Largest State in India – By Area, Population & Complete Comparison
Largest state in India – India is a vast and diverse country made up of 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state differs greatly in terms of land area, population, culture, geography, and economy. One of the most commonly asked questions in Indian geography is which is the largest state in India.
However, the answer depends on how we define “largest”. Is it by land area or by population? In this detailed guide, we will clearly explain the largest state in India by area, the largest state in India by population, and compare them in a simple and accurate way.
Which Is the Largest State in India?
The term largest state in India can have two correct answers depending on the criteria:
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area
Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in India by population
Let’s understand both in detail.
Largest State in India by Area – Rajasthan
Rajasthan: India’s Largest State by Land Area
Rajasthan holds the title of the largest state in India by area. It covers a massive geographical region in the northwestern part of the country.
Key Facts About Rajasthan
Total Area: ~342,239 square kilometers
Percentage of India’s Total Area: ~10.4%
Capital: Jaipur
Region: Northwestern India
Rajasthan is larger than many countries in the world in terms of land area. It shares borders with Pakistan and Indian states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
Why Is Rajasthan So Large?
Rajasthan includes:
The Thar Desert, one of the largest deserts in Asia
Vast plains, plateaus, and hilly regions
Low population density in desert areas
Due to its expansive desert landscape, Rajasthan occupies a significant portion of India’s landmass.
Largest State in India by Population – Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh: India’s Most Populated State
When it comes to population, Uttar Pradesh is the clear winner. It is the largest state in India by population and also one of the most populated regions in the world.
Key Facts About Uttar Pradesh
Population: Over 200 million people
Capital: Lucknow
Region: Northern India
If Uttar Pradesh were a separate country, it would rank among the top 5 most populous countries in the world.
Why Is Uttar Pradesh So Populated?
Several factors contribute to its massive population:
Fertile Indo-Gangetic plains
Strong agricultural base
Major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Ghaghara
Large number of cities, towns, and villages
Uttar Pradesh has a much higher population density compared to Rajasthan.
Largest State in India: Area vs Population Comparison
| Category | State Name | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Area | Rajasthan | Biggest land coverage |
| Largest by Population | Uttar Pradesh | Highest number of people |
This table clearly explains why there are two answers to the question which is the largest state in India.
Why Area and Population Both Matter
Understanding the largest state in India by area and population is important for:
Geography exams
Competitive exams (UPSC, SSC, State PSCs)
General knowledge
Academic studies
A state can be geographically large but sparsely populated (like Rajasthan), or smaller in area but densely populated (like Uttar Pradesh).
Other Large States in India (By Area)
After Rajasthan, the next largest states by area are:
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Gujarat
However, none of them surpass Rajasthan in total land area.
Other Highly Populated States in India
After Uttar Pradesh, the most populated states include:
Bihar
West Bengal
Madhya Pradesh
Still, Uttar Pradesh remains unmatched in population size.
Common Confusion: Largest State vs Largest Union Territory
Many people confuse states with union territories.
For clarity:
Largest State by Area: Rajasthan
Largest Union Territory by Area: Ladakh
Ladakh is not a state; it is a union territory.
Importance of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh in India
Rajasthan’s Importance
Rich cultural heritage
Major tourist destinations
Strategic border state
Uttar Pradesh’s Importance
Political influence
Cultural and religious centers
Economic and agricultural hub
Both states play crucial roles in India’s development despite being “largest” in different ways.
Top 10 Largest States in India by Area (Ranked)
| Rank | State Name | Area (sq km) | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rajasthan | 342,239 | Jaipur |
| 2. | Madhya Pradesh | 308,252 | Bhopal |
| 3. | Maharashtra | 307,713 | Mumbai |
| 4. | Uttar Pradesh | 240,928 | Lucknow |
| 5. | Gujarat | 196,024 | Gandhinagar |
| 6. | Karnataka | 191,791 | Bengaluru |
| 7. | Andhra Pradesh | 162,968 | Amaravati |
| 8. | Odisha | 155,707 | Bhubaneswar |
| 9. | Chhattisgarh | 135,192 | Raipur |
| 10. | Tamil Nadu | 130,058 | Chennai |
Top 10 Largest States in India by Population (Ranked)
| Rank | State Name | Population (Approx.) | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Uttar Pradesh | 200+ million | Lucknow |
| 2. | Maharashtra | 125+ million | Mumbai |
| 3. | Bihar | 124+ million | Patna |
| 4. | West Bengal | 100+ million | Kolkata |
| 5. | Madhya Pradesh | 85+ million | Bhopal |
| 6. | Tamil Nadu | 78+ million | Chennai |
| 7. | Rajasthan | 81+ million | Jaipur |
| 8. | Karnataka | 67+ million | Bengaluru |
| 9. | Gujarat | 70+ million | Gandhinagar |
| 10. | Andhra Pradesh | 53+ million | Amaravati |
Final Answer: Which Is the Largest State in India?
To summarize clearly:
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area
Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in India by population
So, the correct answer depends on whether you are referring to land size or population.
Final Thoughts
The question largest state in India does not have a single answer unless the criteria is specified. Rajasthan dominates in geographical size, while Uttar Pradesh leads in population. Understanding this distinction is essential for students, travelers, and anyone interested in Indian geography.
Both states reflect India’s diversity—one through vast landscapes and the other through vibrant human life.
Things to Buy From Kathmandu Trip – 10 Authentic Souvenirs You Must Take Home
Wayanad Height From Sea Level: Elevation, Peaks, Climate & Travel Guide