Lakshadweep was formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Aminidivi Islands.

Currently, there are 29 states and 7 union territories in India.

There are seven union territories in India. These are Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep.

The Constitution of India establishes a federal system of government. It contains all the usual features of a federation Viz., two government, Division of powers, written constitution, Supremacy of constitution, Independent judiciary and Bicameralism. Article 1 says that India is a union of states which implies two things: first, Indian federation is not the result of an agreement by the states and second, No state has the right to secede from the federation.

(a) Union of States: This means that India is a federation comprising states and union territories. It emphasizes the unity of the country while recognizing the diversity and autonomy of its states.

(b) Federal State with Unitary Features: India operates as a federal state where power is divided between the central government and individual states. However, there are certain unitary features, such as a strong central authority in matters like defense and national security.

(c) Federal State with Federal Features: This is not a term used to describe the Indian political system. India is often termed as a federal state with unitary features.

(d) Federal State: This term generally implies a political entity where power is shared between a central government and regional entities. India is indeed a federal state where states have their own governments and certain powers, alongside a strong central government.

According to Article 1 (1), Bhart means India shall be a Union of States. The states and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the first schedule. The territory of India shall comprise.

Under Article 1, India is described as a “Union of States”. Federal word is not mentain in our constitution.