a union territory of India, that is, an administrative and political unit in India controlled by the central government. Located in the northwestern part of the country, in the foothills of the Himalayas, Chandigarh has an area of 114 sq km. The population was 300,000 in 1975. The city of Chandigarh is the capital of the union territory.
a city in northwestern India, at the foot of the Himalayas. Capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana (although not a part of either one) and of the Union territory of Chandigarh. Population, 257,000 (1971). Chandigarh manufactures woolens, knitwear, and pharmaceuticals. The city has a university.
The greater part of Chandigarh was built between 1951 and 1956 in accordance with a plan by a team of Indian and foreign architects headed by Le Corbusier. It combines a geometric system of transportation lines with picturesque landscaped pedestrian paths. It features principles of modern architecture and urban planning, including the use of dwelling units fully serviced with public utilities and transportation arteries differentiated according to purpose. Structures in the city also incorporate traditional Indian architectural devices, including the jali, or openwork lattice.