Part of: Andhra Pradesh Gk set 11

Which is India's first state to have three capitals in three different cities for three different purposes?

Category: Andhra Pradesh Gk

Hint: Consider the recent history of state reorganization and administrative changes.

Correct Answer: C) 3 Andhra Pradesh.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Andhra Pradesh is a unique case in the Indian state system due to its recent history and administrative restructuring. The state was formed in 2014 after the bifurcation of the former state of Andhra Pradesh, which included the Telangana region. The bifurcation led to the creation of two new states: Telangana and the new Andhra Pradesh. This process involved significant administrative and political challenges, including the issue of the capital city.

Initially, Hyderabad was the proposed capital for the new Andhra Pradesh state, but this was met with resistance from the people of Andhra Pradesh, who wanted a new capital to be built. As a result, the state government decided to establish a new capital city, Amaravati, which was to be the legislative capital. However, the construction of Amaravati was delayed, and Hyderabad continued to serve as the de facto capital and the seat of the High Court for Andhra Pradesh.

Additionally, Visakhapatnam, a major city in the state, was designated as the administrative capital. This arrangement meant that Andhra Pradesh had three different cities serving as capitals for different purposes: Amaravati as the legislative capital, Hyderabad as the de facto capital and seat of the High Court, and Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital. This unique situation makes Andhra Pradesh the first state in India to have three capitals for different purposes.

Understanding the administrative structure of Andhra Pradesh is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations, as it reflects the complexities of state reorganization and the challenges faced in establishing new administrative centers. The arrangement of having three different capitals highlights the political and administrative intricacies involved in the process of state formation and governance.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Chhattisgarh is not the first state to have three capitals for different purposes. It has a single capital, Raipur.
  • Option B: West Bengal has a single capital, Kolkata, and does not have three different cities serving as capitals for different purposes.
  • Option C: Andhra Pradesh is the correct answer. It has three different cities serving as capitals: Amaravati as the legislative capital, Hyderabad as the de facto capital and seat of the High Court, and Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital.
  • Option D: Uttarakhand has a single capital, Dehradun, and does not have three different cities serving as capitals for different purposes.

Mnemonic: AP3C: Andhra Pradesh, three capitals

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