Part of: Chandigarh Gk set 3
Category: Chandigarh Gk
Hint: Consider the unique arrangement of the capital city for these two states.
Correct Answer: A) Chandigarh
Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC
Difficulty: Easy
Chandigarh is a unique city in India as it serves as the capital of two states: Punjab and Haryana. This arrangement is a result of the partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of these two states. The city of Chandigarh was designed by the French architect Le Corbusier and is known for its modernist architecture and urban planning. It is a union territory, which means it is directly governed by the central government of India and is not part of either state. However, it functions as the administrative capital for both Punjab and Haryana.
The concept of a shared capital is not common in India, and Chandigarh is one of the few examples where a city serves as the capital for more than one state. This arrangement was made to avoid disputes over the capital city between the newly formed states of Punjab and Haryana. The city was built to be a neutral ground, and it has been successful in serving both states effectively.
Understanding the unique status of Chandigarh is important for students preparing for competitive exams, as questions related to state capitals and union territories often appear in such exams. It is essential to know that Chandigarh is not part of Punjab or Haryana but serves as the capital for both states. This knowledge helps in distinguishing it from other state capitals and understanding the administrative structure of India.
Mnemonic: C-P-H: Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and Haryana.