], [[Saiha]], [[Chawngte]], [[Serchhip]], [[Champhai]], [[Kolasib]], [[Khawzawl]], [[Mamit]] and [[Hnahthial]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mizorama helicopter service Tur chief minister in Hawng |url=http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/mizorama-helicopter-service-tur-chief-minister-in-hawng |publisher=Mizoram DIPR |access-date=14 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212015939/http://dipr.mizoram.gov.in/press-release/mizorama-helicopter-service-tur-chief-minister-in-hawng |archive-date=12 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Nilaini atangin 'Helicopter Service|url=http://www.thezozamtimes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5455:nilaini-atangin-helicopter-service&catid=43:news&Itemid=63|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923163051/http://www.thezozamtimes.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5455:nilaini-atangin-helicopter-service&catid=43:news&Itemid=63|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 September 2015|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=The Zozam Times}}</ref>
*'''Water Ways''': Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab [[Sittwe]] in Burma along its biggest river, Chhimtuipui. It drains into Burma's Rakhine state, and finally enters the Bay of Bengal at [[Akyab]], which is a popular port in [[Sittwe]], Burma. The Indian government considers it a priority to set up inland water ways along this river to trade with Burma. The project is known as the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project.<ref>[http://mdoner.gov.in/content/introduction-1 Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628080601/http://mdoner.gov.in/content/introduction-1 |date=28 June 2014 }} Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region, Govt of India</ref> India is investing $103 million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma's northern coast, about {{convert|160|km|mi}} from Mizoram. [[State Peace and Development Council]] of Burma has committed $10 million for the venture.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=153748 | title = Govt to spend $100 million on linking Mizoram to Burma | newspaper = Financial Express | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070218035330/http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=153748 | archive-date = 18 February 2007 | df = dmy-all }}.</ref> The project is expected to be complete in 2015, and consists of two parts.<ref name=ntww/> First, river Kaladan (or Kolodyne, Chhimtuipui) is being dredged and widened from the port at Sittwe to Paletwa, in Chin province, adjacent to Mizoram. This 160 km inland waterway will enable cargo ships to enter, upload and offload freight in Paletwa, Myanmar; this is expected to be complete in 2014. As second part of the project, being constructed in parallel, includes a 62 km two-lane highway from Paletwa (also known as Kaletwa or Setpyitpyin) to Lomasu, Mizoram. Additionally, an all weather multilane 100 km road from Lomasu to Lawngtlai in Mizoram is being built to connect it with the Indian National Highway 54. This part of the project is slated to be complete by 2015. Once complete, this project is expected to economically benefit trade and horticulture exports of Mizoram, as well as improve economic access to 60 million people of landlocked northeast India and Myanmar.<ref name=ntww>Nava Thakuria, [https://thediplomat.com/2014/01/northeast-india-anticipates-seaport/ Northeast India Anticipates Seaport] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525032542/https://thediplomat.com/2014/01/northeast-india-anticipates-seaport/ |date=25 May 2014 }}, The Diplomat (20 January 2014)</ref>

==Education==
[[File:ATC, Mizoram.jpg|thumb|left|Aizawl Theological College]]
{{main|Education in Mizoram}}
{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Mizoram}}
Mizoram schools are run by the state and central government or by private organisation. Instruction is mainly in English and Mizo. Under the 10+2+3 plan, students may enroll in general or professional degree programs after passing the Higher Secondary Examination (the grade 12 examination). Mizoram has one [[Central University, India|Central University]] ([[Mizoram University]]), one engineering college ([[National Institute of Technology Mizoram]]) and one private university (a branch of the [[Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India]]). A medical college, [[Zoram Medical College]] was also inaugurated on 2018 and offer 100 seats for MBBS course.

==Culture==
The culture of the Mizo tribes and its social structure has undergone tremendous change over 100 years, since the arrival of Christianity in the late 1890s. Contemporary people of Mizoram celebrate Christmas, Easter and other Christian celebrations replacing many of old tribal customs and practices.

The growth of Christianity, scholars state,<ref>Z. Hlawndo, A STUDY OF THE CULTURAL FACTORS IN THE FOREIGN MISSIONS THINKING OF THE MIZORAM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PhD Thesis (Awarded), University of Birmingham (2011)</ref> was shaped from a foundation of cultural, religious and socio-political structure. One such foundation cultural element of Mizo people was ''Hnatlang'', states Hlawndo, which literally means social work, united labour or community labour (the word hna‘ means job or work in the Mizo language; and tlang‘ means together and mutual). The tribal members who were absent from such social work (for reasons other than illness and disability) were penalised – a form of strong peer pressure. Jhum cultivation and raids on neighbouring tribes required ''Hnatlang'', the spirit of united labour and equal sharing of the end result.

A consequence of Hnatlang was the culture of ''Tlawmngaihna'', which does not have a direct English translation. ''Tlawmngaihna'' as cultural concept incorporates behaviour that is self-sacrificing, self-denying, doing what an occasion demands unselfishly and without concern for inconvenience caused, persevering, stoical, stout-hearted, plucky, brave, firm, independent, loath to lose one's good reputation.<ref>James Dokhuma, "Tlawmngaihna" in Meichher, Vol XI, No. 11, April 1976</ref><ref name=nepa>Nevill Parry, {{Google books|ZZsJAQAAIAAJ|Lushai Custom: A monograph on customs and ceremonies}}</ref><ref>K. Thanzauva, ''Mizo Tlawmngaihna and Nishkama Karma'', in United Theological College Magazine, 1984.</ref> Thus, after a fire or landslide or flood damage, the Mizo culture is one of spontaneous humble social work without demands or expectations.

Several other cultural elements of ancient Mizo tribes, some of which became less prevalent after arrival of Christianity, included:<ref name=nepa/><ref name=sucha>Suhas Chatterjee (1995), Mizo Chiefs and the Chiefdom, {{ISBN|978-8185880723}}</ref>
*''Zawlbuk'': a place near the chief's home, which served as defence camp in times of war, as well as "bachelor house" where the youth gathered and centre of village life.<ref name=nepa/><ref name="sucha"/>
*''Pathian'': the term for god, to whom prayers and hymns were recited. The evil spirits were called ''ramhuai''.<ref name=sucha/>
*''Nula-rim'': the method of courtship in ancient culture. Courtship, pre-marital sex and polygamy were accepted. The man and the woman could have many partners. If the woman got pregnant, the man was required either marry or pay a substantial sum called ''Sawnman''. If the woman's parents discover the relationship, they had a right to demand a payment called ''Khumpuikaiman''. While pre-marital sex was accepted, a woman who was virgin at marriage was more highly esteemed than one who wasn't.<ref name=nepa/>
*''Pathlawi'': a young married man who engaged in extra-marital relationships, something that was acceptable in traditional Mizo society.<ref name=nepa/>
*''Ramri lehkha'': a boundary drawing that identified a chief's tenured land called ''ram''. Only the chief owned the land, and this ownership was hereditary. The tribe and village worked and harvested the land.<ref name=nepa/><ref name=sucha/>

In modern Mizoram, much of the social life often revolves around church. Community establishments exist in urban centres that arrange social events, sports event, musical concerts, comedy shows and other activities.

===Traditional festivals===
[[File:Zamluang.jpg|thumb|Darkhuang, Zamluang or jamluang – a traditional musical instrument found in Mizoram.Other instruments include khuang (drum), dar (cymbals), as well as bamboo-based phenglawng, tuium and tawtawrawt.<ref>Thanmawia [http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/article/heritage-of-mizo-traditional-music-(an-overview) HERITAGE OF MIZO TRADITIONAL MUSIC (AN OVERVIEW)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428073505/http://www.dipr.mizoram.gov.in/article/heritage-of-mizo-traditional-music-(an-overview) |date=28 April 2015 }} Government of Mizoram</ref>]]
Traditional festivals in Mizoram often revolved around stages of jhum cultivation or the seasons.<ref name=ripac>Rintluanga Pachuau, Mizoram: A Study in Comprehensive Geography, {{ISBN|81-7211-264-5}}, pp 8-10</ref> Community festivals were called ''kut'' in the local language, and there were major and minor kuts such as [[Chapchar Kut]], Thalfavang Kut, [[Mim Kut]] and [[Pawl Kut]]. [[Chapchar Kut]] was the festival of spring (February/March), just before jhum started and land was cut-and-burnt for a new crop. Chapchar Kut was most anticipated by youth, a major festival and involved dancing and feasts. Thalfavang Kut celebrated completion of weeding of the jhum crop fields.<ref>[http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/thalfavang-kut.html Thalfavang Kut] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718023958/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/thalfavang-kut.html |date=18 July 2014 }} Department of Tourism, Mizoram Government</ref> Mim Kut was the festival dedicated to ancestors after first maize crop was collected, while Pawl Kut celebrated the end of harvest and the start of new year. These festivals slowly disappeared as Christianity became established in Mizoram.

[[Chapchar Kut]] was reintroduced and revived in 1973 by Mizo people to celebrate their heritage. Before Christianity arrived in Mizoram, home-brewed alcohol and many meat delicacies were part of the Chapchar celebrations. Now, with Mizoram's state law as a dry state, the youth busy themselves with music and community dancing.<ref>[http://mizoram.nic.in/about/chapcharkut.htm Chapchar Kut] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627011510/http://mizoram.nic.in/about/chapcharkut.htm |date=27 June 2014 }} Government of Mizoram</ref> Along with reviving traditional festivals, the community has been reviving traditional dances at these festivals, for example, dances such as Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheihlam and Chai.<ref>[http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/chapchar-kut.html CHAPCHAR KUT] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718022416/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/chapchar-kut.html |date=18 July 2014 }} Dept of Tourism, Govt of Mizoram</ref>

===Dance===
[[File:Chapchar Kut cheraw dance 2014.webm|thumb|left|[[Chapchar Kut]] [[cheraw dance]] in Mizoram. Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of Jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning).]]
Mizoram has many traditional dances, such as:
*''[[Cheraw dance|Cheraw]]'' – a dance that involves men holding bamboo close to the floor. They tap the sticks open and close with the rhythm of music. Women in colourful dresses dance on top, stepping in between and out of the bamboo with the music. It requires co-ordination and skill.<ref name=nepa/>
*''Khuallam'' – a mixed-gender dance that traditionally celebrated successfully hunting with swaying cloth with singing and music.<ref>Kurian, J. C., & Varte, R. T. (1995), CREROW AND KHUALLAM DANCES OF MIZOS, Encyclopaedic Profile of Indian Tribes, Vol 1, {{ISBN|978-8171412983}}, Chapter 8</ref>
[[File:Dance of Mizoram.jpg|thumb|Dance of Mizoram]]
*''Chheihlam'' – typically performed over cool evenings with rice beer, people sit in a circle with two or more dancers in the centre; they sing with impromptu often humorous compositions about recent events or guests between them with music and dancers keeping up. The song was called ''Chheih Hla''. Mizo people have tried to introduce Chheihlam dance during church sermons with controversy.<ref>Zama, Margaret (2006), [http://indianfolklore.org/journals/index.php/IFL/article/view/311/329 Globalization and the Mizo Story] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423165709/http://indianfolklore.org/journals/index.php/IFL/article/view/311/329 |date=23 April 2015 }}, Indian Folklife, No 22, pp 10-11</ref>
*''Chai'' – an important dance at the Chapchar Kut, this places the musicians in the centre while men and women in colourful dresses alternate and form a circle; the women held the men at their waist, while men held the women at their shoulders; they step forward to move in circles while swaying left and right with the music. A song may be sung which is also called ''Chai''.<ref name=nepa/>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Mizoram}}

Mizo traditional tunes are very soft and gentle, with locals claiming that they can be sung the whole night without the slightest fatigue. The guitar is a popular instrument and Mizos enjoy country style music. Within the church services are drums, commonly used and known locally as "khuang".{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} The "khuang" is made from wood and animal hide and are often beaten enough to instigate a trance-like state with worshipers as they dance in a circular fashion.

Mizos enjoy singing and, even without musical instruments, they enthusiastically sing together, clapping hands or by using other rhythmic methods. Informal instruments are called [[chhepchher]].{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}

===Sports===
[[File:Lammual Stadium.jpg|thumb|left|Lammual Stadium]]
{{Main|Sports in Mizoram}}
Mizoram's first football league debuted in October 2012. The Mizoram Premiere League had eight teams during the 2012–2013 season and is the highest level league in Mizoram. The eight clubs include Aizawl, Chanmari, Dinthar, FC Kulikawn, Luangmual, Mizoram, RS Annexe, and Reitlang. The season starts each year in October and wraps up with the finals in March.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khanna |first=Rakesh |title=Mizoram with Rakesh Khanna: Wandering through the busy streets of the capital of Mizoram--its colourful neighbourhoods leaning jauntily on the steep hillsides, with hardly a piece of litter in sight--you will realise that there's a lot going on in the city |url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1285445467 |publisher=Living Media India, Limited |id={{ProQuest|1285445467}}}}</ref>

==Tourism==
[[File:Kawpi Waterfall - panoramio.jpg|thumb|upright|Kawpi Waterfall]]
{{Main |Tourism in Mizoram}}
{{see also |Tourism in North East India}}
Visitors to Mizoram are required to obtain an '[[Inner Line Permit]]' under the [[Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958 (India)|special permit]] before visiting. Domestic and international visitors face different requirements.

;Domestic tourists

The state requires Inner Line Pass. This is available from the [[Liaison officer]], [[government of Mizoram]] in [[Kolkata]], [[Silchar]], [[Shillong]], [[Guwahati]] and [[New Delhi]]. Those arriving by air can obtain a 15-day visit pass at [[Lengpui Airport|Lengpui airport, Aizawl]] by submitting photographs and paying the fee of {{INRConvert|120}}.<ref name=visitmizo>[http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/entry-formalities.html ENTRY FORMALITIES] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718021705/http://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/page/entry-formalities.html |date=18 July 2014 }} Department of Tourism, Govt of Mizoram</ref>

;International tourists

Almost all foreign nationals can also get visitor pass on arrival, and face the same requirements as domestic tourists. However, they additionally have to register themselves with state police within 24 hours of arrival, a formality that most resorts can provide. Citizens of [[Afghanistan]], [[China]] and [[Pakistan]] and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries are required to get the pass through the Indian consulate or from the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] in New Delhi, before they arrive in Mizoram.<ref name=visitmizo/>

Mizoram is a place with flora and fauna rich landscape and pleasant climate.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2008) '' A pocket guide to the birds of Mizoram''. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in North East India, Guwahati, [[India|IN]]. 122pp. [Supported by Oriental Bird Club, UK]</ref> The tourism ministry regulates the maintenance and upgrade of tourist lodges throughout the state.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}

The state is a bird watcher's destination. For [[Mrs. Hume's pheasant]] (''Syrmaticus humiae''), Mizoram is a stronghold.<ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2002). ''Survey of Mrs Hume's pheasant in North East India''. Technical Report No. 5. The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, [[India|IN]]. 30pp. [Final report to the Oriental Bird Club, UK]</ref> [[Wild water buffalo]], [[Sumatran rhinoceros]], [[elephant]]s and other mammals have been spotted in the past.<ref>{{Citation | last = Choudhury | first = AU | year = 1997 | title = The status of the Sumatran rhinoceros in north-eastern India | journal = Oryx | volume = 31 | issue = 2 | pages = 151–52 | doi=10.1017/s0030605300022043| doi-access = free }}.</ref><ref>Choudhury, A.U. (2010). ''The vanishing herds: wild water buffalo''. Gibbon Books & The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, Guwahati, [[India|IN]]. 184pp. [Supported by CEPF & Taiwan Forestry Bureau]</ref><ref>{{Citation | last = Choudhury | first = AU | year = 2001 | title = The wild elephant ''Elephas maximus'' in Mizoram | journal = J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. | volume = 98 | number = 3 | pages = 439–41}}.</ref>

==Issues==
===Chakmaland===
Chakmaland is the proposed Union territory for the predominantly Buddhist [[Chakma people]] in Mizoram. Chakmas have been demanding to convert the existing [[Chakma Autonomous District Council]] in Mizoram into a Union territory.
The Chakma people have faced discrimination by the Mizo people, who are predominantly Christian.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/>

===Alcohol prohibition===
In 1996 the government of Mizoram banned liquor. The church leaders (Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee) argue that state government should keep the ban and not seek to amend the law, while others argue prohibition should be lifted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20090606/1269373.html|title=Mizoram Church no to liquor ban Act amendment Aizawl|date=6 June 2009|work=webindia123|publisher=Suni Systems|access-date=25 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524145549/http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/India/20090606/1269373.html|archive-date=24 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> However, it has been difficult to enforce the ban due to the high demand for alcohol.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Mizoram-likely-to-lift-liquor-ban-draft-bill-in-house-soon/articleshow/30206676.cms Mizoram likely to lift liquor ban] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214160447/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Mizoram-likely-to-lift-liquor-ban-draft-bill-in-house-soon/articleshow/30206676.cms |date=14 February 2014 }} The Times of India</ref>

In 2008, the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics (Wine) Rules amended the ban of 1996 to allow the manufacture, export, sale, possession and consumption of [[wine]] in Mizoram made from [[grapes]] and [[guava]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://police.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/mltp-act-wine-rules.pdf |title=The Mizoram Excise & Narcotics (Wine) Rules, 2008 |access-date=12 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707024127/https://police.mizoram.gov.in/uploads/files/mltp-act-wine-rules.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which would help the economy of the state, reduce fruit waste from farms, and encourage large scale commercialisation. In 2011 the bill was amended to include [[apple]], [[ginger]], [[passion fruit]], [[peach]] and [[pear]] wine.<ref>[http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2011/07/29/mizoram-amends-liquor-law-for-more-wine/ Mizoram amends liquor law] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522123909/http://www.theshillongtimes.com/2011/07/29/mizoram-amends-liquor-law-for-more-wine/ |date=22 May 2014 }} ''The Shillong Times''</ref>

In 2013, the state assembly unanimously passed a resolution to study the impact of liquor prohibition.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/mizoram-assembly-clears-liquor-prohibition-amendment-bill-113072300400_1.html Mizoram Assembly clears Liquor Prohibition (Amendment) Bill] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022221948/http://www.business-standard.com/article/politics/mizoram-assembly-clears-liquor-prohibition-amendment-bill-113072300400_1.html |date=22 October 2014 }} Business Standard (23 July 2013)</ref> In 2014, the state's narcotics minister noted that the liquor ban had produced some serious problems in Mizo society due to the drinking of spurious and unhealthy (locally made) liquor, known as ''zu''. The government suggested it would introduce an amended liquor bill allowing retail shops to operate in Aizawl and other district headquarters to sell liquor – but not in bars. Furthermore, they would not consult the powerful church on the issue.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/> The amended bill was proposed to be tabled for state legislative assembly discussion after May 2014.

The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition and Control) Act, 2014 (Act No. 8 of 2014) was enacted on 10 July 2014 which received the assent of the governor of Mizoram on 11 July 2014 repealed the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1995, except the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics (Wine) Rules, 2008.

The Mizoram Liquor Prohibition and Control bill of 2014 was repealed on 20 March 2019 with the Mizoram Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mizoram passes Bill for total prohibition |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/mizoram/mizoram-passes-bill-for-total-prohibition-5636784/ |website=indianexpress |access-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321110341/https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/mizoram/mizoram-passes-bill-for-total-prohibition-5636784/ |archive-date=21 March 2019 |url-status=live |date=21 March 2019 }}</ref> it was a legislation promised by the [[Mizo National Front]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mizoram goes dry again as Assembly passes Liquor Prohibition Bill 2019 |url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/mizoram-goes-dry-again-as-assembly-passes-liquor-prohibition-bill-2019.html |website=nenow |access-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321110102/https://nenow.in/north-east-news/mizoram-goes-dry-again-as-assembly-passes-liquor-prohibition-bill-2019.html |archive-date=21 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Rat problems===
Every 50 years, the [[Mautam]] bamboo blooms and its high-protein seeds lead to an explosion in the [[black rat]] population in the jungle, also referred to as the rat flood, which has historically destroyed entire villages' food supplies after rats move on to farm fields and devour crops. The 1958–59 plague provoked a rural uprising during which the indigenous Mizo people launched a violent 20-year rebellion against the central government. The dispute only saw final resolution in 1986.<ref>{{Citation | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1550612/Indian-farmers-braced-for-rat-plague.html | title = Indian farmers braced for rat plague | newspaper = The daily Telegraph | place = [[United Kingdom|UK]] | date = 3 May 2007 | last1 = Foster | first1 = Peter | access-date = 5 April 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171003070549/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1550612/Indian-farmers-braced-for-rat-plague.html | archive-date = 3 October 2017 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}.</ref> The 48-year rat problem re-occurred in Mizoram over 2006–08.<ref>[http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/photogalleries/bamboo-rat-plague-missions/ PHOTOS: Rat Attack in India Set Off by Bamboo Flowering] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524133254/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/photogalleries/bamboo-rat-plague-missions/ |date=24 May 2014 }} National Geographic (March 2009)</ref> The crops suffered massive damage, with yields at 30-year lows; the crop yields recovered sharply to pre-mautam levels in 2009 after the mautam passed.<ref>Aplin, K., & Lalsiamliana, J. (2010), Chronicles and impacts of the 2005–09 mautam in Mizoram, in [http://books.irri.org/9789712202575_content.pdf Rodent outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604004129/http://books.irri.org/9789712202575_content.pdf |date=4 June 2015 }}, International Rice Research Institute, {{ISBN|978-971-22-0257-5}}, pp 13-48</ref>

==Media and communication==
:''See also [[Mizo language#Newspaper|Newspapers in Mizoram]].''
Mizoram's media is growing quickly. Internet access is average, and private television cable channels are popular.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.panchayatportals.gov.in/web/department-of-panchyati-raj-mizoram/hidden/-/asset_publisher/h7cmn7e306iI/content/about-mizoram|title=note|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328052720/https://www.panchayatportals.gov.in/web/department-of-panchyati-raj-mizoram/hidden/-/asset_publisher/h7cmn7e306iI/content/about-mizoram|archive-date=28 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Doordarshan]], the national television service of [[India]] provides terrestrial broadcasting services and [[All India Radio]] broadcast programmes related to the indigenous culture and local news. Broadband access is available. In addition to these, there are several websites in local dialects. Print journalism remains a popular news medium in Mizoram; local newspapers include [[Vanglaini]] and ''The Zozam Times''. [[The Mizoram Post]], an [[Indian English|English-language]] daily newspaper published from [[Silchar]] ([[Assam]]) was the most circulated newspaper in Mizoram, in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Silchar's The Mizoram Post is Mizoram's "largest" paper|url=http://www.misual.com/2007/01/18/silchar’s-the-mizoram-post-is-mizoram’s-“largest”-paper/|website=misual.com|date=18 January 2007}}</ref>

==Notable people==


* [[Laldenga]] (d.1990) - freedom Fighter of Mizoram. Former Party leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the first Chief Minister of Mizoram.
* [[Lalduhawma]] - politician and party president of the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP). Former Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) for Mizoram.
* [[Jeje Lalpekhlua]] - Mizo Footballer. Player at the Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League. Former Captain of the Indian National Football Team.
* [[Lalremsiami]] - hockey player representing India in several International Hockey Events.
* [[Jeremy Lalrinnunga]] - Mizo Weightlifter who win Gold in International Weightlifting event.
* [[Robert Lalthlamuana]] - Mizo Footballer. Player at the Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League.
* [[Shylo Malsawmtluanga]] - Mizo Footballer. Former player at the Hero I-League. Current player of the Mizoram Premier League (MPL).
* [[Lalrindika Ralte]] - Mizo Footballer. Player at the [[Indian Super League]] (ISL) and Hero I-League. Currently the captain of [[East Bengal F.C.]]
* [[Nuchhungi Renthlei]] (d.2002) - founder of Girls' Auxiliary, a poet, a singer and a school teacher, the first Mizo woman to receive the Padma Shri award
* [[H. T. Sangliana]], IPS Rtd. - a politician who was a member of the 14th [[Lok Sabha]] of India. He represented the [[Bangalore North]] Constituency of [[Karnataka]] from the [[BJP]].
* [[Lalsangzuali Sailo]] (d.2006)- a singer, songwriter, poet, [[All India Radio]] "A" grade artist and a recipient of [[Padma Shree]] Award.
* [[Brig.]] [[T. Sailo]] (d.2015) - former Chief Minister of Mizoram. Former party leader of the Mizoram People's Conference (MPC)
* [[Lal Thanhawla]] - former Chief Minister of Mizoram and party leader of the Mizoram Congress Party.
* [[Ziona]] - a polygamous man with 38 wives and numerous children and grandchildren.
* [[Zoramthanga]] - present Chief Minister of Mizoram and current party leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF).

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India}}
* {{books-inline|India}}
* [[Outline of India]]
* [[Bibliography of India]]
* [[Mizo Hlakungpui Mual]]
* [[Mizo music]]
{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
#B. Hamlet, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Mizoram, Volume 5, {{ISBN|8170997925}}
#C. Nunthara, Mizoram: Society and Polity, {{ISBN|978-8173870590}}
#T. Raatan, Encyclopaedia of North-east India: Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Mizoram, {{ISBN|978-8178350684}}
#Zoramdinthara, Mizo Fiction: Emergence and Development, {{ISBN|978-93-82395-16-4}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
'''Government'''
* {{official}}
* [https://tourism.mizoram.gov.in/ Official Tourism Site of Mizoram]

'''General information'''
* {{Britannica|386541}}
* {{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Mizoram|Mizoram}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|2029046}}

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Mizoram
|North = [[Assam]]
|Northeast = [[Manipur]]
|East = Chin State, [[Myanmar]]
|Southeast =
|South =
|Southwest = [[Chittagong Division]], Bangladesh
|West = [[Tripura]]
|Northwest =
}}

{{Mizoram}}
{{North East India}}
{{States and territories of India}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Mizoram| ]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:Northeast India]]
[[Category:English-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1987]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]

Manipur

2021-10-17T01:37:18Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|State in North-east India}}
{{other uses}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement

| name = Manipur
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Gopinath Temple, Ningthoukhong 02.jpg
| photo1b = Kangla Sha.JPG
| photo2a = Sanamahi temple inside Kangla Fort, Imphal East, Manipur.jpg
| photo3a = Loktak Lake, Manipur.jpg
| photo3b = Rasa Lila in Manipuri dance style.jpg
| size = 280
| spacing = 1
| position = centre
| border = 0
| color = white
}}
| image_caption = Clockwise from top: [[Ningthoukhong Gopinath Mandir]], [[Kangla Sha]], Ancient temple dedicated to Lord [[Pakhangba]] inside the [[Kangla Palace]], [[Manipuri Dance]], [[Loktak Lake]]
| image_flag = Indian state flag of Manipur (proposed).png
| flag_type = [[Flag of Manipur|Flag]]
| flag_size = 100px
| image_blank_emblem = Manipur emblem.png
| blank_emblem_type = [[Emblem of Manipur|Emblem]]
| blank_emblem_size = 100px
| anthem = [[Sana Leibak Manipur]] (''Manipur, Land of Gold'')
| image_map = IN-MN.svg
| map_alt = Manipur, a state of India
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{IND}}
| established_title = Merged with India
| established_date = 15 October 1949<ref>{{Cite journal|last=SINHA|first=L. P.|date=1987|title=THE POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41855332|journal=The Indian Journal of Political Science|volume=48|issue=4|pages=487–493|issn=0019-5510}}</ref>
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Manipur|16]]
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = [[Imphal]]
| government_footnotes =
| leader_title = [[Governors of Manipur|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[La Ganesan|La. Ganesan]]<ref>http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ganesan-sworn-in-as-manipur-governor/article36132428.ece/amp/</ref>
| leader_title1 = [[Chief Ministers of Manipur|Chief Minister]]
| leader_name1 = [[N. Biren Singh]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])<ref>[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/biren-singh-manipur-chief-minister/1/904413.html BJP leader Biren Singh sworn in as Manipur Chief Minister] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170315121302/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/biren-singh-manipur-chief-minister/1/904413.html |date=15 March 2017 }}, India Today (15 March 2017)</ref>
| leader_title2 = [[Manipur Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name2 = [[Unicameral]] (60 seats)
| leader_title3 = [[15th Lok Sabha|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name3 = [[Rajya Sabha]] 1 [[Lok Sabha]] 2
| leader_title4 = [[High Courts of India|High Court]]
| leader_name4 = [[Manipur High Court]]
| unit_pref = Metric
| website = [http://www.manipur.gov.in www.manipur.gov.in]
| area_total_km2 = 22327
| area_rank = [[List of states and territories of India by area|23rd]]
| population_total = 2,855,794
| population_as_of = 2011<ref name="census2011.co.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/manipur.html|title=Manipur Population Sex Ratio in Manipur Literacy rate data|work=census2011.co.in|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908032331/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/manipur.html|archive-date=8 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|23rd]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = State Language
| demographics1_info1 = [[Meitei language|Manipuri]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manipur.gov.in/?page_id=3507|title=At a Glance « Official website of Manipur|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305023817/http://manipur.gov.in/?page_id=3507|archive-date=5 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2001Stm1">[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/%28S%282scoev45b4mhlg45mz5jq345%29%29/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement1.aspx Abstract of speakers' strength of languages and mother tongues – 2000] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208033628/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_Data_Online/Language/Statement1.aspx |date=8 December 2016 }}, Census of India, 2001</ref>
| footnotes = {{ref|cap|†}} It was elevated from the status of a Union Territory by the [[North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971]]
| demographics1_title2 = Additional official
| demographics1_info2 =
| demographics_type2 = GDP {{nobold|(2018–19)}}
| demographics2_footnotes =
| demographics2_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Nominal]]
| demographics2_info1 = 
| demographics2_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Nominal Per Capita]]
| demographics2_info2 = {{INRConvert|75226}}
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-MN]]
| blank_name = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2018)}}
| blank_info = {{increase}} 0.696<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/?interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0|title=Sub-national HDI - Subnational HDI - Global Data Lab|website=globaldatalab.org|access-date=17 April 2020}}</ref> {{color|#FFA500|medium}} · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|15th]]
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| blank_info_sec2 = 79.85% (16th)

| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
| region = Manipur
| country = India
| flag = [[File:Indian state flag of Manipur (proposed).png|50px|left]] [[Flag of Manipur]]
| emblem = [[Kangla Sha]]
| language = [[Meitei language|Manipuri]]
| song = "Sana Leibak Manipur" (''Manipur, Land of Gold'')
| mammal = [[File:Cervus eldii4.jpg|50px|left]] [[Sangai]] (''Rucervus eldii eldii'')
| bird = [[Syrmaticus humiae|Nongyeen]] (''Syrmaticus humiae'')
| tree = [[ File:Phoebe hainesiana north Bengal AJTJ.JPG|50px|left]] [[Phoebe hainesiana|Uningthou]] (''Phoebe hainesiana'')
| flower = [[File:Lilium mackliniae.jpg|50px|left]] [[Shirui lily]] (''Lilium mackliniae'')
| fish = [[File:Rohtee belangeri Achilles 147.jpg|50px|left]] [[Osteobrama belangeri|Pengba]]<ref>{{cite web|title=State Fishes of India|url=http://nfdb.gov.in/PDF/Fish%20&%20Fisheries%20of%20India/2.State%20Fishes%20of%20India.pdf|publisher=National Fisheries Development Board, Government of India|access-date=25 December 2020}}</ref>
}}
| official_name =
}}
'''Manipur''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ʌ|n|ɪ|'|p|ʊər|,_|m|æ|n|ə|'|p|ʊər}})<ref>{{lexico|Manipur}}</ref><ref>{{MW|Manipur}}</ref> is a [[States and territories of India|state]] in [[Northeast India]], with the city of [[Imphal]] as its capital.<ref>''Manipur: Treatise & Documents'', Volume 1, {{ISBN|978-8170993995}}, Introduction</ref> It is bounded by the Indian states of [[Nagaland]] to the north, [[Mizoram]] to the south and [[Assam]] to the west. It also borders two regions of [[Myanmar]], [[Sagaing Region]] to the east and [[Chin State]] to the south. The state covers an area of {{convert|22327|km2}} and has a population of almost 3 million, including the [[Meitei people|Meitei]], who are the majority group in the state, the [[Pangal|Meitei Pangals]] (Manipuri Muslims), [[Naga people|Naga]] tribes, [[Kuki people|Kuki]]/[[Zo people|Zo]] tribes and other communities, who speak a variety of [[Sino-Tibetan languages]]. Manipur has been at the crossroads of Asian economic and cultural exchange for more than 2,500 years.<ref>Naorem Sanajaoba (editor), ''Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization'', Volume 4, Chapter 1: NK Singh, {{ISBN|978-8170998532}}</ref> It has long connected the Indian subcontinent and [[Central Asia]] to [[Southeast Asia]], [[China]] (or [[East Asia]]), [[Siberia]] ([[Russia]]), [[Micronesia]], and [[Polynesia]], enabling migration of people, cultures and religions.<ref>Naorem Sanajaoba (editor), ''Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization'', Volume 4, Chapter 4: K Murari, {{ISBN|978-8170998532}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.Trade_connection_of_Manipur_with_Southeast_Asia_in_Pre_British_period_Part_2_By_Budha_Kamei | title=Trade connection of Manipur with Southeast Asia in Pre British period Part 2 by Budha Kamei | access-date=7 July 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708044726/http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.Trade_connection_of_Manipur_with_Southeast_Asia_in_Pre_British_period_Part_2_By_Budha_Kamei | archive-date=8 July 2018 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

During the days of the [[British Raj|British Indian Empire]], the [[Kingdom of Manipur]] was one of the [[princely state]]s.<ref>Naorem Sanajaoba (Editor), ''Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization'', Volume 4, Chapter 2: NT Singh, {{ISBN|978-8170998532}}</ref> Between 1917 and 1939, some people of Manipur pressed the princely rulers for democracy. By the late 1930s, the princely state of Manipur negotiated with the British administration its preference to continue to be part of the Indian Empire, rather than part of [[Burma]], which was being separated from India. These negotiations were cut short with the outbreak of [[World War II]] in 1939. On 11 August 1947, [[Maharaja Budhachandra]] signed an [[Instrument of Accession]], joining India.<ref name=CIRCA>{{citation |title=Why Pre-Merger Political Status for Manipur: Under the Framework of the Instrument of Accession, 1947 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oKZoDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA26 |year=2018 |publisher=Research and Media Cell, CIRCA |id=GGKEY:8XLWSW77KUZ |page=26 |ref={{sfnref|CIRCA, Why Pre-Merger Political Status for Manipur|2018}}}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Singh, Socio-religious and Political Movements in Modern Manipur|2011|loc=Chapter 6, p. 139}}</ref> Later, on 21 September 1949, he signed a Merger Agreement, merging the kingdom into India, which led to its becoming a [[Part C State]].<ref>U. B. Singh, ''India Fiscal Federalism in Indian Union'' (2003), p. 135</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=K.R. Dikshit|author2=Jutta K Dikshit|title=North-East India: Land, People and Economy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iorHBAAAQBAJ |year=2013|publisher=Springer Science |isbn=978-94-007-7055-3|page=56}}</ref> This merger was later disputed by groups in Manipur, as having been completed without consensus and under duress.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Kalpana Kannabiran|author2=Ranbir Singh|title=Challenging The Rules(s) of Law |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yreGAwAAQBAJ |year=2008|publisher=SAGE Publications|isbn=978-81-321-0027-0|page=264}}</ref> The dispute and differing visions for the future has resulted in a 50-year insurgency in the state for independence from India, as well as in repeated episodes of violence among ethnic groups in the state.<ref name=hrwm/> From 2009 through 2018, the conflict was responsible for the violent deaths of over 1000 people.<ref name=satp9413/>

The [[Meitei people|Meitei ethnic group]]<ref name="Khomdan Singh Lisam pp 322">Khomdan Singh Lisam, ''Encyclopaedia Of Manipur'', {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp. 322–347</ref> represents around 53% of the population of Manipur state, followed by various [[Naga people|Naga]] tribes at 24% and various [[Kuki people|Kuki]]-[[Zo people|Zo]] tribes at 16%.<ref name="censusindia.gov.in">http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html</ref> The main language of the state is [[Meitei language|Meiteilon]] (also known as Manipuri). Tribals constitute about 41% of the state population (according to 2011 census)<ref name="censusindia.gov.in"/> and have dialects and cultures that are often village-based. Manipur's ethnic groups practice a variety of religions.<ref name="census2011"/> According to 2011 census, [[Hinduism]] is the major religion in the state, closely followed by [[Christianity]]. Other religions include [[Islam]], [[Sanamahism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Judaism]], etc.<ref name="census2011"/><ref name="hueiyenlanpao.com">{{Cite web | url=http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/page/items/34799/religious-landscape-in-manipur | title=Hueiyen Lanpao | Official Website Manipur Daily | access-date=29 May 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918062647/http://hueiyenlanpao.com/page/items/34799/religious-landscape-in-manipur/ | archive-date=18 September 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Manipur has primarily an agrarian economy, with significant hydroelectric power generation potential. It is connected to other areas by daily flights through [[Imphal Airport|Imphal airport]], the second largest in northeastern India.<ref name=manipuraai/> Manipur is home to many sports and the origin of [[Manipuri dance]],<ref>{{cite book|author=Reginald Massey|title=India's Dances: Their History, Technique, and Repertoire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t6MJ8jbHqIwC|year=2004|publisher=Abhinav|isbn=978-81-7017-434-9|pages=177–184|access-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304053010/https://books.google.com/books?id=t6MJ8jbHqIwC|archive-date=4 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and is credited with introducing [[polo]] to Europeans.<ref name="nam.ac.uk"/>

==Alternate names==
The word "Manipur" is made-up of two [[Sanskrit]] words "मणि"(Maṇi), which means jewel and "पुर"(Purǝ), which means land/place/abode, Manipur is translated as "Jewelled land".
Manipur is mentioned in historic texts as Kangleipak ({{Script|Mtei|ꯀꯪꯂꯩꯄꯛ}}) or Meeteileipak<ref name="Sanajaoba1988">{{cite book|author=Naorem Sanajaoba|title=Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC&pg=PA31|year=1988|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-853-2|pages=31–32 with footnotes}}</ref> Sanamahi Laikan wrote that officials during the reign of [[Gharib Nawaz (Manipur)|Meidingu Pamheiba]] in the eighteenth century adopted Manipur's new name.

Neighbouring cultures each had differing names for Manipur and its people. The [[Shan people|Shan]] or [[Amphoe Pong|Pong]] called the area ''Cassay'', the [[Burma|Burmese]] ''Kathe'', and the [[Assamese people|Assamese]] ''Meklee''. In the first treaty between the British [[East India Company]] and Meidingu [[Ching-Thang Khomba|Chingthangkhomba]] (Bhagyachandra), signed in 1762, the kingdom was referred to as “Meckley”. Bhagyachandra and his successors issued coins engraved with "Manipureshwar", or "lord of Manipur", and the British discarded the name Meckley. Later on, the work ''Dharani Samhita'' (1825–34) popularised the [[Sanskritisation|Sanskrit legends]] of the origin of Manipur's name.<ref>Gangmumei Kabui, ''History of Manipur'', National Publishing House, Delhi, 1991.</ref>

The term ''Kanglei'', meaning "of Manipur/Kangleipak", is used to refer to items associated with the state where the term ''Manipuri'' is a recently given name.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Examples using the term "Kanglei" !! Translation
|-
| Kanglei || of Kangleipak/Manipur
|-
| Kangleicha || People of Kangleipak/Manipur
|-
| Kanglei foods || Foods of Kangleipak/Manipur
|-
| Kanglei style || Style of Kangleipak/Manipur
|}

==History==
{{main|History of Manipur|Manipur (princely state)}}
[[File:Kanglasha.jpg|thumb|The ''Kangla Sha'', the state emblem]]

The history of Manipur Meities is chronicled in [[Puya (Meitei texts)|Puyas]] or Puwaris (stories about the forefathers), namely, the Ninghthou Kangbalon, Cheitharol Kumbaba, Ningthourol Lambuba, Poireiton Khunthokpa, Panthoibi Khongkul, and so forth in the archaic Meitei script, which is comparable to the Thai script. The historical accounts presented here were recordings from the eyes and the judgment of Meitei kings and {{ILL|Maichou|simple}} (Meitei scholars). Hill tribes have their own folk tales, myths, and legends. Manipur was known by different names at various periods in its history, such as, Tilli-Koktong, Poirei-Lam, Sanna-Leipak, Mitei-Leipak, Meitrabak or Manipur (present day). Its capital was Kangla, Yumphal or Imphal (present day). Its people were known by various names, such as Mi-tei, Poirei-Mitei, Meetei, Maitei or Meitei. The Puwaris, Ninghthou Kangbalon, Ningthourol Lambuba, Cheitharol Kumbaba, Poireiton Khunthokpa, recorded the events of each King who ruled Manipur in a span of more than 3500 years until 1955 CE (a total of more than 108 kings). {{ILL|Ningthou Kangba|simple}} (15th century BCE) is regarded as the first and foremost king of Manipur. There were times when the country was in turmoil without rulers, and long historical gaps exist between 1129 BCE and 44 BCE. In 1891 CE, after the defeat of the Meiteis by the British in the Anglo-Manipuri war of Khongjom, the sovereignty of Manipur which it had maintained for more than three millenniums, was lost. In 1926, it became a part of [[Pakokku]] Hill Tracts Districts of [[British Burma]] until 4 January 1947. It regained its freedom on 14 August 1947. On 15 October 1949, Manipur was [[Political integration of India|unified with India]].<ref name="Sanajaoba1988p3">{{cite book|url=http://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html|title=A Brief History (Puwari) of the Meiteis of Manipur|access-date=15 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131053252/http://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html|archive-date=31 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Medieval===
By the medieval period, marriage alliances between royal families of the Manipur kingdom, [[Ahom Kingdom|Ahom]] (Assam) and Burma had become common.<ref name="Sanajaoba1988p3"/> Medieval era Manipur manuscripts discovered in the 20th century, particularly the ''Puya'', provide evidence that Hindus from the Indian subcontinent had married Manipur royalty by at least the 14th century. In centuries thereafter, royal spouses came also from what is now [[Assam]], [[Bengal]], and [[Uttar Pradesh]] along with ancient [[Dravidian peoples|Dravidian]] kingdoms, and other regions.<ref name="Sanajaoba1988p13">{{cite book|author=Naorem Sanajaoba|title=Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC |year=1988|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-853-2|pages=12–14}}</ref> Another manuscript suggests that Muslims arrived in Manipur in the 17th century, from what is now [[Bangladesh]], during the reign of Meidingu [[Khagemba]].<ref name="Sanajaoba1988p13"/> The socio-political turmoil and wars, particularly the persistent and devastating [[Anglo-Burmese wars]], affected the cultural and religious demography of Manipur.<ref name="Sanajaoba1988p15">{{cite book|author=Naorem Sanajaoba|title=Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC |year=1988|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-853-2|pages=15–18}}</ref>

===Imperial period===
{{Main|Manipur (princely state)}}
In 1824, the ruler of Manipur entered into a [[subsidiary alliance]] with the British Empire in the Indian subcontinent, which became responsible for Manipur's external defence. The British recognised that the state remained internally self-governing, as a [[princely state]].<ref>{{cite book|author=N. Lokendra|title=The Unquiet Valley: Society, Economy, and Politics of Manipur (1891-1950)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6FXEEd2muZoC|year=1998|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-696-5|pages=36–38|access-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418095201/https://books.google.com/books?id=6FXEEd2muZoC|archive-date=18 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> During [[World War II]], Manipur was the scene of many fierce battles between Japanese invaders and British Indian forces. The [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] were beaten back before they could enter [[Battle of Imphal|Imphal]], which was one of the turning points of the overall war in South Asia.

===Modern history===
After the war, [[British Raj|British India]] moved towards independence, and the princely states which had existed alongside it became responsible for their own external affairs and defence, unless they joined the new India or the new Pakistan. The [[Manipur State Constitution Act 1947|Manipur State Constitution Act of 1947]] established a democratic form of government, with the [[Maharaja]] continuing as the head of state.<ref>[https://cadindia.clpr.org.in/historical_constitutions/manipur_state_constitution_act__1947_1st%20January%201947 Manipur State Constitution Act 1947]
</ref> [[Bodhchandra Singh|Maharaja Bodhchandra]] was summoned to [[Shillong]], to merge the kingdom into the Union of India.<ref>
{{citation |last=Rustomji |first=Nari |title=Enchanted Frontiers |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=1971 |url=https://archive.org/details/enchantedfrontie0000rust |via=archive.org |page=109}}
</ref> He is believed to have signed the merger agreement under duress.<ref>
{{Cite web|author=Pradip Phanjoubam|title=Why it matters how Manipur became a state|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/why-it-matters-how-manipur-became-a-state-of-india/cid/1684958|access-date=29 November 2020|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}
</ref> Thereafter, the legislative assembly was dissolved, and in October 1949 Manipur became part of India.<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/documents/papers/manipur_merger_agreement_1949.htm|title=Manipur Merger Agreement, 1949|work=satp.org|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924094635/http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/documents/papers/manipur_merger_agreement_1949.htm|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}
</ref> It was made a Union Territory in 1956.<ref>
{{cite web |url=http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend7.htm |title=The Constitution (Amendment) |work=indiacode.nic.in |access-date=1 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501011646/http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend7.htm |archive-date=1 May 2017 |url-status=dead }}
</ref> and a fully-fledged State in 1972 by the [[North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971]].<ref>
{{Cite web |url=http://indiacode.nic.in/acts-in-pdf/392012.pdf |title=Indiacode - Acts |access-date=26 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205061446/http://indiacode.nic.in/acts-in-pdf/392012.pdf |archive-date=5 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:The Kangla Gate.JPG|thumb|Kangla Gate, the west entrance to the [[Kangla Palace|Kangla Fort]]]]
Manipur had a long record of insurgency and inter-ethnic violence.<ref>[http://www.economist.com/node/8786297 "The mayhem in Manipur"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195539/http://www.economist.com/node/8786297 |date=14 July 2014 }} ''The Economist'' (1 March 2007)</ref><ref>[http://www.economist.com/node/8797972 "Manipur, India - A safe house for dangerous men"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714203339/http://www.economist.com/node/8797972 |date=14 July 2014 }} ''The Economist'' (9 March 2007)</ref> The first armed opposition group in Manipur, the [[United National Liberation Front]] (UNLF), was founded in 1964 and declared that it wanted to gain independence from India and form Manipur as a new country. Over time, many more groups formed in Manipur, each with different goals, and deriving support from diverse ethnic groups in Manipur. In 1977 the [[People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak]] (PREPAK) was formed, and the People's Liberation Army (PLA), formed in 1978 which [[Human Rights Watch]] said had received arms and training from China. In 1980, the [[Kangleipak Communist Party]] (KCP) was formed. These groups began a spree of bank robberies and attacks on police officers and government buildings. The state government appealed to the central government in [[New Delhi]] for support in combating this violence.<ref name=hrwm>[https://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/india0908/2.htm "Background: Conflict in Manipur"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924180321/http://www.hrw.org/reports/2008/india0908/2.htm |date=24 September 2015 }} Human Rights Watch (2008)</ref>

From 1980 to 2004, the Indian government referred to Manipur as a ''disturbed area.'' This term (designated by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] or a [[Governors of states of India|state governor]]) refers to a territory where extraordinary laws under the [[Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act]] can be used. The laws allow the military to treat private and public spaces, in the same manner, detain individuals up to 24 hours with unlimited renewals, to perform warrantless searches, and to shoot and kill individuals that break laws, carry weapons, or gather in groups larger than four as well as giving legal immunity to the military.<ref>McDuie-Ra, Duncan. 2016. ''Borderland city in new India: Frontier to gateway'' (pp. 15, 17–19). Amsterdam University Press.</ref> Since 1980, the application of AFSPA has been at the heart of concerns about [[human rights]] violations in the region, such as arbitrary killings, torture, cruel, [[inhuman or degrading treatment|inhuman and degrading treatment]], and [[forced disappearance]]s. Its continued application has led to numerous protests, notably the longstanding hunger strike by [[Irom Sharmila Chanu]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37007494 |title=Irom Sharmila: World's longest hunger strike ends |work=BBC News |date=9 August 2016 |access-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324012455/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37007494 |archive-date=24 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/indian-campaigner-irom-chanu-sharmila-end-16-year-hunger-strike |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323112421/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/09/indian-campaigner-irom-chanu-sharmila-end-16-year-hunger-strike |archive-date=23 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2004, the government lifted the ''disturbed'' status after a violent attack on a local woman. The rape of a manipuri woman, [[Thangjam Manorama Devi]], by members of the [[Assam Rifles]] paramilitary had led to wide protests including a nude protest by the [[Meira Paibi]]s women association.<ref>McDuie-Ra, Duncan. 2016. ''Borderland City in New India: Frontier to Gateway'', Amsterdam University Press, p. 18</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:1 Loktak Lake.jpg|thumb|left|[[Loktak Lake]], the largest fresh water lake in the state.]]

The state lies at a latitude of 23°83'N – 25°68'N and a longitude of 93°03'E – 94°78'E. The total area covered by the state is {{convert|22327|km2}}. The capital lies in an oval-shaped valley of approximately {{convert|700|sqmi|km2|sigfig=1}}, surrounded by blue mountains, at an elevation of {{convert|790|m}} above sea level.<ref name="www.e-pao.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=education.Scientific_Papers.fate_of_loktak_lake|title=fate of loktak lake|work=e-pao.net|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923221315/http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=education.Scientific_Papers.fate_of_loktak_lake|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The slope of the valley is from north to south. The mountain ranges create a moderated climate, preventing the cold winds from the north from reaching the valley and barring cyclonic storms.

The state is bordered by the Indian states of [[Nagaland]] to its north, [[Mizoram]] to its south, [[Assam]] to its west, and shares an international border with [[Myanmar]] to its east.

[[File:Landscape of Manipur1.jpg|thumb|right|A tree amid Manipur hills.]]
The state has four major river basins: the [[Barak River|Barak River Basin]] ([[Barak Valley]]) to the west, the [[Manipur River|Manipur River Basin]] in central Manipur, the [[Yü (region)|Yu River Basin]] in the east, and a portion of the Lanye River Basin in the north.<ref>[http://www.manenvis.nic.in/stateprofile1.pdf Haokip, Shri Ngamthang (2007) "Basine Delineation Map of Manipur"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326174634/http://www.manenvis.nic.in/stateprofile1.pdf |date=26 March 2009 }}, ''Profile on State of Environment Report of Manipur, 2006–07'', Ministry of Environment and Forests, Manipur, p. 4</ref> The water resources of Barak and Manipur river basins are about 1.8487 Mham (million hectare metres). The overall water balance of the state amounts to 0.7236 Mham in the annual water budget.<ref>{{cite news| title = Irrigation And Water Management| author = Government of Manipur| url = http://www.manipur.nic.in/planning/DraftMSDR/Draft_SDR_pdf/Chapter%207_irrigation.pdf| access-date = 31 October 2010| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110626213235/http://manipur.nic.in/planning/DraftMSDR/Draft_SDR_pdf/Chapter%207_Irrigation.pdf| archive-date = 26 June 2011| df = dmy-all}}</ref> (By comparison, India receives 400 Mham of rain annually.<ref>{{cite news| title = The Arithmetic of Water in India| author = Centre for Science and Environment (India)| url = http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Solution/Water-Arithmetic.htm| access-date = 31 October 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101026041349/http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Solution/Water-Arithmetic.htm| archive-date = 26 October 2010| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}</ref>)

The Barak River, the largest of Manipur, originates in the Manipur Hills and is joined by tributaries, such as the Irang, Maku, and [[Tuivai River|Tuivai]]. After its junction with the Tuivai, the Barak River turns north, forms the border with [[Assam State]], and then enters the [[Cachar]] [[Assam]] just above [[Lakhipur]]. The Manipur river basin has eight major rivers: the [[Manipur River|Manipur]], [[Imphal River|Imphal]], [[Iril River|Iril]], Nambul, Sekmai, Chakpi, Thoubal and Khuga. All these rivers originate from the surrounding hills.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}
[[File:Landscape of Valley.jpg|thumb|left|Landscape view for dawn at Senapati, Manipur]]
Almost all the rivers in the valley area are in the mature stage and therefore deposit their sediment load in the [[Loktak lake]].<ref name="www.e-pao.net" /> The rivers draining the Manipur Hills are comparatively young, due to the hilly terrain through which they flow. These rivers are corrosive and become turbulent in the rainy season. Important rivers draining the western area include the Maku, [[Barak River|Barak]], Jiri, Irang, and Leimatak. Rivers draining the eastern part of the state, the Yu River Basin, include the Chamu, Khunou and other short streams.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}

Manipur may be characterised as two distinct physical regions: an outlying area of rugged hills and narrow valleys, and the inner area of flat plain, with all associated landforms. These two areas are distinct in physical features and are conspicuous in flora and fauna. The valley region has hills and mounds rising above the flat surface. The [[Loktak lake]] is an important feature of the central plain. The total area occupied by all the lakes is about 600 km2. The altitude ranges from 40 m at [[Jiribam]] to 2,994 m at [[Mount Tempü]] peak along the border with Nagaland.

The soil cover can be divided into two broad types, viz. the red [[Iron oxide|ferruginous]] soil in the hill area and the [[alluvium]] in the valley. The valley soils generally contain loam, small rock fragments, sand, and sandy clay, and are varied. On the plains, especially flood plains and deltas, the soil is quite thick. The topsoil on the steep slopes is very thin. Soil on the steep hill slopes is subject to high erosion, resulting in [[gullies]] and barren rock slopes. The normal pH value ranges from 5.4 to 6.8.<ref>{{cite news|author = Director of Commerce and Industries, Manipur|access-date = 31 October 2010|title = Soil and Climate of Manipur|url = http://investinmanipur.nic.in/gp_soil.htm|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100831113213/http://investinmanipur.nic.in/gp_soil.htm|archive-date = 31 August 2010|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref>

===Flora===
[[File:Hill Slope.JPG|thumb|right|Flowers carpeting the foothills]]
Natural vegetation occupies an area of about {{convert|14365|km2}}, nearly 64% of the total geographical area of the state,{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} and consists of short and tall grasses, reeds and [[bamboo]]s, and trees. Broadly, there are four types of forests: Tropical Semi-evergreen, Dry Temperate Forest, Sub-Tropical Pine, and Tropical Moist Deciduous.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}

There are forests of [[teak]], [[pine]], [[oak]], [[Phoebe hainesiana|uningthou]], leihao, bamboo, and [[Arundo|cane]]. [[Rubber tree|Rubber]], [[tea]], [[coffee]], [[Orange tree|orange]], and [[cardamom]] are grown in hill areas. [[Rice]] is a staple food for Manipuris.

===Climate===
[[File:The Dzukou Valley.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Dzüko Valley]] which exists between the boundaries of Manipur and Nagaland has a temperate climate.]]

Manipur's climate is largely influenced by the topography of the region. Lying 790 metres above sea level, Manipur is wedged among hills on all sides. This northeastern corner of India enjoys a generally amiable climate, though the winters can be chilly. The maximum temperature in the summer months is {{convert|32|C}}. The coldest month is January, and the warmest July.

The state receives an average annual rainfall of {{convert|1467.5|mm}} between April and mid-October. Precipitation ranges from light drizzle to heavy downpour. The capital city [[Imphal]] receives an annual average of {{convert|933|mm}}. Rainfall in this region is caused by The South Westerly [[Monsoon]] picking up moisture from the [[Bay of Bengal]] and heading towards the [[Eastern Himalaya]] ranges. This normal rainfall pattern of Manipur enriches the soil and much of the agrarian activities are dependent on it as well.

==Demographics==

===Population===
{{India census population
| title= Population Growth
| 1951= 578000
| 1961= 780000
| 1971= 1073000
| 1981= 1421000
| 1991= 1837000
| 2001= 2294000
| 2011= 2855794
| estimate=
| estyear=
| estref=
| footnote=Source:Census of India}}

Manipur has a population of 2,855,794 as per 2011 census.<ref>{{cite web|title=Manipur Population Census data 2011|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/manipur.html|publisher=Census 2011|access-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908032331/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/manipur.html|archive-date=8 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Of this total, 57.2% live in the valley districts and the remaining 42.8% in the hill districts. The hills are inhabited mainly by the [[Naga people|Naga]]s, and [[Kuki people|Kuki]]s, and smaller tribal communities and the valley (plains) mainly by the Meiteis, [[Manipuri Brahmin]]s (Bamons) and [[Pangal]] (Manipuri Muslims). [[Bisnupriya Manipuri people|Bishnupriya Manipuri]], Naga and Kuki settlements are also found in the valley region, though less in numbers.

The distribution of area, population and density, and literacy rate as per the 2001 Census provisional figures are as below:{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}

{| class="infobox collapsible" cellspacing="0" style="border:1px #000; margin-left:3em; width:24em;"
|-
! style="background:Coral; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Demographics of Manipur (2011)
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Total Population''' || 2,855,794
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Male Population''' || 1,438,586
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Female Population''' || 1,417,208
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Rural Population''' ||1,736,236
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Urban Population''' ||834,154
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Child Sex Ratio''' || 936 female to 1000 male
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Density (per km2)''' ||115
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Literacy''' || 1,768,181 (85.4%)
|-
| style="padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 2em;" | '''Towns''' || 33
|}

===People===
{{See also|Manipur Tamil community|Manipuri Brahmin}}
The [[Meitei people|Meitei]]<ref name="Khomdan Singh Lisam pp 322"/> (synonymous to Manipuri) constitute the majority of the state's population. In 1901, the Meitei were recorded as the main ethnicity of Manipur.<ref>census 1901</ref>

Nagas and Kuki/Zo are the major tribe conglomerates. The Nagas in Manipur are further sub-divided into sub-tribes like [[Anal Naga|Anāl]], [[Liangmai Naga|Liangmai]], [[Mao Naga|Mao]], [[Maram Naga|Maram]], [[Maring Naga|Maring]], [[Poumai Naga|Poumai]], [[Rongmei Naga|Rongmei]], [[Tangkhul Naga|Tangkhul]], [[Zeme Naga|Zeme]], etc.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1080/13537113.2014.879768|title = Ethnicity, Colonial Legacies, and Postindependence Issues of Identity Politics in North-East India|journal = Nationalism and Ethnic Politics|volume = 20|pages = 99–115|year = 2014|last1 = Meetei|first1 = Nameirakpam Bijen|s2cid = 144397292}}</ref><ref>https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/103655/7/07_chapter%204.pdf</ref><ref>{{cite book | title = Violence and identity in North-east India: Naga-Kuki conflict | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zlaIRKRspYQC | author = S. R. Tohring | year = 2010 | publisher = Mittal Publications | isbn = 978-81-8324-344-5 | pages = xv–xvii | access-date = 15 November 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160504073854/https://books.google.com/books?id=zlaIRKRspYQC | archive-date = 4 May 2016 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

===Languages===
The official languages are [[Meitei language]] and English.

{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Language in Manipur (2011)<ref>{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Linguistic Community |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|publisher=Census |access-date=10 June 2019}}</ref> 
|label1 = [[Meitei language|Meitei]] (Manipuri)
|value1 = 53.3
|color1 = #ED9121
|label2 = [[Thadou language|Thadou]]
|value2 = 7.84
|color2 = #960064
|label3 = [[Tangkhul language|Tangkhul]]
|value3 = 6.41
|color3 = #9966CC
|label4 = [[Poula language|Poula]]
|value4 = 4.74
|color4 = LightCoral
|label5 = [[Rongmei language|Rongmei]]
|value5 = 3.83
|color5 = #CAE00D
|label6 = [[Mao language|Mao]]
|value6 = 3.12
|color6 = #00FFFF
|label7 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|value7 = 2.23
|color7 = Darkred
|label8 = [[Paite language|Paite]]
|value8 = 1.92
|color8 = chocolate
|label9 = [[Hmar language|Hmar]]
|value9 = 1.72
|color9 = pink
|label10 = [[Liangmai language|Liangmai]]
|value10 = 1.59
|color10 = Green
|label11 = [[Vaiphei language|Vaiphei]]
|value11 = 1.39
|color11 = #FF3800
|label12 = [[Kukish languages|Kuki]]
|value12 = 1.32
|color12 = Chartreuse
|label13 = [[Maram language|Maram]]
|value13 = 1.12
|color13 = Blue
|label14 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value14 = 1.07
|color14 = #FAEBD7
|value15=8.4|label15=Others|color15=grey}}

The term ''Meitei'' includes [[Sanamahism|Sanamahi]]s, [[Meitei Christians]], [[Hindu]]s, [[Pangal|Meitei-Pangals]] and [[Manipuri Brahmin]]s (locally called "Meetei Bamons"). The [[Meitei language]] (or ''Manipuri'') is the [[lingua franca]] in Manipur and is one of the languages listed in the [[Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India|Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution]]. Manipur has a diverse group of ethnic groups speaking different languages and dialects, practising Hinduism, Christianity, Sanamahism, Buddhism, Islam, and other folk religions.<ref name="census2011"/>

Besides Meitei, which is the language of the majority of the people in Manipur, there is a huge amount of linguistic diversity as is the case in most of the Northeast. Almost all of these are Sino-Tibetan languages, with many different subgroups represented. There are multiple [[Kuki-Chin languages]], the largest being [[Thadou language|Thadou]]. Another major language family is the [[Naga languages]], like [[Tangkhulic languages|Tangkhul]], [[Poula language|Poula]], [[Rongmei language|Rongmei]] and [[Mao languages|Mao]]. Less than 5% speak Indo-European languages, mostly [[Nepali language|Nepali]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref>

==Religion==
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Manipur (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community - 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|color1 = darkorange
|value1 = 41.39
|label2 = [[Christianity]]
|color2 = dodgerblue
|value2 = 41.29
|label3 = [[Islam]]
|color3 = Green
|value3 = 8.40
|label4 = [[Sanamahism]]
|color4 = pink
|value4 = 7.78
|label5 = [[Buddhism]]
|color5 = Yellow
|value5 = 0.25
|label6 = [[Heraka]]
|color6 = Violet
|value6 = 0.23
|label7 = [[Judaism]]
|color7 = Olive
|value7 = 0.07
|label8 = [[Sikhism]]
|color8 = DarkKhaki
|value8 = 0.05
|label9 = [[Jainism]]
|color9 = Brown
|value9 = 0.06
|label10 = [[Irreligion|Not religious]]
|color10 = Black
|value10 = 0.38
}}

===Hinduism===
{{see|Hinduism in Manipur}}
[[File:Gopinath Temple - Ningthoukhong, Manipur (India).jpg|left|thumb|[[Ningthoukhong Gopinath Mandir|Ningthoukhong Gopinath Temple]]]]
The [[Meitei people]] are a majority in the state of Manipur.
According to the [[2011 Census of India]], about 41.39% of the Manipuri people practice [[Hinduism]], and 41.29% [[Christianity]]. A large minority of the Meitei practices [[Sanamahism]]. The Hindu population is heavily concentrated in the Manipur valley, among the Meitei people. The districts of Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Imphal West all have Hindu majorities, averaging 67.62% (range 62.27–74.81%) according to the 2011 census data.<ref name="censusindia1">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|title=Census of India : C-1 Population By Religious Community|work=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913045700/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01.html|archive-date=13 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Vaishnavite Hinduism was the state religion of the Kingdom of Manipur. In 1704, King Charairongba accepted Vaishnavism and changed his name to Pitambar Singh.<ref>https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/93320/11/11_chapter%204.pdf</ref> However, the first Hindu temples were constructed much earlier. A copper plate excavated from [[Phayeng]] dating back to 763 CE (reign of King Khongtekcha) was found to contain inscriptions about the Hindu deities in Sanskrit words.<ref>http://14.139.13.47:8080/jspui/bitstream/10603/249207/6/06_chapter-ii.pdf</ref> During the 13th century, King Meidingu Khumomba constructed a Lord Hanuman temple.<ref>{{Cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC&pg=PA14 |title = Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization|isbn = 9788170998532|last1 = Sanajaoba|first1 = Naorem|year = 1988}}</ref> The Vishnu temple at Lamangdong was constructed during 1474 CE (during the reign of King Kiyamba), by Brahmins from the [[Shan State]]. As per the legends, the temple was constructed to house the Vishnu emblem given to King Kiyamba by King Khekhomba of Shan. Phurailatpam Shubhi Narayan was the first Brahmin priest of this temple.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.sahapedia.org/the-vaishnava-temples-of-manipur-historical-study | title=The Vaishnava Temples of Manipur: An Historical Study}}</ref>

===Christianity===
[[File:St. Joseph's Cathedral.jpg|thumb|right|St. Joseph's Cathedral at Imphal]]
{{main|Christianity in Manipur}}
Christianity is the religion of 41% of the people in the state. It was brought by Protestant missionaries to Manipur in the 19th century. In the 20th century, a few Christian schools were established, which introduced Western-type education.<ref name="censusindia1"/>

===Meiteism and Sanamahi===
{{See also|Sanamahism }}
[[File:Temple at Kangla.jpg|thumb|left|Sanamahi temple at Kangla]]
Folk religions are practised by the Meitei people. These religions have a long history in Manipur. [[Sanamahism]] is the ancient indigenous animistic religion.<ref name="lintner2015p113">{{cite book|author=Bertil Lintner|title=Great Game East: India, China, and the Struggle for Asia's Most Volatile Frontier|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0fLOBwAAQBAJ|year=2015|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-19567-5|page=113}}</ref> Sanamahi worship concentrates on the Sun God/Sanamahi. The early Meitei worshiped a Supreme deity, Lainingthou Soralel, and followed their ancestors. Their ancestor worship and animism was based on Umang Lai – ethnic governing deities worshiped in [[sacred groves]]. Some of the traditional deities (''[[Lais of Hyccara|Lais]]'') whom Meiteis worship are Atiya Sidaba, [[Pakhangba]], Sanamahi, Leimaren, Oknarel, Thangnarel, Panganba, Thangjing, Marjing, Wangbaren, and Koubru. Out of the 233,767 people who opted for the "Other religion" option, 222,315 were Sanamahism, 6,444 were Heraka, 2,032 were Jewish and 1,180 were from other tribal religions such as Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak.

===Islam===
{{see also|Muslims of Manipur|Meitei people}}
Manipuri Muslims, known locally as [[Pangal|Meitei Pangal]], constitute about 8.3% of the state population as per 2011 census. [[Sufi]] saint, [[Shah Jalal|Shaikh Shah Jalal d-Dīn al-Mujarrad al-Turk al Naqshbandi]], came to [[Sylhet]],{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} and [[Ajan Fakir|Azan Fakir Baghdadi]] arrived in 1690 CE in [[Assam]].{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} They influenced Manipuri Muslims. They belong to the [[Sunni]] group of [[Hanafi]] school of thought and there are Arab, Bangladesh, Turani, Bengali and Mughal or Chaghtai Turk sections among Manipuri Muslims.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.Evolution_of_clan_system_Manipuri_Muslim_1|title=Evolution of clan system Manipuri Muslim 1|work=e-pao.net|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923221327/http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.Evolution_of_clan_system_Manipuri_Muslim_1|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

The literacy rate among Muslims is 58.6 percent (male 75 percent and female 41.6 percent) below the state's average of 70.5 percent (male 80.3 percent and female 60.5 percent). In 1995, out of 135,000 Muslims, 5,704 had matriculated from secondary school. There was a total of 1,822 who had graduated in addition to 86 technical and professional graduates. There were 51 [[Reservation in India|Class I Muslim officers including three women]], 101 Class II officers and 1,270 and 1,663 employees belonging to Class III and IV categories respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/2010jan11/muslims_manipur_look_their_socio_economic_condition.html#.VdyGDPmqqko|title=Muslims in Manipur: A look at their socio-economic condition|work=twocircles.net|date=11 January 2010|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303174216/http://twocircles.net/2010jan11/muslims_manipur_look_their_socio_economic_condition.html#.VdyGDPmqqko|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Government==
{{expand section|date=January 2015}}
{{main|Government of Manipur|Manipur Legislative Assembly}}
The government of Manipur is a collective assembly of 60 elected members, of which 19 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 1 for Scheduled Castes.<ref>{{cite web|title=State/UT wise Seats in the Assembly and their Reservation Status|url=http://eci.nic.in/eci_main1/seat_in_legislativeassembilies.aspx|publisher=[[Election Commission of India]]|access-date=23 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519095715/http://eci.nic.in/eci_main1/seat_in_legislativeassembilies.aspx|archive-date=19 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The state sends two representatives to the Lok Sabha of the [[Parliament of India]]. The state sends one representative to the Rajya Sabha. The legislature of the state is Unicameral.<ref>[http://manipur.gov.in Manipur Government] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022063244/http://manipur.gov.in/ |date=22 October 2016 }}, Govt of India</ref> Representatives are elected for a five-year term to the state assembly and India'a parliament through voting, a process overseen by the offices of the Election Commission of India.<ref>[http://www.ceomanipur.nic.in/index.html ECI Manipur] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519143058/http://www.ceomanipur.nic.in/index.html |date=19 May 2017 }}, Govt of India</ref>

The state has [[Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council|one autonomous council]].

===Security and insurgency===
{{main|Insurgency in Manipur}}
The violence in Manipur extends beyond the conflict between Indian security forces and insurgent armed groups. There is violence between the Meiteis, Nagas, Kukis, and other tribal groups.<ref name=hrwm/> Splinter groups have arisen within some of the armed groups, and disagreement between them is rife. Other than the UNLF, PLA, and PREPAK, Manipuri insurgent groups include the Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF), Manipur Liberation Front Army (MLFA), Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup (KYKL), Revolutionary Joint Committee (RJC), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Peoples United Liberation Front (PULF), Manipur Naga People Front (MNPF), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-I/M), United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), Kuki National Front (KNF), Kuki National Army (KNA), Kuki Defence Force (KDF), Kuki Democratic Movement (KDM), Kuki National Organisation (KNO), Kuki Security Force (KSF), Chin Kuki Revolutionary Front (CKRF), Kom Rem Peoples Convention (KRPC), Zomi Revolutionary Volunteers (ZRV), Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), Zomi Reunification Organisation (ZRO), and Hmar Peoples Convention (HPC).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Centre-inks-peace-accord-with-Naga-insurgent-outfit/article10293606.ece|title=Centre inks peace accord with Naga insurgent outfit|last=Singh|first=Vijaita|work=The Hindu|access-date=12 March 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref name=hrwm/>

The Meitei insurgent groups seek independence from India. The Kuki insurgent groups want a separate state for the Kukis to be carved out from the present state of Manipur. The Kuki insurgent groups are under two umbrella organisations: the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples Forum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kukination.net|title=仏壇修理・洗浄なら石川県羽咋市の宮本仏檀店|work=kukination.net|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424145258/http://www.kukination.net/|archive-date=24 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Nagas wish to annex part of Manipur and merge with a greater Nagaland or Nagalim, which is in conflict with Meitei insurgent demands for the integrity of their vision of an independent state. There have been many tensions between the tribes and numerous clashes between Naga and Kukis, Meiteis and Muslims.<ref name=hrwm/>

According to SATP, there has been a dramatic decline in fatalities in Manipur since 2009. In 2009, 77 civilians died (about 3 per 100,000 people).<ref name=satp9413>[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/database/indiafatalities.htm State wise Indian fatalities, 1994-2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://www.webcitation.org/6QTxRqWCM?url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/database/indiafatalities.htm |date=20 June 2014 }} Militancy and Terrorism Database, SATP, New Delhi</ref> From 2010 onward, about 25 civilians have died in militant-related violence (about 1 per 100,000 people), dropping further to 21 civilian deaths in 2013 (or 0.8 per 100,000 people). However, there were 76 explosions in 2013 compared to 107 in 2012. Different groups have claimed responsibility for the explosions, some claiming they were targeting competing militant groups, others claiming their targets were state and central government officials.<ref name=satp>[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/index.html Manipur Assessment - Year 2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704061223/http://satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/index.html |date=4 July 2014 }} SATP, New Delhi</ref>
As a point of comparison, the average annual global rate of violent death between 2004 and 2009 was 7.9 per 100,000 people.<ref name=gede>[http://www.genevadeclaration.org/fileadmin/docs/GBAV2/GBAV2011-Ch2-Summary.pdf Global Burden of Armed Violence] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924021451/http://www.genevadeclaration.org/fileadmin/docs/GBAV2/GBAV2011-Ch2-Summary.pdf |date=24 September 2015 }} Chapter 2, Geneva Declaration, Switzerland (2011)</ref>

The CM Biren Singh used the National Security Act on a journalist who criticized him by calling him as 'puppet'. NSA is meant to be used when there is grave danger to society not to stifle dissent. These acts further cement isolation and insurgency among locals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/misusing-nsa-the-detention-of-a-manipur-journalist/article25791811.ece|title=Misusing NSA: the detention of a Manipur journalist|date=21 December 2018|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 December 2018|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Soibum yendem eromba.jpg|thumb|Bamboo is common in Manipur, and an important contributor to its economy as well as cuisine. Above is ''soibum yendem eromba'', a bamboo shoot dish of Manipur.]]
The 2012–2013 gross state domestic product of Manipur at market prices was about {{INRConvert|10188|c}}.<ref>[http://pbplanning.gov.in/pdf/Statewise%20GSDP%20PCI%20and%20G.R.pdf State wise : Population, GSDP, Per Capita Income and Growth Rate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111062118/http://pbplanning.gov.in/pdf/Statewise%20GSDP%20PCI%20and%20G.R.pdf|date=11 November 2013}} Planning Commission, Govt of India; See third table 2011-2012 fiscal year, 16th row</ref> Its economy is primarily agriculture, forestry, cottage and trade driven.<ref name=ghg>G. Hiamguanglung Gonmei, "Hills Economy of Manipur: A Structural Change", ''Journal of North East India Studies'', Vol. 3, No. 1, January–June 2013, pp. 61–73</ref> Manipur acts as India's "Gateway to the East" through [[Moreh, India|Moreh]] and [[Tamu, Burma|Tamu]] towns, the land route for trade between India and Burma and other countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Siberia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Manipur has the highest number of handicrafts units and the highest number of craftspersons in the northeastern region of India.<ref name="Manipur Economy - Snapshot">[http://www.ibef.org/states/Manipur.aspx "Manipur Economy - Snapshot"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702210507/http://www.ibef.org/states/Manipur.aspx |date=2 July 2014 }} IBEF</ref>

===Electricity===
Manipur produced about {{convert|0.1|GWh}} of electricity in 2010 with its infrastructure.<ref>[http://investinmanipur.nic.in/energy.htm Manipur Energy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323224245/http://investinmanipur.nic.in/energy.htm |date=23 March 2015 }} Govt of Manipur</ref> The state has [[hydroelectric power]] generation potential, estimated to be over {{convert|2|GWh}}. As of 2010, if half of this potential is realised, it is estimated that this would supply [[24/7 service|24/7]] electricity to all residents, with a surplus for sale, as well as supplying the Burma power grid.<ref>[http://investinmanipur.nic.in/gp_power.htm Manipur power] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319080121/http://investinmanipur.nic.in/gp_power.htm |date=19 March 2014 }} Government of India</ref>

===Agriculture===
Manipur's climate and soil conditions make it ideally suited for horticultural crops. Growing there are rare and exotic [[Medicinal plants|medicinal]] and [[aromatic plants]].<ref name="Manipur Economy - Snapshot"/> Some cash crops suited for Manipur include [[Lychee]], [[Cashew]], [[Walnut]], [[Orange (fruit)|Orange]], [[Lemon]], [[Pineapple]], [[Papaya]], [[Passiflora edulis|Passion Fruit]], [[Peach]], [[Pear]] and [[Plum]].<ref name=ghg/> The state is covered with over {{convert|3000|km2}} of bamboo forests, making it one of India's largest contributor to its bamboo industry.<ref name="Manipur Economy - Snapshot"/>

===Transportation infrastructure===
[[File:Imphal airport.jpg|thumb|Imphal airport is the second largest airport in India's northeast.]]
[[Tulihal Airport]], Changangei, Imphal, the only airport of Manipur, connects directly with [[Delhi]], [[Kolkata]], [[Guwahati]], and [[Agartala]]. It has been upgraded to an [[international airport]]. As India's second largest airport in the northeast, it serves as a key logistical centre for northeastern states. The Tulihal Airport has been renamed Bir Tikendrajit Airport.<ref name=manipuraai>{{cite web|url=http://investinmanipur.nic.in/gp_transportation.htm|title=Transportation of Manipur|work=investinmanipur.nic.in|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730011522/http://investinmanipur.nic.in/gp_transportation.htm|archive-date=30 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[National Highway 39 (India)|National Highway NH-39]] links Manipur with the rest of the country through the railway stations at [[Dimapur]] in Nagaland at a distance of {{convert|215|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Imphal.

[[National Highway 53 (India)]] connects Manipur with another railway station at [[Silchar]] in Assam, which is {{convert|269|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from Imphal. The road network of Manipur, with a length of {{convert|7170|km|mi|abbr=on}} connects all the important towns and distant villages. However, the road condition throughout the state is often deplorable.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/manipur-maram-purul-phaibung-road-villager-fix-roads-3021938 | work=The Indian Express | title=Manipur's villagers take charge, fix 19km stretch of roads: ANI – The Indian Express | access-date=14 December 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221093457/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/manipur-maram-purul-phaibung-road-villager-fix-roads-3021938/ | archive-date=21 December 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b3TwS0WRn5kC&q=manipur+govt+accused+of+bad+roads&pg=PA521 | page=521 | title=The Ninth Assembly Elections in Manipur: A. Prafullokumar Singh – Election Politics in Manipur| isbn=9788183242790 | last1=Prafullokumar Singh | first1=A. | year=2009 }}</ref> In 2010, Indian government announced that it is considering an Asian infrastructure network from Manipur to [[Vietnam]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-09/india/28123011_1_rail-link-trilateral-highway-project-link-roads | title=Rail link from Manipur to Vietnam on cards: Tharoor | access-date=1 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517081158/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-09/india/28123011_1_rail-link-trilateral-highway-project-link-roads | archive-date=17 May 2013 | url-status=dead | work=[[The Times of India]] | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The proposed [[Trans-Asian Railway]] (TAR), if constructed, will pass through Manipur, connecting [[India]] to [[Burma]], [[Thailand]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Singapore]].

===Tourism===
{{main|Tourism in North East India}}
The tourist season is from October to February when it is often sunny without being hot and humid.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}} The culture features martial arts, dance, theatre and sculpture. Greenery accompanies a moderate climate. The seasonal [[Shirui Lily]] plant at [[Ukhrul]] (district), [[Dzüko Valley]] at Senapati, [[Sangai]] ([[Brow antlered deer]]) and the [[floating islands]] at [[Loktak Lake]] are among the rarities of the area. [[Polo]], which can be called a royal game, originated in Manipur.

====Imphal (capital)====
[[File:Imphal city.jpg|thumb|A view of Imphal City]]
The city is inhabited by the [[Meitei people|Meitei]], who predominate, also Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) and other tribes. The city contains the [[Imphal Airport|Tulihal Airport]]. The district is divided into East and West. [[Khuman Lampak Main Stadium|The Khuman Lampak Sports Complex]] was built for the 1997 National Games. The stadium is used for a sports venue. It also contains a cyclists' [[velodrome]]. Most of the imported goods are sold here at its Paona Bazaar, Gambhir Singh Shopping Complex and Leima Plaza. Shree Govindajee Temple, Andro village, and the Manipur State Museum are in the city.

====Lakes and islands====
{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
| align = right
| width =
| footer = Rare birds and flowers include: [[Mrs. Hume's pheasant|Nongin]]<ref>[http://environmentmanipur.com/State%20Bird%20Nongin.html State bird Nongin] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827022801/http://environmentmanipur.com/State%20Bird%20Nongin.html |date=27 August 2014 }} Government of Manipur</ref> is the state bird (top) and Siroi Lily<ref>[http://environmentmanipur.com/State%20Flower%20Shirui%20Lily.html State flower SHIRUI LILY] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203194214/http://environmentmanipur.com/State%20Flower%20Shirui%20Lily.html |date=3 February 2014 }} Government of Manipur</ref> is its state flower (middle). Leimaram falls, bottom, is a local attraction.
| image3 = Leimaram waterfall.jpg
| image2 = Siroi Lily.jpg
| image1 = Syrmaticus_humiae.jpg
}}
{{convert|48|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Imphal]], lies the largest fresh water lake in northeast India, the [[Loktak Lake]], a miniature inland sea. There is a tourist bungalow atop Sendra Island. Life on the lake includes small islands that are floating weed on which live the lake people, the blue waters of the lake, and colourful water plants. There is a [[Sendra]] tourist home with an attached cafeteria in the middle of the lake. [[Floating islands]] are made out of the tangle of watery weeds and other plants. The wetland is swampy and is favourable for a number of species. It is in the district of [[Bishnupur district|Bishnupur]]. The etymology of Loktak is "lok = stream / tak = the end" (End of the Streams).<ref name="www.e-pao.net" /> Sendra park and resort is opening on the top of Sendra hills and attracting the tourist.

====Hills and valleys====
Kaina is a [[hillock]] about {{convert|921|m}} above sea level. It is a sacred place for Manipuri Hindus. The legend is that, Shri Govindajee appeared in the dream of his devotee, Shri Jai Singh Maharaja, and asked the saintly king to install in a temple, an image of [[Lord Krishna|Shri Govindajee]]. It was to be carved out of a [[jack fruit]] tree, which was then growing at [[Kaina (Manipur)|Kaina]]. It is {{convert|29|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Imphal. The [[Dzüko Valley]] is in Senapati district bordering with Kohima. There are seasonal flowers and number of flora and fauna. It is at an altitude of {{convert|2438|m}} above sea level, behind the Japfü Peak in Nagaland. The rare Dzüko lily is found only in this valley.{{citation needed|date=January 2015}}

====Eco tourism====
[[File:Sangai.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Sangai, the state animal, at Keibul Lamjao National Park. In the wild, it has a habit of waiting and looking back at viewers.<ref>[http://environmentmanipur.com/State%20Animal%20Sangai.html State animal Sangai] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201232639/http://environmentmanipur.com/State%20Animal%20Sangai.html |date=1 February 2014 }} Government of Manipur</ref>]]
[[Keibul Lamjao National Park]], {{convert|48|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from Imphal is an abode of the rare and endangered species of [[Eld's deer|brow antlered deer]]. This ecosystem contains 17 rare species of mammals.<ref name="www.e-pao.net" /> It is the only floating national park of the world.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20180411-the-worlds-only-floating-national-park |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610040341/http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20180411-the-worlds-only-floating-national-park |archive-date=10 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}
{{convert|6|km|mi|spell=In}} to the west of [[Imphal]], at the foot of the pine growing hillocks at Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road are the [[Zoological Gardens]]. Some [[brow antlered deer]] (Sangai) are housed there.

====Waterfalls====
Sadu Chiru waterfall is near Ichum Keirap village<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ichumkeirap.yolasite.com|title=Ichum Keirap|work=yolasite.com|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425122057/http://ichumkeirap.yolasite.com/|archive-date=25 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> {{convert|27|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Imphal, in the Sadar hill area, Senapati district. This consists of three falls with the first fall about {{convert|30|m}} high. Agape Park is in the vicinity.

====Natural caves====
Thalon Cave (around {{convert|910|m}} above sea level) is one of the historical sites of Manipur under [[Tamenglong district]]. It is around {{convert|185|km}} from the state capital and around {{convert|30|km}} from Tamenglong district headquarters in north side. From Thalon village, this cave is {{convert|4|-|5|km}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-pao.net/epGallery.asp?id=1&src=Landscape/Thalon200912_2|title=Thalon Cave, Tamenglong: December 2009 ~ Pictures from Manipur|work=e-pao.net|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921211941/http://www.e-pao.net/epGallery.asp?id=1&src=Landscape%2FThalon200912_2|archive-date=21 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Khangkhui Cave is a natural limestone cave in [[Ukhrul district]]. The big hall in the cave is the darbar hall of the Devil King living deep inside while the northern hall is the royal bedroom, according to local folklore. During World War II, villagers sought shelter here. This cave is an hour's trek from Khangkui village.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ukhrul.nic.in/places-to-visit.html|title=Ukhrul District|work=ukhrul.nic.in|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904135716/http://ukhrul.nic.in/places-to-visit.html|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Manipur}}
Manipur schools are run by the state and central government or by private organisation. Instruction is mainly in English. Under the 10+2+3 plan, students may enroll in general or professional degree programs after passing the Higher Secondary Examination (the grade 12 examination). The main universities are [[Manipur University]], [[Central Agricultural University]], [[National Institute of Technology, Manipur]], [[Indian Institute of Information Technology, Manipur]], [[Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences]], [[Regional Institute of Medical Sciences]] and [[Indira Gandhi National Tribal University]].

Manipur is home to India's first floating elementary school: Loktak Elementary Floating School in Loktak Lake.

==Transportation==
[[File:Imphal, Manipur (55).jpeg|thumb|National Highway 150 in Imphal]]

===Air===
[[Imphal International Airport]] is situated in the capital [[Imphal]] which connects direct flights from [[Imphal]] to [[Kolkata]], [[Guwahati]], [[New Delhi]], [[Bangalore]] and [[Agartala]].

===Roadways===
Manipur is connected to all its neighbour states with [[National Highway (India)|National Highway]]s.

===Rail===
Manipur has one railway station, [[Jiribam railway station|Jiribam]].

==Art and Culture==
{{Main|Art and culture of Manipur|Art forms of Manipur}}

Secular theatre is mostly confined to themes that are not religious; it is performed in the secular or profane spheres. In these are ''Shumang lila'' and ''Phampak lila'' (stage drama). ''Shumang lila'' is very popular. Etymologically Shumang lila is the combination of "Shumang" (courtyard) and "[[Lila (given name)|Lila]]" (play or performance). It is performed in an area of 13×13 ft in the centre of any open space, in a very simple style without a raised stage, set design, or heavy props such as curtains, background scenery, and visual effects. It uses one table and two chairs, kept on one side of the performance space. Its claim as the "theatre of the masses" is underlined by the way it is performed in the middle of an audience that surrounds it, leaving one passage as entrance and exit.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}

The world of ''Phampak lila'' (stage drama) performed in the proscenium theatre is similar, in form, to the Western theatrical model and Indian [[Natyasastra]] model though its contents are indigenous. The so-called modern theatre descended on Manipur theatre culture with the performance of Pravas Milan (1902) under the enthusiastic patronage of [[Maharaja Churchand Singh|Sir Churchand Maharaj]] (1891–1941). The pace of theatrical movement was geared up with the institution of groups such as [[Manipur Dramatic Union]] (MDU) (1930), Arian Theatre (1935), Chitrangada Natya Mandir (1936), Society Theatre (1937), Rupmahal (1942), Cosmopolitan Dramatic Union (1968), and the Chorus Repertory Theatre of [[Ratan Thiyam]] (1976).{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} These groups started experimenting with types of plays apart from historical and [[Puranas|Puranic]] ones. Today Manipur theatre is well respected because of excellent productions shown in India and abroad. Manipur plays, both ''Shumang lila'' and ''stage lila'', have been a regular feature in the annual festival of the [[National School of Drama]], New Delhi.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}

[[International Society for Krishna Consciousness|Iskcon]] led by [[Bhaktisvarupa Damodar Swami|Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami]] started a network of schools in Northeastern India, where more than 4,000 students receive education centred on Vaishnava spiritual values. In 1989 he founded "Ranganiketan Manipuri Cultural Arts Troupe", which has approximately 600 performances at over 300 venues in over 15 countries. Ranganiketan (literally "House of Colorful Arts") is a group of more than 20 dancers, musicians, singers, martial artists, choreographers, and craft artisans.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} Some of them have received international acclaim.

<gallery mode="packed" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%; border-bottom:1px #aaa solid;" heights="180">
File:A Manipuri Dancer in traditional Krishna attire.jpg|[[Manipuri dance]], one of eight the classical dances of India
File:Thang-Ta.jpg|[[Thang Ta]], the martial art form of Manipur
File:"PENA" a musical instrument.jpg|''[[Pena (musical instrument)|Pena]]'' is an ancient Manipur musical instrument, particularly popular among the [[Meitei people]]
File:Chorus Repertory Theater.jpg|The Chorus Repertory Theatre, [[Imphal]], founded by [[Ratan Thiyam]]
</gallery>

===Manipur dance (Ras Lila)===
{{main|Manipuri dance}}
[[File:The Shrine at Chorus.jpg|thumb|The Shrine – the main theatre]]
[[Manipur dance]] also known as Jagoi,{{Sfn|Reginald Massey|2004|p=177}} is one of the major [[Classical Indian dance|Indian classical dance forms]],{{Sfn|Williams|2004|pp=83-84, the other major classical Indian dances are: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Cchau, Satriya, Yaksagana and Bhagavata Mela}} named after the state of Manipur.<ref name=lochtefeld420>{{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC&pg=PA376|year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8|pages=420–421|access-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206083032/https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC&pg=PA376|archive-date=6 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Sfn|Reginald Massey|2004|pp=177-187}} It is particularly known for its Hindu [[Vaishnavism]] themes, and exquisite performances of love-inspired dance drama of Radha-Krishna called [[Raslila]].<ref name=lochtefeld420/>{{Sfn|Reginald Massey|2004|p=177}}{{Sfn|Ragini Devi|1990|pp=175-180}} However, the dance is also performed to themes related to [[Shaivism]], [[Shaktism]] and regional deities such as Umang Lai during [[Lai Haraoba]].{{Sfn|Reginald Massey|2004|pp=177-180}}<ref>{{cite book|author=Saroj Nalini Parratt|title=The pleasing of the gods: Meitei Lai Haraoba|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COCBAAAAMAAJ|year=1997|publisher=Vikas Publishers|pages=14–20, 42–46|access-date=4 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206083036/https://books.google.com/books?id=COCBAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=6 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The roots of Manipur dance, as with all classical Indian dances, is the ancient [[Hindu]] Sanskrit text ''[[Natya Shastra]]'', but with influences from the culture fusion between India and Southeast Asia, East Asia, Siberia, Micronesia and Polynesia.{{Sfn|Saryu Doshi|1989|pp=xv-xviii}}

===Chorus Repertory Theatre===
The auditorium of the theatre is on the outskirts of Imphal and the campus stretches for about {{convert|2|acre|m2}}. It has housing and working quarters to accommodate self-sufficiency of life. The theatre association has churned out internationally acclaimed plays like ''[[Chakravyuha]]'' and ''Uttarpriyadashi''. Its 25 years of existence in theatre had disciplined its performers to a world of excellence. ''[[Chakravyuha]]'' taken from the Mahabharat epic had won Fringe Firsts Award, 1987 at the Edinburgh International Theater Festival. ''[[Chakravyuha]]'' deals with the story of [[Abhimanyu]] (son of Arjun) of his last battle and approaching death, whereas ''Uttarpriyadashi'' is an 80-minute exposition of [[Emperor Ashoka]]'s redemption.{{citation needed|date=October 2015}}

==Sports==
{{Main|Sports in Manipur|Khong kangjei|Mukna|Polo|}}
[[File:Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.jpg|thumb|[[Khuman Lampak Main Stadium]] in [[Imphal]].]]
Mukna is a popular form of wrestling.<ref>Ved Prakash, Encyclopaedia of North-East India, Volume 4, {{ISBN|978-8126907069}}, pp 1558-1561</ref> Mukna Kangjei, or ''Khong Kangjei'', is a game which combines the arts of [[mukna]] (wrestling hockey) and [[Khong kangjei|Kangjei]] (Cane Stick) to play the ball made of seasoned [[bamboo]] roots.<ref>Gurmeet Kanwal, Defenders of the Dawn, {{ISBN|978-8170622796}}, pp 48</ref><ref name=ksl826>Khomdan Singh Lisam, Encyclopaedia Of Manipur, {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp 824-830</ref>

[[Yubi lakpi]] is a traditional full contact game played in Manipur, [[India]], using a coconut, which has some notable similarities to [[rugby football|rugby]].<ref name=ksl826/> ''Yubi lakpi'' literally means "coconut snatching". The coconut is greased to make it slippery. There are rules of the game, as with all Manipur sports.<ref>[http://manipur.gov.in/?p=23 Indigenous games of Manipur] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512142602/http://manipur.gov.in/?p=23 |date=12 May 2015 }} Govt of Manipur</ref> The coconut serves the purpose of a ball and is offered to the king, the chief guest or the judges before the game begins. The aim is to run while carrying the greased coconut and physically cross over the goal line, while the other team tackles and blocks any such attempt as well as tries to grab the coconut and score on its own. In Manipur's long history, Yubi lakpi was the annual official game, attended by the king, over the Hindu festival of Shree Govindajee.<ref>Khomdan Singh Lisam, Encyclopaedia Of Manipur, {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp 825</ref> It is like the game of [[Rugby sevens|rugby]],<ref>Mills, J. H. (2006), Manipur Rules Here - Gender, Politics, and Sport in an Asian Border Zone, Journal of Sport & Social Issues, 30(1), 62-78</ref> or American football.<ref name=ksl825830>Khomdan Singh Lisam, Encyclopaedia Of Manipur, {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp 825-830</ref>

Oolaobi (Woo-Laobi) is an outdoor game mainly played by females. Meitei mythology believes that UmangLai Heloi-Taret (seven deities–seven fairies) played this game on the Courtyard of the temple of Umang Lai Lairembi. The number of participants is not fixed but are divided into two groups (size as per agreement). Players are divided as into Raiders (Attackers) or Defenders (Avoiders).<ref name="ksl826"/> ''Hiyang tannaba'', also called ''Hi Yangba Tanaba'', is a traditional boat rowing race and festivity of the Panas.<ref name=ksl826/>

===Polo===
{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
| align = right
| width =
| footer = The rules-based Polo game in 19th century Manipur (above), and modern Polo in the 21st century.
| image1 = Manipur Polo Players 1875.jpg
| image2 = Full gallop polo.jpg
}}
Captain Robert Stewart and Lieutenant Joseph Sherer<ref>Joseph Ford Sherer is called the Father of English Polo; see Horace A. Laffaye (2009), ''The Evolution of Polo'', {{ISBN|978-0786438143}}, Chapter 2; National Army Museum [http://www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection/detail.php?acc=1998-03-8-1 Silver salver presented to Captain Joseph Ford Sherer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128210216/http://www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection/detail.php?acc=1998-03-8-1 |date=28 November 2014 }} United Kingdom</ref> of the British colonial era first watched locals play a rules-based ''pulu'' or ''sagolkangjei'' (literally, horse and stick) game in 1859. They adopted its rules, calling the game polo, and playing it on their horses. The game spread among the British in Calcutta and then to England.<ref name="nam.ac.uk">[http://www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection/detail.php?acc=1999-12-145-1 Lieutenant (later Major General) Joseph Ford Sherer, Assistant to the Superintendent of Cachar, with his bearers, Manipur, 1861] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003051550/http://www.nam.ac.uk/online-collection/detail.php?acc=1999-12-145-1 |date=3 October 2014 }} National Army Museum, United Kingdom; ''Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research'', Volume 82, Issues 337–340, page 238</ref><ref name="Manipur, Cradle of the Modern Game">Chris Aston [http://www.poloconsult.com/index.php/en/le-polo/tribune-de-chris-ashton/535-manipur-cradle-polo "Manipur, Cradle of the Modern Game"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127144046/http://www.poloconsult.com/index.php/en/le-polo/tribune-de-chris-ashton/535-manipur-cradle-polo |date=27 November 2014 }}, Polo Consult</ref>

Apart from these games, some outdoor children's games are fading in popularity. Some games such as Khutlokpi, Phibul Thomba, and Chaphu Thugaibi remain very popular elsewhere, such as in [[Cambodia]]. They are played especially during the Khmer New Year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Sports_and_Manipur.Indigenous_Games_between_Cambodia_and_Manipur |title=Singh, Atom Sunil; ''indigenous Games between Cambodia and Manipur: A Borderless Connectivity'', The Sangai Express, 4 June 2008. |access-date=30 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202054340/http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Sports_and_Manipur.Indigenous_Games_between_Cambodia_and_Manipur |archive-date=2 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

First of its kind in India, National Sports University will be constructed in Manipur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/lok-sabha-passes-bill-to-set-up-sports-varsity-in-manipur/article24594002.ece|title=Lok Sabha passes Bill to set-up sports varsity in Manipur|date=3 August 2018|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

==Festivals==
[[File:Lai haraoba manipur.JPG|thumb|left|The [[Lai Haraoba]], a dance festival showcases the folk dances of Manipur.]]
The festivals of Manipur are Lui-ngai-ni [[Ningol Chakouba]], Shirui Lily festival, [[Yaoshang]], Gan-ngai, Chumpha, [[Sajibu Nongma Panba|Cheiraoba]], Kang and [[Heikru Hidongba]], as well as the broader religious festivals [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid-Ul-Fitr]], [[Eid al-Adha|Eid-Ul-Adha]] and [[Christmas]]. Most of these festivals are celebrated on the basis of the lunar calendar. Almost every festival celebrated in other states of India is observed.

On 21 November 2017, the Sangai Festival 2017 was inaugurated by President [[Ram Nath Kovind]] in Manipur. Held for 10 days, the festival is named after Manipur's state animal, the brow-antlered Sangai deer. The Sangai Festival showcases the tourism potential of Manipur in the field of arts and culture, handloom, handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisine, music and adventure sports.

===Ningol Chakouba===
Held on 9 November,<ref>Khomdan Singh Lisam, ''Encyclopaedia Of Manipur'', {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp. 607–617</ref> this is a social festival of the Meiteis and many communities of Manipur where married women (Ningol) are invited (Chakouba, literally calling to a meal; for dinner or lunch) to a feast at their parental house accompanied by their children. Besides the feast, gifts are given to the women/invitees and to their children. It is the festival that binds and revives the family relations between the women married away and the parental family. Nowadays, other communities have started celebrating this kind of a family-bonding festival.

===Kut===
Held after the Harvest festival in November,<ref>Khomdan Singh Lisam, ''Encyclopaedia Of Manipur'', {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp. 950–961</ref><ref>G. K. Ghosh, Shukla Ghosh, ''Women of Manipur'', {{ISBN|978-8170248972}}</ref> this festival predominantly celebrated by Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes in Manipur has become one of the leading festivals of the state. Kut is not restricted to a community or tribe — the whole state populace participates in merriment. On 1 November of every year, the state declared holiday for Kut celebration.

===Yaosang===
{{main|Yaosang}}
Held in February or March,<ref>Khomdan Singh Lisam, ''Encyclopaedia Of Manipur'', {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp. 629–632</ref> Yaosang is considered to be one of the biggest festivals of Manipur. It is the Holi festival (festival of colour) but Yaosang is the regional name given by the people of Manipur.

===Khuado Pawi===
Khuado Pawi is the harvest festival of the [[Tedim people]] who were recognised as [[Sukte people|Sukte]] and [[Zomi]] in [[India]] and [[Myanmar]] respectively. The word Pawi means [[festival]] in Tedim Zomi language. It is celebrated every year in the month of September–October after harvesting.<ref name="archive.tongsan.org">{{Cite web | url=http://archive.tongsan.org/articles/zokam/69-zomi-ngeina-khuado-pawi.html | title=Zomi Ngeina Khuado Pawi | access-date=9 February 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216084857/http://archive.tongsan.org/articles/zokam/69-zomi-ngeina-khuado-pawi.html | archive-date=16 February 2016 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

[[File:Cheiraochingkaba.jpg|thumb|Cheiraoba is a celebration of the new year during the spring season. People feast (top), then climb up a hill together later in the day to signify overcoming hurdles and reaching new heights in the new year.<ref name=ksl825830/>]]

===Cheiraoba===
{{main|Sajibu Nongma Panba}}
Also known as Sajibugi Nongma Panba and held in March or April, ''Cheiraoba'' is the new year of Manipur.<ref name=ksl825830/> It is observed on the first lunar day of the lunar month ''Sajibu'' (March/April) and so it is also popularly known as ''Sajibu Cheiraoba''. People of Manipur immaculate and decorate their houses and make a sumptuous variety of dishes to feast upon after offering food to the deity on this day. After the feast, as a part of the ritual, people climb hilltops; in the belief that it would excel them to greater heights in their worldly life.<ref name="ksl825830"/>

===Gaan-Ngai===
[[Gaan-Ngai]] is the greatest festival of the [[Zeliangrong]] people. It is a five-day festival and is usually performed on the 13th day of the Meitei month of Wakching.

==Notable people==


* [[Khwairakpam Chaoba]] (1895-1950) - poet
* [[Sabitri Heisnam]] (b 1946) - actress and [[Padma Shri]] awardee
* [[Hijam Irabot]] (1896-1951) - politician and social activist
* [[Heisnam Kanhailal]] (1941-2016) - theatre director and [[Padma Bhushan]] awardee
* [[Muhammed Alauddin Khan]] - politician
* [[Ralengnao Khathing]] - first and only person from Manipur to serve as an Ambassador for India
* [[Armstrong Pame]] - officer in the [[Indian Administrative Service]]
* [[Irom Chanu Sharmila]] (b 1972) - civil rights activist and poet
* [[Laishram Nandakumar Singh]] - Minister of Urban Development
* [[Mary Kom]] - Only boxer to win 8 world championship medals



== See also ==
{{Portal|India}}
* [[Human rights abuses in Manipur]]
* [[List of Manipur films of 2013]]
* [[Maramfest]]
* [[Outline of Manipur]]
* [[Tourist Attractions in Manipur]]
* [[Tumukhong]]
* [[Kajenglei]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book|author=Ragini Devi|title=Dance Dialects of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KRz5ykKRVAEC |year=1990 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0674-0}}
* {{cite book|author=Saryu Doshi|title=Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xRbkAAAAMAAJ|year=1989|publisher=Marg Publications|isbn=978-81-85026-09-1}}
* {{cite book|author=Reginald Massey|title=India's Dances: Their History, Technique, and Repertoire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t6MJ8jbHqIwC |year=2004|publisher=Abhinav Publications|isbn=978-81-7017-434-9 }}
* {{citation |last=Singh |first=Haorongbam Sudhirkumar |title=Socio-religious and Political Movements in Modern Manipur 1934–51 |journal=INFLIBNET |year=2011 |url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/121665 |ref={{sfnref|Singh, Socio-religious and Political Movements in Modern Manipur|2011}}}}
* {{cite journal| last= Williams|first=Drid| s2cid= 29065670| title=In the Shadow of Hollywood Orientalism: Authentic East Indian Dancing|url= http://jashm.press.illinois.edu/12.3/12-3IntheShadow_Williams78-99.pdf |journal=Visual Anthropology| volume=17|issue=1 |year=2004|pages=69–98 |doi=10.1080/08949460490274013}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
'''Government'''
* {{official website}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140608105853/http://tourismmanipur.nic.in/ Official Tourism Site of Manipur]

'''General information'''
* {{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Manipur|Manipur}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|2027869}}

{{Districts of Manipur}}
{{North East India}}
{{states and territories of India}}
{{Princely states of India}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Manipur| ]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]
[[Category:Northeast India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1972]]
[[Category:Tourism in Northeast India]]

Maharashtra

2021-10-17T01:27:36Z

2A00:23C5:8D98:E201:54E:27DF:2468:826E:

{{Short description|State in Western India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Maharashtra
| native_name = 
| native_name_lang =
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Mahabaleshwar Pratapgad 023.jpg
| photo1b = Mumbai Train Station.jpg
| photo2a = Ajanta Padmapani.jpg
| photo2b = 1 view from rocky hill from which Kailasha temple is carved, Ellora Caves India.jpg
| photo3a = Gateway of India at night.jpg
| photo3b = Shiva Trimurti @ Elephanta Caves.jpg
| photo4a = Entrance to Shaniwar wada.jpg
| photo4b = Hazur Sahib, Nanded, Maharashtra, September 2012.jpg
| spacing = 1
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 250
| foot_montage = ''From top, left to right:'' [[Pratapgad]] Fort (near [[Mahabaleshwar]]) located in the [[Western Ghats]], [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]], Painting of [[Padmapani]] at [[Ajanta Caves]], [[Kailasa temple, Ellora|Kailasa Temple]] at [[Ellora Caves]], [[The Gateway of India]], [[Trimurti]] sculpture of [[Elephanta Caves]], [[Shaniwar Wada]] Fort and [[Hazur Sahib Nanded]]}}
| image_caption =
| seal_alt = Seal of Maharashtra
| motto =
| image_map = IN-MH.svg
| map_alt =
| map_caption = Location of Maharashtra in India
| image_map1 =
| map_caption1 =
| coordinates = {{coord|18.97|72.820|region:IN-MH_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coor_pinpoint = Mumbai
| coordinates_footnotes =
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{IND}}
| established_title = Formation
| established_date = 1 May 1960{{ref|cap|^}} {{nowrap|([[Maharashtra Day]])}}
| seat_type = Capitals
| seat = [[Mumbai]] [[Nagpur]] (Winter)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/monsoon-session--to-start-in-mahas-winter-capital-nagpur-from-july-4.html |title=Monsoon session to start in Maha's winter Capital Nagpur from July 4 |access-date=1 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802011411/https://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/monsoon-session--to-start-in-mahas-winter-capital-nagpur-from-july-4.html |archive-date=2 August 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| seat1_type = Largest city
| seat1 = [[Mumbai]]
| parts_type = [[List of Indian districts|Districts]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = [[List of districts of Maharashtra|36]]
| government_footnotes =
| governing_body = {{nowrap|[[Government of Maharashtra]]}}
| leader_title = [[Governors of Maharashtra|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Bhagat Singh Koshyari]]
| leader_title1 = {{nowrap|[[List of Chief Ministers of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]]}}
| leader_name1 = [[Uddhav Thackeray]] ([[Shiv Sena|SS]])
| leader_title2 = [[List of deputy chief ministers of Maharashtra|Deputy Chief Minister]]
| leader_name2 = [[Ajit Pawar]] ([[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]])
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2 = 307713
| area_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by area|3rd]]
| area_note =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m =
| population_total = 112,374,333
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes = <ref name="GOI_2011">{{cite web |url = https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_maha.html |title = Area, population, decennial growth rate and density for 2001 and 2011 at a glance for Maharashtra and the districts: provisional population totals paper 1 of 2011: Maharashtra |publisher = Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date = 26 January 2012 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120107060612/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_maha.html |archive-date = 7 January 2012 |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank = [[List of states and union territories of India by population|2nd]]
| population_demonym = Maharashtrian
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| area_code =
| area_code_type = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-MH]]
| demographics_type1 = GSDP {{nobold|(2019–20)}}
| demographics1_footnotes = <ref name="MOSPI">{{Cite web|url=https://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/ESM_2019_20_Eng_Book.pdf|title=Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2019-20, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Planning Department, Government of Maharashtra|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref>
| demographics1_title1 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|Total]]
| demographics1_info1 = {{INRConvert|28.78|t|lk=r}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|Per capita]]
| demographics1_info2 = {{INRConvert|207727|lk=r}}
| registration_plate = [[List of RTO districts in India#MH—Maharashtra|MH]]
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Official languages]]
| blank_info_sec1 = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/maharashtra/1965/1965MH5.pdf|title=The Maharashtra Official Languages Act, 1964; Amendment Act, 2015|website=lawsofindia.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115104204/http://www.lawsofindia.org/pdf/maharashtra/1965/1965MH5.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=nclmanurep2010>{{cite web |url = http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |title = Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 52nd report (July 2014 to June 2015) |pages = 34–35 |publisher = Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date = 16 February 2016 |df = dmy-all |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171523/http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archive-date = 28 December 2017}}</ref>
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] {{nobold|(2017)}}
| blank_info_sec2 = {{increase}} 0.696<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/IND/?levels=1%2B4&interpolation=0&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0&years=2018
|title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=13 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|archive-date=23 September 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> ({{color|#fc0|medium}}) · [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|15th]]
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank1_info_sec2 = 82.34%<ref name="pc-census2011">{{cite web |title=Census 2011 (Final Data) – Demographic details, Literate Population (Total, Rural & Urban) |url=http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |website=planningcommission.gov.in |publisher=Planning Commission, Government of India |access-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127163347/http://planningcommission.gov.in/data/datatable/data_2312/DatabookDec2014%20307.pdf |archive-date=27 January 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| blank2_name_sec2 = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]] {{nobold|(2011)}}
| blank2_info_sec2 = 929 [[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]<ref name="pc-census2011" />
| website = [http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/ Maharashtra.gov.in]
| footnotes = {{ref|cap|†}}The [[Bombay State|State of Bombay]] was split into two States i.e. Maharashtra and Gujarat by the ''Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960''<ref>{{cite book|title=The Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3U_VAAAAMAAJ|access-date=23 May 2015|last1=Ministry of Law, Government of India|year=1960|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Bombay_Reorganisation_Act_1960_11_of.html?id=3U_VAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> {{ref|cap|††}} Common high court
| module = {{Infobox place symbols
| embedded = yes
| region = Maharashtra
| country = India
| flag = [[File:Indian state flag of Maharashtra (proposed).png|40px|left]] [[Flag of Maharashtra]]
| emblem = [[File:Seal of Maharashtra.png|40px|left]] [[Emblem of Maharashtra]]
| language = [[File:Marathi written in Devanagari script.svg|40px|left]] [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| song = "[[Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza]]" by [[Raja Badhe]]<ref>{{cite book |title= Bombay, Meri Jaan: Writings on Mumbai |author= Jerry Pinto, Naresh Fernandes |year=2003 |publisher=Penguin Books |page= 237 |isbn= 9780143029663 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wm1uAAAAMAAJ&q=garja+maharashtra}}</ref>
| mammal = [[File:Ratufa indica (Bhadra, 2006).jpg|40px|left]] [[Indian giant squirrel]]
| bird = [[File:Yellow-footed green pigeon (Treron phoenicoptera) Photograph by Shantanu Kuveskar.jpg|40px|left]] [[Yellow-footed green pigeon]]
| insect = [[File:Papilio polymnestor-Kadavoor-2016-07-27-002.jpg|40px|left]] [[Papilio polymnestor|Blue Mormon]]
| flower = [[File:Jarul.jpg|40px|left]] [[Lagerstroemia speciosa|Jarul]]
| tree = [[File:Mangifera indica 2z .jpg|40px|left]] [[Mangifera indica|Mango Tree]]
}}
| type = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| leader_title3 = [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly|Legislature]]
| leader_name3 = [[Bicameral]]
* [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly|Assembly]] ([[List of constituencies of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly|288 seats]])
* [[Maharashtra Legislative Council|Council]] (78 seats)
| leader_title4 = [[Parliament of India|Parliamentary constituency]]
| leader_name4 = * [[Rajya Sabha]] ([[List of Rajya Sabha members from Maharashtra|19 seats]])
* [[Lok Sabha]] ([[List of members of the 17th Lok Sabha#Maharashtra|48 seats]])
| official_name =
| image_flag = [[File:Indian state flag of Maharashtra (proposed).png|100px|Flag of Maharashtra]]
| flag_type =
| flag_size = 100px
| image_blank_emblem = [[File:Seal of Maharashtra.png|100px|Emblem of Maharashtra]]
| blank_emblem_type = Emblem
| blank_emblem_size = 100px
}}

'''Maharashtra''' ({{IPAc-en|m|ɑː|h|ə|ˈ|r|ɑː|ʃ|t|r|ə}}; {{IPA-mr|məharaːʂʈɽə|lang|Maharashtra.ogg}}, abbr. '''MH''') is a [[states and union territories of India|state]] in the western peninsular region of [[India]] occupying a substantial portion of the [[Deccan Plateau]]. Maharashtra is the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|second-most populous state]] in India as well as the [[List of country subdivisions by population|second-most populous country subdivision]] in the world. It was formed on 1 May 1960 by splitting the bilingual [[Bombay State]], which had existed since 1956, into majority [[Marathi people|Marathi-speaking]] Maharashtra and [[Gujarati people|Gujarati-speaking]] Gujarat. The state capital is [[Mumbai]], the [[List of million-plus urban agglomerations in India|most populous urban area]] in India. The [[Godavari River|Godavari]] and the [[Krishna River|Krishna]] are the two major rivers in the state. [[Marathi language|Marathi]] is the most widely spoken language and is also the official language of the state.

Spread over {{convert|307713|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, it is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|third-largest state by area]] in India. Maharashtra is bordered by the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west, the Indian states of [[Karnataka]] and [[Goa]] to the south, [[Telangana]] to the southeast and [[Chhattisgarh]] to the east, [[Gujarat]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] to the north, and the Indian union territory of [[Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu]] to the northwest.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/maharashtra/about-us |title=Maharashtra Tourism |access-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118212123/https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/maharashtra/about-us |archive-date=18 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Nagpur]] hosts the [[Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature|winter session]] of the [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly|state legislature]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/Amravati/5540/MAH-VID-AMR-first-time-in-mumbai-to-nagpur-air-conditioner-bus-started-new-s-4834760-NOR.html|title=उपराजधानी ते राजधानी 'शिवनेरी'ची सवारी|trans-title=Uparājdhānī tē Rājdhānī' śivanērī'cī Savārī|language=mr|last=Bhushan Kale|work=Divya Marathi|date=10 December 2014|access-date=23 May 2015|location=Nagpur, Maharashtra, India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623020105/http://m.divyamarathi.bhaskar.com/news/Amravati/5540/MAH-VID-AMR-first-time-in-mumbai-to-nagpur-air-conditioner-bus-started-new-s-4834760-NOR.html|archive-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> The state has three international airports, [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport]] (Mumbai), [[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport]] (Nagpur), and [[Pune Airport]] (Lohegaon, Pune). The state is home to three railways headquarters viz. [[Central Railway zone|Central Railway]] ([[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]]), [[Konkan Railway]] ([[CBD Belapur railway station|CBD Belapur]]) and [[Western Railway (India)|Western Railway]] (Churchgate). The High Court of the state viz. Bombay High Court is located in Mumbai.

Prior to [[Indian independence movement|Indian independence]], Maharashtra was chronologically ruled by the [[Satavahana dynasty]], [[Rashtrakuta dynasty]], [[Western Chalukya Empire|Western Chalukyas]], [[Deccan sultanates]], [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]] and [[Maratha Empire|Marathas]], and the [[British Raj|British]]. Ruins, monuments, tombs, forts, and places of worship left by these rulers are dotted around the state. The state is home to four [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Sites]]: [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]], [[Ellora Caves|Ellora]] and [[Elephanta Caves|Elehpanta]] caves and the [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] (formerly Victoria Terminus). [[Pune]] is known as the '[[Oxford]] of the East' due to the presence of several well-known educational institutions.<ref>{{cite news|title=The 'Oxford of the East' goes West|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the--oxford-of-the-east--goes-west/375464/|access-date=24 January 2017|work=The Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424012924/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the--oxford-of-the-east--goes-west/375464|archive-date=24 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Truly the Oxford of the East|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/education/truly-the-oxford-of-the-east/story-C4tkUn6c6BWOtxvRuUF1TO.html|access-date=24 January 2017|work=Hindustan Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202032614/http://www.hindustantimes.com/education/truly-the-oxford-of-the-east/story-C4tkUn6c6BWOtxvRuUF1TO.html|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nashik]] is known as the 'Wine Capital of India' as it has the largest number of wineries and vineyards in the country.

Maharashtra is the most industrialised state in India and the state's capital, Mumbai is India's [[Financial centre|financial]] and commercial hub.<ref name="Maharashtra_PC">—{{cite book |author=Planning Commission of the Government of India |title=Maharashtra, Development Report |publisher=Academic Foundation |year=2007 |page=407 |isbn=978-8-171-88540-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ohvu8D3LbgC&q=Maharashtra+richest+states}} —{{cite book |author=Bhandari Laveesh |title=Indian States at a Glance 2008-09: Performance, Facts And Figures – Maharashtra |publisher=Pearson Education India |year=2009 |page=176 |isbn=978-8-131-72343-2}}</ref> The state has played a significant role in the country's [[Culture of India|social]] and [[Politics of India|political life]] and widely considered a leader in terms of [[Agricultural productivity|agricultural]] and [[industrial production]], trade and transport, and education.<ref name=Maharashtra_info>—{{cite book |last=Pletcher |first= Kenneth |date=1 April 2010 |title=The Geography of India: Sacred and Historic Places Understanding India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GdKcAAAAQBAJ&q=Delhi+is+a+commercial+hub+of+india |publisher=[[Britannica Educational Publishing]] |page=280 |isbn=978-1-615-30202-4 |access-date=11 July 2020}} —{{citation |last1=Mookerjee |first1=Sitanshu|last2=Wanmali |first2=Sudhir Vyankatesh|title=Maharashtra |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Maharashtra |access-date=4 July 2020 |url-access=subscription |quote=Maharashtra is one of India’s biggest commercial and industrial centres, and it has played a significant role in the country’s social and political life. Maharashtra is a leader among Indian states in terms of agricultural and industrial production, trade and transport, and education.}} —{{cite journal |last1=Sundar |first1=K.R. Shyam |date=2009 |title=Current State and Evolution of Industrial Relations in Maharashtra |url=https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1080&context=intl |publisher= [[Cornell University]] |journal= [[International Labour Organization]] |pages=8–70 |access-date=8 July 2020}}</ref> Maharashtra is one of the most developed and prosperous Indian states and continues to be the single largest contributor to the [[Economy of India|national economy]] with a share of 15% in the country's [[gross domestic product|GDP]].<ref name=Maharashtra_data>—{{citation | last1 = Prabhu | first1 = K. Seeta |last2 = Sarker | first2 = P.C. | date = 5 September 1992 | title = Identification of Levels of Development: Case of Maharashtra | journal = [[Economic and Political Weekly]] | volume = 26 | issue = 36 | pages = 1927–1937 | jstor = 4398849 |issn= 0012-9976 }} —{{cite book |last=Pletcher |first= Kenneth |date=1 April 2010 |title=The Geography of India: Sacred and Historic Places Understanding India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GdKcAAAAQBAJ&q=Delhi+is+a+commercial+hub+of+india |publisher=[[Britannica Educational Publishing]] |page=283 |isbn=978-1-615-30202-4 |access-date=11 July 2020}} —{{cite journal |last1=Sundar |first1=K.R. Shyam |date=2009 |title=Current State and Evolution of Industrial Relations in Maharashtra |url=https://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1080&context=intl |publisher= [[Cornell University]] |journal= [[International Labour Organization]] |pages=8–30 |access-date=8 July 2020}} —{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/maharashtras-2025-agenda-why-states-1-trillion-gdp-target-could-make-it-indias-growth-engine/1218608/|title=Maharashtra's 2025 agenda: Why state's $1 trillion GDP target could make it India's growth engine|work=Financial Express|access-date=25 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624235107/https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/maharashtras-2025-agenda-why-states-1-trillion-gdp-target-could-make-it-indias-growth-engine/1218608/|archive-date=24 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[economy of Maharashtra]] is the [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP|largest]] in India, with a gross state domestic product (GSDP) of {{INRConvert|28.78|t|lk=r}} and has the country's [[List of Indian states and union territories by GDP per capita|13th-highest GSDP per capita]] of {{INRConvert|207.727|k}}.<ref name="MOSPI" /> Maharashtra is the [[List of Indian states and territories by Human Development Index|fifteenth-highest ranking]] among Indian states in [[human development index]].<ref name="GlobalDataLab" />

== Etymology ==
The modern [[Marathi language]] developed from the [[Maharashtri Prakrit]],<ref name="The Linguist List">{{cite web|url=http://linguistlist.org/forms/langs/LLDescription.cfm?code=pmh |title=The Linguist List |publisher=The Linguist List |date=22 June 2009 |access-date=30 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225003616/http://linguistlist.org/forms/langs/LLDescription.cfm?code=pmh |archive-date=25 December 2009 }}</ref> and the word ''[[Marhatta (region)|Marhatta]]'' (later used for the [[Maratha]]s) is found in the [[Jain]] Maharashtri literature. The terms Maharashtra, Maharashtri, Marathi, and Maratha may have derived from the same root. However, their exact etymology is uncertain.<ref name="Gazetteer1967">{{cite book | title=Maharashtra State Gazetteers: General Series | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KZBTAAAAYAAJ | access-date=30 March 2013 | year=1967 | publisher=Directorate of Government Print., Stationery and Publications | page=208 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527221715/http://books.google.com/books?id=KZBTAAAAYAAJ | archive-date=27 May 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The most widely accepted theory among the linguistic scholars is that the words Maratha and Maharashtra ultimately derived from a combination of ''Maha'' ({{lang-mr|महा}}) and ''rashtrika'' ({{lang-mr|राष्ट्रिका}}),<ref name="Gazetteer1967" /><ref>{{cite report |author=H. H. Risley |date= 1908|title=Census of India, 1901, Volume I, Ethnographic Appendices|url=http://piketty.pse.ens.fr/files/ideologie/data/CensusIndia/CensusIndia1901/CensusIndia1901EthnographicAppendices.pdf | page=93|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201106225316/http://piketty.pse.ens.fr/files/ideologie/data/CensusIndia/CensusIndia1901/CensusIndia1901EthnographicAppendices.pdf|archive-date= 6 November 2020}}</ref> the name of a tribe or dynasty of petty chiefs ruling in the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] region.<ref name="KBala1965">{{cite book | author=K. Balasubramanyam | title=the mysore | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w9jbqGLH7ioC&pg=PA174 | access-date=30 March 2013 | year=1965 | publisher=Mittal Publications | page=174 | id=GGKEY:HRFC6GWCY6D | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527221642/http://books.google.com/books?id=w9jbqGLH7ioC&pg=PA174 | archive-date=27 May 2013 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref> Another theory is that the term is derived from ''Maha'' ("great") and ''[[ratha]]'' / ''rathi'' ([[chariot]] / charioteer), which refers to a skilful northern fighting force that migrated southward into the area.<ref name="KBala1965" /><ref>{{cite report |author=H. H. Risley |date= 1908|title=Census of India, 1901, Volume I, Ethnographic Appendices|url=http://piketty.pse.ens.fr/files/ideologie/data/CensusIndia/CensusIndia1901/CensusIndia1901EthnographicAppendices.pdf | page=93|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201106225316/http://piketty.pse.ens.fr/files/ideologie/data/CensusIndia/CensusIndia1901/CensusIndia1901EthnographicAppendices.pdf|archive-date= 6 November 2020}}</ref>

An alternative theory states that the term derives from the word ''Maha'' ("great") and ''Rashtra'' ("nation/dominion").<ref>{{cite book|title=Personal and geographical names in the Gupta inscriptions|url=https://archive.org/stream/personalgeograph00sharuoft#page/208/mode/2up|page=209|author=Tej Ram Sharma|year=1978|publisher=Concept Publishing Co., Delhi|access-date=18 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217151404/https://archive.org/stream/personalgeograph00sharuoft#page/208/mode/2up|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> However, this theory is somewhat controversial among modern scholars who believe it to be the Sanskritised interpretation of later writers.<ref name="Gazetteer1967" />

== History ==
{{Main|History of Maharashtra|Maratha Empire}}
{{See also|Chronology of statehood of Maharashtra}}
[[Chalcolithic]] sites belonging to the [[Jorwe culture]] (''circa'' 1300–700 BCE) have been discovered throughout the state.<ref>Upinder Singh (2008), [https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC ''A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220004242/https://books.google.com/books?id=H3lUIIYxWkEC |date=20 December 2016 }}, p.232</ref><ref>P. K. Basant (2012), [https://books.google.com/books?id=KOJ8aT3xYPoC''The City and the Country in Early India: A Study of Malwa''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328025211/https://books.google.com/books?id=KOJ8aT3xYPoC |date=28 March 2018 }}, pp.92–96</ref>

Maharashtra was ruled by the [[Maurya Empire]] in the fourth and third centuries BCE. Around 230 BCE, Maharashtra came under the rule of the [[Satavahana]] dynasty for 400 years.<ref name="autogenerated440">India Today: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic: p.440</ref> The greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was [[Gautamiputra Satakarni]]. In 90 CE, Vedishri,<ref>An inscription at [[Naneghat]] describes Vedishri as a very brave king and the lord of [[Dakshinapatha]] (Deccan). Mirashi, ''Studies in Indology'', vol. I, p. 76 f.</ref> son of the Satavahana king [[Satakarni]], the "Lord of Dakshinapatha, wielder of the unchecked wheel of Sovereignty", made [[Junnar]], 30 miles north of [[Pune]], the capital of his kingdom. The state was also ruled by [[Western Satraps]], [[Gupta Empire]], [[Gurjara-Pratihara]], [[Vakataka]], [[Kadambas]], [[Chalukya Empire]], [[Rashtrakuta Dynasty]], and [[Western Chalukya]] before finally, the [[Yadava dynasty|Yadava]] rule. The [[Buddhist]] [[Ajanta Caves]] in present-day [[Aurangabad district, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]] display influences from the Satavahana and Vakataka style. The caves were possibly excavated during this period.<ref name="Javid2008">{{cite book|author=Ali Javid|title=World Heritage Monuments and Related Edifices in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=54XBlIF9LFgC&pg=PA101|date=January 2008|publisher=Algora Publishing|isbn=978-0-87586-484-6|page=101|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=54XBlIF9LFgC&pg=PA101|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{multiple image
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| image1 = Ellora cave16 001.jpg | width1 = 225 | caption1 = [[Kailasa temple, Ellora|Kailasanatha temple]], remarkably carved out of one single rock was built by Rashtrakuta king [[Krishna I]] (r. 756–773 CE){{sfn|Lisa Owen|2012|p=135}} | alt1 =
| image2 = Ellora Cave 16 si0300.jpg | width2 = 225 | caption2 = The ''[[Ramayana]]'' panel at [[Ellora Caves]], a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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The Chalukya dynasty ruled from the sixth to the eighth centuries CE, and the two prominent rulers were [[Pulakeshin II]], who defeated the north Indian Emperor [[Harsha]], and [[Vikramaditya II]], who defeated the [[Arab]] invaders in the eighth century. The Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled Maharashtra from the eighth to the tenth century.<ref name="Indian History – page B-57">Indian History – page B-57</ref> The Arab traveller [[Sulaiman al Mahri]] described the ruler of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty [[Amoghavarsha]] as "one of the four great kings of the world".<ref name="autogenerated203">A Comprehensive History of Ancient India (3 Vol. Set): p.203</ref> Shilahara dynasty began as vassals of the Rashtrakuta dynasty which ruled the Deccan plateau between the eighth and tenth centuries. From the early 11th century to the 12th century, the Deccan Plateau, which includes a significant part of Maharashtra, was dominated by the [[Western Chalukya Empire]] and the [[Chola dynasty]].<ref name="autogenerated365">The Penguin History of Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300 by [[Romila Thapar]]: p.365-366</ref> Several battles were fought between the Western Chalukya empire and the Chola dynasty in the Deccan Plateau during the reigns of [[Raja Raja Chola I]], [[Rajendra Chola I]], [[Jayasimha II (Western Chalukya dynasty)|Jayasimha II]], [[Someshvara I]], and [[Vikramaditya VI]].<ref>Ancient Indian History and Civilization by Sailendra Nath Sen: p.383-384</ref>

In the early 14th century, the [[Yadava Dynasty]], which ruled most of present-day Maharashtra, was overthrown by the [[Delhi Sultanate]] ruler [[Ala-ud-din Khalji]]. Later, [[Muhammad bin Tughluq]] conquered parts of the Deccan, and temporarily shifted his capital from Delhi to [[Daulatabad, Maharashtra|Daulatabad]] in Maharashtra. After the collapse of the Tughluqs in 1347, the local [[Bahmani Sultanate]] of Gulbarga took over, governing the region for the next 150 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kingdoms of South Asia – Indian Bahamani Sultanate|url=http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaBahamanis.htm|publisher=The History Files, United Kingdom|access-date=12 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204080014/http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaBahamanis.htm|archive-date=4 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> After the break-up of the [[Bahamani]] sultanate in 1518, Maharashtra split into five [[Deccan Sultanates]]: [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate|Nizamshah]] of [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate|Ahmednagar]], [[Adilshah]] of [[Bijapur]], [[Qutubshah]] of [[Golkonda]], [[Bidarshah]] of [[Bidar]] and [[Imadshah]] of Elichpur. These kingdoms often fought with each other. United, they decisively defeated the [[Vijayanagara Empire]] of the south in 1565.<ref name="Saletore1934">{{cite book|author=Bhasker Anand Saletore|title=Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire (A.D. 1346-A.D. 1646)|url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.530021|year=1934|publisher=B.G. Paul|access-date=15 November 2015}}</ref> The present area of [[Mumbai]] was ruled by the [[Sultanate of Gujarat]] before its capture by [[Portugal]] in 1535 and the [[Faruqi dynasty]] ruled the [[Khandesh]] region between 1382 and 1601 before finally getting annexed by the [[Mughal Empire]]. [[Malik Ambar]], the regent of the [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate|Nizamshahi dynasty]] of [[Ahmednagar]] from 1607 to 1626,<ref>{{cite book|title=A Sketch of the Dynasties of Southern India|url=https://archive.org/details/asketchdynastie00sewegoog|year=1883|publisher=E. Keys|pages=[https://archive.org/details/asketchdynastie00sewegoog/page/n35 26]–28|access-date=15 November 2015}}</ref> increased the strength and power of [[Murtaza Nizam Shah II]] and raised a large army. Malik Ambar is said to have been a proponent of guerrilla warfare in the Deccan region. Malik Ambar assisted Mughal emperor [[Shah Jahan]] in Delhi against his stepmother, [[Nur Jahan]], who had ambitions of seating her son-in-law on the throne.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malik Ambar (1548–1626): the rise and fall of military slavery|url=http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/other/019pho0000303s1u00112000.html|publisher=British Library|access-date=12 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912165017/http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/other/019pho0000303s1u00112000.html|archive-date=12 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

By the early 17th century, [[Shahaji Bhosale]], an ambitious local general who had served [[Ahmadnagar Sultanate]], the Mughals and [[Adil Shahi dynasty|Adil Shah of Bijapur]] at different periods during his career, attempted to establish his independent rule.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bijapur (Adil Shah Dynasty)|url=http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaBijapur.htm|publisher=The History Files, United Kingdom|access-date=12 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023234150/http://www.historyfiles.co.uk/KingListsFarEast/IndiaBijapur.htm|archive-date=23 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> His son [[Shivaji]] succeeded in establishing the [[Maratha Empire]] which was further expanded during the 18th century by the Bhat family ''[[Peshwas]]'' based in Pune, [[Bhonsle]] of Nagpur, [[Gaekwad]] of Baroda, [[Holkar]] of [[Indore]], [[Scindia]] of Gwalior.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bijapur (Vijapura), the historic city|url=http://www.bijapur.nic.in/history.html|publisher=Bijapur district administration|access-date=12 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722105710/http://bijapur.nic.in/history.html|archive-date=22 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> At its peak, the empire covered much of the subcontinent, encompassing a territory of over 2.8 million km2. The Marathas are credited to a large extent for ending the Mughal rule in India.<ref>{{Cite book|title = Pearson, M. N. (February 1976). "Shivaji and the Decline of the Mughal Empire". The Journal of Asian Studies 35 (2): 221–235}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d1wUgKKzawoC&q=9781932705546|title = Delhi, the Capital of India|date = 1 January 2005|isbn = 978-1-932705-54-6|last1 = Mehta|first1 = Jaswant Lal}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bXWiACEwPR8C&q=Peshwa+Balaji+Vishwanath+1714&pg=PA1941-IA82|title = An Advanced History of Modern India By Sailendra Nath Sen p.Introduction-14. The author says: "The victory at Bhopal in 1738 established Maratha dominance at the Mughal court"|isbn = 978-0-230-32885-3|last1 = Sen|first1 = Sailendra Nath|year = 2010}}</ref> The Marathas defeated the Mughals and conquered large territories in northern and central parts of the Indian subcontinent. After their defeat at the hand of [[Ahmad Shah Abdali]]'s Afghan forces in the [[Third Battle of Panipat]] in 1761, the Maratha suffered a setback. However, the Marathas soon regained lost influence and ruled central and north India including New Delhi until the end of the eighteenth century. The [[Third Anglo-Maratha War]] (1817–1818) led to the end of the Maratha Empire and [[East India Company]] ruled the country in 1819.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/selectionsfromp01metcgoog/selectionsfromp01metcgoog_djvu.txt|title=Full text of "Selections from the papers of Lord Metcalfe; late governor-general of India, governor of Jamaica, and governor-general of Canada"|website=archive.org|access-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326232147/https://archive.org/stream/selectionsfromp01metcgoog/selectionsfromp01metcgoog_djvu.txt|archive-date=26 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rathod1994">{{cite book|author=N. G. Rathod|title=The Great Maratha Mahadaji Scindia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uPq640stHJ0C&pg=PA180|date=1 January 1994|publisher=Sarup & Sons|isbn=978-81-85431-52-9|page=180|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=uPq640stHJ0C&pg=PA180|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Marathas also developed a potent ''[[Maratha Navy|Navy]]'' circa 1660s, which at its peak, dominated the territorial waters of the western coast of India from [[Mumbai]] to [[Savantwadi]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sridharan|first1=K|title=Sea: Our Saviour|publisher=New Age International (P) Ltd.|isbn=978-81-224-1245-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9PiwJF7V4EQC&q=kanhoji+angre&pg=PA43|year=2000}}</ref> It would engage in attacking the [[Company Rule in India|British]], [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]], [[Dutch India|Dutch]], and [[Siddi]] Naval ships and kept a check on their naval ambitions. The [[Maratha Navy]] dominated till around the 1730s, was in a state of decline by the 1770s, and ceased to exist by 1818.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sharma|first1=Yogesh|title=Coastal Histories: Society and Ecology in Pre-modern India|publisher=Primus Books|isbn=978-93-80607-00-9|pages=66|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FTTGWSme30YC&q=maratha+dhulap+navy&pg=PA66|year=2010}}</ref>

{{quote|India contains no more than two great powers, British and Maratha, and every other state acknowledges the influence of one or the other. Every inch that we recede will be occupied by them.| Charles Metcalfe, one of the ablest of the British Officials in India and later acting Governor-General, wrote in 1806}}

The British [[East India Company]] controlled [[Mumbai]] beginning in the 17th century, and used it as one of their main trading posts. The Company slowly expanded areas under its rule during the 18th century. Their conquest of Maharashtra was completed in 1818 with the defeat of Peshwa [[Bajirao II]] in the [[Third Anglo-Maratha War]].<ref>Omvedt, G.in 1973. Development of the Maharashtrian Class Structure, 1818 to 1931. Economic and Political Weekly, pp.1417-1432.</ref>

The [[United Kingdom|British]] governed western Maharashtra as part of the [[Bombay Presidency]], which spanned an area from [[Karachi]] in Pakistan to northern Deccan. A number of the [[Maratha]] states persisted as [[princely state]]s, retaining autonomy in return for acknowledging British [[suzerainty]]. The largest princely states in the territory were [[Nagpur]], [[Satara (city)|Satara]] and [[Kolhapur]]; Satara was annexed to the Bombay Presidency in 1848, and Nagpur was annexed in 1853 to become [[Nagpur Province]], later part of the [[Central Provinces]]. [[Berar Province|Berar]], which had been part of the [[Nizam]] of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad's]] kingdom, was occupied by the British in 1853 and annexed to the Central Provinces in 1903.<ref name="Russell1997">{{cite book|author=R. V. Russell|title=The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India (Volumes I and II)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6h2Gm1gPZZQC&pg=PT8|year=1997|publisher=Library of Alexandria|isbn=978-1-4655-8294-2|page=8|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=6h2Gm1gPZZQC&pg=PT8|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> However, a large part called [[Marathwada]] remained part of the Nizam's Hyderabad State throughout the British period.

The British ruled for more than a century and brought huge changes in every aspect of life for the people of the Maharashtra region. However, at the turn of the 20th century, the struggle for independence took shape, led by Pune-based radical nationalist [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]] and the [[moderate]]s like Justice [[Mahadev Govind Ranade]], [[Gopal Krishna Gokhale]], [[Pherozeshah Mehta]] and [[Dadabhai Naoroji]].[[Jyotirao Phule]] was the pioneer of social reform in Maharashtra region in second half of the 19th century. His work for social justice was continued by [[Shahu of Kolhapur|Shahu, Raja of Kolhapur]], at turn of the century and later by [[Dr. B. R. Ambedkar]]. After the partial [[autonomy]] given to the states by the [[Government of India Act 1935]], [[B. G. Kher]] became the first Chief Minister of the Congress party-led Government of tri-lingual Bombay Presidency.<ref>{{cite web|title=B.G. Kher – Profile and biography City|url=http://www.veethi.com/india-people/b._g._kher-profile-3997-19.htm|access-date=5 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806101942/http://www.veethi.com/india-people/b._g._kher-profile-3997-19.htm|archive-date=6 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The ultimatum to the British during the [[Quit India Movement]] was given in Mumbai, and culminated in the transfer of power and independence in 1947.

After Indian independence, princely states and Jagirs of the [[Deccan States Agency]], were merged into [[Bombay State]], which was created from the former Bombay Presidency in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Kolhapur City|url=http://www.kolhapurcorporation.gov.in/english/Ancient_Historical_Places.html|publisher=Kolhapur Corporation|access-date=12 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912164315/http://www.kolhapurcorporation.gov.in/english/Ancient_Historical_Places.html|archive-date=12 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1956, the [[States Reorganisation Act]] reorganised the Indian states along linguistic lines, and Bombay Presidency State was enlarged by the addition of the predominantly [[Marathi language|Marathi]]-speaking regions of [[Marathwada]] ([[Aurangabad Division]]) from erstwhile [[Hyderabad state]] and [[Vidarbha]] region from the [[Central Provinces and Berar]]. The southernmost part of Bombay State was ceded to [[Karnataka|Mysore]]. In the 1950s, Marathi people strongly protested against bilingual [[Bombay state]] under the banner of [[Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Radheshyam Jadhav|title=Samyukta Maharashtra movement|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Pune-pioneered-Samyukta-Maharashtra-movement/articleshow/5874479.cms|access-date=12 September 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|agency=Bennet, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|date=30 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113064222/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Pune-pioneered-Samyukta-Maharashtra-movement/articleshow/5874479.cms|archive-date=13 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Samyukta Maharashtra movement|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-what-is-the-samyukta-maharashtra-movement-1983811|access-date=12 September 2014|work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|agency=Diligent Media Corporation|publisher=Dainik Bhaskar Group|date=1 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006073631/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-what-is-the-samyukta-maharashtra-movement-1983811|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The notable leaders of the samiti included [[Keshavrao Jedhe]], [[S.M. Joshi]], [[Shripad Amrit Dange]], [[Pralhad Keshav Atre]] and [[Gopalrao Khedkar]]. The key demand of the samiti called for a Marathi speaking state
with Mumbai as its capital.<ref>Lele, J., 1995. Saffronisation of the Shiv Sena. Economic and Political Weekly, 24.[https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/4741800/a0250006.tif.pdf?response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DSaffronisation_of_Shiv_Sena.pdf&Expires=1601588017&Signature=ADVWeVz3FeMMjW9pNV6r-eT5Zp4Ghs6PJtQzBkEz81Q0XANGEn~hRIYQ1oEZHwGRGK4g3gJqvEaQ4uHagJ-bLa7~ZiLdJGo0woj5n~ThaqEhN2DTAoQKnQun4um1vRkmIShs8nZgyuevmwLudOmVdxFdDDmbMgGN3kYDz2Mg4Mavxr6pJiRBwVREnul5ntZK~yElCWp0LJhVyRRas4uJ9cu5Gijn1yzZ-Dgaq60PH9sRAnZcHZ1NjjCRk6uoPsNYp81R52bNVvzG5UPEsSyRa~W0hkzBcJFe1Qu7sGCL~HR8ToQ1sX4G5061V9GdId~-QUNyob0zH3Dfu2oPPHX6Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA]{{Dead link|date=January 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In the Gujarati speaking areas of the state, a similar the [[Mahagujarat Movement]] demanded a separate [[Gujarat]] state for majority Gujarati areas. After many years of protests, which also saw 106 deaths amongst the protestors, and electoral success of the samiti in 1957 elections, the government of Nehru yielded to public pressure to create on 1 May 1960, a separate Marathi-speaking state by dividing earlier Bombay State into the new states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bhagwat|first1=Ramu|title=Linguistic states|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/People-dont-want-Vidarbha-to-be-treated-as-colony-of-Maharashtra/articleshow/21564818.cms|access-date=12 September 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|agency=Bennet, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|date=3 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113062718/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/People-dont-want-Vidarbha-to-be-treated-as-colony-of-Maharashtra/articleshow/21564818.cms|archive-date=13 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The state continues to have a dispute with [[Karnataka]] regarding the region of [[Belgaum]] and [[Karwar]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Banerjee|first1=S|title=The Saffron Wave: The Eleventh General Elections in Maharashtra|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|date=1997|volume=32|issue=40|pages=2551–2560|jstor=4405925}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Sirsikar|first1=V.M.|title=Politics in Maharashtra, Problems and Prospects|date=1966|publisher=University of Poona|location=Poona|page=8|url=http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNAAD260.pdf|access-date=21 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129073441/http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNAAD260.pdf|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Belgaum border dispute|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140730/nation-current-affairs/article/belgaum-border-dispute-karnataka-govt-warns-against-taking-law|access-date=12 September 2014|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|agency=Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited|date=30 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912170941/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140730/nation-current-affairs/article/belgaum-border-dispute-karnataka-govt-warns-against-taking-law|archive-date=12 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Geography and climate ==
{{Main|Geography of Maharashtra}}
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| caption3 = Dried up [[Godavari]] at [[Puntamba]], Ahmadnagar district after a poor Monsoon
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Maharashtra occupies the [[West India|western]] and central part of the country and has a long coastline stretching 720 kilometres<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iasri.res.in/agridata/02data%5Cchapter%204%5Cdb2002tb4_5.htm|title=AgriData|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414161217/http://www.iasri.res.in/agridata/02data/chapter%204/DB2002TB4_5.HTM|archive-date=14 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> along the [[Arabian Sea]].<ref name=outline>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra Geography|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/geography.html|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615015912/http://www.maharashtratourism.net/geography.html |archive-date=15 June 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> One of the more prominent physical features of Maharashtra is the Deccan plateau, which is separated from the Konkan coastline by 'Ghats'.<ref name="western ghat" /> The Ghats are a succession of steep hills, periodically bisected by narrow roads. Most of the famous hill stations of the state are at the Ghats. The [[Western Ghats]] (or the Sahyadri Mountain range) provide a physical backbone to the state on the west, while the [[Satpura Hills]] along the north and Bhamragad-Chiroli-Gaikhuri ranges on the east serve as its natural borders.<ref name=farmer>{{cite web|title=State Farmer Guide|url=http://farmech.gov.in/FarmerGuide/MH/index1.html|website=Government of India|publisher=Ministry of Agriculture|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204000430/http://farmech.gov.in/FarmerGuide/MH/index1.html|archive-date=4 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The state is surrounded by Gujarat to the north west, [[Madhya Pradesh]] to the north, [[Chhattisgarh]] to the east, [[Telangana]] to the south east, Karnataka to the south and [[Goa]] to the south west.<ref name=outline2>{{cite web|title=Outline of Maharashtra|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/outlinemaps/maharashtra.htm|publisher=Indian Maps|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123003905/http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/outlinemaps/maharashtra.htm|archive-date=23 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

Maharashtra is the [[List of states and territories of India by area|third largest state by area]] in India. Maharashtra has 36 districts, 355 talukas, 535 cities, 63,663 villages, 6 administrative divisions.<ref name=area>{{cite news|title=Most urbanised state|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Census-2011-Tamil-Nadu-3rd-most-urbanised-state/articleshow/9292380.cms?referral=PM|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303054338/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Census-2011-Tamil-Nadu-3rd-most-urbanised-state/articleshow/9292380.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=3 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The Western Ghats better known as Sahyadri, are a hilly range running parallel to the coast, at an average elevation of 1,200 metres (4,000 ft).<ref name="western ghat">{{cite news|title=Western Ghats as world heritage site|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/UN-designates-Western-Ghats-as-world-heritage-site/articleshow/14595602.cms?referral=PM|access-date=24 January 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=2 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303052832/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/UN-designates-Western-Ghats-as-world-heritage-site/articleshow/14595602.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=3 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kalsubai]], a peak in the Sahyadris, near [[Nashik]] city is the highest elevated point in Maharashtra.<ref name=ghats>{{cite web|title=The Western Ghats|url=http://westernghat.org/|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120194809/http://westernghat.org/|archive-date=20 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> To the west of these hills lie the [[Konkan]] coastal plains, 50–80 kilometres in width. To the east of the Ghats lies the flat Deccan Plateau. Forests comprise 17% of the total area of the state.<ref name=outline /> A majority of the forests are in the eastern and Sahyadri regions of the state. The main rivers of the state are [[Krishna River|Krishna]], [[Bhima River|Bhima]], [[Godavari River|Godavari]], [[Tapi River, India|Tapi]]-[[Purna River (tributary of Tapi)|Purna]] and [[Wardha River|Wardha]]-[[Wainganga River|Wainganga]].<ref name=outline /><ref name=rivers>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra Rivers|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/rivers.html|publisher=Maharashtra Tourism|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209135938/http://maharashtratourism.net/rivers.html|archive-date=9 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Since the central parts of the state receives low rainfall, most of the rivers in the region have multiple dams. Maharashtra has around 1821 notable large [[dam]]s.<ref>[http://www.cwc.nic.in/main/downloads/National%20Register%20of%20Large%20dams%202009.pdf Statewise dams in India] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721165130/http://www.cwc.nic.in/main/downloads/National%20Register%20of%20Large%20Dams%202009.pdf |date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>

Maharashtra is divided into five geographic regions. Konkan is the western coastal region, between the Western Ghats and the sea.<ref name="state divisions">{{cite web|title=Geographical set up|url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/2496/9/09_chapter%202.pdf|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202092824/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/2496/9/09_chapter%202.pdf|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Kandesh]] is the north-western region lying in the valley of the Tapti River.<ref name=rivers /> [[Nashik]], Jalgaon, [[Dhule]] and [[Bhusawal]] are the major cities of this region.<ref name=cities>{{cite web|title=Cities of Maharashtra|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/cities/|publisher=Maharashtra Tourism|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209055257/http://www.maharashtratourism.net/cities/|archive-date=9 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Desh, Maharashtra|Desh]] is in the centre of the state.<ref name="Desh region">{{cite web|title=Regions in Maharashtra |url=http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/about-maharashtra/regions-in-maharashtra.htm |publisher=Discover India Portal |access-date=24 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202155550/http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/about-maharashtra/regions-in-maharashtra.htm |archive-date=2 February 2014 }}</ref> [[Marathwada]], which was a part of the princely [[state of Hyderabad]] until 1956, is located in the southeastern part of the state.<ref name=outline /><ref name=marathwada>{{cite web|title=United Nations Development Programme|url=http://www.in.undp.org/india/en/home.html?option=com_content&task=view&id=129&Itemid=217|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201214050/http://www.in.undp.org/india/en/home.html?option=com_content&task=view&id=129&Itemid=217|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 February 2014|publisher=[[United Nation]]|access-date=24 January 2014}}</ref> Aurangabad and [[Nanded]] are the main cities of the region.<ref name=city>{{cite web|title=A Deccan Odyssey destination|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../Maharashtratourism/CitiestoVisits/Aurangabad.html|publisher=Maharashtra Tourism|access-date=24 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201233812/http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=..%2FMaharashtratourism%2FCitiestoVisits%2FAurangabad.html|archive-date=1 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Vidarbha]] is the easternmost region of the state, formerly part of the Central Provinces and Berar. Nagpur, where the winter session of the state assembly is held, [[Akola]], [[Amravati]] and [[Chandrapur]] are the main cities in the region.<ref name=outline /> Sahyadri range, with an elevation of 1,000 meters, is known for its crowning plateaus.<ref name="Thorpe2009">{{cite book|author=Showick Thorpe Edgar Thorpe|title=The Pearson General Studies Manual 2009, 1/e|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oAo1X2eagywC&pg=PA511|year=2009|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-2133-9|page=511|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=oAo1X2eagywC&pg=PA511|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Lying between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri Range, Konkan is narrow coastal lowland, just 50 km wide and with an elevation below 200 meters.<ref name="Islam">{{cite book|author1=R. P. Singh|author2=Zubairul Islam|title=Environmental Studies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gaQptMlw3X8C&pg=PA172|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=978-81-8069-774-6|pages=172–173|year=2012|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=gaQptMlw3X8C&pg=PA172|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The third important region is the Satpura hills along the northern border, and the Bhamragad-Chiroli-Gaikhuri ranges on the eastern border, which form physical barriers preventing easy movement.<ref name=outline /> These ranges also serve as natural limits to the state.<ref name=outline /><ref name=bori>{{cite web|title=Geographical plateaus of India |url=http://projecttiger.nic.in/bori.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040222061843/http://projecttiger.nic.in/bori.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 February 2004 |publisher=Project Tiger reserve in India |access-date=20 February 2014 }}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Maharashtra has a tropical climate, with three distinct seasons: summer (March–May), monsoon (June–September), and winter (October–February). However, dew and hail also occur sometimes, depending on seasonal weather. The winter between October to February is followed by summer between March and May and the monsoon season between June and September.<ref name="IGARSS2017">{{cite book |last1=Swain |display-authors=etal |first1=S |title=2017 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) |s2cid=26920225 |chapter=Application of SPI, EDI and PNPI using MSWEP precipitation data over Marathwada, India |journal=IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) |volume=2017 |pages=5505–5507 |doi=10.1109/IGARSS.2017.8128250 |date=July 2017 |isbn=978-1-5090-4951-6 }}</ref> Summers (March, April and May) are extremely hot, temperatures rising from 22 °C to as high as 43 °C. Rainfall starts normally in the first week of June. July is the wettest month in Maharashtra, while August also gets substantial rain. The rainy season starts its retreat with the coming of September to the state. Rainfall in Maharashtra differs from region to region. Thane, [[Raigad district|Raigad]], [[Ratnagiri district|Ratnagiri]] and [[Sindhudurg district|Sindhudurg]] districts, receive heavy rains of an average of 200 centimetres annually. But the districts of [[Nashik district|Nashik]], [[Pune district|Pune]], [[Ahmednagar district|Ahmednagar]], [[Dhule district|Dhule]], [[Jalgaon district|Jalgaon]], [[Satara district|Satara]], [[Sangli district|Sangli]], [[Solapur district|Solapur]] and parts of [[Kolhapur district|Kolhapur]] less than 50 centimetres. Rainfall is particularly high in areas adjacent to the Sahyadri mountains such as coastal Konkan on the west and foothills of the mountain range on the eastern side. Central Maharashtra receives less rainfall. However, under the influence of the Bay of Bengal, eastern Vidarbha receives good rainfall in July, August and September.<ref name=climate>{{cite web|title=Climate of Maharashtra|url=http://164.100.47.134/plibrary/ebooks/Climate_of_Maharashtra/Climate_of_Maharashtra.pdf|publisher=Public Library|access-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219082608/http://164.100.47.134/plibrary/ebooks/Climate_of_Maharashtra/Climate_of_Maharashtra.pdf|archive-date=19 February 2014}}</ref> In winter, a cool dry spell occurs, with clear skies, gentle air breeze, and pleasant weather prevails from October to February. But the eastern part of Maharashtra sometimes receives some rainfall. Temperature rise from 12 °C to 34 °C during this season.

== Biodiversity ==

{| class="toccolours" style="margin:1em; float:right; width:25%;"
|+ '''State symbols of Maharashtra'''<ref>{{cite web|title=State Animal, Bird, Tree and Flower|url=http://www.pannatigerreserve.in/kids/state.htm|publisher=Panna Tiger Reserve|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013002319/http://www.pannatigerreserve.in/kids/state.htm|archive-date=13 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| '''Animal'''
| [[Indian giant squirrel]]|| [[File:Malabar giant sqirrel.jpg|50px]]
|-
| '''Bird'''
| [[Yellow-footed green pigeon]] || [[File:Pair Angel Birds got place on Holly Tree.jpg|50px]]
|-
| '''Tree'''
| [[Mango]] Tree || [[File:Mangues.JPG|50px]]
|-
| '''Flower'''
| [[Lagerstroemia speciosa|Jarul]] || [[File:Jarul.jpg|50px]]
|-
| '''Butterfly'''
| [[Blue mormon]] || [[File:Papilio polymnestor-Kadavoor-2016-07-27-002.jpg|50px]]
|}
Flora of Maharashtra is heterogeneous in composition. In 2012 the recorded thick forest area in the state was {{convert|61939|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}} which was about 20.13% of the state's geographical area. These<ref name="forest percentile">{{cite web|title=The State's forest cover|url=http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/internal.php?id=23|website=Wildlife Conservation Trust, Mumbai|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314005839/http://mahaforest.nic.in/internal.php?id=23|archive-date=14 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are three main Public Forestry Institutions (PFIs) in the Maharashtra state: the [[Maharashtra Forest Department]] (MFD), the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) and the Directorate of Social Forestry (SFD).<ref name=Forestry>{{cite web|title=Forest department|url=http://mahaforest.nic.in/index.php|website=Forest Management system|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313214004/http://mahaforest.nic.in/index.php|archive-date=13 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, constituted by the Government of Maharashtra in January 2012 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is the nodal body for conservation of biodiversity within and outside forest areas in the State.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/fckimagefile/Notification__.pdf|title=Formation of the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board|website=Maharashtra Forest Department|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819042126/http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/fckimagefile/Notification__.pdf|archive-date=19 August 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://maharashtrabiodiversityboard.gov.in/about-us/|title=About Us {{!}} Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board|website=Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214182309/http://maharashtrabiodiversityboard.gov.in/about-us/|archive-date=14 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

According to the [[Harry George Champion|Champion and Seth classification]], Maharashtra has five types of forests:<ref>{{cite web|title=Forest Types|url=http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/internal.php?lang_eng_mar=Eng&id=29|website=Maharashtra Forest|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408010424/http://www.mahaforest.nic.in/internal.php?lang_eng_mar=Eng&id=29|archive-date=8 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
# Southern Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests:These are found in the western ghats at height of 400–1000 meters. Some of the species of trees found in this type of forests are [[Memecylon umbellatum|Anjani]], [[Terminalia chebula|Hirda]], [[Terminalia paniculata|Kinjal]], and [[Mango]].
# Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests:Two main sub-types occur under this group. i) Moist [[Teak]] bearing Forests:These forests are found in [[Melghat]],<ref name=wildlife>{{cite web|title=The Melghat Forests|url=http://www.shvoong.com/social-sciences/sociology/2306693-melghat-forests-dhakna-kolkaz-wildlife/|publisher=Dhakna –Kolkaz wildlife sanctuary|access-date=7 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307165038/http://www.shvoong.com/social-sciences/sociology/2306693-melghat-forests-dhakna-kolkaz-wildlife/|archive-date=7 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> other districts in Vidarbha and [[Thane district]]. Commercially important Teak, [[Dalbergia sissoo|Shishum]] and bamboo are found here. ii) Moist Mixed deciduous Forests:In addition to evergreen Teak, some of the other tree species found in this type of forests include [[Jambul]], [[Ain]], and [[Dalbergia latifolia|Shisam]].
# Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests. Forests of this type occupy a major part of the state. Two types of occur under this group. i) Dry Teak Bearing Forests and ii) Moist Mixed deciduous Forests
# Southern Tropical Thorn Forests:These are found in the low rainfall regions of [[Marathwada]], [[Vidarbha]], [[Khandesh]] and Western Maharashtra. At present, these forests are heavily degraded. [[Babul (tree)|Babul]], [[Ziziphus mauritiana|Bor]], and [[Butea monosperma|Palas]] are some of the tree species found here.
# Littoral and Swamp Forests: These are mainly found in the Creeks of [[Sindhudurg]] and Thane districts of the coastal Konkan region. These forests are important for the protection of the coastal environment

In addition to the above forest types, Maharashtra harbours significant mangrove, coastal and marine biodiversity, with {{cvt|304|km2}} of area under mangrove cover as per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) of the Forest survey India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://fsi.nic.in/isfr2017/isfr-mangrove-cover-2017.pdf|title=Indian State of Forest Report – Mangrove Cover in India (2017)|website=fsi.nic.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828203213/http://fsi.nic.in/isfr2017/isfr-mangrove-cover-2017.pdf|archive-date=28 August 2018|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> Some of the forest areas have been converted into wildlife reserves, thus preserving their biodiversity.<ref name="reserves">{{cite web | url=http://www.mahapenchtiger.com/ | title=Pench Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra) | publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]] | access-date=30 May 2014 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128184438/http://www.mahapenchtiger.com/ | archive-date=28 January 2013 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Western ghats of Maharashtra are included in the 34 global [[Biodiversity hotspot]]s owing to its
extraordinarily rich biodiversity. The biodiversity includes more than five hundred species of birds.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Mehta|first1=Prachi|last2=Kulkarni|first2=Jayant|title=IDENTIFYING IMPORTANT AREAS FOR BIRD CONSERVATION IN THE WESTERN GHATS REGION OF MAHARASHTRA, INDIA|journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society|date=2012|volume=109|issue=1 &2|pages=123–134|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280565245}}</ref>
Similarly a study in the Amravati region found 171 species of birds. Both regions include resident as well as migrant species.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kasambe|first1=Raju|last2=Wadatkar|first2=Jayant|s2cid=131644268|title=. Birds of Pohara-Malkhed Reserve Forest, Amravati, Maharashtra-an updated annotated checklist|journal=Zoos' Print Journal|date=2007|volume=22|issue=7|pages=2768–2770|doi=10.11609/JoTT.ZPJ.1464a.2768-70|url=https://semanticscholar.org/paper/2d3c25578c7c5dbd7e4a2dd268d1b338163a2e47}}</ref>
The state has three game reserves, as well as several national parks and bird sanctuaries.<ref name=biodiversity /> The [[Tiger reserves of Maharashtra|six tiger reserves]] located in the state cover a total area of {{cvt|9133|km2}}. Wildlife sanctuaries in the state include [[Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Bor Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Chandoli National Park]], [[Sanjay Gandhi National Park]], [[Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve]], part of [[Pench National Park]], [[Navegaon National Park]] and [[Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary]].<ref name=sanctuaries>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra wildlife|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/sanctuaries/|website=Maharashtra Tourism|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325192211/http://www.maharashtratourism.net/sanctuaries/|archive-date=25 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
The most common animal species present in the state are [[tiger]], [[leopard]], [[gaur]], [[sloth bear]], [[sambar (deer)|sambar]], [[blackbuck|four-horned antelope]], [[blue bull]], [[chital]], [[barking deer]], [[mouse deer]], [[small Indian civet]], [[golden jackal]], [[jungle cat]], [[striped hyena]], and [[hare]].<ref name=fauna>{{cite web|title=Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary |url=http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Sanctuaries/Sanctuaries.aspx?strpage=NagziraSanctuaries.html |publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]] |access-date=7 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019125010/http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Sanctuaries/Sanctuaries.aspx?strpage=NagziraSanctuaries.html |archive-date=19 October 2013 }}</ref> Other animals in the state include reptiles such as [[lizard]]s, [[cobra]]s and [[Bungarus|kraits]].<ref name=biodiversity>{{cite web|title=Flora And Fauna of Maharashtra|url=http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/land-of-rocks/flora-and-fauna-of-maharashtra.htm|publisher=Discovered India|access-date=6 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307161252/http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/land-of-rocks/flora-and-fauna-of-maharashtra.htm|archive-date=7 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The national parks of Maharashtra possess a variety of plant species that include [[jamun]], [[palash]], [[Dalbergia latifolia|shisam]], [[neem]], [[teak]], [[Anogeissus latifolia|dhawa]], kalam, [[Terminalia elliptica|ain]], [[Pterocarpus marsupium|bija]], [[Chankiri Tree|shirish]], [[mango]], [[acacia]], [[Phyllanthus emblica|awala]], [[Kadamba tree|kadamba]], [[Moha (tree)|moha]], hedu and [[ficus]].<ref name="wildlife" />

== Regions, divisions and districts ==
[[File:Maharashtra Divisions Eng.svg|thumb|left|alt=refer caption|Divisions of Maharashtra, along with their respective districts (With Palghar district formed in 2014 from the northern part of Thane district)]]
{{Main|List of districts of Maharashtra}}{{See also|Talukas of Maharashtra|List of cities in Maharashtra by population}}
Maharashtra consists of six administrative divisions:<ref>[https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/1128/Districts "Districts"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912151910/https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/1128/Districts |date=12 September 2015 }}, maha.gov.in</ref>

# [[Amravati Division|Amravati]]
# [[Aurangabad Division|Aurangabad]]
# [[Konkan Division|Konkan]]
# [[Nagpur Division|Nagpur]]
# [[Nashik Division|Nashik]]
# [[Pune Division|Pune]]

The state's six divisions are further divided into 36 [[List of districts of Maharashtra|districts]], 109 sub-divisions and 358 [[Talukas of Maharashtra|talukas]].<ref name=talukas>{{cite web|title=Talukas of Maharashtra |url=https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/mahInfo/state.php |website=District department |publisher=Government of Maharashtra |access-date=13 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615064744/http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/mahInfo/state.php |archive-date=15 June 2011 }}</ref> Maharashtra's top five districts by population, as ranked by the 2011 Census, are listed in the following table.

Each district is governed by a [[district collector]] or district magistrate, appointed either by the [[Indian Administrative Service]] or the Maharashtra Civil Service.<ref name=civil>{{cite web|title=District level governance|url=http://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/esm_2012-13_eng.pdf|publisher=The Government of Maharashtra|access-date=27 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513154547/http://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/esm_2012-13_eng.pdf|archive-date=13 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Districts are subdivided into ''sub-divisions'' ([[Taluka]]) governed by sub-divisional magistrates, and again into ''blocks''.<ref name=Panchayat /> A block consists of panchayats (village councils) and town municipalities.<ref name="panchayati raj">{{cite web|title=Panchayati raj in state|url=https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/upload/WhatsNew/ABCDCR_03122013_1.pdf|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313214043/https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/upload/WhatsNew/ABCDCR_03122013_1.pdf|archive-date=13 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=panchayats>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra regional and town planning|url=https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/upload/WhatsNew/ABCDCR_03122013_1.pdf|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313214043/https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/upload/WhatsNew/ABCDCR_03122013_1.pdf|archive-date=13 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Talukas are intermediate level panchayat between the [[District Councils of India|Zilla Parishad]] (district councils) at the district level and [[gram panchayat]] (village councils) at the lower level.<ref name=Panchayat>{{cite web|title=Department of Panchayati Raj|url=http://www.mahapanchayat.gov.in/|publisher=Ministry of Panchayati Raj|access-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409071241/http://www.mahapanchayat.gov.in/|archive-date=9 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=zilla>{{cite web|title=Short title and extent|url=http://www.mahasec.com/PDF/The%20Maharashtra%20Municipal%20Councils%20Nagar%20Panchayats%20and%20Industrial%20%20Township%20Act,%201965.pdf|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140128130833/http://www.mahasec.com/PDF/The%20Maharashtra%20Municipal%20Councils%20Nagar%20Panchayats%20and%20Industrial%20%20Township%20Act,%201965.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Largest cities
| name = Largest Cities of Maharashtra
| class = nav
| country = Maharashtra
| stat_ref = As of the [[List of cities in Maharashtra|2011 Census]]
| list_by_pop = List of cities in Maharashtra
| div_name = District
| div_link = List of districts of Maharashtra{{!}}District

| city_1 = Mumbai
| div_1 = Mumbai City district{{!}}Mumbai City district
| pop_1 = 18,414,288
| img_1 = Mumbai Downtown.jpg

| city_2 = Pune
| div_2 = Pune district{{!}}Pune
| pop_2 = 5,049,968
| img_2 = FergussonCollegeMainBuilding.jpg

| city_3 = Nagpur
| div_3 = Nagpur district{{!}}Nagpur
| pop_3 = 2,497,777
| img_3 = Night at Sitabuldi Nagpur.jpg

| city_4 = Nashik
| div_4 = Nashik district{{!}}Nashik
| pop_4 = 1,562,769
| img_4 = NashikViewfromPandavLeni.jpg

| city_5 = Aurangabad, Maharashtra{{!}}Aurangabad
| div_5 = Aurangabad_district,_Maharashtra{{!}}Aurangabad
| pop_5 = 1,189,376
| img_5 = Kranti Chowk 01.jpg

| city_6 = Solapur
| div_6 = Solapur district{{!}}Solapur
| pop_6 = 951,118

| city_7 = Jalgaon
| div_7 = Jalgaon district{{!}}Jalgaon
| pop_7 = 737,411

| city_8 = Amravati
| div_8 = Amravati district{{!}}Amravati
| pop_8 = 646,801

| city_9 = Kolhapur
| div_9 = Kolhapur district{{!}}Kolhapur
| pop_9 = 561,841

| city_10 = Nanded
| div_10 = Nanded district{{!}}Nanded
| pop_10 = 550,564

}}

== Demographics ==
{{Further|Religion in Maharashtra|Languages of India|Marathi people}}
[[File:Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai.jpg|thumb|[[Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai|Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai]], Hinduism is the dominant religion in Maharashtra|alt=|left]]
{{IndiaCensusPop
| title= Population growth
| 1961= 39554000
| 1971= 50412000
| 1981= 62784000
| 1991= 78937000
| 2001= 96752000
| 2011=112373000
| estimate=
| estyear=
| estref=
| footnote=Source:Census of India<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>
|1901=19392000|1911=21475000|1921=20850000|1931=23959000|1941=26833000|1951=32003000}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Maharashtra (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web|title=Population by religion community – 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS|archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|value1 = 79.83
|color1 = DarkOrange
|label2 = [[Islam]]
|value2 = 11.54
|color2 = Green
|label3 = [[Buddhism]]
|value3 = 5.81
|color3 = Yellow
|label4 = [[Jainism]]
|value4 = 1.25
|color4 = Brown
|label5 = [[Christianity]]
|value5 = 0.96
|color5 = DodgerBlue
|label6 = [[Sikhism]]
|value6 = 0.2
|color6 = DarkKhaki
|label7 = Other
|value7 = 0.16
|color7 = Chartreuse
|label8 = Not stated
|value8 = 0.25
|color8 = Black
}}
According to the provisional results of the 2011 national census, Maharashtra is the richest state in India and [[List of states and union territories of India by population|second most populous]] state in India with a population of 112,374,333 (9.28% of India's population) of which male and female are 58,243,056 and 54,131,277, respectively. The total population growth in 2011 was 15.99 percent while in the previous decade it was 22.57 percent.<ref name=statics>{{cite web|title=Population of Maharashtra 2011 census|url=http://www.populationindia.com/2012/03/population-of-maharashtra-2011-census.html|publisher=Press Population|access-date=19 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202183158/http://www.populationindia.com/2012/03/population-of-maharashtra-2011-census.html|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=proportion>{{cite web|title=Population proportion in Maharashtra |url=http://www.unicef.org/india/Population_Demographics.pdf |publisher=[[UNICEF]] |access-date=19 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228164711/http://www.unicef.org/india/Population_Demographics.pdf |archive-date=28 December 2013 }}</ref> Since independence, the decadal growth rate of population has remained higher (except in the year 1971) than the national average. For the first time, in the year 2011, it was found to be lower than the national average.<ref name=proportion /> The 2011 census for the state found 55% of the population to be rural with 45% being urban based.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census India Info|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND027_Maharashtra.pdf|access-date=28 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021102120/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/censusinfodashboard/stock/profiles/en/IND027_Maharashtra.pdf|archive-date=21 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="diaspora">{{cite news | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/up-migrant-lynched-in-mumbai_479435.html | title=Population statics of state | work=[[Zee News]] | access-date=19 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816164149/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/up-migrant-lynched-in-mumbai_479435.html | archive-date=16 August 2011 | url-status=live | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

[[Bihari people|Bihari]], [[Gujarati people|Gujarati]], [[Sindhi people|Sindhis]], [[Punjabi people|Punjabis]], [[Parsi]]s, [[Marwari people|Marwari]], [[Kannada people|Kannada]], [[Telugu people|Telugu]] and [[Tamil people|Tamil]] minorities are scattered throughout the state.{{cn|date=January 2021}} There are also a substantial number of migrants from the states of [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[West Bengal]] and [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite news |title=53% of Mumbai's migrants from within Maharashtra - Times of India |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/53-of-citys-migrants-from-within-the-state/amp_articleshow/70322261.cms |access-date=15 January 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=22 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref> The 2011 census found [[scheduled castes]] and [[scheduled tribes]] to account for 11.8 and 8.9% of the population, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census of India 2011, PCA Maharashtra|url=http://pibmumbai.gov.in/English/PDF/E2013_PR798.PDF|publisher=Director of Census Operations Maharashtra|access-date=28 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616020253/http://pibmumbai.gov.in/English/PDF/E2013_PR798.PDF|archive-date=16 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The scheduled tribes include ''[[adivasi]]s'' such as [[Thakar tribe|Thakar]], Warli, [[Katkari people|Konkana]] and [[Halba people|Halba]].<ref name="tribes">{{cite web | url=http://centralclusteruupgs.wordpress.com/2011/06/11/tribals-of-maharashtra/ | title=Tribals of Maharashtra | publisher=Central Cluster UUPGS | access-date=19 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221183250/http://centralclusteruupgs.wordpress.com/2011/06/11/tribals-of-maharashtra/ | archive-date=21 February 2014 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

According to the 2011 census, [[Hinduism]] was the principal religion in the state at 79.8% of the total population, while [[Islam in India|Muslims]] constituted 11.5% of the total population. [[Buddhism]] accounted for 5.8% in Maharashtra's total population, with 6,531,200 followers, which is 77.36% of all [[Buddhism in India|Buddhists in India]]. [[Sikhism|Sikhs]], [[Christianity|Christians]] and [[Jainism|Jains]] constituted 0.2%, 1.0%, 1.2% of the population, respectively.<ref name="census2011" />

The state contributes 9.28% to India's population.<ref name=contribution>{{cite web|title=Provisional population totals|url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_maha.html|publisher=[[Census of India]]|access-date=13 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140614013034/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/prov_data_products_maha.html|archive-date=14 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The sex ratio in Maharashtra was 929 females per 1000 males, which was below the national average of 943.<ref name="pc-census2011" /> The density of Maharashtra was 365 inhabitants per km2 which was lower than national average 382 per km2. Since 1921, the populations of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg shrank by −4.96% and −2.30%, respectively, while the population of Thane grew by 35.9%, followed by Pune at 30.3%. The literacy rate rose to 83.2%.<ref name=elite>{{cite news|title=Maharashtra in elite group with 83% literacy|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Maharashtra-in-elite-group-with-83-literacy/articleshow/9278068.cms?referral=PM|access-date=14 March 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Maharashtra-in-elite-group-with-83-literacy/articleshow/9278068.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Of this, male literacy stood at 89.82% and female literacy 75.48%.

=== Language ===
{{Pie chart| thumb = right| caption = Languages in Maharashtra (2011)<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web |title=Language – India, States and Union Territories |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |pages=13–14 |access-date=8 September 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue |url=http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2700.XLSX |website=censusindia.gov.in |access-date=16 March 2020}}</ref>
|label1=[[Marathi language|Marathi]]|value1=68.84|color1=red
|label2=[[Hindi]]|value2=9.70|color2=orange
|label3=[[Urdu]]|value3=6.71|color3=green
|label4=[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]|value4=2.06|color4=gold
|label5=[[Khandeshi language|Khandeshi]]|value5=1.44|color5=limegreen
|label6=[[Lambadi]]|value6=1.36|color6=khaki
|label7=[[Bhili language|Bhili]]|value7=1.08|color7=darkgreen
|label8=Others|value8= 8.81|color8=Gray
}}

The official language is [[Marathi language|Marathi]]<ref name="Marathi">{{cite web|url=http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/libweb/acts/1965.05.PDF|website=[[Bombay High Court]]|title=The Maharashtra Official Languages Act, 1964|access-date=2 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402225839/http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/libweb/acts/1965.05.PDF|archive-date=2 April 2015}}</ref><ref name="auto" /> although different regions have their own dialects.<ref name=speakers>{{cite news|title=Most spoken language in Maharashtra|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharashtra-has-38-languages-other-than-Marathi-finds-survey/articleshow/21063263.cms|access-date=27 February 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927044931/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Maharashtra-has-38-languages-other-than-Marathi-finds-survey/articleshow/21063263.cms|archive-date=27 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It is native to the Maharashtra state, and is its main language.

Over 83.1 million people speak Marathi, making it the third-most spoken language in India, and 10th [[List of languages by number of native speakers|most-spoken native language]] in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hindi-mother-tongue-of-44-in-india-bangla-second-most-spoken/articleshow/64755458.cms|title=Hindi mother tongue of 44% in India, Bangla second most spoken {{!}} India News – Times of India|last1=28 Jun|first1=Bharti Jain {{!}} TNN {{!}} Updated|last2=2018|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=19 October 2019|last3=Ist|first3=16:17}}</ref>

English is also spoken in Maharashtra, mostly in urban areas. Spoken Marathi language varies by district, area or locality in its tone and a few words. [[Konkani language|Konkani]], [[Kannada]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]] and [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] are also spoken in some areas. Other major dialects include [[Varhadi dialect|Varhadi]] spoken in the Vidarbha region and Dangi spoken near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. The sound {{IPAslink|l}} is abundantly used in many verbs and nouns in Marathi. It is replaced by the sound {{IPAc-en|j|}} in the Varhadi dialect, which makes it quite distinct.<ref name="Navalkar1894">{{cite book|author=Ganpatráo R. Navalkar|title=The Student's Marathi Grammar|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OJoQtIBhitEC&pg=PA1|year=1894|publisher=Asian Educational Services|isbn=978-81-206-1561-8|pages=6–15|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=OJoQtIBhitEC&pg=PA1|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the economic survey of Maharashtra (2008–09), the percentage of the state's population that names Marathi as its mother tongue has declined to 68.8% from 76.5% over the past three decades, while there has been a sharp rise in the [[Hindi]]-speaking population (11% from 5%) in the same period.<ref name="hindi">{{cite news|title=Marathi population in state falls to 69%|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-marathi-population-in-state-falls-to-69-in-30-yrs-1261812|access-date=25 March 2014|newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]]|date=4 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325205534/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-marathi-population-in-state-falls-to-69-in-30-yrs-1261812|archive-date=25 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Governance and Administration ==
{{Main|Government of Maharashtra}}

=== State government ===
[[File:Mantralaya.jpg|right|thumb|[[Mantralaya, Mumbai|Mantralaya]] or administrative headquarters of Maharashtra state government in [[South Mumbai]] ]]
Maharashtra has a [[Westminster system|parliamentary system]] of government with two democratically elected houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly]] (Vidhan Sabha) consists of 288 members who are elected for five-year terms.<ref name="mla's">{{cite web|title=Legislative assembly Maharashtra|url=http://maharashtracongress.com/English/members-of-legislative-assembly-mla/|website=Congress|publisher=Maharashtra Congress|access-date=19 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202174303/http://maharashtracongress.com/English/members-of-legislative-assembly-mla/|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> The [[Maharashtra Legislative Council]] (Vidhan Parishad) is a permanent body of 78 members with a third of members replaced every two years. The [[government of Maharashtra]] is headed by the [[List of Chief Ministers of Maharashtra|Chief Minister]], who is chosen by the party or coalition holding the majority in the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister, along with the council of ministers, drives the legislative agenda and exercises most of the executive powers.<ref name="chief minister">{{cite web|title=CM Selection|url=http://eci.nic.in/archive/handbook/CANDIDATES/cap6/cap6_1.htm|website=Election Commission|publisher=Election Commission of India|access-date=19 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202224555/http://eci.nic.in/archive/handbook/CANDIDATES/cap6/cap6_1.htm|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the constitutional and formal head of the state is the Governor, who is appointed for a five-year term by the [[President of India]] on the advice of the [[Union government]].<ref name=Governor>{{cite web|title=The Council of Ministers|url=http://jkrajbhawan.nic.in/The%20Governor/powerofgovernor.htm|website=Government of J & K|publisher=J & K Raj Bhavan|access-date=19 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929021149/http://jkrajbhawan.nic.in/The%20Governor/powerofgovernor.htm|archive-date=29 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Politics ===
{{See also|Politics of Maharashtra|List of Chief Ministers of Maharashtra}}
The politics of the state in the first decades after its formation in 1960 were dominated by the [[Indian National Congress]] party or its offshoots such as the [[Nationalist Congress Party]], but since the 1990s Hindu parties have dominated. In the early years, politics of Maharashtra was dominated by Congress party figures such as [[Yashwantrao Chavan]], [[Vasantdada Patil]], [[Vasantrao Naik]] and [[Shankarrao Chavan]]. [[Sharad Pawar]], who started his political career in the Congress party, has been a towering personality in the state and national politics for over forty years. During his career, he has split the Congress twice with significant consequences for the state politics.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Wilkinson|first1=Steven|s2cid=154957863|title=Elections in India: Behind the Congress Comeback|journal=Journal of Democracy|date=January 2005|volume=16|issue=1|pages=153–167|doi=10.1353/jod.2005.0018}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kamat|first1=AR|title=Politico-economic developments in Maharashtra: a review of the post-independence period, – JSTOR|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|date=October 1980|volume=15|issue=40|pages=1669–1678|jstor=4369147}}</ref> The Congress party enjoyed a near unchallenged dominance of the political landscape until 1995 when the [[Shiv Sena]] and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) secured an overwhelming majority in the state to form a coalition government.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Palshikar |first1=S|last2=Birmal|first2=N|title=Maharashtra: Towards a New Party System|journal=Economic and Political Weekly |date=18 December 2004|volume=39|issue=51|pages=5467–5472|jstor=4415934}}</ref> After his second parting from the Congress party in 1999, [[Sharad Pawar]] founded the [[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]] but then formed a coalition with the Congress to keep out the BJP-Shiv Sena combine out of the Maharashtra state government for fifteen years until September 2014. [[Prithviraj Chavan]] of the Congress party was the last [[Chief Minister]] of Maharashtra under the Congress / NCP alliance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/politics/clean-yet-invisible-prithviraj-chavan-quits-as-maharashtra-cm-did-anyone-notice-1732223.html|title=Clean yet invisible: Prithviraj Chavan quits as CM, did anyone notice?|work=[[Firstpost]]|date=27 September 2014|access-date=29 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930005937/http://www.firstpost.com/politics/clean-yet-invisible-prithviraj-chavan-quits-as-maharashtra-cm-did-anyone-notice-1732223.html|archive-date=30 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/prithviraj-chavan-rivals-narayan-rane-maharashtra-assembly-polls/1/377333.html|title=Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan's rivals get key posts for Assembly polls|work=[[India Today]]|date=16 August 2014|access-date=29 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927103024/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/prithviraj-chavan-rivals-narayan-rane-maharashtra-assembly-polls/1/377333.html|archive-date=27 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main52.asp?filename=Ne280412Coverstory.asp|title=Right man in the wrong polity|work=[[Tehelka]]|date=28 April 2012|access-date=29 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006113537/http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main52.asp?filename=Ne280412Coverstory.asp|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
For the [[2014 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election|2014 assembly polls]], the two alliances between NCP and Congress and that between BJP and Shiv Sena respectively broke down over seat allocations. In the election, the largest number of seats went to the Bharatiya Janata Party, with 122 seats. The BJP initially formed a minority government under [[Devendra Fadnavis]]. The Shiv sena entered the Government after two months, and provided a comfortable majority for the alliance in the [[Maharashtra Legislative Assembly|Maharashtra Vidhansabha]] for the duration of the assembly.<ref>{{cite news|title=BJP, Shiv Sena announce alliance in Maharashtra|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-shiv-sena-alliance-in-maharashtra-devendra-fadnavis-uddhav-thackeray/1/405098.html|publisher=IndiaToday.in Mumbai|date=4 December 2014|access-date=7 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509012027/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-shiv-sena-alliance-in-maharashtra-devendra-fadnavis-uddhav-thackeray/1/405098.html|archive-date=9 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[2019 Indian general election|2019 Lok sabha elections]], the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance secured 41 seat out 48 from the state.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.esakal.com/loksabha-2019/result |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608010227/https://www.esakal.com/loksabha-2019/result |archive-date=8 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Later in 2019, the BJP and Shiv Sena alliance fought the assembly elections together but the alliance broke down after the election over the post of chief minister. [[Uddhav Thackeray]] of Shiv Sena then formed an alternative governing coalition under his leadership with his erstwhile opponents from NCP, INC, and a number of independent members of legislative assembly.<ref>{{cite news |title=Political drama has gripped the home state of Bollywood |url=https://www.economist.com/asia/2019/11/29/political-drama-has-gripped-the-home-state-of-bollywood |access-date=30 November 2019 |issue=30 November 2019 |publisher=The Economist}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Maharashtra: With 169 votes, Uddhav-led govt sails through Assembly floor test, BJP stages walkout |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-assembly-floor-test-uddhav-thackeray-fadnavis-bjp-shiv-sena-ncp-congressmaharashtra-uddhav-led-mahavikasaghadi-govt-wins-trust-vote-bjp-stages-walkout-6144236/ |access-date=30 November 2019 |work=Indian Express |issue=30 November 2019 |publisher=Indian Express newspapers}}</ref> On 28 November 2019, Thackeray took oath as 19th [[Chief minister of Maharashtra]] after being elected as the president of the newly formed coalition named [[Maha Vikas Aghadi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/maharashtra-government-formation-news-live-uddhav-thackeray-swearing-in-as-cm/liveblog/72270170.cms|title=Udhav Thackeray swearing in as CM|website=Times of India|access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="IE28Nov">{{cite news |title=Maharashtra swearing-in HIGHLIGHTS: Farmers first; Uddhav sets priority after first cabinet meet |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-live-updates-uddhav-thackeray-swearing-in-shiv-sena-ncp-congress-bjp-6140471/ |access-date=29 November 2019 |work=The Indian Express |date=28 November 2019 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name="FP29Nov">{{cite news |title=Uddhav Thackeray sworn in as 19th CM of Maharashtra: First of family to hold this office, 59-yr-old gets kudos from Modi, Sonia Gandhi |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-19th-cm-of-maharashtra-first-of-family-to-hold-this-office-59-yr-old-gets-kudos-from-modi-sonia-gandhi-7714171.html |access-date=29 November 2019 |work=Firstpost |date=29 November 2019}}</ref>

=== State representation in Indian Parliament ===
The people of Maharashtra also elect 48 members to the [[Lok Sabha]], the lower house of the Indian Parliament. In the [[2014 Indian general elections|2014 general elections]], the [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA), consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the [[Shiv Sena]], and [[Swabhimani Paksha]], won 23, 18, and 1 seats, respectively.<ref name=members>{{cite web|title=Fifteenth Lok Sabha members|url=http://164.100.47.132/lssnew/Members/statedetail.aspx?state_code=Maharashtra|website=Parliament of India|publisher=Lok Sabha|access-date=19 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202145545/http://164.100.47.132/lssnew/Members/statedetail.aspx?state_code=Maharashtra|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> The NDA retained its dominance in the state by winning 41 out of the 48 seats in the 2019 [[2019 Indian general election|Lok Sabha]] elections.<ref>{{cite web |title=GENERAL ELECTION TO LOK SABHA TRENDS & RESULT 2019 |url=http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/partywise/partywiseresult-S13.htm?st=S13 |website=results.eci.gov.in |publisher=Government of India |access-date=7 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526095222/http://results.eci.gov.in/pc/en/partywise/partywiseresult-S13.htm?st=S13 |archive-date=26 May 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The members of the state Legislative Assembly elect 19 members to the [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house of the [[Indian Parliament]].<ref name=list>{{cite web|title=Members of Rajya Sabha|url=http://164.100.47.5/Newmembers/memberstatewise.aspx|website=Parliament of India|publisher=Rajya Sabha|access-date=19 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205185402/http://164.100.47.5/Newmembers/memberstatewise.aspx|archive-date=5 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Local government ===
[[File:Gram panchayat office, Abdul Lat.jpg|thumb|right|A Gram panchayat office in a Abdul Lat village, Kolhapur district]]
The state has a long tradition of highly powerful planning bodies at district and local levels. Local self governance institutions in rural areas include 34 [[District Councils of India|zilla parishads]] (district councils), 355 [[Panchayat Samiti (Block)|Taluka Panchayat samitis]] (district Sub-division councils) and 27,993 [[Gram panchayat]]s (village councils). Urban areas in the state are governed by 27
[[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipal Corporations]], 222 [[Municipal governance in India|Municipal Councils]], four [[Nagar Panchayat (Notified Area Council)|Nagar Panchayats]] and seven [[Cantonment Board]]s.<ref name=proportion /><ref name="divisions">{{cite web|url=https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/mahInfo/state.php |title=State body info |publisher=Government of Maharashtra |access-date=19 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615064744/http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/mahInfo/state.php |archive-date=15 June 2011 }}</ref>
Although Maharashtra had Gram panchayat with elected members since 1961, the 73rd amendment to the Indian constitution of 1993 put in place a statutory requirement of 33% of seats on the panchayats reserved for women. In addition, 33% of the sarpanch (panchayat chief) positions were also reserved for women.<ref>Can the Female Sarpanch Deliver? Evidence from Maharashtra DHANMANJIRI SATHE, STEPHAN KLASEN, JAN PRIEBE and MITHILA BINIWALE Economic and Political Weekly Vol. 48, No. 11 (16 March 2013), pp. 50-57 Published by: Economic and Political Weekly https://www.jstor.org/stable/23391421</ref>
Although the amendment boosted the number of women leaders at the village level, there have been cases of harassment by male members of the panchayat towards the female members of the organisations.<ref>Ahlawat, S., 2013. Impact of the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution on Women Empowerment: An Analytical Study. International Journal of Enhanced Research in Educational Development, 1(3), p.4.[https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/bb75/a393a60dc17946515689d578e01ee813c682.pdf]</ref>
The administration in each district is headed by a [[District Collector]], who belongs to the [[Indian Administrative Service]] and is assisted by a number of officers belonging to Maharashtra state services.<ref>{{cite web|title=District Deputy Commissioner|url=http://ahd.maharashtra.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=284&lang=en|publisher=Ministry of Rural Development|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217151959/http://ahd.maharashtra.gov.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=284&lang=en|archive-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The Superintendent of Police, an officer belonging to the Indian Police Service and assisted by the officers of the [[Maharashtra Police]] Service, maintains law and order in addition to other related issues in each district. The Divisional Forest Officer, an officer belonging to the [[Indian Forest Service]], manages the forests, environment, and wildlife of the district, assisted by the officers of Maharashtra Forest Service and Maharashtra Forest Subordinate Service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Office of Chief Conservator of Forests & Deputy Director General, Social Forestry |url=http://aurangabad.nic.in/htmldocs/Website_tender_revised_v2.pdf |publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]] |access-date=20 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217145922/http://aurangabad.nic.in/htmldocs/Website_tender_revised_v2.pdf |archive-date=17 December 2014 }}</ref> Sectoral development in the districts is looked after by the district head of each development department, such as Public Works, Health, Education, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sectoral Skill Development Committees |url=http://www.nsdcindia.org/pdf/maha-executive-summary.pdf |publisher=National Skill Development Corporation |access-date=20 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402190502/http://nsdcindia.org/pdf/maha-executive-summary.pdf |archive-date=2 April 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Regional Structure, Growth and Convergence of Income in Maharashtra |url=http://www.hss.iitb.ac.in/ties07/paper/ts2/psE/2.pdf |publisher=Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai |access-date=20 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217144446/http://www.hss.iitb.ac.in/ties07/paper/ts2/psE/2.pdf |archive-date=17 December 2014 }}</ref>

=== Judiciary ===
[[File:Mumbai 03-2016 40 Bombay High Court.jpg|thumb|alt=Maharashtra High Court|The [[Bombay High Court]], one of the most distinguished high courts in India]]
The judiciary in the state consists of the Maharashtra High Court ([[Bombay High Court|The High Court of Bombay]]), district and session courts in each district and lower courts and judges at the taluka level.<ref name="judiciary">{{cite web | url=http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/history.php# | title=Introduction | publisher=The Bombay High Court | access-date=19 January 2014 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020125511/http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/history.php | archive-date=20 October 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> The High Court has regional branches at [[Nagpur]] and [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]] in Maharashtra and [[Panaji]] which is the capital of Goa.<ref name="bombayhighcourt">{{cite web|url=http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/history.php|title=History of High Court of Bombay|publisher=bombayhighcourt.nic.in|access-date=28 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020125511/http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/history.php|archive-date=20 October 2015}}</ref> The state cabinet on 13 May 2015 passed a resolution favouring the setting up of one more bench of the Bombay high court in [[Kolhapur]], covering the region.<ref name="timesofindia">{{cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolhapur/State-cabinet-nod-to-HC-circuit-bench-in-Kolhapur/articleshow/47257438.cms|title=State cabinet nod to HC circuit bench in Kolhapur – The Times of India|publisher=m.timesofindia.com|access-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010050430/https://m.timesofindia.com/city/kolhapur/State-cabinet-nod-to-HC-circuit-bench-in-Kolhapur/articleshow/47257438.cms|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The President of India appoints the chief justice of the High Court of the Maharashtra judiciary on the advice of the chief justice of the Supreme Court of India as well as the Governor of Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite web|title=The High Court of Bombay|url=http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/history.php|publisher=High Court of Bombay|access-date=20 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020125511/http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/history.php|archive-date=20 October 2015}}</ref> Other judges are appointed by the chief justice of the high court of the judiciary on the advice of the Chief Justice.<ref name=jdistrict /> Subordinate Judicial Service is another vital part of the judiciary of Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite news|title=State supports all-India judicial service proposal|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/state-supports-allindia-judicial-service-proposal-cm/1102252/|access-date=20 September 2014|work=[[The Indian Express]]|agency=[[Indian Express Group]]|date=14 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527022940/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/state-supports-allindia-judicial-service-proposal-cm/1102252/|archive-date=27 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The subordinate judiciary or the district courts are categorised into two divisions: the Maharashtra civil judicial services and higher judicial service.<ref name=Introduction>{{cite web|title=Introduction to Maharashtra Judiciary |url=http://court.mah.nic.in/courtweb/static_pages/page1.php |publisher=Maharashtra Judicial Academy |access-date=5 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806015534/http://court.mah.nic.in/courtweb/static_pages/page1.php |archive-date=6 August 2014 }}</ref> While the Maharashtra civil judicial services comprises the Civil Judges (Junior Division)/Judicial Magistrates and civil judges (Senior Division)/Chief Judicial Magistrate, the higher judicial service comprises civil and sessions judges.<ref name=activities>{{cite web|title=District Courts, Maharashtra |url=http://court.mah.nic.in/courtweb/static_pages/middle1.php |publisher=Maharashtra Judiciary |access-date=5 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816185545/http://court.mah.nic.in/courtweb/static_pages/middle1.php |archive-date=16 August 2014 }}</ref> The Subordinate judicial service of the judiciary is controlled by the District Judge.<ref name=jdistrict>{{cite web|title=Governing Council|url=http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/mja/left/govern.html|publisher=High Court of Bombay|access-date=5 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122070903/http://bombayhighcourt.nic.in/mja/left/govern.html|archive-date=22 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra Judicial Academy|url=http://www.csi-sigegov.org/egovernance_pdf/20_168-172.pdf|website=csi-sigegov.org/|publisher=Computer Society of India|access-date=5 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054311/http://www.csi-sigegov.org/egovernance_pdf/20_168-172.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Maharashtra}}
{{Further|List of conglomerates in Maharashtra}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; width:260px; margin:0 0 1em 1em; background:#f4f5f6; border:#c6c7c8 solid; font-size:90%;"
| colspan="2" style="background:#c2d6e5; text-align:center;"| '''Net State Domestic Product at Factor Cost at Current Prices (2004–05 Base)<ref name=rbinsdpstat>{{cite web
|url=http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=13592
|title=Net state domestic product at factor cost—state-wise (at current prices)
|date=15 September 2011
|access-date=7 February 2012
|website=Handbook of statistics on Indian economy
|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309001542/http://rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=13592
|archive-date= 9 March 2012
}}</ref>'''

figures in [[crore]]s of [[Indian rupee]]s
|-
! Year || Net State Domestic Product
|-
| 2004–2005 || {{INRConvert|3.683|t}}
|-
| 2005–2006 || {{INRConvert|4.335|t}}
|-
| 2006–2007 || {{INRConvert|5.241|t}}
|-
| 2007–2008|| {{INRConvert|6.140|t}}
|-
| 2008–2009 || {{INRConvert|6.996|t}}
|-
| 2009–2010 || {{INRConvert|8.178|t}}
|-
| 2013–2014 || {{INRConvert|15.101|t}}
|-
| 2014–2015 || {{INRConvert|16.866|t}}
|}
The economy of Maharashtra is driven by manufacturing, international trade, [[Mass Media]] (television, motion pictures, video games, recorded music), aerospace, technology, petroleum, fashion, apparel, and tourism.<ref name="India2007">{{cite book|author=Planning Commission of the Government of India|title=Maharashtra, Development Report|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ohvu8D3LbgC&pg=PA55|date=1 January 2007|publisher=Academic Foundation|isbn=978-81-7188-540-4|pages=55–56|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=6ohvu8D3LbgC&pg=PA55|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Maharashtra is the most industrialised state and has maintained the leading position in the industrial sector in India.<ref name=strategies>{{cite web|title=Assessing climate change vulnerability and adaptation strategies for Maharashtra State|url=http://www.ccmaharashtra.org/|website=Department of Environment|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=1 March 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301221352/http://www.ccmaharashtra.org/|archive-date=1 March 2014}}</ref> The State is pioneer in small scale industries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview of MSSIDC|url=http://www.mssidc.org/about-mssidc.aspx|publisher=The Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd.|access-date=7 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140907102212/http://www.mssidc.org/about-mssidc.aspx|archive-date=7 September 2014}}</ref> Mumbai, the capital of state and the [[financial capital]] of India, houses the headquarters of most of the major corporate and financial institutions. India's main [[Bombay Stock Exchange|stock exchanges]] and capital market and commodity exchanges are located in Mumbai. The State continues to attract industrial investments from domestic as well as foreign institutions. Maharashtra has the largest proportion of [[taxpayers]] in India and its share markets transact almost 70 per cent of the country's stocks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pachouly|first1=Manish|title=Taxpayers in Maharashtra|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mumbai/more-than-12-77-lakh-taxpayers-filed-e-returns-in-maharashtra/article1-731073.aspx|access-date=7 September 2014|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|agency=[[HT Media Ltd]]|date=9 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907192947/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mumbai/more-than-12-77-lakh-taxpayers-filed-e-returns-in-maharashtra/article1-731073.aspx|archive-date=7 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Mumbai Skyline at Night.jpg|thumb|Mumbai is major contributor to the economy of Maharashtra]]
The [[Service sector]] dominates the economy of Maharashtra, accounting for 61.4% of the value addition and 69.3% of the value of output in the state.<ref name=service>{{cite web|title=Service sector synopsis on Maharashtra|url=http://www.dipp.gov.in/English/Publications/SIA_NewsLetter/AnnualReport2011/Chapter6.3.i.pdf|website=RBI's Regional Office – Mumbai|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|access-date=1 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201201044/http://www.dipp.gov.in/English/Publications/SIA_NewsLetter/AnnualReport2011/Chapter6.3.i.pdf|archive-date=1 February 2014}}</ref> The state's per-capita income is 40% higher than the all-India average.<ref>{{cite web|title=Economic Survey|url=http://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/esm_2012-13_eng.pdf|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=7 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903032111/http://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/esm_2012-13_eng.pdf|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The gross state domestic product (GSDP) at current prices for 2011–12 is estimated at 11,995.48 billion and contributes about 14.4% of the GDP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Economic Profile of Maharashtra|url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/finres/fr/maharashtra.pdf|publisher=Planning commission|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505093959/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/finres/fr/maharashtra.pdf|archive-date=5 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The agriculture and allied activities sector contributes 12.9% to the state's income.<ref name=agriculture>{{cite web|title=Agricultural Growth|url=https://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/esm_2012-13_eng.pdf|publisher=Directorate of Economics and Statics|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903032111/http://mahades.maharashtra.gov.in/files/publication/esm_2012-13_eng.pdf|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Agriculture growth|url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_maha/ch-3-14-02-05.pdf|publisher=Planning Commission|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410172024/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_maha/ch-3-14-02-05.pdf|archive-date=10 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Net State Domestic Product (State Income), as per the first revised estimates was 10,827.51 billion and Per Capita State Income was 95,339 during 2011–12. The percentage of fiscal deficit to GSDP was 1.7 per cent and debt stock to GSDP was 18.4 per cent during 2012–13, well within Consolidated Fiscal Reform Path stipulated by the Thirteenth Finance Commission. In 2012, Maharashtra reported a revenue surplus of {{INR}}1524.9 million (US$24 million), with a total revenue of {{INR}}1,367,117 million (US$22 billion) and a spending of {{INR}}1,365,592.1 million (US$22 billion).<ref name=service /> Maharashtra ranks first in FDI equity and percentage share of total FDI inflows is 32.27%.<ref name=agriculture /> Total FDI inflows into Maharashtra are US$53.48 billion.<ref name=service /> Top countries that invested FDI equity in Maharashtra (from January 2000 to December 2011) were [[Mauritius]] (39%), [[Singapore]] (10%), [[United Kingdom]] (10%), [[United States]] (7%) and [[Netherlands]] (5%).<ref name=service />

[[File:Organic sugar cane.JPG|thumb|alt=refer caption|Freshly grown [[sugarcane]], agriculture is the second leading occupation in Maharashtra]]

Maharashtra contributes 25% of the country's industrial output<ref name="wealth">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/slide-show/slide-show-1-top-25-states-with-highest-gdp/20120223.htm|title=India's top 25 states with highest GDP|work=Rediff.com|access-date=28 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212053319/http://www.rediff.com/money/slide-show/slide-show-1-top-25-states-with-highest-gdp/20120223.htm|archive-date=12 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and is the most indebted state in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=16305|title=Statement 19: Total Outstanding Liabilities of State Governments (As at end-March)|publisher=[[Reserve Bank of India]]|date=12 May 2015|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125091130/https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=16305|archive-date=25 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/maharashtra-most-indebted-tamil-nadu-gathering-debt-fastest/story-Rr60ryvjugtCD0kfLgraPJ.html|title=Maharashtra most indebted, Tamil Nadu gathering debt fastest|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=25 November 2015|access-date=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125091122/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/maharashtra-most-indebted-tamil-nadu-gathering-debt-fastest/story-Rr60ryvjugtCD0kfLgraPJ.html|archive-date=25 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Industrial activity in state is concentrated in five districts: [[Mumbai City district|Mumbai City]], [[Mumbai Suburban district|Mumbai Suburban]], [[Thane district|Thane]], [[Pune district|Pune]], and [[Nashik district|Nashik]].<ref name=investment /> Mumbai has the largest share in GSDP (21.5 per cent), both Thane and Pune districts contribute about same in the Industry sector, Pune district contributes more in the agriculture and allied activities sector, whereas Thane district contributes more in the Services sector.<ref name=investment /> Nashik district shares highest in the agricultural and allied activities sector, but is far behind in the Industry and Services sectors as compared to Thane and Pune districts.<ref name=investment>{{cite web|title=Industrial investments in Maharashtra|url=http://delhimumbaiindustrialcorridor.com/industrial-investments-in-maharashtra.php|publisher=Delhi Mumbai industrial corridor portal|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222220533/http://delhimumbaiindustrialcorridor.com/industrial-investments-in-maharashtra.php|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Industries in Maharashtra include chemical and chemical products (17.6%), food and food products (16.1%), refined petroleum products (12.9%), machinery and equipment (8%), textiles (6.9%), basic metals (5.8%), motor vehicles (4.7%) and furniture (4.3%).<ref name="Service sector">{{cite web|title=Maharashtra service sector|url=http://www.maharashtra.ws/business_subsectors.php?sc=SVC&cid=15&sid=259|publisher=Maharashtra Business and Service Directory|access-date=1 February 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202130733/http://www.maharashtra.ws/business_subsectors.php?sc=SVC&cid=15&sid=259|archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> Maharashtra is the manufacturing hub for some of the largest public sector industries in India, including [[Hindustan Petroleum Corporation]], [[Tata Group|Tata Petrodyne]] and [[Oil India Ltd]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Public Sector Undertakings|url=http://www.maharashtrastat.com/industries/18/publicsectorundertakings/235/stats.aspx|publisher=Planning Commission|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102063107/http://www.maharashtrastat.com/industries/18/publicsectorundertakings/235/stats.aspx|archive-date=2 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Maharashtra has an above average [[knowledge industry]] in India with the [[Pune]] Metropolitan area being the leading IT hub in the state. Approximately 25% of the top 500 companies in the IT sector are situated in Maharashtra.<ref name=IT>{{cite web|title=Report on IT Sector in Maharashtra. Amol Lakhamle was Director of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), an apex organization for curricular reforms in India|url=https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/PDF/itpolicy.pdf|publisher=Industry Department|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611070933/https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/PDF/itpolicy.pdf|archive-date=11 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The state accounts for 28% of the software exports of India.<ref name=IT /> The state houses important financial institutions such as the [[Reserve Bank of India]], the Bombay Stock Exchange, the [[National Stock Exchange of India]], the [[Securities and Exchange Board of India|SEBI]] and the corporate [[List of Indian companies headquartered in Mumbai|headquarters]] of numerous [[List of Indian companies|Indian companies]] and [[multinational corporations]]. It is also home to some of India's premier scientific and nuclear institutes like [[Bhabha Atomic Research Centre|BARC]], [[Nuclear Power Corporation of India|NPCL]], [[Indian Rare Earths Limited|IREL]], [[Tata Institute of Fundamental Research|TIFR]], [[Atomic Energy Regulatory Board|AERB]], [[Atomic Energy Commission of India|AECI]], and the [[Department of Atomic Energy (India)|Department of Atomic Energy]].<ref name=investment />

The banking sector comprises [[Scheduled banks|scheduled]] and non-scheduled banks.<ref name=IT /> Scheduled banks are of two types, commercial and co-operative. Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in India are classified into five types: [[State Bank of India]] and its associates, nationalised banks, [[Private-sector banks in India|private sector banks]], [[Regional Rural Bank]]s and others (foreign banks). In 2012, there were 9,053 banking offices in the state, of which about 26 percent were in rural and 54 percent were in urban areas. Maharashtra has a [[microfinance]] system, which refers to small scale financial services extended to the poor in both rural and urban areas. It covers a variety of financial instruments, such as lending, savings, life insurance, and crop insurance.<ref>{{cite web|title=Microfinance, Self-Help Groups and Empowerment in Maharashtra|url=http://ncw.nic.in/pdfreports/shg-maharashtra.pdf|publisher=National Commission for Women, New Delhi|access-date=7 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629050237/http://ncw.nic.in/pdfReports/SHG-Maharashtra.pdf|archive-date=29 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Three largest urban [[cooperative banking|cooperative banks]] in India are all based in Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/money-and-banking/top-urban-co-op-banks-set-to-expand-area-of-operations/article20253050.ece1 | title=Top urban co-op banks set to expand area of operations}}</ref>

With more than half the population being rural, agriculture and allied industries play an important role in the states's economy. The agriculture and allied activities sector contributes 12.9% to the state's income. Staples such as [[rice]] and [[millet]] are the main [[monsoon]] crops. Important [[cash crop]]s include [[sugarcane]], [[cotton]], oilseeds, tobacco, fruit, vegetables and spices such as [[turmeric]].<ref name=farmer /> Animal husbandry is an important agriculture related activity. The State's share in the livestock and poultry population in India is about 7% and 10% respectively. Maharashtra was a pioneer in the development of [[Agricultural Cooperative]] Societies after independence. In fact, it was an integral part of the then Governing [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] party's vision of ‘rural development with local initiative’. A ‘special’ status was accorded to the [[sugar]] cooperatives and the government assumed the role of a mentor by acting as a stakeholder, guarantor and regulator,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Lalvani|first1=Mala|s2cid=154425894|title=Sugar Co-operatives in Maharashtra: A Political Economy Perspective|journal=The Journal of Development Studies|date=2008|volume= 44|issue=10|doi=10.1080/00220380802265108|pages=1474–1505|url=https://semanticscholar.org/paper/04f3990ab2dd9015b33859caed3cc29ca3427119}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Patil |first=Anil |url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/09sugar.htm |title=Sugar cooperatives on death bed in Maharashtra |publisher=Rediff India |date=9 July 2007 |access-date=27 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828234602/http://www.rediff.com/money/2007/jul/09sugar.htm |archive-date=28 August 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="helsinki">{{cite web|url=http://www.helsinki.fi/iehc2006/papers2/Das72.pdf|date=18 July 2006|publisher=XIV International Economic History Congress, Helsinki 2006, Session 72|title=Problems and Prospects of the Cooperative Movement in India Under the Globalization Regime|author1=Banishree Das|author2=Nirod Kumar Palai|author3=Kumar Das|name-list-style=amp|access-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051908/http://www.helsinki.fi/iehc2006/papers2/Das72.pdf|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Apart from sugar, Cooperatives play a crucial role in dairy,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mahanand Dairy|url=http://www.mahanand.in/Index.aspx?mid=1|access-date=28 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124105202/http://mahanand.in/Index.aspx?mid=1|archive-date=24 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> cotton, and fertiliser industries.

== Transport ==
{{Main|Transport in Maharashtra}}
{{See also|List of airports in Maharashtra}}
{{Multiple image|align = right|direction = vertical|width = 220|header = |footer = |header_align = left/right/center|footer_align = left/right/center|header_background = |footer_background = |image1 = Mumbai 03-2016 114 Airport international terminal interior.jpg|width1 = |alt1 = |caption1 = [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport|Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport(Mumbai)]] |image4 = Jawaharlal Nehru Trust Port.jpg|width4 = |alt4 = |caption4 = A container ship at [[Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust]] |image2 = ICE to Bombay Indian Railways.jpg|width2 = |alt2 = |caption2 = [[Mumbai-Pune Intercity Express]] train|image3 =
}}
The state has a large, multi-modal transportation system with the largest road network in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Multimodal transportation system in state|url=https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in/multimodal-corridor-from-virar-to-alibaug|publisher=[[Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority]]|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903151114/https://mmrda.maharashtra.gov.in/multimodal-corridor-from-virar-to-alibaug|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2011, the total length of surface road in Maharashtra was 267,452 km;<ref name=Highwaylength>{{cite web|title=Public Private Partnerships in India|url=http://pppinindia.com/infrastructure-maharashtra.php|website=pppinindia.com/|publisher=[[Ministry of Finance (India)|Ministry of Finance]]|access-date=29 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830113346/http://www.pppinindia.com/infrastructure-maharashtra.php|archive-date=30 August 2014}}</ref> national highways comprised 4,176 km<ref>{{cite web|title=List of State-wise National Highways in India|url=http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/general_info.php?id=15|website=knowindia.gov.in/|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=29 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905021156/http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/general_info.php?id=15|archive-date=5 September 2014}}</ref> and state highways 3,700 km.<ref name=Highwaylength /> The [[Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation]] (MSRTC) provides economical and reliable passenger road transport service in the public sector.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation |url=http://www.msrtc.gov.in/msrtc/history.html |website=msrtc.gov.in/ |publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]] |access-date=29 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903042657/http://www.msrtc.gov.in/msrtc/history.html |archive-date=3 September 2014 }}</ref> These buses, popularly called ST (State Transport), are the preferred mode of transport for much of the populace. Hired forms of transport include metered taxis and [[auto rickshaws]], which often ply specific routes in cities. Other district roads and village roads provide villages accessibility to meet their social needs as well as the means to transport agricultural produce from villages to nearby markets. Major district roads provide a secondary function of linking between main roads and rural roads. Almost 98% of villages are connected via the highways and modern roads in Maharashtra. Average speed on state highways varies between 50 and 60 km/h (31–37 mi/h) due to heavy presence of vehicles; in villages and towns, speeds are as low as 25–30 km/h (15–18 mi/h).<ref>{{cite web|title=Village speed limit in maharashtra|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/report/speed/20070329.htm|website=rediff.com/|publisher=Rediff News|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903114901/http://www.rediff.com/money/report/speed/20070329.htm|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first passenger train in India ran from Mumbai to Thane on 16 April 1853.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Raghunathan, V. |author2=Prasad, V. | title = Beyond the Call of Duty | chapter = The Birth of the East India Railway | publisher = HarperCollins Publishers India |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HzQsCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT105|isbn=9789351772651 |date=1 July 2015 }}</ref>
Rail transportation is run by [[Central Railway Zone (India)|Central Railway]], [[Western Railway Zone (India)|Western Railway]], [[South Central Railway Zone|South Central Railway]] and [[South East Central Railway zone|South East Central Railway]] zones of the [[Indian Railways]] with the first two zones being headquartered in [[Mumbai]], at [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus]] (CSMT) and [[Churchgate]] respectively and [[Konkan Railway]] which is headquartered in [[Navi Mumbai]].<ref name=western>{{cite web|title=Western Railway in its present form|url=http://www.wr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,283|website=Indian Railways|publisher=[[Western Railway zone|Western Railway]]|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213185804/http://www.wr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,283|archive-date=13 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=central>{{cite web|title=Central Railway's Head Quarter|url=http://www.cr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,6,287|publisher=[[Central Railway (India)|Central Railway]]|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222234920/http://www.cr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,6,287|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Mumbai Rajdhani Express]], the fastest [[Rajdhani Express|rajdhani]] train, connects the Indian capital of [[New Delhi]] to [[Mumbai]].<ref name=rajdhani>{{cite news|title=Mumbai-New Delhi Rajdhani Express|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mumbai-New-Delhi-Rajdhani-Express-turns-40/articleshow/13308876.cms?referral=PM|access-date=1 February 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303054341/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Mumbai-New-Delhi-Rajdhani-Express-turns-40/articleshow/13308876.cms?referral=PM|archive-date=3 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Thane railway station|Thane]] and [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus|CSMT]] are the busiest railway stations in India,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Thane-is-busiest-railway-station-in-Mumbai/articleshow/20129363.cms|title=Thane is busiest railway station in Mumbai – Times of India|website=indiatimes.com|access-date=13 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031152836/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Thane-is-busiest-railway-station-in-Mumbai/articleshow/20129363.cms|archive-date=31 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> the latter serving as a terminal for both long-distance trains and commuter trains of the Mumbai Suburban Railway.

The two principal sea ports, [[Mumbai Port Trust|Mumbai Port]] and [[Jawaharlal Nehru Port]], which is also in the Mumbai region, are under the control and supervision of the government of India.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of ports in Maharashtra|url=http://www.mahammb.com/regional-port-offices.htm|website=Regional Port Offices|publisher=Maharashtra Maritime Board|access-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203004608/http://www.mahammb.com/regional-port-offices.htm|archive-date=3 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> There are around 48 minor ports in Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sea ports of Maharashtra|url=http://www.oocities.org/ggavaska/seaports.html|publisher=Geo cities organisation|access-date=13 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222132738/http://www.oocities.org/ggavaska/seaports.html|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Most of these handle passenger traffic and have a limited capacity. None of the major rivers in Maharashtra are navigable and so river transport does not exist in the state.

Almost all the major cities of Maharashtra have airports. [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport|CSIA]] (formerly Bombay International Airport) and [[Juhu Airport]] are the two airports in Mumbai. The two other international airports are [[Pune International Airport]], and [[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport]] at [[Nagpur]]. [[Aurangabad Airport]] is a domestic airport operated by [[Airports Authority of India]]. Flights are operated by both private and government airline companies.

Most of the State's airfields are operated by the [[Airports Authority of India]] (AAI) while [[Reliance Infrastructure#Reliance Airport Project|Reliance Airport Developers (RADPL)]], currently operate five non-metro airports at [[Latur Airport|Latur]], [[Nanded Airport|Nanded]], [[Baramati Airport|Baramati]], [[Osmanabad Airport|Osmanabad]] and [[Yavatmal airport|Yavatmal]] on a 95-year lease.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |title=Reliance Airport gets five projects on lease |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Reliance-Airport-gets-five-projects-on-lease/articleshow/4861274.cms?referral=PM |work=The Times of India |date=6 August 2009 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130212553/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Reliance-Airport-gets-five-projects-on-lease/articleshow/4861274.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=30 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Maharashtra Airport Development Company]] (MADC) was set up in 2002 to take up development of airports in the state that are not under the AAI or the [[Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation]] (MIDC). MADC is playing the lead role in the planning and implementation of the [[Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur]] (MIHAN) project.<ref name="MADC">{{cite web|url=http://www.madcindia.org/projects.html |title=MIDC projects |publisher=[[Maharashtra Airport Development Company]] |access-date=31 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226054653/http://www.madcindia.org/projects.html |archive-date=26 February 2012 }}</ref> Additional smaller airports include [[Akola Airport|Akola]], [[Amravati Airport|Amravati]], [[Chandrapur Airport|Chandrapur]], [[Dhule Airport|Dhule]], [[Gondia Airport|Gondia]], [[Jalgaon Airport|Jalgaon]], [[Karad Airport|Karad]], [[Kolhapur Airport|Kolhapur]], [[Gandhinagar Airport|Nashik Road]], [[Ratnagiri Airport|Ratnagiri]], and [[Solapur Airport|Solapur]].<ref name=smaller>{{cite web|title=Statewise airfield list|url=http://cad.gujarat.gov.in/maharashtra-airfiled.htm|website=cad.gujarat.gov.in/|publisher=Director Civil Aviation, Government of Gujarat|access-date=5 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208124543/http://cad.gujarat.gov.in/maharashtra-airfiled.htm|archive-date=8 February 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Education and social development ==
{{See also|List of higher education institutions in Maharashtra}}
Census of 2011 showed literacy rates in the state for males and females were around 78% and 67% respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=C-8 Educational Level By Age And Sex For Population Age 7 And Above|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-series/C-08/DDW-2700C-08.xlsx|website=Census of India|publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531202452/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-series/C-08/DDW-2700C-08.xlsx|archive-date=31 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== History ===
Scottish missionary [[John Wilson (missionary)|John Wilson]], Indian nationalists such as [[Vasudev Balwant Phadke]] and [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]], social reformers such as [[Jyotirao Phule]], [[Dhondo Keshav Karve]] and [[Bhaurao Patil]] all played a leading role in the setting up of modern schools and colleges during the British colonial era.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Personality and Philosophy of Lokmanya B.G. Tilak |url=http://www.ncte-india.org/pub/tilak/section3.htm |website=ncte-india.org/ |publisher=NCTE: National Council For Teacher Education |access-date=29 August 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705182851/http://www.ncte-india.org/pub/tilak/section3.htm |archive-date=5 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mahatma Jotiba Phule: An Educational Philosopher|url=http://sikhinstitute.org/oct_2011/13-rajni_marwaha.html|website=sikhinstitute.org/|publisher=Institute of Sikh Studies|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218044634/http://sikhinstitute.org/oct_2011/13-rajni_marwaha.html|archive-date=18 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dr. B.R.Ambedkar's Contribution To Buddhist Education|url=http://www.countercurrents.org/dalit-waghmare160207.htm|website=countercurrents.org/|publisher=Counter Currents news portal|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903113049/http://www.countercurrents.org/dalit-waghmare160207.htm|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Smith2012">{{cite book|author=George Smith|title=Life of John Wilson, D.D. F.R.S.: For Fifty Years Philanthropist and Scholar in the East|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iZYqwdb1ZUEC&pg=PA50|date=7 June 2012|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-108-05045-6|page=50|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=iZYqwdb1ZUEC&pg=PA50|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The forerunner of [[Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute]] was established in 1821. The [[Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University]], the oldest women's liberal arts college in south Asia, started its journey in 1916. [[College of Engineering Pune]], established in 1854, is the third oldest college in Asia.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Poona Engineering Class and Mechanical School|url=http://www.coep.org.in/|publisher=College of Engineering, Pune|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929220235/http://www.coep.org.in/|archive-date=29 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Government Polytechnic Nagpur]], established in 1914, is one of the oldest polytechnic in India.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.gpnagpur.ac.in/easy_cms_gpnagpur/2017/msbtetrainingbrochure.pdf|title=Government Polytechnic, Nagpur Training Brochure|year=2018|pages=http://www.gpnagpur.ac.in/|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614050333/http://www.gpnagpur.ac.in/easy_cms_gpnagpur/2017/msbtetrainingbrochure.pdf|archive-date=14 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Primary and secondary level ===
[[File:Students of a Maharashtra Primary School (9601442866).jpg|right|thumb|Students at a state-run primary school in [[Raigad district]].]]
Maharashtra schools are run by the state government or by private organisations, including religious institutions. Instruction is mainly in Marathi, English or Hindi, though [[Urdu]] is also used. Physical education is mandatory.<ref name="BromberKrawietz2013">{{cite book|author1=Katrin Bromber|author2=Birgit Krawietz|author3=Joseph Maguire|title=Sport Across Asia: Politics, Cultures, and Identities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6LYZQyDBvRIC&pg=PA121|year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-88438-9|page=139}}</ref> The secondary schools are affiliated with the [[Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations]] (CISCE), the [[Central Board of Secondary Education|Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE)]], the [[National Institute of Open Schooling|National Institute of Open School (NIOS)]] or the [[Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education]]. Under the [[10+2+3 plan]], after completing secondary school, students typically enroll for two years in a [[junior college]], also known as pre-university, or in schools with a higher secondary facility affiliated with the [[Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education]] or any central board. Students choose from one of three streams, namely [[liberal arts]], commerce or science. Upon completing the required coursework, students may enroll in general or professional degree programs.

=== Tertiary level ===
[[File:AFMC Main Building.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|alt=AFMC Pune|[[Armed Forces Medical College, Pune]], was one of the institutions established after the Indian independence movement]]
Maharashtra has 24 universities with a turnout of 160,000 Graduates every year.<ref name="educational institute">{{cite web|title=State University|url=http://www.ugc.ac.in/stateuniversitylist.aspx?id=21&Unitype=2|publisher=University Grants Commission|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422051850/http://www.ugc.ac.in/stateuniversitylist.aspx?id=21&Unitype=2|archive-date=22 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=universities>{{cite web|title=Universities of Maharashtra|url=http://www.educationinfoindia.com/maharashtradir.htm|publisher=Education information of India|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915133355/http://www.educationinfoindia.com/maharashtradir.htm|archive-date=15 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Maharashtra has played a pioneering role in the development of the modern education system in India. The [[University of Mumbai]], is the largest university in the world in terms of the number of graduates and has 141 affiliated colleges.<ref name=colleges>{{cite web|title=Mumbai University Affiliated Colleges |url=http://www.mu.ac.in/colleges.html |publisher=University of Mumbai |access-date=13 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509004327/http://www.mu.ac.in/colleges.html |archive-date=9 May 2014 }}</ref>
According to prominent national rankings, 5 to 7 Maharashtra colleges and universities are ranked among the top 20 in India.<ref name="top colleges">{{cite news|title=10 Indian universities in developing nations top 100 list|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/10-Indian-universities-in-developing-nations-top-100-list/articleshow/26916987.cms|access-date=17 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211201523/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/10-Indian-universities-in-developing-nations-top-100-list/articleshow/26916987.cms|archive-date=11 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India's Best Universities for 2013|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/bestcolleges/2013/ranks.jsp?ST=Commerce&LMT=5&Y=2013|access-date=17 May 2014|newspaper=[[India Today]]|date=12 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518020839/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/bestcolleges/2013/ranks.jsp?ST=Commerce&LMT=5&Y=2013|archive-date=18 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Top colleges in state|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/bestcolleges/2013/ranks.jsp?ST=Commerce&LMT=8&Y=2013|website=[[India Today]]|access-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518013312/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/bestcolleges/2013/ranks.jsp?ST=Commerce&LMT=8&Y=2013|archive-date=18 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Maharashtra is also home to such notable autonomous institutes as [[Indian Institute of Technology Bombay]], [[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University]], [[Institute of Chemical Technology]], [[Homi Bhabha National Institute]], [[Walchand College of Engineering]], [[Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology]] (VNIT) and [[Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute]] (VJTI), [[Sardar Patel College of Engineering]] (SPCE).<ref name="autonomous colleges">{{cite web|title=List of autonomous institutes in Maharashtra|url=http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/colleges/374autocolleges_april11.pdf|publisher=University Grants Commission|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102205937/http://www.ugc.ac.in/oldpdf/colleges/374autocolleges_april11.pdf|archive-date=2 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Most of these autonomous institutes are ranked the highest in India and have very competitive entry requirements. The [[University of Pune]] (now [[Savitribai Phule Pune University]]), the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]], [[Film and Television Institute of India]], [[Armed Forces Medical College, Pune|Armed Forces Medical College]] and [[National Chemical Laboratory]] were established in Pune soon after the Indian independence in 1947. Mumbai has an [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IIT]], has [[National Institute of Industrial Engineering]] and Nagpur has [[Indian Institutes of Management|IIM]] and [[AIIMS]].

Some of the notable institutes in the state are: [[Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur]] (MNLUN), [[Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai]] (MNLUM), [[Maharashtra National Law University, Aurangabad]] (MNLUA), [[Government Law College, Mumbai]] (GLC), [[ILS Law College]], and [[Symbiosis Law School]] (SLS).

Maharashtra has hundreds of other private colleges and universities, including many religious and special-purpose institutions. Most of the private colleges were set up in the last thirty years after the State Government of [[Vasantdada Patil]] liberalised the Education Sector in 1982.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bhosale|first1=Jayashree|title=Economic Times: Despite private participation Education lacks quality in Maharashtra|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-11-10/news/27682218_1_educational-institutes-education-barons-professional-education|access-date=6 October 2014|date=10 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010054204/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-11-10/news/27682218_1_educational-institutes-education-barons-professional-education|archive-date=10 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Politicians and leaders involved in the huge cooperative movement in Maharashtra were instrumental in setting up the private institutes<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Dahiwale Vol. 30, No. 6 (11 February 1995), pp.|first1=S. M.|title=Consolidation of Maratha Dominance in Maharashtra|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|date=1995|volume=30|issue=6|pages=341–342|jstor=4402382}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Baviskar|first1=B. S.|title=Cooperatives in Maharashtra: Challenges Ahead|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|date=2007|volume=42|issue=42|pages=4217–4219|jstor=40276570}}</ref>
There are also local [[community colleges]] with generally more open admission policies, shorter academic programs, and lower tuition{{Citation needed|reason=Your explanation here|date=October 2016}}.
[[File:PDKV Akola - Agricultural University.png|thumb|right|Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural university) at Akola]]
The state also has four agricultural universities namely [[Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University]], [[Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth]], [[Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth]] and [[Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth]],<ref name="mcaer">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcaer.org/|title=Welcome to MCAER official website|publisher=mcaer.org|access-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929163851/http://www.mcaer.org/|archive-date=29 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> besides these, there are other regional universities like [[Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University]], [[Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University]], [[North Maharashtra University]], [[Shivaji University]], [[Solapur University]], [[Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University]] and [[Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University]], all well established and nationally renowned, to cover the educational needs at the district levels of the state. Apart from this, there are a number of [[Deemed university|deemed universities]] in Maharashtra, including [[Symbiosis International University]], [[Tata Institute of Social Sciences]], and [[Tilak Maharashtra University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Deemed Universities|url=http://www.aicte-india.org/downloads/deemedunivertisite.pdf|website=aicte-india.org|publisher=[[All India Council for Technical Education]]|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219220504/http://www.aicte-india.org/downloads/deemedunivertisite.pdf|archive-date=19 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Vocational training ===
The state has many post-secondary school [[industrial training institute]]s (ITIs) run by the government and private trusts that offer vocational training in numerous trades such as construction, plumbing, welding, automobile mechanic etc. Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Campbell|first1=James (editor)|last2=Melsens|first2=S|last3=Mangaonkar – Vaiude|first3=P|last4=Bertels|first4=Inge (Authors)|title=Building Histories: the Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Construction History Society Conference|date=2017|publisher=The Construction History Society|location=Cambridge UK|isbn=978-0-9928751-3-8|pages=27–38|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=93kkDwAAQBAJ&q=%22Industrial+training+institute%22++pune&pg=PA27|access-date=3 October 2017}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
=== Healthcare ===
[[File:प्राथमिक आरोग्य केंद्र,अंबोली.jpg|thumb|right|A Primary Healthcare center in the village of Amboli in Pune district]]
In 2011, the health care system in Maharashtra consisted of 363 rural government hospitals,<ref name="Hospital Services">{{cite web|title=List of hospitals in state|url=http://www.maha-arogya.gov.in/services/hospital/rural/default.htm|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=26 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140527185934/http://www.maha-arogya.gov.in/services/hospital/rural/default.htm|archive-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> 23 district hospitals (with 7,561 beds), 4 general hospitals (with 714 beds) mostly under the Maharashtra [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]], and 380 private medical establishments; these establishments provide the state with more than 30,000 hospital beds.<ref name=women /> It is the first state in India to have nine women's hospitals serving 1,365 beds.<ref name=women>{{cite web|title=List of Women Hospital |url=http://www.maha-arogya.gov.in/services/hospital/district/default.htm#DH |publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]] |access-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227132756/http://www.maha-arogya.gov.in/services/hospital/district/default.htm |archive-date=27 February 2014 }}</ref> The state also has significant number of medical practitioners who hold the [[Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery]] qualifications. These practitioners primarily use the traditional Indian therapy of [[Ayurveda]] but can use modern western medicine as well.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Dabhade|first1=Sangeeta|title=Comparative evaluation of prescriptions of MBBS and BAMS doctors using WHO prescribing indicators|journal= Medical Journal of Dr. D.Y. Patil University|date=2013|volume=6|issue=4|page=411|doi=10.4103/0975-2870.118294|display-authors=etal|doi-access=free}}</ref>

In Maharashtra as well as in rest of India, Primary Health Centre (PHC) are part of the government-funded public health system and are the most basic units of the healthcare system. They are essentially single-physician clinics usually with facilities for minor surgeries, too.<ref name="PublicHealthStandards">[https://archive.org/details/GuidelinesPHC2012 ''Guidelines for Primary Health Centres'' Revised (2012) issued under Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. (PDF)]</ref> The government of India in 2018 launched the [[Ayushman Bharat Yojana]] scheme. The Maharashtra declined to join because the state had its own state healthcare programme.<ref name="Porecha 2019">{{cite web |last1=Porecha |first1=Maitri |title=A year on, Ayushman Bharat faces multiple challenges ahead |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/a-year-on-ayushman-bharat-faces-multiple-challenges-ahead/article29497106.ece# |website=[[Business Line]] |language=en |date=24 September 2019}}</ref> That program called [[Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana]] was already functioning well. The state later joined Ayushman Bharat Yojana with special exceptions to make it part of its existing infrastructure.<ref name="Porecha 2019"/> the initiative has two components- the National Health Protection Scheme and the Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). Under the scheme, PHC have been converted to HWC and presently there are 248 in the state.<ref>Bajpai, N. and Wadhwa, M., 2019. Health and Wellness Centres: Expanding Access to Comprehensive Primary Health Care in India.[https://csd.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/docs/ICT%20India/Papers/ICT_India_Working_Paper_13.pdf]</ref>

Maharashtra has a life expectancy at birth of 67.2 years in 2011, ranking it third among 29 [[States and territories of India|Indian states]].<ref name=health>{{cite web|title=Inequality- adjusted Human Development Index for India's states|url=http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/inequality_adjusted_human_development_index_for_indias_state1.pdf|publisher=United Nations Development Programme|access-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301034958/http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/inequality_adjusted_human_development_index_for_indias_state1.pdf|archive-date=1 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[total fertility rate]] of the state is 1.9.<ref name=Fertility>{{cite web|title=Health Indicators of Maharashtra|url=http://nrhm.gov.in/nrhm-in-state/state-wise-information/maharashtra.html|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=17 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518044732/http://nrhm.gov.in/nrhm-in-state/state-wise-information/maharashtra.html|archive-date=18 May 2014}}</ref> The [[Infant mortality]] rate is 28 and the [[Maternal death|maternal mortality]] ratio is 104 (2012–2013), which are lower than the national averages.<ref name=mortality>{{cite news|title=Impressive drop in maternal, infant mortality rates|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/impressive-drop-in-maternal-infant-mortality-rates/article2208208.ece|access-date=17 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518043017/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/impressive-drop-in-maternal-infant-mortality-rates/article2208208.ece|archive-date=18 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Infant mortality">{{cite web|title=Infant Mortality Rate|url=http://www.maharashtrastat.com/health/16/vitalstatistics/291/infantmortalityrate/17794/stats.aspx|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518034909/http://www.maharashtrastat.com/health/16/vitalstatistics/291/infantmortalityrate/17794/stats.aspx|archive-date=18 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Public health system in India|Public health services]] are governed by the [[Ministry of Health and Family Welfare]] (MoHFW), through various departments. The Ministry is divided into two departments: the Public Health Department, which includes family welfare and medical relief, and the Department of Medical Education and Drugs.<ref name=public>{{cite web|title=1 1 Medical Education & Drugs Department|url=http://egovreach.in/uploads/demo/casestudy/HMIS.pdf|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119013746/http://egovreach.in/uploads/demo/casestudy/HMIS.pdf|archive-date=19 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Public health">{{cite web|title=Public health department |url=http://arogya.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Home/Home.aspx |publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]] |access-date=17 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304213920/http://arogya.maharashtra.gov.in/Site/Home/home.aspx |archive-date=4 March 2014 }}</ref>

In Maharashtra, health insurance includes any program that helps pay for medical expenses, whether through privately purchased insurance, [[social insurance]] or a [[Social welfare provision|social welfare program]] funded by the government.<ref name=Statistics /> In a more technical sense, the term is used to describe any form of insurance that provides protection against the costs of medical services.<ref name=diagnostic /> This usage includes private insurance and social insurance programs such as National Health Mission, which pools resources and spreads the financial risk associated with major medical expenses across the entire population to protect everyone, as well as social welfare programs such as [[National Rural Health Mission]] (NRHM) and the Health Insurance Program, which provide assistance to people who cannot afford health coverage.<ref name=Statistics>{{cite web|title=Health Intelligence & Vital Statistics|url=http://www.cehat.org/publications/PDf%20files/r53.pdf|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=17 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518024430/http://www.cehat.org/publications/PDf%20files/r53.pdf|archive-date=18 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=diagnostic>{{cite news|title=Maharashtra tie up for diagnostic facilities|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/ge-maharashtra-tie-up-for-diagnostic-facilities-at-22-hospitals/article4724176.ece|access-date=17 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=17 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109004243/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/ge-maharashtra-tie-up-for-diagnostic-facilities-at-22-hospitals/article4724176.ece|archive-date=9 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=status>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra State Health Status|url=http://ehealth.eletsonline.com/2012/05/initiatives-in-nrhm-maharashtra/|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518002046/http://ehealth.eletsonline.com/2012/05/initiatives-in-nrhm-maharashtra/|archive-date=18 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Energy ===
[[File:Current functioning units of CSTPS.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Current functioning units of Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station|[[Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station]], the state's power production source]]
Although its population makes Maharashtra one of the country's largest energy users,<ref name=consumes>{{cite news|title=Maharashtra used up 1193 MW more power in winter|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Maharashtra-used-up-1193-MW-more-power-in-winter/articleshow/11983942.cms|access-date=13 September 2014|work=[[The Times of India]]|agency=The Times Group|date=22 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115123353/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Maharashtra-used-up-1193-MW-more-power-in-winter/articleshow/11983942.cms|archive-date=15 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Thermal>{{cite web|title=Indian Power Sector|url=http://indianpowersector.com/home/about/|website=indianpowersector.com/|publisher=Ministry of Power|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822222704/http://indianpowersector.com/home/about/|archive-date=22 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> conservation mandates, mild weather in the largest population centres and strong environmental movements have kept its per capita energy use to one of the smallest of any Indian state.<ref name=Regulatory>{{cite web|title=Electricity Governance Initiative|url=http://electricitygovernance.wri.org/files/egi/Maharashtra%20Case%20Study.pdf|website=electricitygovernance.wri.org/|publisher=Government of Maharashtra|access-date=29 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903064333/http://electricitygovernance.wri.org/files/egi/Maharashtra%20Case%20Study.pdf|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The high electricity demand of the state constitutes 13% of the total installed electricity generation capacity in India, which is mainly from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.<ref>{{cite web|title=Electricity tariff in Maharashtra|url=http://www.mercindia.org.in/pdf/LT_Booklet.pdf|website=mercindia.org.in/|publisher=[[Maharashtra State Electricity Board]]|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412133658/http://www.mercindia.org.in/pdf/LT_Booklet.pdf|archive-date=12 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Mahavitaran]] is responsible for distribution of electricity throughout the state by buying power from Mahanirmiti, captive power plants, other state electricity boards and private sector power generation companies.<ref name=Regulatory />

As of 2012, Maharashtra was the largest power generating state in India, with installed electricity generation capacity of 26,838 MW.<ref name=Thermal /> The state forms a major constituent of the western grid of India, which now comes under the North, East, West and North Eastern (NEWNE) grids of India.<ref name=consumes /> Maharashtra Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) operates [[Thermal power station|thermal power plants]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra State Power Generation Company -A Power Generating Utility|url=http://www.mahagenco.in/index.php/about-us|website=mahagenco.in/|publisher=[[Maharashtra State Power Generation Company]]|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921080018/http://www.mahagenco.in/index.php/about-us|archive-date=21 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to the state government-owned power generation plants, there are privately owned power generation plants that transmit power through the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company, which is responsible for transmission of electricity in the state.<ref name="power supply">{{cite web|title=Power demand-supply position of the state of Maharashtra|url=http://greencleanguide.com/2012/11/27/power-supply-position-of-the-state-of-maharashtra/|publisher=Green guide|access-date=17 May 2014|date=27 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331205356/http://greencleanguide.com/2012/11/27/power-supply-position-of-the-state-of-maharashtra/|archive-date=31 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Plastics ===
The Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products ban became effective as law on 23 June 2018, subjecting plastic users to fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plastic ban in Maharashtra: What is allowed, what is banned |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/plastic-ban-in-maharashtra-mumbai-from-june-23-what-is-allowed-what-is-banned-all-you-need-to-know-5228307/ |access-date=29 December 2018 |publisher=TheIndianExpress |date=27 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230030227/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/plastic-ban-in-maharashtra-mumbai-from-june-23-what-is-allowed-what-is-banned-all-you-need-to-know-5228307/ |archive-date=30 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Plastic Waste Management in Maharashtra|url=http://mpcb.gov.in/plastic/plastic.php|publisher=Maharashtra Pollution Control Board|access-date=29 December 2018|date=23 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821144803/http://www.mpcb.gov.in/plastic/plastic.php|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Maharashtra|List of State Protected Monuments in Maharashtra}}
{{Further|Cultural activities of Maharashtra}}

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Maharashtrian cuisine}}
[[File:Bhaji-Bhakari.jpg|thumb|right|A typical simple Maharashtrian meal with bhaaji, bhakari, raw onion and pickle]]
[[File:Special Kolhapuri Misal Pav.jpg|alt=|thumb|Misal Paav, a popular dish from Maharashtra]]
Maharashtra cuisine covers a range from mild to very spicy dishes. Wheat, rice, ''[[jowar]]'', ''[[bajri]]'', vegetables, lentils and fruit form [[staple food]] of the Maharashtrian diet. Some of the popular traditional dishes include ''[[puran poli]]'', ''ukdiche [[modak]]'', ''[[Thalipeeth]]''<ref name="Khatau2004">{{cite book|author=Asha Khatau|title=Epicure S Vegetarian Cuisines Of India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=16mU1bzJx3AC&pg=PA15|date=February 2004|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=978-81-7991-119-8|pages=12, 63}}</ref> and ''[[batata wada]]''. ''[[Misal Pav]]'', ''[[Pav Bhaji]]'' and'' [[Vada pav]]'' are dishes that became very popular in the last fifty years.<ref name=cuisine>{{cite web|title=Cuisine of Maharashtra|url=http://www.marathiheritage.com/cuisine.html|website=marathiheritage.com|publisher=Maharashtra Heritage news portal|access-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008180629/http://www.marathiheritage.com/cuisine.html|archive-date=8 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meals (mainly lunch and dinner) are served on a plate called [[thali]]. Each food item served on the ''thali'' has a specific place. In some households, meals begin with a thanksgiving offering of food (Naivedya) to the household Gods. Maharashtrian cuisine has many regional varieties including [[Malvani Konkani|Malvani]] (Konkani),Kolhapuri and Varhadhi.<ref name=Annathali>{{cite web|title=Maharashtrian food|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=MaharashtraCuisine.html|website=maharashtratourism.gov.in/|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913102952/http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=MaharashtraCuisine.html|archive-date=13 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Though quite different, both use a lot of seafood and coconut.<ref name=Maharashtrian>{{cite web|title=Maharashtrian Cuisine|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/culture-lifestyle/cuisines/index.html|website=maharashtratourism.net/|publisher=[[Government of Maharashtra]]|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924132820/http://www.maharashtratourism.net/culture-lifestyle/cuisines/index.html|archive-date=24 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The staple foods of the Konkani people are rice and fish

The ''bhaaji''s are vegetable dishes made with a particular vegetable or a combination. They require the use of ''goda (sweet) [[spice mix|masala]]'', essentially consisting of some combination of coconut, onion, garlic, ginger, red chilli powder, green chillies and mustard.<ref name=cuisine /> Depending on the caste or specific religious tradition of a family, onion and garlic may not be used in cooking.<ref name=Annathali /> A particular variant of ''bhaaji'' is the ''rassa'' or [[curry]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra Recipes|url=http://food.ndtv.com/recipes/indian-recipes|website=food.ndtv.com|publisher=NDTV|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225091730/http://food.ndtv.com/recipes/indian-recipes|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Vegetarians prepare ''rassa'' or ''curry'' of potatoes and or cauliflower with tomatoes or fresh coconut kernel and plenty of water to produce a soup-like preparation rather than ''bhaaji''. ''Varan'' is nothing but plain [[dal]], a common Indian lentil stew. ''Aamti'' is variant of the curry, typically consisting of a lentil (''tur'') stock, flavoured with goda masala, tamarind or amshul, and [[jaggery]] (''gul'').<ref name=cuisine />

Among seafood, the most popular fish is [[Bombay duck|bombil]] or the Bombay duck.<ref name=Maharashtrian /> All non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes are eaten with boiled rice, chapatis or with [[bhakri]]s, made of jowar, bajra or rice flours. Special rice puris called [[Vada (food)|vada]] and amboli, which is a pancake made of fermented rice, [[Vigna mungo|urad dal]], and [[semolina]], are also eaten as a part of the main meal.<ref name=Annathali />

=== Attire ===
Traditionally, Marathi women commonly wore the [[sari]], often distinctly designed according to local cultural customs.<ref name=Costumes /> Most middle aged and young women in urban Maharashtra dress in western outfits such as skirts and trousers or [[shalwar kameez]] with the traditionally ''[[Kasta sari#Nauvari|nauvari]]'' or nine-yard [[Kasta sari|lugade]],<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ghurye|first1=Govind Sadashiv|title=Indian Costume|orig-year=1966|year=1995|publisher=Popular Prakashan|location=Bombay|isbn=978-81-7154-403-5|page=186|edition=Second|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irh9dvlLz3MC&q=ghurye+costume&pg=PR5|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref> disappearing from the markets due to a lack of demand.{{sfn|Kher|2003|p=}} Older women wear the five-yard sari. In urban areas, the five-yard sari, especially the [[Paithani]], is worn by younger women for special occasions such as marriages and religious ceremonies.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kher |first1=Swati |title=Bid farewell to her |url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=69578 |access-date=10 October 2010 |publisher=Indian Express, Mumbai Newsline |date=2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301122101/http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=69578 |archive-date=1 March 2010 }}</ref> Among men, western dressing has greater acceptance. Men also wear traditional costumes such as the [[dhoti]], and [[Pheta (turban)|pheta]]<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ghurye|first1=Govind Sadashiv|title=Indian Costume|orig-year=1966|year=1995|publisher=Popular Prakashan|location=Bombay|isbn=978-81-7154-403-5|page=177|edition=Second|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=irh9dvlLz3MC&q=ghurye+costume&pg=PR5|access-date=22 September 2014}}</ref> on cultural occasions. The [[Gandhi cap]] is the popular headgear among older men in rural Maharashtra.<ref name=Costumes /><ref>{{cite book|last=Bhanu|first=B.V|title=People of India: Maharashtra, Part 2|year=2004|publisher=Popular Prakashan|location=Mumbai|isbn=978-81-7991-101-3|pages=1033, 1037, 1039|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BsBEgVa804IC&q=%22gandhi+cap%22+maharashtra+men+headgear&pg=PA1033}}</ref><ref name=tradition /> The [[Kurta]] (a long shirt) is worn by men on special occasions.{{Citation needed|reason=Your explanation here|date=September 2018}} Women wear traditional jewelries derived from Maratha and Peshwa dynasties. [[Kolhapuri saaj]], a special type of necklace, is also worn by Marathi women.<ref name=Costumes>{{cite web|title=Costumes of Maharashtra|url=http://www.maharashtratourism.net/culture-lifestyle/costumes/|publisher=Maharashtra Tourism|access-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723041108/http://www.maharashtratourism.net/culture-lifestyle/costumes/ |archive-date=23 July 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In urban areas, many women and men wear western attire.<ref name=tradition>{{cite web|title=Traditional costumes of Maharashtra|url=http://www.marathiheritage.com/costumes.html|publisher=Marathi Heritage Organisation|access-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028002852/http://www.marathiheritage.com/costumes.html|archive-date=28 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Performing arts ===
[[File:Tamasha,Konkani Vishwakosh.png|right|thumb|Lavani performance]]
Maharashtrian artists have made major contributions to [[Indian Classical music]]. Its vibrant folk form includes [[Powada]], Bharuds and Gondhals.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Zelliot|first1=Eleanor|last2=Berntsen|first2=Maxine (editors)|title=The Experience of Hinduism : essays on religion in Maharashtra|date=1988|publisher=State University of New York Press|location=Albany, N.Y.|isbn=978-0-88706-662-7|page=[https://archive.org/details/experienceofhind00zell/page/174 174]|url=https://archive.org/details/experienceofhind00zell|url-access=registration|quote=gondhali maharashtra.|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref> Cities like Kolhapur and Pune have been playing a major role in preservation of music like [[Bhavageet]] and [[Natya Sangeet]], which are inherited from Indian classical music. The songs from Hindi films and Marathi films are popular in urban areas.
[[File:Maharani Chimnabai of Baroda with her daughter Indira Devi.jpg|thumb|Girl and Women dressed in traditional Maharashtrian Nauvari (nine yard sari)]]
Marathi dance forms draw from folk traditions. [[Lavani]] is popular form of dance in the state. The Bhajan, Kirtan and [[Abhang]]as of the [[Varkari]] sect (Vaishanav Devotees) have a long history and are part of their daily rituals.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kumar|first1=edited by Raj|title=Essays on Indian music|date=2003|publisher=Discovery Pub. House|location=New Delhi|isbn=978-81-7141-719-3|page=12|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wwwX6DWfn3gC&q=shastriya+sangeet+maharashtra&pg=PP9|access-date=20 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mandpe|first1=Dr Asha|title=Vibrant colours of Maharashtra|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Vibrant-colours-of-Maharashtras-folk-dances/articleshow/7674251.cms|access-date=1 September 2014|work=[[Times of India]]|agency=[[The Times Group]]|date=10 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031005217/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thane/Vibrant-colours-of-Maharashtras-folk-dances/articleshow/7674251.cms|archive-date=31 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Koli dance (as called ''''Koligeete'''') is among the most popular dances of Maharashtra. As the name suggests, it is related to the fisher folk of Maharashtra, who are called [[Koli people|Kolis]]. Popular for their unique identity and liveliness, their dances represent their occupation. This type of dance is represented by both men and women. While dancing, they are divided into groups of two. These fishermen display the movements of waves and casting of the nets during their koli dance performances.,<ref>{{cite web|title=Dances of Maharashtra|url=http://www.marathiheritage.com/dance.html|website=marathiheritage.com/|publisher=Maharashtra Heritage news portal|access-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714073004/http://www.marathiheritage.com/dance.html|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=ed|first1=Alison Arnold|title=The Garland encyclopedia of world music|date=2000|publisher=Garland|location=New York [u.a.]|isbn=978-0-8240-4946-1|pages=726–730|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZOlNv8MAXIEC&q=%22classical+music%22+maharashtra&pg=PA457|access-date=20 June 2016}}</ref>

=== Literature ===
[[File:Suresh Joshi with P L Deshpandey.jpg|right|thumb|P L Deshpande (in centre), one of the most popular authors in Marathi language]]
Maharashtra's regional literature is about lives and circumstances of [[Marathi people]] in specific parts of the state. The [[Marathi language]], which boasts a rich literary heritage, is written in the [[Devanagari]] script.<ref>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra's Regional Literature|url=http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/culture-in-maharashtra/literature.htm|website=discoveredindia.com/|publisher=[[Discovery Channel]]|access-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903061426/http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/culture-in-maharashtra/literature.htm|archive-date=3 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The earliest instances of Marathi literature is by Sant [[Dnyaneshwar]] with his ''[[Bhawarthadeepika]]'' (popularly known as ''Dnyaneshwari''). The compositions, written in the 13th century, are spiritually inclined. Other compositions are by [[Bhakti]] saints such as [[Tukaram]], [[Eknath]], [[Namdev]], [[Samarth Ramdas|Ramdas]], and [[Gora Kumbhar]].<ref name="Singh">{{cite book|author=Singh|title=The Pearson Indian History Manual for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wsiXwh_tIGkC&pg=RA1-PA120|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-1753-0|page=120|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=wsiXwh_tIGkC&pg=RA1-PA120|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Their compositions are mostly in poetic form, which are called [[Abhang]]. Maharashtra has a long tradition in spiritual literature, evidenced by the ''[[Amrutanubhav]]'', ''[[Bhavarth Deepika]]'', ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'', ''[[Eknathi Bhagwat]]'' and ''[[Bhavarth Ramayan]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Indian History|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X4j7Nf_MU24C&pg=SL2-PA244|publisher=Tata McGraw-Hill Education|isbn=978-0-07-132923-1|pages=B–244|access-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=X4j7Nf_MU24C&pg=SL2-PA244|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

19th century [[Marathi literature]] includes the works of authors such as [[Balshastri Jambhekar]], [[Gopal Ganesh Agarkar]], [[Bal Gangadhar Tilak]], [[Gopal Hari Deshmukh]], [[Mahadev Govind Ranade]], [[Jyotirao Phule]], [[B. R. Ambedkar|Babasaheb Ambedkar]], [[Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar]], [[Ram Ganesh Gadkari]], [[Tryambak Bapuji Thombre]], [[Hari Narayan Apte]], [[Vishnushastri Chiplunkar]] and [[Keshavsuta]]. 20th century notable writers include [[Mahadevshastri Joshi]], [[Kusumagraj]], [[Pu La Deshpande]], [[Vasant Purushottam Kale|Va Pu Kale]], [[Vyankatesh Digambar Madgulkar]], [[Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar]], [[Prahlad Keshav Atre]], [[B. S. Mardhekar]], [[Sane Guruji]], [[Vinoba Bhave]], [[Chintamani Tryambak Khanolkar]], [[Bahinabai Chaudhari]] and [[Laxmanshastri Joshi]].
[[Vishwas Patil]], [[Ranjit Desai]], [[Shivaji Sawant]], [[Narayan Surve]], [[Vinda Karandikar]], [[Shanta Shelke]], [[Durga Bhagwat]], [[Suresh Bhat]], [[Ratnakar Matkari]], [[Varjesh Solanki]], [[Manya Joshi]], [[Hemant Divate]], [[Mangesh Narayanrao Kale]], [[Avinash Dharmadhikari]], [[Bhalchandra Nemade]], [[Narendra Jadhav]] and [[Saleel Wagh]] are some of the more recent authors. Regional languages spoken in Maharashtra are [[Kokani]], [[Koli language (disambiguation)|Koli]], [[Malvani language|Malvani]], [[Varhadi]] and [[Khandeshi language|Khandeshi]].

=== Films ===
{{Main|Bollywood|Marathi cinema}}
Maharashtra is a prominent location for the Indian entertainment industry, with many films, television series, books, and other media being set there.<ref>{{cite web|title=Media and Entertainment Industry -Brief Introduction|url=http://www.ibef.org/industry/media-entertainment-india.aspx|website=ibef.org/|publisher=India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF)|access-date=13 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920204535/http://www.ibef.org/industry/media-entertainment-india.aspx|archive-date=20 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Mainstream [[Hindi films]] are popular in Maharashtra, especially in urban areas. Mumbai is the largest centre for film and television production and a third of all Indian films are produced in the state. Multimillion-dollar [[Bollywood]] productions, with the most expensive costing up to {{INRConvert|1.5|b}}, are filmed there.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,985129,00.html?internalid=atm100|title=Hooray for Bollywood!|author=Richard Corliss|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=16 September 1996|access-date=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026154551/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,985129,00.html?internalid=atm100|archive-date=26 October 2014|url-status=live|author-link=Richard Corliss}}</ref> The [[Marathi film]] industry, previously located in Kolhapur, has spread throughout Mumbai. Well known for its [[art films]], the early Marathi film industry included acclaimed directors such as [[Dadasaheb Phalke]], and [[V. Shantaram]]. [[Dada Kondke]] is the most prominent name in Marathi film. The [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] is India's highest award in cinema, given annually by the [[Government of India]] for lifetime contribution to [[Indian cinema]].<ref name="dadasahebdff">{{cite web|title=Dadasaheb Phalke Awards|url=http://dff.nic.in/dadasahebphalke.asp|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=6 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526044918/http://www.dff.nic.in/dadasahebphalke.asp|archive-date=26 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Theatre ===
{{Main|Marathi theatre}}
[[File:Vijay Tendulkar .jpeg|right|thumb|Playwright [[Vijay Tendulkar]]]]
Modern Theatre in Maharashtra can trace its origins to the British colonial era in the middle of the 19th century. It is modelled mainly after the western tradition but also includes forms like [[Sangeet Natak]] (musical drama). In recent decades, Marathi [[Tamasha]] has been also been incorporated in some experimental plays.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dharwadker|first1=Aparna Bhargava|title=Theatres of Independence: Drama, Theory, and Urban Performance in India Since 1947|date=2009|publisher=University of Iowa Press|isbn=978-1-58729-642-0|pages=314 and 368|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mLQaz-12Eo8C&pg=PA378|access-date=5 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101080935/https://books.google.com/books?id=mLQaz-12Eo8C&pg=PA378#v=onepage&q&f=false|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Today, theatre continues to have a marked presence in [[Mumbai]] and [[Pune]] with an educated loyal audience base, when most theatre in other parts of India have had a tough time facing the onslaught of cinema and television. Its repertoire ranges from humorous social plays, [[farce]]s, historical plays, musical, to experimental plays and serious drama. Marathi Playwrights such as [[Vijay Tendulkar]], [[P. L. Deshpande]], [[Mahesh Elkunchwar]] and [[Satish Alekar]] have influenced theatre throughout India.<ref>{{cite news |title=Modern Marathi theatre had milestones, limitations.. |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Modern-Marathi-theatre-had-milestones-limitations-Expert/articleshow/8753808.cms?referral=PM |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010180458/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Modern-Marathi-theatre-had-milestones-limitations-Expert/articleshow/8753808.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=10 October 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Besides Marathi theatre, Maharashtra and particularly, Mumbai, has had a long tradition of theatre in other languages such as Gujarati, Hindi and English.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Sengupta|first1=Ashis|title=Mapping South Asia Through Contemporary Theatre|date=2014|publisher=Palgrave MacMillan|location=Basingstoke, Uk and New York, USA|isbn=978-1-137-37513-1|page=88|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DDZvBAAAQBAJ&q=parsi+theatre+mumbai+prithvi&pg=PA64|access-date=5 October 2014}}</ref>

== Media ==
[[File:Times of India, Mumbai.jpg|right|thumb|Times of India building in Mumbai]]
More than 200 newspapers and 350 consumer magazines have an office in this state and the book-publishing industry employs about 250,000 people. [[Sakal]] published from Pune and other major Maharashtrian cities, has the largest circulation for Marathi Newspaper in Maharashtra as of December 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.auditbureau.org/files/Highest%20Circulated%20amongst%20ABC%20Member%20Publications%20(across%20languages).pdf|title=Highest Circulated amongst ABC Member Publications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918051424/http://www.auditbureau.org/files/Highest%20Circulated%20amongst%20ABC%20Member%20Publications%20(across%20languages).pdf|archive-date=18 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other major Marathi newspapers are ''[[Maharashtra Times]]'', ''[[Loksatta]]'', ''[[Nava Kal]]'', ''[[Pudhari]]'' and ''[[Lokmat]]''. [[Tarun Bharat]] and [[Kesari (newspaper)|Kesari]], two newspapers that once were quite influential during the colonial and the post-independence era have stopped the print edition and are now published only digitally. Popular Marathi language magazines are ''Saptahik Sakal'', ''Grihashobhika'', ''Lokrajya'', ''Lokprabha'' and ''Chitralekha''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.exchange4media.com/news/story.aspx?Section_id=5&News_id=39218 |title=IRS Q2 2010: Publications in Maharashtra see some light |publisher=Exchange4media.com |access-date=15 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117050215/http://www.exchange4media.com/news/story.aspx?Section_id=5&News_id=39218 |archive-date=17 January 2013 }}</ref> Major English language newspapers which are published and sold in large numbers are ''[[Daily News & Analysis]]'', ''[[The Times of India]]'', ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', ''[[The Indian Express]]'', ''[[Mumbai Mirror]]'', ''[[Asian Age]]'', ''[[MiD-DAY]]'' and ''[[The Free Press Journal]]''. Some prominent financial dailies like ''[[The Economic Times]]'', ''[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]'', ''[[Business Standard]]'' and ''[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]]'' are widely circulated.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prominent financial dailies|url=http://www.indiapress.org/gen/browse_state.php/maharashtra|publisher=India Press|access-date=17 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917160827/http://www.indiapress.org/gen/browse_state.php/maharashtra|archive-date=17 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Vernacular newspapers such as those in Hindi, Kannada, Gujarati, Tamil and Urdu are also read by a select readership.

The television industry developed in Maharashtra and is a significant employer in the state's economy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Profile display|url=http://www.karmayog.org/ngo/NFTIC/profile.htm|website=karmayog.org/|publisher=National Film & Television Industry Committee-Maharashtra|access-date=7 September 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140907103126/http://www.karmayog.org/ngo/NFTIC/profile.htm|archive-date=7 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Numerous [[Television in India|Indian]] and international television channels can be watched in Maharashtra through one of the [[pay-tv|Pay TV]] companies or the local cable television provider. The four major India [[broadcast network]]s are all headquartered in Maharashtra: [[The Times Group|The Times]], [[STAR India]], [[CNN-IBN]] and [[Zee Entertainment Enterprises|ZEEL]]. [[Doordarshan]] is the state-owned television broadcaster and provides two free terrestrial channels. [[Multi system operator]]s provide a mix of Marathi, Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, English and international channels via [[Cable television|cable]]. The wide range of cable channels available includes sports channels like [[ESPN]], [[Star Sports (Indian TV network)|Star Sports]], National entertainment channels like [[Colors (TV channel)|Colors]], [[Sony Entertainment Television (India)|Sony]], [[Zee TV]] and [[Star Plus]], Business news channels like [[CNBC Awaaz]], [[Zee Business]], [[ET Now]] and [[Bloomberg UTV]]. [[Marathi-language television|Marathi 24-hour television news channels]] include [[ABP Majha]], [[News18 Lokmat]], [[Zee 24 Taas]], [[Saam]], [[TV9 Marathi]] and [[Jai Maharashtra]]. Also, Marathi Entertainment Channels includes [[Zee Marathi]], Zee Yuva, [[Colors Marathi]], [[Star Pravah]], [[Sony Marathi]] and [[Fakt Marathi]].

All India Radio is a public radio station. Private FM stations are available in all major cities. [[Vodafone Essar|Vodafone]], [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]], [[BSNL]], [[Reliance Communications]], [[Aircel]], [[MTS India]], [[Tata Indicom]], [[Idea Cellular]] and [[Tata DoCoMo]] are available [[cell phone|cellular]] phone operators. Maharashtra has the highest share of the internet market at 18.8% of total households internet users in India.<ref name=internet>{{cite web|title=State wise Internet users in India Census 2011|url=http://updateox.com/india/state-wise-internet-users-in-india-census-2011/|publisher=[[Census of India]]|access-date=23 May 2014|date=25 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626104641/http://updateox.com/india/state-wise-internet-users-in-india-census-2011/|archive-date=26 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Broadband internet is available in all towns, villages and cities, provided by the state-run [[MTNL]] and [[BSNL]] and by other private companies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Citizen Charter of BSNL – Maharashtra Telecom Circle|url=http://www.maharashtra.bsnl.co.in/citizencharter.pdf|publisher=[[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited]]|access-date=7 September 2014}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Dial-up access]] is provided throughout the state by BSNL and other providers.

== Sports ==
{{Main|Sports in Maharashtra}}The most popular sports in Maharashtra are [[Kabaddi]] and [[Cricket]].
[[File:A Game of Cricket in Mumbai (2133149871).jpg|thumb|left|Children playing cricket in Mumbai]]
[[File:Panoramic view of VCA stadium,nagpur.jpg|thumb|right|A Cricket match at [[Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium]] in Nagpur]]
[[File:Malkhamb team of the Bombay Sappers.jpg|thumb|A mallakhamba team of the [[Indian Army]]'s [[Bombay Sappers]] performs on the pole.]]
As in the rest of India, cricket is popular in Maharashtra and is played on grounds and in streets throughout the state. Maharashtra has various domestic level franchise-based leagues for [[field hockey]], [[chess]], [[tennis]] and [[badminton]]. The state is home to top national football clubs such as [[Mumbai Tigers F.C.]], [[Kenkre F.C.]], [[Bengal Mumbai FC]] and [[Air India FC]].<ref name=clubs>{{cite web|title=Maharashtra Football Clubs List with Names & Foundation|url=http://www.fifaworldcuphub.com/maharashtra-football-clubs-list-names-foundation/|publisher=FIFA World Cup 2014, Brazil|access-date=20 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821095933/http://www.fifaworldcuphub.com/maharashtra-football-clubs-list-names-foundation/|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Adventure sports such as [[paragliding]], [[water sports]], [[rock climbing]], [[Backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]], [[mountaineering]] and [[scuba diving]] are also popular in the state.<ref name=adventure>{{cite web|title=Adventure activities in Maharashtra|url=http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/attractions/adventure-in-maharashtra/|website=discoveredindia.com/|publisher=Discovery India|access-date=20 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725010652/http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/attractions/adventure-in-maharashtra/|archive-date=25 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other notable sports played in the state include [[Kho kho]], [[fencing]], [[archery]] and [[shooting]].

Maharashtra has an [[Indian Premier League]] franchise known as the [[Mumbai Indians]] and also had the now defunct [[Rising Pune Supergiants|Rising Pune Supergiant]] and [[Pune Warriors India]]; The state has three cricket associations viz. [[Mumbai Cricket Association]] which is the governing body for cricket in [[Mumbai]], [[Greater Mumbai]] and [[Thane]] districts,<ref>https://www.mumbaicricket.com/mca/about-us.php</ref> [[Vidarbha Cricket Association]] which is the governing body for cricket in [[Vidarbha|Vidarbha Region]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vca.co.in/abouttheassociation.php |title=Archived copy |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205140421/http://vca.co.in/abouttheassociation.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Maharashtra Cricket Association]] (MCA) which is the governing body for cricket for rest of Maharashtra. Maharashtra has three domestic cricket teams: the [[Mumbai cricket team]], [[Maharashtra cricket team]] and [[Vidarbha cricket team]]. [[Wankhede Stadium]] which has a capacity of around 33,000 hosted the final match of the [[2011 Cricket World Cup|2011 ICC Cricket World Cup]].<ref name=capacity>{{cite web|title=Wankhede stadium capacity|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58324.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529062654/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/ground/58324.html|archive-date=29 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=wankhede>{{cite web|title=Wankhede Stadium- MCA|url=http://www.mumbaicricket.com/mca/wankhede_stadium.asp|publisher=Mumbai cricket association|access-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105312/http://www.mumbaicricket.com/mca/wankhede_stadium.asp|archive-date=31 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is home to the Mumbai Indians and [[Mumbai cricket team]]<ref name=wankhede /> while the [[Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium|MCA Stadium]] in Pune is home to the [[Maharashtra cricket team]] and [[Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium]] in [[Nagpur]] is home to the [[Vidarbha cricket team]].

[[Maharashtra football team]] represents the state in competition for the [[Santosh Trophy]]. [[Pune F.C.|Pune FC]] and [[Mumbai F.C.|Mumbai FC]] were the football clubs from the state that played in [[I-League]]. Maharashtra has two teams in the [[Indian Super League]] (ISL), [[FC Pune City]] and [[Mumbai City FC]] representing the two cities respectively.

The state has two club franchises playing in American football's [[Elite Football League of India]].<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Gridiron-league-launched-in-India/articleshow/9495133.cms?referral=PM |title=Gridiron league launched in India |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=5 August 2011 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803195529/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Gridiron-league-launched-in-India/articleshow/9495133.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=3 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Mumbai Gladiators]] and [[Pune Marathas (American football)|Pune Marathas]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eflifans.com/teams/gladiators/ |title=Mumbai Gladiators |publisher=[[Elite Football League of India]] |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024130822/http://www.eflifans.com/teams/gladiators/ |archive-date=24 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> are teams based in Mumbai and Pune respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.efli.com/video-profiles/pune-marathas-profile |title=Pune Marathas Video Profile – The Elite Football League of India |publisher=[[Elite Football League of India]] |date=18 September 2012 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021103748/http://www.efli.com/video-profiles/pune-marathas-profile |archive-date=21 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Mumbai and Pune hold [[derby (horse race)|derby]] races at the [[Mahalaxmi Racecourse]] and [[Pune Race Course]] respectively.<ref name=race>{{cite web|title=The Mahalaxmi Race Course|url=http://www.rwitc.com/comeracing/mumbairacecourse.php|publisher=Royal Western India Turf Club|access-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625050537/http://rwitc.com/comeracing/mumbairacecourse.php|archive-date=25 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=racecourse>{{cite web|title=The Pune Race Course|url=http://www.rwitc.com/comeracing/puneracecourse.php|publisher=Royal Western India Turf Club|access-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140207235106/http://rwitc.com/comeracing/puneracecourse.php|archive-date=7 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The wrestling championships [[Hind Kesari]] and [[Maharashtra Kesari]] are widely popular in the rural regions and are affiliated with the All India Amateur Wrestling Federation (AIAWF).<ref name=kushti>{{cite news|title=Hind Kesari Kushti |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/hind-kesari-kushti-kicks-off/704681/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914114906/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/hind-kesari-kushti-kicks-off/704681/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-date=14 September 2016 |access-date=30 May 2014 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=30 October 2010 }}</ref> [[Maharashtra Chess Association]] is the apex body for the game of chess in Maharashtra.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.esakal.com/esakal/20091201/5663488367708795421.htm|work=[[Sakal]]|date=December 2009|access-date=20 May 2015|location=[[New Delhi]], India|title=भारतात आता बुद्धिबळात समांतर संघटना|trans-title=Bhāratāt Âtā Bud'dhibaḷāt Samāntar Saṅghaṭanā|language=mr|last=[[United News of India]] Agency|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305031503/http://www.esakal.com/esakal/20091201/5663488367708795421.htm|archive-date=5 March 2016}}</ref> Maharashtra Tennis League is India's first league format in tennis.<ref name=league>{{cite news|title=Maharashtra tennis league|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/maharashtra-tennis-league-from-jan-14/article4274875.ece|access-date=20 August 2014|work=[[The Hindu]]|agency=[[The Hindu Group]]|publisher=Kasturi and Sons Limited|date=5 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605040205/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/maharashtra-tennis-league-from-jan-14/article4274875.ece|archive-date=5 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=tennis>{{cite web|title=Tennis League in Maharashtra|url=http://maharashtratennisleague.in/beta/|publisher=Maharashtra Tennis League|access-date=20 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522030320/http://maharashtratennisleague.in/beta/|archive-date=22 May 2014}}</ref>

Notable athletes from Maharashtra include India's first individual Olympic Medalist- wrestler [[Khashaba Jadhav]], retired cricket legends and former captains of the [[Indian national cricket team]], [[Sachin Tendulkar]] and [[Sunil Gavaskar]], [[Dilip Vengsarkar]];,<ref name="cricket god">{{cite web|title=Sachin Tendulkar|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/35320.html|website=espncricinfo.com/|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=15 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114131426/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/35320.html|archive-date=14 November 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="sunny">{{cite web|title=Sunil Manohar Gavaskar|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/28794.html|website=espncricinfo.com/|publisher=[[ESPN]]|access-date=15 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816052943/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/28794.html|archive-date=16 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/3832/dilip-vengsarkar|title=Dilip Vengsarkar Profile – ICC Ranking, Age, Career Info & Stats|website=Cricbuzz|language=en|access-date=17 October 2019}}</ref> Indian national cricket team player [[Rohit Sharma]], [[Ajinkya Rahane]], [[Kedar Jadhav]], [[Commonwealth Games]] gold medalists – shooters [[Anjali Bhagwat]], [[Rahi Sarnobat]] and [[Tejaswini Sawant]], Asian Games silver medalist [[Hiranna M. Nimal]], chess player [[Rohini Khadilkar]], tennis player [[Gaurav Natekar]], former hockey players [[Dhanraj Pillay]], [[Viren Rasquinha]] and badminton players [[Nikhil Kanetkar]] and [[Aparna Popat]].<ref name=athlete>{{cite news|title=Greatest Indian athletes since Independence |url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130814/sports-other-sports/gallery/greatest-indian-athletes-independence |access-date=15 August 2014 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |agency=Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited |publisher=DC Online/ Agencies |date=14 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085416/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130814/sports-other-sports/gallery/greatest-indian-athletes-independence |archive-date=19 August 2014 }}</ref>

=== Indigenous sports ===
A number of Indian sports either originated in Maharashtra or were formalised here. These include [[Badminton]] (previously known as Poona game), [[Kabaddi]], [[Kho kho]],<ref>{{cite book|author1=Katrin Bromber|author2=Birgit Krawietz|author3=Joseph Maguire|title=Sport Across Asia: Politics, Cultures, and Identities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6LYZQyDBvRIC|year=2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-415-88438-9|page=135}}</ref> and [[Mallakhamba]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Katrin Bromber|author2=Birgit Krawietz|author3=Joseph Maguire|title=Sport Across Asia: Politics, Cultures, and Identities|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GaHdu9qd-e8C&pg=PA129|date=15 February 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-11431-2|page=129}}</ref> In rural areas of Maharashtra, [[Pehlwani|Kusti]] (Indian mud wrestling) and bullock cart competitions are regular fixtures during the annual ''jatra'' (carnival). The government of Maharashtra has in the past supported Kusti by building two permanent akhara (Indian training centers) in the [[Kolhapur]] area.<ref name="Alter1992">{{cite book|author=Joseph S. Alter|title=The Wrestler's Body: Identity and Ideology in North India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kMolDQAAQBAJ&pg=PR9|date=3 August 1992|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-07697-6|page=82}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{See also|Tourism in Maharashtra}}
According to a survey, most tourists visiting places in Maharashtra are from the state. Two other states, [[Gujarat]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]] send the largest number of domestic visitors to Maharashtra. Foreign visitors to Maharashtra account for just 2% of the tourist. Visitors from the [[US]], [[UK]], [[Germany]], and [[UAE]] each form a significant percentage of foreign tourists.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/Maharashtra_0.pdf |title=Tourism Survey for State of Maharashtra |access-date=2 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215071824/http://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/Other/Maharashtra_0.pdf |archive-date=15 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Mumbai, the biggest and the most cosmopolitan city in India attracts tourists from all over the world for its many attractions including colonial architecture, beaches, movie industry, shopping, and an active nightlife. Pune, called the cultural capital of Maharashtra, also attracts many visitors during the annual [[Ganesh Chaturthi|Ganeshotsav festival]].

The area around Aurangabad has many ancient and medieval sites including the UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]]s of [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]] and [[Ellora Caves|Ellora]] caves, the [[Daulatabad Fort]], and the [[Bibi Ka Maqbara]] in Aurangabad.

The mountainous districts of Western Maharashtra are dotted with the ruins of hundreds of mountain forts from the Deccan Sultanate and the Maratha empire eras respectively. These forts and the surrounding hills are popular with people interested in trekking, hiking and [[Heritage tourism]] related to [[Shivaji]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kohli|first1=M. S.|title=Mountains of India : tourism, adventure and pilgrimage|date=2002|publisher=Indus Publ. Co.|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788173871351|pages=263–266|url=https://www.google.com/search?q=Mountains+of+India%3A+Tourism%2C+Adventure+and+Pilgrimage+By+M.S.+Kohli+isbn}}</ref>

The British built many hill-stations during the colonial era for government officials to escape from the heat of Indian summers. These places have been magnets for tourism for a long time. The important hill stations in Western Maharashtra are [[Mahabaleshwar]], and [[Matheran]]. In Vidarbha region, [[Chikhaldara]] is the hill station popular with visitors.

Places of worship that attract pilgrims from other parts of India and beyond include the Sikh Gurudwara of [[Hazur Sahib Nanded|Hazur Sahib]] at [[Nanded]], [[Khandoba]] temple at [[Jejuri]] in Pune district where worshipers shower each other with Bhandar<ref>{{cite book|last1=Singh|first1=K|last2=Bhanu|first2=B.V (Editor)|title=People of India|date=2004|publisher=Anthropological Survey of India [u.a.]|location=Mumbai|isbn=9788179911013|page=LIX|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BsBEgVa804IC&q=Khandoba+god&pg=PR59|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107124906/https://books.google.com/books?id=BsBEgVa804IC&pg=PR59&dq=Khandoba+god#v=snippet&q=Khandoba%20&f=false|archive-date=7 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and the shrine of [[Sai Baba of Shirdi|Saibaba]] at [[Shirdi]]. The places associated with the [[Varkari|Warkari]] sect such as [[Pandharpur]], [[Dehu]] and [[Alandi]] attract pilgrims from all over Maharashtra throughout the year but particularly during religious observations at these places.<ref>Patange, P., Srinithivihahshini, N.D. and Mahajan, D.M., 2013. Pilgrimage and the environment: Challenges in a pilgrimage centre in Maharashtra, India. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 3(6), pp.2269–2277.</ref>

The Vidarbha region of Maharashtra has numerous nature reserve parks. These include, [[Melghat Tiger Reserve]] in Amravati district, [[Tadoba]]-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mhatre|first1=Shridhar|title=Amazing Maharashtra: TADOBA NATIONAL PARK|url=http://www.amazingmaharashtra.com/2012/10/tadoba-national-park.html|website=Amazing Maharashtra|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210180146/http://www.amazingmaharashtra.com/2012/10/tadoba-national-park.html|archive-date=10 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagpur district, the [[Nagzira]] wild life sanctuary and [[Navegaon National Park]] (bird sanctuary) of Gondia District.

The state government has established [[Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation]] (MTDC) for systematic development and promotion of tourism in the state. MTDC has, since its inception, been involved in the development and maintenance of the various tourist locations of Maharashtra. MTDC owns and maintains resorts at all key tourist centers and having more resorts is on the plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/about|title=About MTDC|website=www.maharashtratourism.gov.in|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623032828/https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/about|archive-date=23 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Mumbai Downtown.jpg|Night-time skyline of Downtown Mumbai at [[Nariman Point]]
File:Dagdushet Halwai Ganpati 2005.jpg|[[Ganeshotsav]] festival in Pune
File:Khandoba temple Pune.jpg|[[Khandoba]] at [[Jejuri]].
File:Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar.jpg|Venna Lake at [[Mahabaleshwar]]
File:TigresswithCubs.jpg|[[Indian Tigers]] at [[Tadoba Andhari Tiger Project|Tadoba Tiger reserve]]
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Deccan]]
* [[List of Maratha dynasties and states]]
* [[List of Marathi people]]
* [[List of people from Maharashtra]]
* [[List of synagogues in Maharashtra]]
* [[Make in Maharashtra]]
* [[Religion in Maharashtra]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Sister project links|voy=Maharashtra}}

=== Government ===
* [https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/ Official Site of the Government of Maharashtra]
* [https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/ Official Tourism Site of Maharashtra, India]

=== General information ===
* {{Britannica|357937}}
* {{curlie|Regional/Asia/India/Maharashtra|Maharashtra}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|1950884}}

{{Maharashtra|logo=yes}}
{{States and territories of India}}
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[[Category:Maharashtra| ]]
[[Category:1960 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Rashtra]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1960]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]