UPSC Prelims 2001 Q3: Geography – Population & Demography
Consider the decadal Census data given below:
Decadal Population (in millions)
Population 1961 10.7 1971 14.3 1981 16.2 1991 18.9
The above data refer to which one of the ‘Population by Religion’ groups?
- (a) Sikhs
- (b) Jains
- (c) Christians
- (d) Buddhists
Answer: (c) Christians
Explanation
Which religious group the decadal Census data refer to
| Census year | Christian population (millions) |
|---|---|
| 1961 | 10.7 |
| 1971 | 14.2 |
| 1981 | 16.2 |
| 1991 | 18.9 |
The figures given in the population data (10.7, 14.3, 16.2, 18.9 million) match the Christian population of India in the Census. Sikhs were smaller (7.8 million in 1961, 16.3 million in 1991), and Jains and Buddhists were only a few million each.
Answer: (c) Christians.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Sikhs numbered about 7.8 million in 1961 and 16.3 million in 1991.
- (b) Incorrect. Jains were only about 3.4 million in 1991.
- (c) CORRECT. The data match the Christian population in the Census.
- (d) Incorrect. Buddhists were about 6.4 million in 1991.
Key point
Census 2011: Christians 2.78 crore (2.3%), Sikhs 2.08 crore (1.7%), Buddhists 0.84 crore, Jains 0.45 crore.
Remember
After Muslims, Christians are India's largest religious minority.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Sikhs, the other large minority, without checking the size.
- Assuming Buddhists were larger because of neo-Buddhist conversions.
- Not using the 1991 figure (18.9 million) as the anchor.
Exam tip
Rank the minorities by size: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis.
Sources
- Census of India 1991 — Religion tables (Office of the Registrar General)
- Census of India 2011 — C-1 Population by Religious Community