Constitution of IndiaPart I

Article 1

Name and Territory of the Union

IndiaBharatUnion of StatesterritoryFirst Schedule

Plain English Explanation

Article 1 declares India to be a "Union of States" (not a federation). This is significant because it means states cannot secede from India. The country is known by two names in the Constitution: "India" (English) and "Bharat" (Hindi). The territory includes all states, union territories, and any future acquisitions.

Legal Text

The Constitution of India · Article 1

(1) India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. (2) The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule. (3) The territory of India shall comprise— (a) the territories of the States; (b) the Union territories specified in the First Schedule; and (c) such other territories as may be acquired.