Explanation: Chandigarh is a unique city in India, serving as the capital of two states: Punjab and Haryana. This arrangement is a result of the reorganization of states in India after independence. In 1966, Punjab was divided into two states: Punjab and Haryana. At the time, the city of Chandigarh was under construction as the capital of Punjab. To avoid disputes over the city, it was decided that Chandigarh would be a union territory and would serve as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana.
Chandigarh is not part of either state but is governed directly by the central government of India. This makes it a union territory, which is a type of administrative division in India that is directly administered by the central government. The unique status of Chandigarh as a joint capital is a result of the political and administrative decisions made during the reorganization of states in India.
The arrangement of Chandigarh as a joint capital is an important aspect of Indian geography and politics. It is a testament to the complex nature of state boundaries and administrative divisions in India. Understanding this concept is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations that test knowledge of Indian geography and politics.
In summary, Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, a unique arrangement that reflects the historical and political context of India's state reorganization. This makes option C, Haryana, the correct answer. The other options, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, are incorrect as they are not involved in this specific administrative arrangement.