Explanations:Chandigarh is a unique city in India, serving 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 Punjab and Haryana as separate states. When Punjab was divided, the new state of Haryana was formed, and the issue of a capital arose. To avoid disputes over the location of the capital, it was decided to create a new city that would serve as the capital for both states. This city is Chandigarh, which was designed by the French architect Le Corbusier and is known for its modernist architecture and urban planning.
Chandigarh is a union territory, which means it is directly governed by the central government of India. It is not part of the territory of either Punjab or Haryana, but it serves as the administrative capital for both states. This unique arrangement is a result of the political and administrative decisions made after the partition of India and the subsequent reorganization of states.
It is important to understand that Chandigarh is not a part of Punjab or Haryana but is a separate entity that serves as the capital for both states. This arrangement is not common in India, and it is a distinctive feature of the administrative setup of these two states. Other states in India have their own capitals within their territories, but Punjab and Haryana share Chandigarh as their capital, which is a union territory.
Understanding the concept of shared capitals and union territories is crucial for students studying Indian geography and politics. It highlights the complexities of administrative divisions and the historical context that led to such unique arrangements. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and state PSC, where questions on Indian geography and administrative divisions are common.