List of Largest State in India, By Area, By Population & Union Territories

India, the seventh-largest country in the world, is divided into 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Each state varies in terms of area, population, culture, and geography. As per the data available in 2024, the largest state in India by area is Rajasthan, covering approximately 342,239 square kilometers, while the largest state by population is Uttar Pradesh, with a people over 24 crores. Understanding the biggest state in india is essential for students and UPSC aspirants, because questions related to Indian geography, demographics, and administrative divisions are frequently asked in Prelims, Mains, and interviews.

This article provides a detailed overview of the largest state in India by area and population, and also highlights the largest Union Territory.

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Largest State in India by Area (Rajasthan)

The largest state in India is Rajasthan. It is located in the northern part of the country and covers an area of 342,239 square kilometers. Rajasthan is bordered by Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, and Haryana and Punjab to the north.

• Demographics: With a population of over 82.406 million (or 8.24 crore), Rajasthan is culturally rich and diverse. The majority speak Rajasthani and Hindi, and the state is known for its traditional attire, cuisine, and folk music.
• Topography: The state’s terrain is diverse, featuring the Thar Desert, Aravalli Hills, saltwater lakes like Sambhar, and semi-arid plains. The Aravalli range divides Rajasthan into desert and greener regions, influencing climate and agriculture.
• Climate: Rajasthan has a predominantly hot and dry desert climate, with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is scarce, especially in western regions, while eastern areas get moderate monsoon showers.
• Capital & Major Cities: The capital city is Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City. Other major cities include Jodhpur (Blue City), Udaipur (City of Lakes), Kota (education hub), and Bikaner, each rich in culture and history.
• Biodiversity: Despite the arid conditions, Rajasthan has unique desert-adapted wildlife like the Great Indian Bustard, camels, and chinkaras. It hosts protected areas like Ranthambore National Park and Sariska Tiger Reserve.
• Tourism: Rajasthan is one of india largest state with top tourist destinations, known for its majestic forts, palaces, sand dunes, and festivals. Popular attractions include Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jaisalmer Fort, and Pushkar Fair.
• Economy: Rajasthan has a diverse economy led by agriculture, mining, tourism, textiles, IT, and renewable energy. In 2023–24, its GSDP stands at approximately $182.02 billion, recording a growth of 8.03% at constant prices (2011–12 base year).
• Formation: Rajasthan was formed on March 30, 1949, through the merger of several princely states. This day is celebrated as Rajasthan Day, marking the unification of the historic Rajputana region.

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Largest State in India by Population (Uttar Pradesh)

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is located in the northern part of India, covering an area of 243,286 sq km, making it the fourth-Largest State in India by area. It shares borders with 9 Indian states (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand) and has a 551 km international border with Nepal.

• Demographics: As per the 2011 Census, Uttar Pradesh had a population of 199.81 million, which is estimated to have reached 241 million by 2024. Covering an area of 243,286 sq km, the state has a population density of approximately 991 persons per sq km. The literacy rate stands at around 67.68%, and the sex ratio is 912 females per 1,000 males.
• Topography: UP features a vast and fertile alluvial plain created by rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Ghaghara, and Gomti. It is part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain, ideal for agriculture, with low elevation (100–200 metres) and occasional plateau regions in the southern districts like Sonbhadra and Chitrakoot.
• Climate: Uttar Pradesh has a humid subtropical climate, with summer temperatures reaching 45°C, winters dropping to 3–5°C, and monsoon rains (June–September) averaging 600–1,000 mm annually. The eastern region receives higher rainfall compared to the drier western region.
• Capital & Major Cities: The capital city is Lucknow, known for its Nawabi culture. Other major cities include Kanpur (industrial hub), Varanasi (spiritual center), Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), Prayagraj, and Ghaziabad.
• Biodiversity: The state hosts several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like Dudhwa National Park and Chandraprabha Sanctuary. Rivers and wetlands support a range of migratory birds and aquatic species.
• Tourism: UP is a major religious and cultural tourism destination, home to Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Sarnath, and Taj Mahal in Agra. It is central to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Islamic heritage.
• Economy: Uttar Pradesh has a diverse economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism. In 2023–24, its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated at ₹25.48 lakh crore (US$310 billion), reflecting a 5.8% growth and contributing about 8% to India’s total GDP.

List of Largest State in India by Population 2024

India, being the most populous country in the world, shows significant variation in population across its states. As of 2024, Uttar Pradesh remains the most populous state, followed by Maharashtra and Bihar. Understanding state-wise population is important for planning, governance, and elections. The table below presents the list Big state of india by population 2024.

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Largest Union Territory of India by Area 2024 (Jammu and Kashmir)

Jammu and Kashmir is located in the northernmost part of India, covering an area of approximately 55,538 sq km, making it the largest union territory by area as of 2024. It shares borders with Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Pakistan, with the Line of Control (LoC) marking the de facto border.

• Demographics:Jammu & Kashmir has a population of approximately 12.5 million, with a sex ratio of 889 females per 1,000 males and a child sex ratio of 925 girls per 1,000 boys. The overall literacy rate stands at 67.16%, with 76.75% for males and 56.43% for females.
• Topography: The region is divided into three main physical divisions: the Himalayan mountain ranges in the north, the Kashmir Valley, and the Jammu plains. The area features snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lakes, and river valleys, making it one of India’s most picturesque regions.
• Climate: Jammu & Kashmir experiences a diverse climate, ranging from subtropical in Jammu to temperate in the Valley and alpine in the high-altitude areas. Winters are extremely cold in Kashmir with snowfall, while Jammu has hot summers and mild winters.
• Capital & Major Cities: The union territory has two capitals: Srinagar (summer capital) and Jammu (winter capital). Major cities include Srinagar, known for Dal Lake and Mughal gardens, and Jammu, an important pilgrimage and trade center.
• Biodiversity: J&K is home to rich biodiversity, including Hangul (Kashmir stag), snow leopards, brown bears, and numerous species of migratory birds. Major protected areas include Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Tourism: It is a vital part of the UT’s economy, with attractions like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Vaishno Devi, Amarnath, and Dal Lake. Adventure tourism, pilgrimages, and natural beauty draw millions of tourists annually, despite fluctuations due to political conditions.
• Economy: Jammu & Kashmir’s economy is driven by horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, and services.
• Its GSDP for 2023–24 stands at approximately ₹2.63 lakh crore, reflecting 7.5% growth and contributing 0.816% to India’s GDP. Major produce includes apples and saffron, while Pashmina shawls and tourism boost income and jobs.
• Formation: Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory on October 31, 2019, after the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the former state. Ladakh was carved out as a separate UT on the same day, and J&K now functions with a Lieutenant Governor and a UT-level administration.

List of Largest Union Territories of India by Area & Population 2024

India has 8 Union Territories, each varying greatly in size and population. Jammu and Kashmir is the largest UT by area, while Delhi has the highest population.
The table below provides the area and population details of all Union Territories as per the 2011 Census.

Goa, the state of beautiful beaches and forests known as tourist paradise of India, is the smallest state in India by area.

• It is situated on India's western shore.
• It only makes up about 0.11% of the nation's total area or 3,702 square kilometers.
• Goa is renowned for its stunning coastlines and Portuguese-style buildings.
• Before India seized the state in 1961, it was a Portuguese colony. Hence, Goa's architecture, food, and customs are a special blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures.
• Goa has two districts, North Goa and South Goa, and Panaji serves as the state capital.
• Goa has a tropical monsoon climate. From June to September, there will be abundant rainfall.
• The state's economy is heavily reliant on tourism. Millions of tourists visit the state each year to enjoy its stunning beaches.
• The state is renowned for its agriculture. The major crops grown here are coconut, cashew, and spices.
• Goa has a rich history. The Basilica of Bom Jesus situated in Goa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The state is home to many other historical sites and statues.
• Additionally, the state is renowned for its music events. The popular Sunburn Festival held in Goa draws music fans from all over the globe.

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