Previous Year Question
As per 2011 Census, which of the following States of India is most densely populated?
West Bengal
Kerala
Uttar Pradesh
Bihar
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Population Density means the number of persons living per square kilometre of area. It is calculated by dividing the total population by the geographical area concerned.
In the provisional Census 2011 figures, Bihar had a population density of 1102 persons per square kilometre. Among the other options, West Bengal had 1029, Kerala 859, and Uttar Pradesh 828 persons per square kilometre. Therefore, Bihar was the most densely populated State among the options.
In the subsequently released final Census 2011 figures, Bihar's density was revised slightly upward to 1106 persons per square kilometre. Thus, although the numerical figure changed slightly between provisional and final data, the correct answer remained Bihar.
The question compares only States. If States and Union Territories are considered together, a Union Territory such as the NCT of Delhi had a much higher density than Bihar. Thus, “most densely populated State” and “highest density among all States/UTs” are different comparisons.
Another useful trend is that Bihar's density was about 881 persons per sq. km in 2001, rising sharply by Census 2011. This reflected both its rapidly increasing population and relatively limited geographical area.