From Amaravati to Dehradun: Why Indian States Split Their Capitals

Some Indian states have implemented the multi-capital model in an attempt to decentralize, achieve regional balance of power, and attain better governance. Summer capitals to winter, these cities are a necessary part of state operations. Let us explore some of them that have such a strange system.
It is the third and only state to have three capitals. Visakhapatnam serves as the administrative capital and home of government offices. Amravati is the legislative capital and the house of the assembly, while Kurnool serves as the judicial capital and abode of the High Court.

There are two seasonal capitals of Uttarakhand. The state administrative capital and winter capital for most of the year is Dehradun. Bhararisain is the summer capital, located in the hills of the Chamoli district. This rotation emphasizes hill-region development and is the state's identification with mountain tradition.


Maharashtra is a double-capital state. Mumbai, which is the financial capital of India, is the main capital of the state where the state government is based. Nagpur is the winter capital and the location of the winter sessions of the state legislative assembly. This follows the political representation convention of the Vidarbha region by the state.

Shimla is the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its colonial weather and as the administrative seat for the hot half of the year. Dharamsala is the winter capital, bringing the government nearer to the people of the lower hill tracts. This twin-capital phenomenon bears witness to the state's distinctive topography and climate.
India's multi-capital configuration is a time-tested example of how administration is structured according to geography, climate, and local conditions. Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh have a twin-capital configuration for decentralization of power, balanced development, and ease of accessibility of administration. These configurations are a testament to the diversity of the country and the wise structuring of administration for citizens in a diverse landscape.