India, known for its cultural, linguistic, and geographical diversity, also reflects this diversity in its administrative structures. While most Indian states function with a single capital, a few have adopted a multi-capital system to achieve better regional representation, administrative efficiency, and political balance. Notably, three Indian states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra, operate with two capitals each, while Andhra Pradesh stands out with an ambitious three-capital model.
Himachal Pradesh: The Summer-Winter Duo
Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayas, designates Shimla as its summer capital and Dharamshala as the winter capital. Shimla, a historical city from the British era, continues to serve as the state’s administrative hub during the warmer months. Dharamshala, on the other hand, functions as the winter capital, reflecting a move to bring governance closer to the people of the Kangra region. This seasonal capital shift helps maintain administrative accessibility throughout the year across the hilly terrain.
Uttarakhand: Bridging Geography with Dual Capitals
Uttarakhand, carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, named Dehradun as its temporary capital. However, to ensure equitable development and address regional aspirations, Gairsain, a small town nestled in the Garhwal hills, was declared the summer capital in 2020. Gairsain holds symbolic and strategic importance, positioned roughly in the center of the state. It represents a bridge between the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. This dual-capital approach reflects the state’s commitment to balanced growth and inclusive governance.
Maharashtra: A Political and Economic Balance
Maharashtra, one of India’s most economically significant states, operates with Mumbai as its primary capital and Nagpur as the second (winter) capital. While Mumbai hosts the legislature and administrative headquarters, Nagpur becomes the seat of governance during the winter session of the state assembly. This arrangement was introduced to address regional imbalances and ensure that the interests of the Vidarbha region are represented at the state level.
Andhra Pradesh: A Three-Capital Vision
Andhra Pradesh presents the most distinctive model with three separate capitals, each designated for a specific function: Visakhapatnam as the executive capital, Amaravati as the legislative capital, and Kurnool as the judicial capital. This tri-capital system was proposed to decentralize governance and promote regional development across the state. Visakhapatnam, a major port city on the eastern coast, houses the state’s executive offices. Amaravati, situated between Vijayawada and Guntur, was envisioned as the legislative hub, while Kurnool, a historically significant town in the Rayalaseema region, serves as the judicial capital. Although the implementation of this model has faced political and legal challenges, it remains a bold attempt at administrative decentralization.
The adoption of multiple capitals in these Indian states underscores the evolving nature of federal governance in India. Whether to honor historical context, promote regional equity, or achieve administrative efficiency, these arrangements demonstrate how states tailor their governance frameworks to suit their unique needs and aspirations. As India continues to develop, such models may pave the way for more innovative approaches to inclusive and balanced statecraft.