Indian States History | Formation of states in India
1. Andhra Pradesh:
Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956 by merging the Telugu-speaking regions of the Madras Presidency and the Hyderabad State. The region has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was ruled by various dynasties such as the Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Cholas, and Kakatiyas. The Vijayanagara Empire exerted its influence in the region during the medieval period. The British East India Company gained control of coastal Andhra Pradesh in the 18th century.
2. Arunachal Pradesh:
Arunachal Pradesh, located in northeastern India, is known for its diverse tribal cultures. It became a Union Territory in 1972 and was later granted statehood in 1987. The area has a long history of indigenous tribal settlements. It came under the control of the Ahom Kingdom in the medieval period and later fell under British rule. It became a part of independent India after the country gained independence in 1947.
3. Assam:
Assam is a northeastern state with a rich historical and cultural heritage. The region has been inhabited since ancient times and witnessed the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Ahom Kingdom, which ruled for nearly six centuries. The region came under British control in the early 19th century and remained a part of British India until India's independence. Assam faced several challenges during the partition of India, including the issue of illegal migration.
4. Bihar:
Bihar, one of the oldest inhabited regions in India, has a history dating back to the Magadha Empire. It was a significant center of power during ancient times, with rulers like Bimbisara, Ashoka, and Chandragupta Maurya. The region witnessed the rise and fall of several empires, including the Gupta Empire and the Pala Dynasty. In medieval times, Bihar was ruled by the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, and the British.
5. Chhattisgarh:
Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000 to become a separate state. The region has a rich tribal history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. It was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Nagavanshi, Marathas, and Kalchuri Kingdoms. The British East India Company gained control of the region in the 19th century.
6. Goa:
Goa, a former Portuguese colony, was annexed by India in 1961. The region has a unique history due to its Portuguese influence. It was a prominent trade center and witnessed the arrival of European powers, including the Portuguese, in the 16th century. The Portuguese rule lasted for over four centuries until Goa's liberation. Today, Goa is known for its beautiful beaches and a blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures.
7. Gujarat:
Gujarat, located on the western coast of India, has a rich historical legacy. It was an important center of the Indus Valley Civilization and later witnessed the rule of various dynasties, such as the Mauryas, Guptas, Chalukyas, and Solankis. The region also played a crucial role in the maritime trade during ancient and medieval times. Gujarat was an influential state during India's struggle for independence and became a part of India after independence in 1947.
8. Haryana:
Haryana was carved out of the state of Punjab in 1966. The region has a history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. It was ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Khokhar Rajputs. The region witnessed invasions by foreign powers, including the Mughals and the British. It played a significant role in India's independence movement and was a part of Punjab during the partition of India.
9. Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh, located in the Himalayan region, has a diverse cultural heritage. It was ruled by various dynasties, such as the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Rajputs of the Jalandhar-Trigarta Kingdom. The region witnessed the influence of Buddhism and later the spread of Hinduism. Himachal Pradesh became a part of the British Raj in the 19th century and later gained statehood in 1971.
10. Jammu and Kashmir:
Jammu and Kashmir, often referred to as J&K, is a region with a complex and disputed history. The region witnessed the rule of various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Kushans, and Mughals. In the 19th century, it came under the control of the Sikh Empire and later the British. The issue of Kashmir became a contentious matter during the partition of India, resulting in ongoing disputes between India and Pakistan.
11. Jharkhand:
Jharkhand was formed in the year 2000 by carving out the southern part of Bihar. The region has a rich tribal history and was also a significant center of the Maurya Empire. In the medieval period, Jharkhand came under the control of various dynasties, including the Cheros, Nagvanshis, and Gajapatis. It witnessed the influence of Mughals and later fell under British rule.
12. Karnataka:
Karnataka, located in the southern part of India, has a diverse historical background. The region was ruled by several dynasties, including the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Karnataka played a vital role in the spread of Jainism and Hinduism. It also witnessed the arrival of European powers, including the Portuguese and the British. After India gained independence, Karnataka became a state in 1956.
13. Kerala:
Kerala, situated in the southwestern part of India, has a unique historical and cultural heritage. It was a significant center of trade and commerce since ancient times, attracting merchants from various parts of the world. The region witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Cheras, Cholas, and the Zamorin of Calicut. Kerala also had extensive contacts with foreign powers, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
14. Madhya Pradesh:
Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, has a diverse historical past. The region was a significant center of power during ancient times, with dynasties such as the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Rajputs ruling over different parts. It witnessed the influence of Buddhism and Jainism and also played a crucial role in the spread of Hinduism. Madhya Pradesh became a state in 1956 and has since been further divided to create new states like Chhattisgarh.
15. Maharashtra:
Maharashtra, situated in western India, has a rich historical legacy. It was ruled by various dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and the Marathas. The region witnessed the rise and fall of empires and played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. Maharashtra has a vibrant cultural heritage, with cities like Mumbai and Pune being significant centers of arts, literature, and industry.
16. Manipur:
Manipur, located in northeastern India, has a unique history shaped by its geographic location and the culture of the indigenous Manipuri people. The region witnessed the rule of various dynasties, including the Meitei Kingdoms. Manipur faced challenges during British colonial rule and witnessed socio-political changes. It became a part of independent India in 1947 and later gained statehood in 1972.
17. Meghalaya:
Meghalaya, known for its scenic beauty and tribal cultures, became a state in 1972. The region has a significant tribal presence, with the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes being prominent. Meghalaya was a part of Assam until it was granted statehood. It has a rich natural heritage and is known for its rainforests, waterfalls, and limestone caves.
18. Mizoram:
Mizoram, located in northeastern India, became a state in 1987. The region has a predominantly tribal population, with the Mizos being the largest ethnic group. Mizoram has a unique cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous practices and Christianity. The region witnessed political unrest and insurgency in the latter half of the 20th century, which was later resolved through negotiations.
19.Nagaland:
Nagaland, situated in northeastern India, became a state in 1963. The region is known for its distinct tribal cultures and is home to several Naga tribes. Nagaland has a history of independence struggles and armed conflicts. It has made progress in recent years towards peace and development, and efforts are being made to preserve and promote the diverse tribal heritage of the state.
20. Odisha:
Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a state on the eastern coast of India with a rich historical legacy. The region witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Odisha is renowned for its ancient temples, such as the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. It also played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism and Jainism.