10 Indian States That Spend The Most On Cigarette Smoking

The 10 Indian States That Spend The Most On Smoking

Source of data: For a list of all Indian state, visit the following link:
https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2015/12/23/which-indian-states-drink-and-smoke-the-most/

India is home to 12% of the world's smokers. Smoking in India claims the lives of millions of people every year. Although several bans and restrictions are in place to discourage Indians to smoke, all have had little effect on this deadly habit of the country' men and women. What is worse is that smoking is also becoming more common among Indian women. As women in the country are getting empowered and moving closer towards gender equality, they are also adopting habits traditionally associated with men like smoking and drinking alcohol. While female empowerment is certainly good for the country, it should not be related to the false sense of empowerment gained through female smoking and drinking. Both men and women in India must move towards making themselves free of such bad habits that can even turn lethal.

Smoking trends in India also vary widely across the various states of the country. Below is a list of the Indian states where people spend the most on buying cigarettes.

Northeast Indian States Smoke The Most

From the table above, it becomes clear that people from the Northeast Indian states smoke the most. Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Manipur, all from the northeast, occupy the top three slots with the highest amount spend per head on cigarette smoking in a month. An average person in Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Manipur spend 103.62, 62.11, and 40.01 Indian rupees per month for smoking cigarettes respectively. Nagaland comes in fifth place with Kerala from South India taking fourth place in the ranking. Tripura ranks eighth while Assam and Arunachal Pradesh digress from the trend ranking much later in the list. 

The high prevalence of smoking in the Northeast is attributed to the smoking culture of the region whereby most children pick up the habit from their parents and siblings at home. Both men and women in the region smoke and hence, the young boys and girls are heavily influenced by what they witness at home. More women smoke in the northeast than anywhere else in the country. Peer pressure also coaxes the youth into smoking. The governments of these states are making several attempts to discourage the habit of cigarette smoking among its population. It is believed that the older generations need to set an example for the younger ones by quitting the habit. Only then the youth might follow.

Kerala From South India: The Odd One Out

Although Kerala was the first Indian state to ban smoking in public places on July 12, 1999, it ranks as the fourth state where an individual spends the most money on smoking cigarettes. 

The 10 Deadliest States For Road Accidents In India

Every year, thousands lose their lives in brutal road accidents across India. Most often such accidents are caused due to drinking and driving, ignorance of traffic rules, especially overspeeding.  The road accident rate in the country, however, varies considerably from one state to another. As data shows, some state have better managed road safety issues than others. 10 of the most dangerous states in India for road accidents have been mentioned below. Since the population of these states vary widely, the absolute number of deaths cannot be used in ranking the states. Number of per capita deaths is, however, a more clear indication of how dangerous roads in these states are. 

10 Indian States With The Most Road Accident Deaths In 2018

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-2018-india-had-fewer-road-accidents-but-more-fatal-ones/articleshow/68383679.cms

1. Haryana, Highest Per Capita Road-Accident Deaths

With 26.2 deaths per lakh of the population, Haryana records the highest number of road accident deaths per capita in India. At least 14 people get killed and 30 sustain injuries per day in the state as per data from traffic police. In 2019, however, some improvement was noted in the number of road-accident related fatality in the state. It decreased from 3,964 between January and April 2018 to 3,672 during the same period in 2019. 

According to reports by traffic police, a large number of road accident deaths in Haryana take place on the treacherous stretch of National Highway (NH) 44 linking Panipat with Ambala. Nearly 100 people die here every year. Other dangerous highway stretches passing through the state include those of NH-10, NH-48, NH-709, and NH-344. Nearly 50% of the deaths occur on state highways and 35% on national highways. The Gurugram district of the state ranks first in the number of road fatalities. Sonepat, Karnal, and Yamunanagar follow. Some of the common reasons for the accidents include overspeeding, traffic rule violation, driving under alcohol-influence, overpacking vehicles, and driving in wrong lanes. 40% of the accidents are attributed to trucks, tractors, and goods carriers. 

2. Uttar Pradesh - The Highest Increase In Road-Accident Deaths

In 2018, Uttar Pradesh (UP) recorded the highest absolute number of road-accident deaths of 22,256. However, this figure itself does not make UP the most dangerous Indian state in terms of road accidents. The road-accident deaths per capita in UP is much lower than that of Haryana as UP is the most populous state in the country. In 2018, UP recorded 11.1 road-accident deaths per lakh individuals, ranking it as the 17th most dangerous state for road deaths in India. 

What is of greater concern regarding the state of road safety in UP is that the number of deaths has greatly soared in the state, and this increase is the highest of all states in the country. Between 2017 and 2018, the number of road accident fatalities in UP increased by over 2000 raising concerns about the state of traffic regulations in the state. 

The data below shows 10 Indian states with the highest increase in road accidents between 2017 and 2018:

The 10 Fastest-growing Cities In India By GDP

According to a study conducted by Oxford Economics, between 2019 and 2035, all of the world’s 10 fastest-growing cities by GDP will be in India. 

The Fastest-growing Indian Cities

1. Surat

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With an average annual growth of 9.17%, Surat is the fastest-growing Indian city. It is located in the Indian state of Gujarat. It serves as the capital of the Surat district. It is home to 4,467,797 people. Surat’s city center is located on the Tapti River close to the river’s mouth in the Arabian Sea. Surat is the first smart IT city in the country. In 2017, it was labeled the cleanest city in the country by the Indian Ministry of Urban Development. Surat is famous for its diamond cutting and polishing industry. It is thus nicknamed the “Diamond City of India.” Surat is also called “The Silk City of India” as it is India’s textile hub. 

2. Agra

Agra is India’s second-fasted growing city. It currently has a population of 1,585,704 individuals. The GDP growth rate of Agra is predicted to be 8.58% between 2019 and 2035. Agra is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. It is most famous for the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders. Many other beautiful Mughal-era buildings like the Agra Fort and Fatehpūr Sikrī are located in and around the city. It is part of India’s Golden Triangle tourist circuit. Agra has several industries like biotechnology, leather industry, and a vibrant handicrafts industry. The embroidery work, stone carving, and marble inlay work of the city are particularly famous. Sweets and snacks of Agra are also famous. 

3. Bengaluru

Photo by Satvik Shahapur from Pexels

Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is home to more than 10 million people. It is the country’s third-fastest growing city with a GDP growth rate of 8.5%. Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore, is a multi-ethnic cosmopolitan city that is often called the "Silicon Valley of India" or “IT capital of India.” It is the country’s leading exporter of information technology. Bengaluru also has one of the world’s most educated workforces. Many top educational and research institutions of India like the IIT, IISc, IIM, IITB, NIMHANS, and others are present in this city and attract the best young minds from across the country. The Kannada film industry is also based in Bengaluru. Bangalore also has a strong start-up scene.

4. Hyderabad

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Hyderabad will have the fourth-fastest growing city in the world. It is the capital of Telangana. Located along the banks of the Musi River, Hyderabad is home to a population of around 9.7 million people. According to Oxford Economics, Hyderabad will experience a GDP growth rate of 8.47% between 2019 and 2035. Hyderabad is the largest contributor to Telangana’s GDP. The service sector is dominant in the city. In the past, Hyderabad was a major pearl and diamond trading center. Following industrialization, several Indian enterprises like BHEL, ECIL, NFC, and others opened their offices and factories in the city. Several top educational and research institutions like DRDO and CCMB were also established. In recent years, the rapid growth of Hyderabad’s IT sector has allowed the IT-enabled services, financial and insurance institutions to grow. Other sectors like real estate, retail, storage, communication, etc., also experienced rapid expansion in the city. Hyderabad also has a large informal economy that employs over 30% of the workforce.

5. Nagpur

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India’s fifth most rapidly growing city by GDP is Nagpur. It is located in Maharashtra where it serves as the state’s winter capital. Nagpur is home to 2,405,665 individuals. A survey has ranked Nagpur as India’s best city in terms of liveability, public transport infrastructure, greenery, and health care. Nagpur is also one of the safest Indian cities. All these factors make Nagpur an ideal destination for investments. Nagpur is also known as the “Orange City” as it is a major orange trade center. It is also located near several tiger reserves and is called the “Tiger Capital of India.” 

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/india-claims-top-ten-in-list-of-worlds-fastest-growing-cities/articleshow/66963987.cms?from=mdr

Who Are The Richest Women In India?

In the patrilineal society of India, it has always been a harsh ride for female entrepreneurs. Those who have dared are few and those who have succeeded are even fewer. The disparity in wealth distribution based on gender is clearly visible when we view the list of India’s richest as presented by the Forbes Magazine. Only three women feature on the list including two women who have inherited the wealth from their male relatives and only one woman who has successfully built her own business from scratch. Here are the three power-women of India.

1. Savitri Jindal

Savitri Jindal is India’s wealthiest lady as per Forbes. Aged 69, she has a wealth of $8.35 billion.

She is the Chairperson Emeritus of the renowned Jindal Steel & Power Limited. She is India’s 16th richest person and the world’s 453rd richest person. Savitri Jindal inherited the company following the tragic death of her husband O.P. Jindal in a helicopter crash in 2005.

Savitri Jindal was born in Tinsukia, Assam on March 20, 1950. In the 1970s, she got married to O.P. Jindal who is the founder of the Jindal Group, a steel and power conglomerate. She has nine children.

Later in life, Savitri Jindal entered politics and won the elections twice from Hisar in 2005 and 2009. On October 29, 2013, she was appointed as the Haryana Government’s cabinet minister. However, she lost the seat in the 2014 elections.

2. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

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India’s second richest woman is completely self-made. She has wealth of $3.6 billion.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is an entrepreneur who is the chairperson and managing director of the Bangalore-based biotechnology company Biocon Limited. She also chairs IIM Bangalore. The Financial Times has included her in the list of “top 50 women in business”. She is also listed among the most powerful women in the world.

Kiran Mazumdar was born in Bangalore to Indian parents on March 23, 1953. She did her graduation in biological sciences from Bangalore University and then did a masters in brewery sciences from Australia. For a while, she worked as a brewer in Australia and then returned to India where she worked in the brewing industry as a master brewer. However, she faced a lot of discrimination in an industry that was considered in India to be a “man’s world.” She was again looking for opportunities abroad when she met  Leslie Auchincloss founder of the Ireland-based Biocon Biochemicals Limited. Leslie offered her the opportunity of opening an Indian subsidiary to produce enzymes used in textile, food-packing, and brewing industries.

After receiving her training in Ireland, Kiran Mazumdar returned to India to start Biocon India in 1978 in her rented home’s garage. As per Indian laws that restrict foreign ownership of India-based companies, she owned 70% of the company in India.

In her initial years, she faced numerous technical, infrastructural, and financial issues. However, with her skills and wit, she quickly overcame the limitations and within a year, her company was exporting manufactured enzymes to Europe and the US. Soon, her business expanded and Biocon India grew into a full-blown bio-pharmaceutical company. Biocon also has a well-established R&D sector.

In 1998, Kiran Mazumder married Scotsman John Shaw and she became known as Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.


3. Leena Tiwari

India’s third richest woman, Leena Tiwari, is described as media-shy. She owns a fortune of $2.52 billion which she inherited from her father Arvind Gandhi.

Leena Tiwari is the chairperson of USV India, a pharma company set up by her late grandfather, V.B. Gandhi in 1960 as a joint venture with the US-based drug maker US Vitamins & Pharmaceuticals Inc. He then passed on the reigns of the company to his son which was later inherited by Leena Tiwari. The company specializes in the production of cardiovascular and diabetic drugs. She runs the company with her husband who is a mechanical engineer and IITian.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/india-billionaires/list/#tab:women

What Is The Capital Of Arunachal Pradesh?

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Where Is Arunachal Pradesh?

Arunachal Pradesh is India’s northeastern-most state. It shares its borders with the Indian states of Nagaland and Assam and the countries of Myanmar, China, and Bhutan. The McMahon line is the international boundary passing through the state defining the boundary between India and China. There are some tensions at this boundary with China claiming a part of the state’s territory as its own. Arunachal Pradesh covers an area of 83,743 square km with the highest elevation being at 7000 m above sea level. Arunachal Pradesh is known for its natural beauty and unique tribes.

What Is The Capital Of Arunachal Pradesh?

Itanagar is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. The three branches of the state government, the executive branch, the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, and the Gauhati High Court, are located here. As of 2011, the city was home to 59,490 individuals. 

Where Is Itanagar Located?

Itanagar is located in the southern part of Arunachal Pradesh close to its domestic border with Assam. The city has an average altitude of 750 m. It experiences a humid subtropical climate.

When Did Itanagar Become The Capital Of Arunachal Pradesh?

Itanagar became the capital of Arunachal Pradesh in 1978. Prior to that, Naharlogun was the capital of the state for four years. 

The Economy Of Itanagar

The economy of the city is largely dependent on agriculture. Most of the residents of Itanagar are engaged in farming activities. The other sectors contributing significantly to Itanagar’s economy are handloom, weaving, handicraft, and tourism.  Horticulture is also practiced and leads to the production of cardamom, mushroom, ginger, tropical fruits, medicinal plants, etc.

What Is The Capital Of Uttarakhand?

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Where Is Uttarakhand?

Uttarakhand is a northern Indian state that is bordered by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and the countries of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This state is often referred to as the “land of the gods or Devabhumi” due to its spectacular Himalayan landscapes dotted with numerous Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers. Uttarakhand has two divisions and 13 districts. 86% of the 53,483 square km of the state is mountainous. As of 2011, the state’s population was 10,086,292 individuals.

What Is The Capital Of Uttarakhand?

Dehradun is the interim capital of Uttarakhand. It is also the largest city in the state and is home to a population of around 578,420 people, as of 2011. 

Where Is Dehradun Located?

Dehradun is located in the Garhwal region in the Doon Valley and has an average elevation of 450 m above sea level. Dehradun is located 236 km north of New Delhi, the capital of India. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate.

When Did Dehradun Become The Capital Of Uttarakhand?

Dehradun is linked to centuries of rich Indian history and was one of the most important and prosperous cities of ancient India. It is linked to both Ramayana and Mahabharata events. There are many historical and religious sites in the city that are related to major kingdoms and dynasties of ancient India. Dehradun had several names before it received its final one. It was known as Sudhanagara in the 7th century and later as Kalsi and Gurudwara. The name Gurudwara came from its association with Sikhism. When the Seventh Sikh Guru, Hari Rai, set up his camp “Dera” in the "dun" (valley) in 1676, Dehradun received its name from 'Dera Dun’. During the British period, Dehradun played an important role as a summer retreat for the British officers ruling in India and also as an administrative center for the region surrounding it. Post independence, Dehradun became part of Uttar Pradesh state of India. In 2000, Uttarakhand was carved out as a state from Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun made its interim capital.

Economy Of Uttarakhand’s Capital City

Dehradun has been experiencing strong economic growth since the last two decades. It has a per capita income of around $2400 which is higher than the national average of $800. The establishment of software technology parks and special economic zones have helped the city develop fast. However, agriculture continues to be the profession of a majority in the city. Many residents own farmlands around the city. Some manufacturing units are also present in Dehradun. It is also a popular tourist destination in India with a plethora of natural, historical, and cultural attractions.

What Is The Capital Of Mizoram?

What Is The Capital Of Mizoram?

Where Is Mizoram?

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Mizoram is a northeastern Indian state whose name literally means “the land of the Mizos”. Mizoram is the southernmost of the Seven Sister States of northeast India. It shares its borders with the Indian states of Manipur, Assam, and Tripura. It also shares 722 km long international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

What Is The Capital Of Mizoram?

Aizawl serves as the capital city of Mizoram. The city hosts a population of 293,416 individuals and has a population density of 234 persons per square km. It is the largest city in Mizoram. 

Where Is Aizawl Located?

Aizawl occupies a total area of 457 square km at an elevation of 1,132 m. It is located in the northern part of Mizoram with the Tuirial river valley and the Tlawng river valley to its east and west respectively.

When Did Aizawl Become The Capital Of Mizoram?

Like many other states in the northeast, Mizoram was a part of Assam until 1972. The settlement of Aizawl, however, existed much before that. The area that is today Mizoram was the homeland of the Mizo tribe. In 1871 to 1872, the British established an outpost in the area which later came to be known as the Aizawl village. The British were afraid of rebellion by the Mizo tribesmen of the region and hence, established the outpost to monitor the situation. In 1890, a military expedition was executed by the British against the Mizo tribals. Aizawl was used as a base to launch the operation. A fortified post was constructed in Aizawl for this purpose. A few years later, a fair weather road was built between Silchar and Aizawl to allow British troops better access to the area. Aizawl remained as a large village under the British. It was only after 1966 that several Mizo villages including Aizawl were regrouped to create a large town which then grew into the city of Aizawl.

Following the independence of India, Mizoram continued to be a part of Assam until 1972. After the British left, the Government of India claimed the present-day territory of Mizoram as part of the country. However, in 1966 there was a Mizo National Front uprising as an exhibition of revolt against the Government of India. The Mizos wanted to establish a separate state for themselves. The government of India was forced to launch an attack on the Mizo forces to stop the uprising. The MNF was suppressed and the territory was recaptured from them.  Aizawl was a center of all this trouble and air strikes affected the town during this time. 

In 1972, the Union Territory of Mizoram was carved out of Assam. In 1987, Mizoram was upgraded to the status of a state by the Fifty-Third Amendment of Indian Constitution.

Aizawl was designated as the capital of Mizoram.


Aizawl’s Role As Mizoram’s Capital City

Today, Aizawl houses the civil secretariat, assembly house, and other important government offices of Mizoram. Nearly 25% of the state’s population resides in this city. It has many schools, colleges, and universities. The city is undergoing a steady phase of development.

The 10 Most Populated Cities In Himachal Pradesh

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The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is synonymous with spectacular natural beauty. Situated in the Western Himalayas, this state is bordered by Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir to the west, southeast, southwest, and north respectively. It has an international border with Tibet to the east and a small border with the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to the south. Mountainous landscape predominates in Himachal Pradesh. Population in this state is thus significantly lower than in many other parts of India. The state occupies an area of 55,673 square km and houses a population of 6,864,602 individuals. Here is a list of the most populous cities of Himachal Pradesh:


1. Shimla

Shimla or Simla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and also its most populous city. It occupies an area of 35.34 square km and houses a population of 169,578 individuals. The population density of the city is 4,800 persons per square km. It is located at an elevation of 7,467 feet. Shimla is a beautiful city that was chosen to serve as the summer capital by the British during British Raj. Following the independence of India, Shimla became Punjab’s capital city and later the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is the major hub of commerce, education, healthcare, and culture of the state. Tourism is the main driver of Shimla’s economy. Tourists from across the country and abroad visit this city to enjoy its spectacular scenery. 

2. Solan

Solan is Himachal Pradesh’s second largest city. It serves as the headquarters of the Solan district. Solan is located at a distance of 46 km from Shimla on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway-22, and is at an average elevation of 5,200 feet. Solan houses a population of only 39,256 people. Solan that derives its name from a local goddess called Shoolini Devi, is nicknamed the "Mushroom city of India” due to the vast mushroom farming area located around the city. It is also known as the "City of Red Gold” as tomatoes are mass-produced in the area. 

3. Dharamshala

A popular tourist town in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is the third most populous city in the state. It is the headquarters of the Kangra district. Dharamshala houses the residence of the much-revered Dalai Lama. The Central Tibetan Administration is also headquartered here after their expulsion from Tibet. Quite recently in January 2017, Dharamshala was declared the second capital of Himachal Pradesh sharing the title with Shimla. The city encompasses an area of 27.6 square km and hosts a population of 30,764 people.

4. Baddi 

With a population of 29,911 people, Baddi is the state’s fourth biggest city. It is an industrial town located in the Shivalik Hills region in the Solan District in the southwestern part of the state. The town is home to many pharmaceutical companies that have their R&D and manufacturing plants in this town. It is often regarded as the biggest pharmaceuticals hub in Asia. Leading pharma brands like Cipla, Ranbaxy Laboratories, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and others have their offices and factories in the area. The town contributes about 50% of the total revenues of Himachal Pradesh generated from its industrial sector.

5. Nahan

Nahan is a small town located in the Sirmaur District of Himachal Pradesh. It houses a population of 28,899 individuals making it the state’s fifth most populous city. An Indian Army Special Forces Training School is located here. Nahan is a very beautiful town with many cultural and natural attractions in and around it. As such, it is a fast-growing tourist center in the state.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himachal_Pradesh

What Is The Capital Of Manipur?

What Is The Capital Of Manipur?

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Where Is Manipur?

Manipur is a northeast India state that is bounded by the states of Mizoram, Assam, and Nagaland to the south, west, and north respectively. The state also has an international boundary with Myanmar to the east. Manipur encompasses an area of 22,327 square kilometers. It is home to around 3 million people.

What Is The Capital Of Manipur?

Imphal is the capital of Manipur. It is also the largest city in the state and its only metropolitan area. Imphal is home to a population of around 868,243 people. 

When Did Imphal Become The Capital Of Manipur

Imphal was always the capital of Manipur since ancient times. Imphal is based on the Imphal Valley in a relatively flat area in the otherwise mountainous Manipur state. Thus, it is the ideal place for human settlements in the state and has large tracts of arable land. In the past, Imphal was the capital of the Kingdom of Manipur. The Manipuri kings ruled from the Kangla Fort located in Imphal. Today, the Kangla Fort is a major historic destination in the city. During the British occupation of Manipur, Kangla was the seat of the British officials. Later, Imphal also became the capital of the independent state of Manipur. 

Imphal’s Role As Manipur’s Capital City

As the seat of the Government of Manipur, Imphal houses the important buildings and institutions associated with the state government. 

Imphal is also Manipur’s hub of commerce, education, and tourism.

Many historical and cultural tourist attractions like the Kangla Fort, Shri Govindajee Temple, the Manipur State Museum, Ima Keithel, the world’s oldest polo ground, etc., are located here.

What Is The Capital Of Assam?

What Is The Capital Of Assam?

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Where Is Assam?

Assam is an Indian state located in the northeastern part of the country. Assam encompasses an area of 78,438 square km. It has a population of 31,205,576 people. 

What Is The Capital Of Assam?

Dispur is the capital of Assam. It is a locality of Guwahati and is located in Western Assam’s Kamrup Metropolitan District. As per the 2011 Census, Dispur has a population of 957,352 people.

When Did Dispur Become The Capital Of Assam

Dispur became Assam’s capital in 1973. Earlier, Shillong was the capital of Assam. After the state of Meghalaya was carved out of Assam, Shillong became a part of the newly formed state and was designated as its capital. Thus, Assam had to have a new capital city and Dispur was selected to serve the purpose. 

Dispur’s Role As Assam’s Capital City

As the seat of the Government of Assam, Dispur houses the Assam Secretariat building, the Assam Assembly House, MLA Hostels, and other buildings and institutions associated with the state government. 

The 10 Most Populated Cities In Odisha

The east Indian state of Odisha, formerly Orissa, is the 11 largest Indian state by population and the 9th largest by area. Odisha occupies an area of 155,707 square km and hosts a population of 45,989,232 people. Here is a list of the most populated cities in Orissa. 

The Five Largest Cities In Orissa

1. Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is Odisha’s most populous city. It is also the state’s capital city and is located in the Khordha District. It occupies an area of 422 square kilometers and is home to a population of 881,988 individuals. The population density in the city is 2,131.37 persons per square km. It is a fast-growing city. Bhubaneswar
has made great advancements in the fields of education, tourism, information technology, and administration. In 2014, the World Bank ranked the city as India’s best place to conduct business. 

2. Cuttack

With a 2011 Census population of 658,986 people, Cuttack ranks as the second biggest city in Orissa. It occupies an area of 192.5 square km and has a population density of 3,100 persons per square km. It was also the former capital of the state. It is located in the Cuttack District of the state. Cuttack has a long history stretching over 1000 years. Hence, it is also called the Millennium City. The Odisha High Court is located here. Hence, it is called Orissa’s judicial capital. Cuttack is also the state’s commercial capital. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the great Indian freedom fighter, was born in this city.

3. Rourkela

The northern Odisha city of Rourkela is the state’s third largest city. It is a planned city with an area of 90 square km and a population of 552,970 individuals. The city is surrounded by hills and rivers. It is called the  Steel City of Odisha as one of the country’s biggest steel plants, the Rourkela Steel Plant, is located here. The National Institutes of Technology of Rourkela is a prestigious educational and research institute. 

4. Berhampur

Berhampur or Brahmapur is Odisha’s fourth most populated city. It is home to 355,823 individuals. It is located in the Ganjam District on Odisha’s eastern coastline. The city has an area of 100.5 square km and a population density of 6,500 persons per square km. The city has many educational institutions.

5. Sambalpur

With a population of 270,331 people, Sambalpur located on the bank of the Mahanadi River in the Sambalpur District is the fifth largest city in Odisha. 

A List Of The Female Chief Ministers Of India

So far, sixteen women have served in the office of the chief minister of an Indian state. A total of thirteen Indian states have had female chief ministers of which three states have been headed by more than one female chief minister. Five of these women heads of Indian states belong to the INC. Four belong to BJP and two to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

The Indian States With More Than One Female Chief Minister

Delhi: 

Sheila Dikshit (3 December 1998 – 28 December 2013)

Sushma Swaraj (12 October 1998 – 3 December 1998)

Tamil Nadu:

Jayalalithaa (24 June 1991 – 12 May 1996, 14 May 2001 – 21 September 2001, 2 March 2002 – 12 May 2006, 16 May 2011 – 27 September 2014, 23 May 2015 – 5 December 2016)

Janaki Ramachandran (7 January 1988 – 30 January 1988)

Uttar Pradesh:

Sucheta Kriplani (2 October 1963 – 13 March 1967)

Mayawati (13 June 1995 – 18 October 1995, 21 March 1997 – 21 September 1997, 3 May 2002 – 29 August 2003, 13 May 2007 – 15 March 2012)

Who Was The First Female Chief Minister Of India?

Sucheta Kriplani was India’s first female Chief Minister. She served as the executive head of the Government of Uttar Pradesh from 1963 to 1967. Kriplani was born in Ambala, Punjab on June 25, 1908. She was born to a Bengali Brahmo family. After completing her studies, she became the Professor of Constitutional History at BHU, Varanasi. She married a prominent figure of the Indian National Congress in 1936. Soon, she took an active interest in the Indian Independence Movement and worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi. She was elected to the Constituent Assembly and founded the All India Mahila Congress in 1940. After the independence of India. Kriplani remained involved with politics. During her tenor as the Chief Minister of UP, she became known for her role as a firm administrator. In 1971, she retired from politics and led a secluded life till she died in 1974.

Who Was The Longest Reigning Female Chief Minister Of India?

Sheila Dikshit is an Indian politician who has held the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi for the longest duration. She served in the office for 15 years from 1998 to 2013. She is also the longest reigning female Chief Minister of any Indian state. Dikshit is a member of the Indian National Congress. She was defeated in the elections in by Arvind Kejriwal in the elections to the Delhi Legislative Assembly in 2013 after serving three consecutive terms as Delhi’s Chief Minister. On March 11, 2014, she became the Governor of Kerala but resigned in August the same year. Sheila Dikshit was born as Sheila Kapoor on March 31, 1939, in Punjab. She graduated with an MA degree in history from Delhi’s Miranda House. Her years in office as Delhi’s Chief Minister has been associated with many controversies. Dikshit was married to Vinod Dikshit who died from a heart attack. She has one son and a daughter from the marriage. Her son Sandeep Dikshit is also involved in politics and is a former MP of India.

A List of The Chief Ministers of India 

Source: Wikipedia

The Female Governors Of India

The governor of an Indian state is the constitutional head of the state to which she/he is appointed. The President of India appoints a government for each of the country’s 29 states. The governor is only the de jure or ceremonial head of state, all executive decisions are actually taken by the elected council of ministers headed by the chief minister of the state. The governor, however, also has some important powers like recommending President’s rule in a state, appointing or dismissing a ministry, or reserving bills for the assent of the President. 

Below is a list of the female governors of India in order of their duration of office as governors.

The First Female Governor Of An Indian State

Sarojini Naidu was India’s first female citizen to become the governor of an Indian state. From August 15, 1947, to March 2, 1949, she served as the governor of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. She was a freedom activist and poet who was born as Sarojini Chattopadhyay in a Hindu Bengali family in Hyderabad. She was an erudite scholar who received her education in Chennai, London, and then in Cambridge. After marrying r. Govindarajulu Naidu, she settled down in Hyderabad. She was unlike most women of her time. She actively took part in the Indian freedom movement and fought for the attainment of Swaraj. She was a devout follower of Mahatma Gandhi. For a while, she served as the President of the Indian National Congress, a prestigious body involved in the struggle for freedom in the country. After independence, she was appointed as the governor of the United Provinces or modern-day UP. Her role as a governor was cut short by her sudden death by a cardiac arrest on March 2, 1949, at the Government House in Lucknow.

The Longest Serving Female Governor Of An Indian State

Sarojini Naidu’s daughter, Padmaja Naidu, was India’s longest-serving female governor. Born in 1900, she grew up to become a brave freedom fighter and politician. She co-founded the Indian National Congress in Hyderabad when she was just 21 years old. In 1950, she was elected to the Indian Parliament by the people of India. In 1956, she was appointed as the Governor of the state of West Bengal and went on to serve the country at this post for more than a decade. 

The Indian States With The Most Female Governors

The Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Puducherry both have had four female governors each, the highest in India. 

Deadly Famines That Killed Indians During British Colonial Rule

India was once known as the land of prosperity. The vast stretches of fertile lands in the country ensured that the people always had sufficient food for a healthy living. Although famines were not completely non-existent prior to British rule, they were less frequent and less deadly than during the 200 years of oppressive colonial rule in the country. As Mike Davis, the writer of Late Victorian Holocausts points out, 31 deadly famines gripped India during the years of British rule while only 17 serious famines were experienced in India in the 2,000 years before the British rule. The economic policies of the British that were meant to earn the maximum profits by exploiting India’s wealth worsened the impact of the famines that were initially triggered by bad weather. For example, the East India Company also killed the thriving textile industry of India that pushed the Indians into farming activities. Thus, the economy now became more susceptible to the changes in monsoon patterns.

In this article we take a look at some of the worst famines that struck India during the British rule in the country:

1. The Great Bengal Famine Of 1770 

One of the worst famines during the British colonial rule in India was the Great Bengal Famine of 1770. The famine lasted from 1769 to 1773. The Bihar and Bengal region were worst affected during this time. 10 million Indians lost their lives in the famine. According to a report, nearly one-third of the population of the affected regions died due to starvation. The policies of the British East Company are often blamed for the famine. Amartya Sen, a Nobel prize winner economist, states that the Great Bengal Famine of 1770 was a ‘man-made famine.’ A failed monsoon and loss of two rice crops triggered the famine. However, it was made worse by the exploitative taxation policies of the British. 

2. The Chalisa Famine Of 1783

Chalisa refers to the calendar year 1840 as per the Vikram Samvat calendar. It corresponds to 1783 in the Gregorian calendar. On that year, a massive famine struck over large parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have been triggered by unusual El Niño events that resulted in severe droughts and thus crop failures. North Indian kingdoms were worst affected. Hundreds of villages went dead as the people died due to starvation. Although this famine affected mainly the northern parts of India, a famine in the previous year had affected South India that were under the rule of the British East India Company as well as some other parts. The two famines together wiped out nearly 11 million people. 

3. The Doji Bara Famine (Skull famine) Of 1791

A famine raged across the Indian subcontinent from 1791 to 1792 and resulted in prolonged droughts in the region. For four consecutive years, crop failure was recorded in the region due to the failure of the South Asian monsoon. The famine affected large parts of southern and western India. Millions of lives were lost during this time. The situation was so severe that at one time, bones of the victims of the famine lay on the streets, whitening the roads. Thus, the famine was also named the Skull Famine.

4. The Agra famine Of 1837 To 1838

The British East India Company ruled North-Western provinces experienced a major famine in 1837. An area of 65,000 square km that housed about 8 million people were affected by this famine. More than 800,000 people also lost their lives during this time either due to starvation or due to the epidemics that resulted as an aftermath of the famine. A number of factors were held responsible for the Agra famine. Economic depression by the British was one of the important factors. Ecological changes in the region and the El Niño events also contributed to the famine.

5. The Doab Famine Of 1860 To 1861 

This famine that claimed the lives of over 2 million people affected the North-Western Provinces of British India. The region included the Ganga-Yamuna Doab. 

6. The Orissa Famine Of 1866

This famine struck the east coast of India and affected a population of 47,500,000 people living across 180,000 miles along the coast. Orissa, however, suffered the greatest from the famine. One-third of the region’s population was lost due to the famine. A severe drought preceded the famine but incorrect measures adopted to check the famine also contributed to its severity.

7. The Rajputana Famine Of 1869

The princely states of Rajputana and some other areas suffered from a severe famine in 1869. The famine affected an area of 770,000 square km that houses a population of 44,500,000. Thousands died of starvation during the famine and many fled their homes in search of safety. Epidemics of cholera and malaria killed thousands of others.

8. The Bihar Famine Of 1873 To 1874 

The Bihar Famine was triggered by a drought and affected Bihar and its neighboring provinces. The famine wreaked havoc across an area of 140,000 square km. 21.5 million people suffered from the disease. However, efficient famine relief organized by the newly appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, Sir Richard Temple, helped in saving the people from death.

9. The Great Famine Of 1876 To 1878 

As the name suggests, this was one of the deadliest famines to affect Indians during British rule in the country. An intense drought led to crop failure in the Deccan Plateau. Although the famine was initially limited to southern and south-western India, in its second year, the famine spread to some parts of central and northern India. 5.5 million people died during this famine. The economic policies introduced by the British further worsened the situation. With large quantities of grains exported out of India, millions in the country died of hunger.

10. The Indian Famine Of 1896 To 1897

This famine started in Bundelkhand, India in 1896. Soon, it spread far and wide to other parts of the country. The famine lasted for two years but within that time it affected an area of 800,000 square km hosting 69.5 million. One million people lost their lives due to starvation and accompanying epidemics.

11. The Indian famine Of 1899 To 1900 

This famine was triggered by the failure of the summer monsoons in 1899. The central and western parts of India were the worst affected regions. Millions of Indians and a greater number of animals lost their lives in this disaster. 

12. The Bengal Famine Of 1943

Another major famine devastated Bengal in 1943. It happened during World War II. The famine killed nearly 2.1 to 3 million people who died due to starvation, malaria, malnutrition disorders, and other diseases. Millions were also impoverished. According to historians, the Bengal Famine was man-made as colonial policies created a situation that increased the severity of the famine.

For more information on this topic, visit here:

https://yourstory.com/2017/08/british-raj-famines/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-36339524