Top 10 Largest States in India by Area (with Table & Easy Memory Tips)
Curious about the largest state in India? In this page, we’ll discover which state ranks highest in area and population, what makes these states unique, and how they compare to others. From the vast deserts of Rajasthan to the bustling cities of Uttar Pradesh, get key facts about the largest state in India for your general knowledge.
Largest State in India by Area
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, covering an impressive 342,239 square kilometers. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Rajasthan's landscape features the famous Thar Desert, rolling hills, and even fertile plains. Its size and diverse geography make it area wise the biggest in the nation, contributing greatly to India’s cultural heritage.
Covers 342,239 sq. km, making it the largest state in India by size and area wise.
Borders five Indian states and the country of Pakistan.
Capital: Jaipur, the famous “Pink City.”
Features the Thar Desert, Aravalli hills, and beautiful lakes like Lake Pichola.
Known for stunning forts, vibrant folk arts, and annual events like the Pushkar Camel Fair.
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Top 10 Largest States in India by Area
| Rank | State | Area (sq. km) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rajasthan | 342,239 |
| 2 | Madhya Pradesh | 308,245 |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 307,713 |
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | 240,928 |
| 5 | Gujarat | 196,024 |
| 6 | Karnataka | 191,791 |
| 7 | Andhra Pradesh | 162,968 |
| 8 | Odisha | 155,707 |
| 9 | Chhattisgarh | 135,191 |
| 10 | Tamil Nadu | 130,058 |
The above list gives a quick comparison of the top ten states in India by area, helping you understand the vast differences in state sizes across the country. For more details about administrative boundaries, see India's state and union territory divisions.
Largest State of India by Population
Uttar Pradesh holds the title of largest state in India by population, with over 200 million residents. Located in northern India, it is renowned for its rich history, cultural sites, and diversity of languages. Uttar Pradesh is a major contributor to India’s population growth and social culture, playing a key role in the country’s development.
Population exceeds 200 million—the largest state in India population wise.
Capital is Lucknow, famous for heritage and architecture.
Home to Agra’s Taj Mahal, a world wonder.
Hosts major pilgrimage centers across religions.
Features landmark wildlife parks like Dudhwa National Park.
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Top 10 Largest States in India by Population
| Rank | State | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 199,812,341 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 112,372,333 |
| 3 | Bihar | 104,099,452 |
| 4 | West Bengal | 91,276,115 |
| 5 | Andhra Pradesh | 84,580,777 |
| 6 | Madhya Pradesh | 72,626,809 |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu | 72,147,030 |
| 8 | Rajasthan | 68,548,437 |
| 9 | Karnataka | 61,095,297 |
| 10 | Gujarat | 60,439,692 |
This population ranking shows which states are the most densely inhabited, with Uttar Pradesh leading by a large margin. It’s interesting to note that the largest state in India by population is not the same as the largest state in India by area.
Other Interesting State Size Facts in India
Apart from Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, other states also stand out. Madhya Pradesh is the 2nd largest state in India by area, while Maharashtra is third. The sixth largest state in India is Karnataka. If you’re wondering which is the third largest state in India, it’s Maharashtra. Sikkim is the smallest state in India by area, whereas Goa is the smallest by population. These facts reflect the diversity across Indian states.
State Size vs Population – Key Differences
It’s easy to assume the biggest state by area will also have the most people, but that’s not always true. Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, yet Uttar Pradesh has the highest population. Several factors like geography, resources, and history impact both rankings.
Summary: Largest State in India
To sum up, Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area and Uttar Pradesh is the largest state by population. States like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat also cover vast regions and support millions. Learning these state facts with Vedantu enhances your general knowledge about India’s diversity.
FAQs on Which is the Largest State in India? Area-Wise, Population and More
1. Which is the largest state in India by area?
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.
- It covers an area of 342,239 sq km.
- Located in northwestern India.
- Frequently asked in CBSE, UPSC, SSC and other competitive exams as a static GK fact.
2. Which is the largest state in India by population?
The largest state in India by population is Uttar Pradesh.
- It has a population of about 200 million (2011 Census data).
- While Rajasthan is largest by area, Uttar Pradesh ranks first by population.
- This difference is important for MCQ and map-based questions in exams.
3. Which is the second largest state in India?
Madhya Pradesh is the second largest state in India by area.
- It covers 308,350 sq km.
- Located in central India and often known as the ‘heart of India’.
- This is a commonly asked list-based GK question.
4. What is the smallest state in India by area?
Goa is the smallest state in India by area.
- It covers just 3,702 sq km.
- Situated on the western coast of India.
- Frequently compared with Sikkim, which is smallest by population among the states.
5. Which state is the third largest in India by area?
The third largest state in India by area is Maharashtra.
- It has an area of 307,713 sq km.
- Maharashtra is also the second most populous state after Uttar Pradesh.
- This ranking is often asked in competitive exams.
6. How can I remember the order of the largest states in India for exams?
A helpful trick is to use mnemonics for quick recall of state rankings.
- Mnemonic: “Real Men Make Unreal Great Kites And Overwhelmingly Clamorous Toys”.
- This stands for: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu.
- Such methods are useful for fast revision before MCQ-based tests.
7. Which are the top 5 largest states in India by area?
The top 5 largest states in India by area are:
- Rajasthan (342,239 sq km)
- Madhya Pradesh (308,350 sq km)
- Maharashtra (307,713 sq km)
- Uttar Pradesh (240,928 sq km)
- Gujarat (196,024 sq km)
- This order is vital for map-based and static GK questions.
8. Which state has the least population in India?
Sikkim has the least population among Indian states.
- It has about 6–7 lakh residents (2011 Census).
- Do not confuse with Goa, which is smallest by area, but not by population.
- This distinction is a common exam question.
9. Why is it important to know the largest and smallest states of India for exams?
Understanding state rankings helps in several exam areas.
- Essential for static GK, map-based MCQs, and fill-in-the-blanks.
- Helps answer questions related to Indian polity and economy.
- Key for state-wise comparisons and regional analysis in UPSC, SSC, CBSE exams.
10. How have state boundaries and sizes changed in India since independence?
State boundaries have been reorganised since 1947 to improve administration and represent linguistic diversity.
- The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 reshaped many boundaries based on language.
- New states like Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, and Telangana were created, impacting area rankings.
- Questions on state formation dates are common in Indian polity and history exams.
11. Which is the richest state in India?
Maharashtra is the richest state in India by Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
- It leads due to strong industrialization, finance, and service sectors.
- Followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh in economic output.
- This may be asked in combination with questions about the biggest or most populous states.
