Previous Year Question
Which State of India has the largest Muslim population according to the 2001 Census?
Assam
Bihar
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh.
According to Census 2001, Uttar Pradesh had the largest Muslim population in absolute numbers among the States of India. The total population of Uttar Pradesh was about 166.2 million, of which the Muslim population was about 30.74 million.
The question asks about the absolute number of Muslims, not the percentage share of Muslims in a State's total population. This distinction is important.
A smaller State or region may have a higher percentage of Muslims, while still having a much smaller absolute Muslim population. Because Uttar Pradesh had a very large total population, it also had the largest Muslim population in absolute terms.
In 2001, the Muslim population of Uttar Pradesh was about 30.74 million, forming roughly 18.5% of the State's total population.
The latest available nationwide religion-wise Census data are from Census 2011. In 2011, Uttar Pradesh still had the largest Muslim population in absolute numbers at 38,483,967 (about 38.48 million). West Bengal had about 24.65 million, Bihar about 17.56 million, and Assam about 10.68 million Muslims.
Hence, option (c) Uttar Pradesh is correct.