India, Constitutional republic in South Asia.
The nation extends across 3.3 million square kilometers from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, making it the seventh largest by land area. Geography encompasses desert regions in the west, coastal plains along the peninsula, central plateaus, and mountainous zones in the north with peaks exceeding 26,000 feet (8,000 meters).
The territory gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, and established itself as a democratic nation with 28 states and 8 union territories. The constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, introducing a parliamentary system of government with federal structure. Since then, the country has experienced multiple border wars, economic reforms, and development into a significant regional power.
The country maintains diverse dance and music traditions including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Carnatic music performed during religious ceremonies and regional festivals. Society follows a pluralistic system where Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities uphold their respective practices and calendar celebrations.
Months between October and March present moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall, creating favorable conditions for traveling throughout the country. International airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai serve large passenger volumes. Visitors require valid visas, available through electronic application systems or diplomatic missions.
The Kumbh Mela occurs every twelve years, drawing millions of participants to sacred rivers for spiritual ceremonies. The railway network spans over 42,000 miles (67,000 kilometers) and transports approximately 23 million passengers daily, making it one of the most utilized transit systems worldwide. Bollywood produces over 1,800 films annually in various languages, exceeding any other national cinema industry.
Inception: August 15, 1947
Capital city: New Delhi
Part of: South Asia, Commonwealth of Nations, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Non-Aligned Movement
Shares border with: Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan
Address: India
Website: https://इंडिया.सरकार.भारत
GPS coordinates: 22.35111,78.66774
Latest update: November 30, 2025 15:03
British rule in India from 1800 to 1947 left a distinct architectural legacy across major Indian cities. European styles including Victorian Gothic, Neoclassical and Renaissance merged with Indian decorative motifs and craftsmanship. The result was the Indo-Saracenic style, a hybrid form that expressed colonial power while incorporating local building traditions. Mumbai presents this architecture through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, the Rajabai Clock Tower and the Gateway of India. Kolkata displays it in the Victoria Memorial and Writers' Building, while Delhi offers Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Maidens Hotel. Chennai shows the Madras High Court and Government Museum, Hyderabad holds Falaknuma Palace and Shimla houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. These structures served as government seats, courthouses, railway stations, hotels and museums, and continue to define the urban landscape of Indian cities today.
Taj Mahal
540.7 km
Statue of Unity
513.6 km
Antilia
716.9 km
Narendra Modi Stadium
628.7 km
Red Fort
716.3 km
Qutb Minar
703.1 km
Ajanta Caves
366.8 km
Parliament House
712.7 km
Harmandir Sahib
1097.9 km
Gateway of India
717.5 km
Jagannath Temple
794.8 km
Konark Sun Temple
818.4 km
India Gate
711.9 km
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
1554.8 km
Brihadisvara Temple
1288.7 km
Adiyogi Shiva statue
1282.5 km
Hampi
814.9 km
Western Ghats
1367.2 km
Charminar
555.8 km
Nalanda Mahavihara
756.7 km
Kedarnath Temple
933.9 km
Meenakshi Temple
1385.1 km
Lotus Temple
704.8 km
Kamakhya Temple
1388.8 km
Ellora Caves
445 km
Howrah Bridge
995.9 km
Khajuraho Group of Monuments
306.4 km
Somnath temple
870.7 kmReviews
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Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Bihar
Chhattisgarh
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh
Jharkhand
Karnataka
Kerala
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Manipur
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
Odisha
Punjab
Rajasthan
Sikkim
Tamil Nadu
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand
West Bengal
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Chandigarh
Lakshadweep
Delhi
Puducherry
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Ladakh
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
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