What is India according to the Constitution?

Article 1 of the Indian Constitution describes India, that is, Bharat, as a ‘Union of States’ rather than a ‘Federation of States’. 

This provision deals with two things:

1. Name of the country – The Constituent Assembly had to adopt a mix of both traditional (Bharat) and modern names (India). 
2. Type of polity – The country is described as ‘Union’ although its Constitution is federal in structure. 

Further Reading:

• Constitution of India
• Political Map of India