India, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and traditions, is the seventh-largest country in the world. Known for its diverse geography, ranging from the towering Himalayas to vast plains and coastal regions, India is home to over 1.4 billion people. In this article, we will know about that district of India which was once a state of India.
States and Union Territories of India
India is a union of 28 states and 8 Union Territories, each with its own unique culture, language, and governance. The states, like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, have considerable autonomy, while Union Territories, such as Delhi and Puducherry, are governed directly by the Central Government. This federal structure reflects India’s diversity and allows for regional governance, promoting local culture and addressing the specific needs of its citizens across various geographical areas.
Largest and Smallest Districts of India
The largest district in India by area is Kutch in Gujarat, spanning 45,652 square kilometers (17,626 square miles), accounting for 23.27% of Gujarat’s total geographical area. In contrast, the smallest district is Mahé in Puducherry, covering just 8.69 square kilometers (3.36 square miles). Mahé is one of the four districts in the union territory of Puducherry, highlighting the stark contrast in size between these two distinct regions in India.
District that was once a State of India
Kutch district in Gujarat was once a full-fledged state before becoming a district. Originally recognized as a state until 1956, Kutch merged into Bombay state, which was later divided in 1960, resulting in Kutch’s incorporation into Gujarat. This transition reflects India’s evolving political landscape.
The Journey from State to District
The history of Kutch as a state dates back to the early 1950s. It was recognized as a state until November 1, 1956, when it merged into the Bombay state. However, in 1960, Bombay state was divided into two based on linguistic lines. As a result of this reorganization, Kutch was incorporated into Gujarat, transitioning from a state to a district.