Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are the largest states based on area and population respectively. This distribution of area and population plays a strategic coherence with the country administration, resource allocation and political stability.

The present distribution of state has roots in the State Reorganisation Act, 1956 which demarcated state boundaries. This demarcation is based on Linguistic and Cultural Homogeneity, Administrative convenience, Economic progression and National unity & security. Earlier Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) held the position of largest state area-wise from 1956 to 2000. However with the formation of Chhattisgarh (from M.P.) in year 2000, Rajasthan emerged as the largest state.

Rajasthan : Area Wise Largest State of India

Rajasthan is the largest state in India with an estimate of 342,239 square kilometres constituting 10.4% of India's land area. It is located in the North-West of India and shares its boundary with 5 States - (Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat) and an International border with Pakistan extending over 1070 km.

• From Ancient to colonial period, Rajasthan holds a significant relevance. Kalibagan and Bagor sites in Indus Valley Civilisation to be a part of the Matsya, Malwa, and Gurjara territories, mentioned in Vedic and epic literature, the area of Rajasthan has a vast relevance.
• The Rajput clans such as the Chauhans of Ajmer, Sisodias of Mewar, Rathores of Marwar, and Kachwahas of Amber (Jaipur) in Medieval period to Ajmer-Merwara province on British provinces Rajasthan plays a vital role in historical and cultural relevance.
• The state of Rajasthan includes a diverse terrain with Thar desert in western side and diagonally cutting Aravali hills influence its climate, settlement and tourism directly.
• Chambal, Luni, and Banas river system with Ranthambore, Sariska, Desert and many more National parks provides a good ecological balance.

Goa : Area wise Smallest State of India

Goa is the smallest state in India with an estimate of 3,702 square kilometres constituting 0.11% of India's land area. It is located in western coast with shared boundaries with Maharashtra and Karnataka and touching the vast Arabian Sea.

• Indo-Portuguese in Goa has deeply influenced the culture and tradition which reflects a unique blend in Indigenous and Colonial elements.
• Part of Tropical monsoon climate, Summer - winter are not very extreme while monsoon contains heavy rainfall making it a rich in flora and fauna
• Being one of the states with highest per capita income , tourism plays a significant role in its economics .
• Beaches (Baga, Calangute, Palolem), Carnivals , Festivals (Sunborn) and hospitality are the important features of this state.

Here the table of states area wise as:

Uttar Pradesh : Population Wise Largest State of India

Uttar Pradesh has 24 crore people accounting for 17% of India's population. It is located in North India and shares a boundary with 9 States : Uttarakhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi , Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh , Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar. It also shares an international boundary with Nepal extending over 730 km.

• Uttar Pradesh features mostly fertile landscape covered with Ganga-yamuna and their tributaries supporting agriculture and Human settlement.
• This state has Bundelkhand plateau in southern U.P with small foothills of Shivalik Terai region near Uttrakhand border.
• Prayagraj for pilgrim site , Dudhwa National park for rich biodiversity and chambal ravines for unique ecosystem has been a part of Uttar Pradesh beauty

Sikkim : Population Wise Smallest State of India

Sikkim has a population of appraoximately 60 Lakhs making it the least populated state . Located in Northeast India , It shares its boundary with Tibet(China) to the North & Northeast, Bhutan to the East and Nepal to the West.

• Sikkim features a hilly and mountain landscape as part of Eastern Himalayas.
• Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain is located in this state.
• Teesta and Rangeet are the major water rivers supporting agriculture in terraced fields and hydrological potential.
• Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and cultural monasteries such as Rumtek and Pemayangtse are the rich heritage of Sikkim

Maharashtra is the Indian state which has the largest Gross State Domestic Product, its nominal GSDP being approximately ₹40–43 lakh crore, thus generating around 13–14% of the total Indian GDP.

• Political stability : A large state makes it easy for administration to maintain a balance between the legislation and execution through uniformity in execution.
• Economic Potential : The vast resources availability and ease to utilise them supports the agriculture , industry, energy and tourism as a sector as whole.
• Strategic Easiness in maintenance : Large states contain the resources and bandwidth which helps in strategic planning towards infrastructure, defence and administration.

• Administrative inconvenience :The vast geographical area or large population creates operational bottlenecks, hampering administrative efficiency and the provision of public services.
• Resource Management Issues : Avoiding the concentrating development and prosperity in urban-industrial hubs only focusing on peripheral areas are also a management hurdle.
• Regional Disparities : There is a sharp contrast between developed, urbanized areas and underdeveloped regions that are severely deprived of basic amenities and economic investment.

Which state in India is the largest area-wise?

Rajasthan is the largest state area-wise.

Which is the 2nd largest state in India, area-wise?

Madhya Pradesh