Rajasthan tops in area
Rajasthan holds the distinction as the largest state in India with an area of
342,239 square kilometers, significantly ahead of the second-largest state, Madhya Pradesh, which covers
308,252 square kilometers.
Smallest territories: Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep
Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep are the smallest territories, with areas of just
111 and
30 square kilometers respectively, showcasing the vast diversity in the size of
India's states and union territories.
Southern states and their expansive areas
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are notable for their large areas among southern states, with
191,791,
162,968, and
130,060 square kilometers respectively, indicating the significant geographic spread of India's southern region.
Northern region's varied sizes
Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir highlight the size diversity in India's northern region with areas of
240,928 and
222,236 square kilometers respectively, contrasting with smaller northern states like Punjab and Haryana.
Eastern states: West Bengal and Bihar
West Bengal and Bihar, despite their high population densities, have relatively modest areas of
88,752 and
94,163 square kilometers respectively, underscoring the challenges of managing resources and infrastructure in densely populated regions.
Mid-sized states: Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Odisha and Chhattisgarh, with areas of
155,707 and
135,192 square kilometers, stand out as mid-sized states that contribute significantly to India's geographical diversity and resource base.
Megacity Delhi's compact size
Delhi, India's capital territory, covers a surprisingly compact area of just
1,483 square kilometers, juxtaposing its small size against its immense political, economic, and cultural significance.
Northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
Arunachal Pradesh and Assam represent the northeastern region with areas of
83,743 and
78,438 square kilometers respectively, highlighting the substantial geographical expanse of India's northeastern states amidst their unique topographical and cultural contexts.
Coastal vs. landlocked diversity
States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, with areas of
196,244 and
130,060 square kilometers, contrast with
landlocked states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, showcasing the diverse geographical settings from coastal lines to central highlands.
Union territories' size variance
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with an area of
8,249 square kilometers, contrast sharply with smaller territories like Chandigarh and Puducherry, which have areas of
114 and
490 square kilometers, reflecting the wide range of sizes among India's union territories.