Unit-8 : FEDERAL STRUCTURE & NATURAL EVENTS

Short Notes or Revision Notes 

GIST of India Year Book 2024

Indian Culture in Brief

• Kuchipudi:
  • Classical dance form originating from Andhra Pradesh, named after Kuchelapuram village.
  • Combines Nritta (pure dance), Nritya (expressional dance), and Natya (drama).
• Vihara:
  • Sanskrit word for a rest house, temple, or monastery, especially Buddhist.
• Basaveshwara:
  • 12th-century Indian statesman, philosopher, poet, and social reformer in Karnataka.
  • Lingayat saint in the Shiva-focused Bhakti movement.
• Ikat:
  • Fabric dyeing technique using resist dyeing on yarns before weaving.
  • Ikat fabric is from Indonesia, but Odisha has its own variation called Bandhakala.
• Indo-Malayan Region:
  • One of eight major biogeographical realms, encompassing India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Indonesia.
  • Includes three mega-diverse countries and four of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots.

Other:

• North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA):Former British Indian political division, now Arunachal Pradesh (India).
• Pragjyotisha:Mythological Hindu kingdom associated with the historical Kamarupa kingdom.

 

Chapter-30 : States and Union territory

State-wise Important Information

Andhra Pradesh:

• Location: Southeastern coast of India
• Size: 8th largest state, 2nd longest coastline (974 km)
• Nickname: Ratna Garbha (due to variety of rocks and minerals)
• Major rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Nagavali, Vamsadhara
• Art form: Kuchipudi (created by Siddhendra Yogi around 15th century)

Arunachal Pradesh:

• Statehood: February 20, 1987 (formerly North-East Frontier Agency)
• Historical mentions: Kalika Purana, Mahabharata
• Forest cover: 80.99% (biodiversity hotspot)
• Wildlife: Tigers, elephants, great Indian hornbill
• Festivals: Mopin, Solung, Losar

Assam:

• Location: Northeast India, gateway to northeastern states
• Nickname: Land of Red River and Blue Hills
• History:
  • Ancient name: Pragjyotisha or Kamrupa
  • Ahom dynasty rule (1228 AD onwards)
  • British annexation (1826)
• Geography:
  • Brahmaputra River Valley
  • Barak or Surma Valley
  • Karbi and North Cachar Hills
• Agriculture: Rice, maize, tea, oilseeds
• Forest cover: 37.33%
• Wildlife sanctuaries: Kaziranga and Manas National Parks
• Tourism: Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, Bihu festival

Bihar:

• Name origin: Vihara (cultural significance as abode of Buddha and Jain Tirthankars)
• Historical significance: Birthplace of India’s first empire and major religions
• Rulers: Mauryas, Sungas, Guptas, Kushans
• Location: Borders Nepal, West Bengal, UP, and Jharkhand
• Rivers: Ganga, Sone, Kosi
• Agriculture: Paddy, wheat, maize, sugarcane (cultivated over 55.54 lakh hectares)
• Forest cover: 6.65%
• Electrification: Achieved in 2018
• Tourist attractions: Patna, Bodh Gaya, Gaya, Rajgir, Sitamarhi, Barabar Caves, Kesaria Stupa, Dev Sun Temple, Jain temples, Buddhist stupas

Chhattisgarh:

• Formed in 2000 from Madhya Pradesh
• Historical roots: Ramayana and Mahabharata references (Dakshin-Kausal, Dandakaranya)
• Rulers (6th-12th centuries): Sarabhpurias, Panduavanshis, Somvanshis, Kalchuris, Nagvanshis
• Location: Bordered by Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh
• Nickname: Rice Bowl of central India (80% of arable land cultivates paddy)
• Forest cover: Third-largest in India (over 44%)
• Handicrafts, textiles, and MSMEs promotion: e-marketing portal ‘e-manak’
• Tourism: Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit Project (75 identified sites)

Goa:

• Rich historical heritage: Satavahanas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, Portuguese
• Liberation from Portuguese rule: 1961
• Statehood: 1987 (previously a union territory with Daman and Diu)
• Location: Western coast, bordered by Maharashtra and Karnataka
• Literacy rate: 88.70% (2011 Census)
• Tourist attractions: Beaches, churches, temples, forts, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries
• Major port: Mormugao
• Digital mental health service: Tele-Manas

Gujarat:

• History: 2000 BC onwards (Mauryas, Guptas, Chalukyas)
• Challenges: Muslim, Maratha, and British rule
• Reorganization: Bombay state, then separate state
• Linguistic diversity: Charotari, Kathiyawadi, North Gujarati, Surati, Kutchhi
• Fairs: Madhavrai fair (Madhavpur), Ambaji fair (Banaskantha district)
• Agriculture: Cotton, groundnut, rice, wheat, vegetables (leader in cotton and groundnut)
• Horticulture: Fruits, vegetables, spices
• Food processing and dehydration industries
• Water management: Sardar Sarovar Yojana, SAUNI Yojana (irrigation and groundwater recharge)
• Renewable energy: Wind and solar power initiatives
• Industry: Significant contribution to national GDP and exports

Haryana:

• Rich cultural and historical legacy: Early human settlements, Indus Valley Civilization
• Strategic location: Borders several states, surrounds Delhi
• Gateway to North India, historically a crucial battleground
• Agriculture: Key contributor to India’s food security
• Crop diversification, productivity enhancement schemes
• Extensive canal network and drainage system for irrigation
• Micro-irrigation subsidies for water management
• Early rural electrification, focus on renewable energy (solar)
• Emerging education destination with quality institutes
• Progressive industrial policies promoting investment
• Focus on rural industrial growth, women’s empowerment, MSME development
• High ranking in merchandise exports
• Infrastructure development to support industrial growth

Himachal Pradesh:

• Name: Derived from Himalayas (“land of snowy mountains”)
• Three geographic zones: Outer Himalayas (Shivaliks), Inner Himalayas (Mid-Mountains), Greater Himalayas (Alpine Zone)
• Formed on April 15, 1948, from the integration of princely states
• Three distinct topographical regions:
  • Shiwaliks Hills
  • Mountains (Lesser Himalayas, Greater Himalayas, Trans Himalayas)
  • Valleys (Shiwalik Dun, fluvial and glacio-fluvial)
• Diverse climatic conditions
• Organic farming initiative: ‘Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan Yojna’
• Wild animal protection scheme: ‘Mukhya Mantrj Khet Sanrakshan Yojana’ (solar fencing subsidy)
• Five rivers: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Yamuna
• Nine forest types: Dry alpine, moist alpine scrub, subalpine, Himalayan temperate, wet temperate, subtropical pine, subtropical broad-leaved hill, tropical dry deciduous, tropical thorny
• Sole holder of India’s rock salt resources
• Other minerals: Barytes, limestone, shale
• Known as ‘Fruit Bowl’ of the country
• Handicrafts and handlooms: Kangra painting, Chamba Rumal, Kangra tea, spices, oils, caps, shawls

Jharkhand:

• Formed in November 2000
• Historical significance: Raja Jai Singh Deo (13th century)
• Location: Bordered by West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha
• Forests: Tropical moist deciduous, tropical dry deciduous, subtropical broadleaved hill forests (Sal tree species)
• Wildlife sanctuaries: 10, National Parks: 1

Karnataka:

• Rich history (2,000+ years): Kadambas, Gangas dynasties, Raja Ravi Varma, Basaveshwara, Vijnaneshwara
• Vijayanagar empire (1336-1646): Patronage of arts, religion, literature
• British rule, Portuguese influence (new crops)
• Formation of Mysore state (1953), renamed Karnataka (1973)
• Forest cover: 20.15% (managed by forest department)
• Wildlife sanctuaries: 30, National Parks: 5
• Agriculture: 66% rural population, 55.60% agricultural workers
• Irrigation: 28% of cultivable area
• Tourist attractions: Mysuru Palace, Nagarhole National Park, Belur, Srirangapatna

Kerala:

• History: Chieftaincies, foreign interventions (Portuguese, Dutch, English)
• Formation: November 1, 1956 (unification of provinces)
• Location: Southern tip of India
• Nickname: “God’s Own Country”
• First in India for:
  • 100% household electrification
  • Literacy rate (93.91%)
  • Female literacy rate (92%)
• Kerala Fibre Optic Network (KFON) project for internet access as a basic right

Madhya Pradesh:

• Second largest Indian state in size
• Historical significance:
  • King Ashoka’s rule over Ujjain
  • Women rulers: Ahilyabai Holkar, Rani Kamalapati, Rani Durgawati
• Formation: November 1956 (reorganized in 2000)
• Location:
  • North: Uttar Pradesh
  • East: Chhattisgarh
  • South: Maharashtra
  • West: Gujarat, Rajasthan
• Tribal rights: PESA Act implemented
• Festivals: Narmada Festival (Jabalpur), Shivpuri festival, Betwa festival

Maharashtra:

• History:
  • Satavahanas (230 BC – 225 AD): Founders of Maharashtra
  • Vakatakas: Development in learning, arts, religion (Ajanta Caves)
  • Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas (Marathi as court language)
  • Shivaji, Maratha supremacy under Peshwas
• Formation: Unification of Marathi-speaking areas (Mumbai renamed in 1995)
• Geography:
  • Plateau with Sahyadri Range along the coast
  • Satpura ranges in the north, Ajanta and Satmala ranges in the center
• Location:
  • West: Arabian Sea
  • North: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
  • East: Chhattisgarh, Telangana
  • South: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
• Economy:
  • Over half of rural population relies on agriculture and allied activities
  • Third largest sugar producer in India

Manipur:

• History: Dates back to 33 AD with King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba
• Independence: Maintained until Burmese invasion
• Statehood: 1972
• Legislature: 60-member Legislative Assembly (19 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, 1 for Scheduled Castes)
• Lok Sabha representation: 2 members
• Rajya Sabha representation: 1 member
• Location: North-eastern tip of India
• Borders:
  • East: Myanmar
  • North: Nagaland
  • West: Assam
  • South: Myanmar, Mizoram
• Industries: Handloom (largest cottage industry)
• Wildlife: Home to brow-antlered deer (sangai)
• Festivals: Lai Haraoba, Rasa Leela, Cheiraoba, Ningol Chak-Kouba, Rath Jatra, etc.

Mizoram:

• Statehood: February 1987 (previously a union territory)
• Forest cover: One of the largest in India (85.53%)
• Vegetation: Tropical semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, subtropical broad-leaved hill, subtropical pine forests
• Bamboo resources: Cover 57% of geographical area

Odisha:

• History:
  • Antiquity: Kalinga, Utkal
  • Pivotal event: Ashoka’s invasion of Kalinga
  • Prosperous era: Mahameghavahana Kharavela’s reign
  • Architectural heritage: Sun Temple (Konark), Jagannath Temple (Puri)
  • Colonial influences: Muslim rule, Maratha occupation, British annexation
  • State formation: 1936
• Governance: Focus on modern development and cultural preservation
• Pilgrimage center: Puri (Jagannath Temple)
• Tourist attractions:
  • Buddhist and Jain Monuments at Khandagiri
  • Diamond Triangle (Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udayagiri)
  • Rock-cut caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri
  • Emperor Kharavela’s inscriptions
• Wildlife sanctuaries: 19
• National parks: 2 (Similipal, Bhitarkanika)
• Handloom: Ikat (Bandha Style) silk

Rajasthan:

• History:
  • Pre-historic times, Indus Valley civilization influence
  • Prominent ruling clans: Chauhans, Guhilots
• Formation: 1956 (State Reorganisation Act)
• Location: Borders Pakistan to the west, surrounded by other Indian states
• Agriculture: Wheat, barley, millet, cotton, vegetables, citrus fruits
• Industry: Marble, cement, zinc, ceramics, handicrafts (second only to Jharkhand in mineral production)

Tamil Nadu:

• History:
  • Rich historical background dating back to antiquity (Sangam classics)
  • Dynasties: Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Pallavas (Dravidian temple architecture)
  • European influence: Portuguese, Dutch, French, English (trading centers)
• Location: Southern tip of India
• Industry: Lignite, limestone, granite, and others

Telangana:

• Name origin: Trilinga Desa (three ancient Shiva temples)
• History:
  • Ruled by Sathavahanas, Kakatiyas, Chalukyas, Mughals, Qutubshahis, Asafjahis
  • Became 29th state of India in 2014 (Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill)
• Location: Deccan plateau (surrounded by other Indian states)
• Agriculture: Rice, tobacco, mango, cotton, sugarcane
• Infrastructure: 100% household electrification, increased electricity generation capacity
• Healthcare: Focus on Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), ‘End TB Strategy’

Uttar Pradesh:

• Ancient history: Vedic Age (Brahmarshi Desha, Madhya Desha)
• Vedic sages: Bhardwaja, Gautam, Yagyavalkaya, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Valmiki
• 6th century BC: Jainism and Buddhism (Sarnath, Kushinagar)
• Renowned centers of learning: Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi, Mathura
• Medieval period: Muslim rule, cultural synthesis
• Intellectuals: Ramananda, Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas (Hindi and other languages)
• British rule: United Provinces, renamed Uttar Pradesh (1950)
• Location: Bordered by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar
• Regions: Southern Hills, Gangetic Plains

Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

• Location: Between 6° and 14° latitude and 92° and 94° longitude
• Subgroups: Andaman Group (north of 10°N), Nicobar Group (south of 10°N)
• Climate: Humid and tropical coastal, monsoons (peak May-Dec)
• Original inhabitants: Negrito tribes (Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinalese), Mongoloid tribes (Nicobarese, Shompens)
• Islands: 836 (only 38 permanently inhabited)
• Agriculture: Plantation agriculture in Nicobar, newer in Andaman
• Wildlife: Unique and varied animal life (land and sea)

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu:

Dadra and Nagar Haveli:

• History: Koli chiefs, Maratha rule, Portuguese rule (until 1954)
• Administration: Local body after liberation, merged with India (1961)

Daman:

• History: Acquired by Portuguese from Gujarat (1559), Portuguese rule (until 1961)
• Location: Bordered by Gujarat, Arabian Sea, Kolak River, Kalai River

Diu:

• History: Portuguese-Gujarat treaty (1535), Portuguese rule (until 1961)
• Location: Island connected by bridges, bordered by Gujarat (Junagarh district)
• Merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli (January 2020)

Jammu & Kashmir

• Legendary origins: Kashmir Valley formed by draining an ancient lake (legend) or geological subsidence.
• Historical timeline:
  • 3rd century BC: Buddhism introduced by Ashoka
  • 13th-14th centuries: Islam arrives
  • Various dynasties until 1586 (Akbar’s conquest)
  • Afghan rule, Dogra rule
• Reorganisation: Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act (2019)
  • Divided the state into two union territories: J&K and Ladakh
  • Abolished state legislature
• Dogra Dynasty in Jammu:
  • Ancient history traces back to Mahabharata times
  • Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession (1947)
• Transition to Union Territories:
  • State legislature abolished
  • Replaced by Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
• Geography and demographics:
  • Two regions: Kashmir and Jammu
  • 20 districts, 6,431 villages
  • 19th in population (2011 census)
• Connectivity and significance: Strategically important region with diverse cultural and historical heritage

Ladakh

• Location: Western Tibetan Plateau, surrounded by mountain ranges
• Borders: Sinkiang, Tibet, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan
• Cultural and historical significance:
  • Convergence point for Islamic and Buddhist cultures, Tibetan and Indic traditions
  • Crucial trade route between Central Asia and India
  • Independent kingdom for nearly 900 years
• Founding of Ladakh Kingdom:
  • 950 CE by Prince Nyimagon of Central Tibet (capital: Shey)
• Buddhist heritage:
  • Over 1,000 years of uninterrupted Buddhist history (introduced before Tibet)
  • Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo (11th century) key figure in establishing Buddhism
• Preservation of Buddhist culture: Lamas and Ladakhi kings played a vital role.
• Agricultural challenges: Cold desert, arid climate, reliance on snowmelt water.
  • Main crops: Barley, wheat, buckwheat, black peas.
• Agricultural development initiatives: Mission Organic Development Initiative for Ladakh (LAHDC).