CBSE Study Material Based on NCERT

Course: CBSE Class 6 – General Knowledge

Unit 1: India – Our Country

Lesson: States, Union Territories, and Capitals

Study Module

Introduction

India is a vast country with a complex administrative system to manage its large population and diverse regions. For effective governance, India is divided into States and Union Territories. Each State and Union Territory has a capital city that serves as the administrative headquarters. Understanding the political division of India helps students develop knowledge of governance, federal structure, and national unity.

States of India

A State is an administrative unit with its own elected government.

Key Features of States

• Each State has a Chief Minister as the head of the government.
• States have their own Legislative Assemblies.
• States enjoy powers granted by the Constitution of India.

Capitals of States

• Every State has a capital city where the government offices are located.
• Some States have more than one capital for different purposes.

Union Territories of India

A Union Territory (UT) is governed directly by the Central Government.

Key Features of Union Territories

• Administered by the President of India through an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor.
• Some Union Territories have elected legislatures, while others do not.
• Union Territories are smaller in size compared to States.

Capitals of Union Territories

• Each Union Territory also has a capital city.
• The capital is the administrative center of the UT.

Difference Between States and Union Territories

Importance of Capitals

• Capitals house government offices
• Serve as political and administrative centers
• Important for governance and decision-making

Conclusion

The division of India into States and Union Territories ensures effective administration and balanced governance. Capitals play a vital role in managing political and administrative activities. Knowledge of States, Union Territories, and their capitals strengthens awareness of India’s political geography.

Questions and Answers

1. What is a State?

A State is an administrative division of India with its own elected government.

2. What is a Union Territory?

A Union Territory is an administrative unit governed directly by the Central Government.

3. Who heads a State government?

The Chief Minister heads a State government.

4. Who administers a Union Territory?

A Union Territory is administered by an Administrator or Lieutenant Governor.

5. What is a capital city?

A capital city is the administrative headquarters of a State or Union Territory.

6. Why are States formed?

States are formed for efficient administration and governance.

7. Do all Union Territories have legislatures?

No, only some Union Territories have legislatures.

8. Name the capital of India.

New Delhi.

9. Which body governs Union Territories?

The Central Government.

10. Can a State have more than one capital?

Yes, some States have more than one capital.

11. Why are capitals important?

They house government offices and administrative bodies.

12. What type of government do States have?

States have elected governments.

13. What type of government do Union Territories have?

They are governed by the Central Government.

14. Which authority appoints the Lieutenant Governor?

The President of India.

15. Are States equal in size?

No, States differ in size and population.

16. Why are Union Territories usually smaller?

They are formed for special administrative reasons.

17. What is India’s administrative structure based on?

It is based on a federal system.

18. How do States help in governance?

They manage regional administration effectively.

19. Which level of government controls Union Territories?

The national level government.

20. Why is knowledge of political divisions important?

It helps understand governance and national structure.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. India is divided into:

a) Districts and villages
b) States and Union Territories
c) Countries and states
d) Zones and regions

Answer: b) States and Union Territories
Explanation: India is administratively divided into States and Union Territories.

2. Who heads a State government?

a) Governor
b) President
c) Chief Minister
d) Prime Minister

Answer: c) Chief Minister
Explanation: The Chief Minister is the executive head of a State.

3. Who administers a Union Territory?

a) Chief Minister
b) Prime Minister
c) Lieutenant Governor
d) Speaker

Answer: c) Lieutenant Governor
Explanation: Union Territories are governed by the Centre through a Lieutenant Governor or Administrator.

4. What is the capital of India?

a) Mumbai
b) Kolkata
c) New Delhi
d) Chennai

Answer: c) New Delhi
Explanation: New Delhi is the national capital.

5. Which government controls Union Territories?

a) State Government
b) Local Government
c) Central Government
d) District Administration

Answer: c) Central Government
Explanation: Union Territories are directly controlled by the Centre.

6. Which unit has greater administrative powers?

a) Union Territory
b) State
c) District
d) Village

Answer: b) State
Explanation: States enjoy more constitutional powers.

7. What is the role of a capital city?

a) Trade center
b) Tourist place
c) Administrative headquarters
d) Religious center

Answer: c) Administrative headquarters
Explanation: Capitals house government offices.

8. Which authority appoints the Governor of a State?

a) Chief Minister
b) Prime Minister
c) President of India
d) Parliament

Answer: c) President of India
Explanation: Governors are appointed by the President.

9. Which unit usually has smaller area?

a) State
b) Union Territory
c) Country
d) District

Answer: b) Union Territory
Explanation: Union Territories are generally smaller.

10. What system of government does India follow?

a) Unitary
b) Federal
c) Monarchy
d) Dictatorship

Answer: b) Federal
Explanation: India has a federal structure.

11. Which of the following has an elected government?

a) All Union Territories
b) Only districts
c) States
d) Villages

Answer: c) States
Explanation: States have elected governments.

12. What is the main purpose of administrative divisions?

a) Increase population
b) Improve governance
c) Promote tourism
d) Control trade

Answer: b) Improve governance
Explanation: Divisions help manage administration efficiently.

13. Which authority governs States?

a) Central Government only
b) Local Government
c) Elected State Government
d) District Magistrate

Answer: c) Elected State Government
Explanation: States are governed by elected representatives.

14. What does UT stand for?

a) United Territory
b) Union Territory
c) Unified Territory
d) Urban Territory

Answer: b) Union Territory
Explanation: UT means Union Territory.

15. Where are important government offices located?

a) Villages
b) Districts
c) Capitals
d) Borders

Answer: c) Capitals
Explanation: Capitals are administrative centers.

16. Who represents the President in a State?

a) Chief Minister
b) Speaker
c) Governor
d) Mayor

Answer: c) Governor
Explanation: The Governor represents the President.

17. What ensures unity with diversity in India?

a) Languages
b) Climate
c) Administrative divisions
d) Rivers

Answer: c) Administrative divisions
Explanation: Divisions help manage diversity effectively.

18. Which unit does not have full statehood?

a) State
b) Union Territory
c) District
d) Village

Answer: b) Union Territory
Explanation: Union Territories have limited powers.

19. Which level handles national governance?

a) Village
b) District
c) State
d) Central Government

Answer: d) Central Government
Explanation: National governance is handled by the Centre.

20. Why are capitals important for administration?

a) For farming
b) For industries
c) For governance
d) For transport

Answer: c) For governance
Explanation: Capitals serve as administrative headquarters.

This content is strictly aligned with the NCERT syllabus and fully suitable for CBSE Class 6 examination standards.