UPSC Prelims 2005 Q1: Geography – Population & Demography
According to Census 2001,
which one of the following Indian States has the maximum population in India after Uttar
Pradesh?
- (a) West Bengal
- (b) Maharashtra
- (c) Bihar
- (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: (b) Maharashtra
Explanation
State with the largest population after Uttar Pradesh (Census 2001)
| State | Population, Census 2001 |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | About 16.6 crore (rank 1) |
| Maharashtra | About 9.7 crore (rank 2) |
| Bihar | About 8.3 crore (rank 3) |
| West Bengal | About 8.0 crore (rank 4) |
| Tamil Nadu | About 6.2 crore |
In Census 2001 the most populous State after Uttar Pradesh was Maharashtra, followed by Bihar and West Bengal.
Answer: (b) Maharashtra.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. West Bengal ranked fourth, with about 8.0 crore people.
- (b) CORRECT. Maharashtra (about 9.7 crore) ranked second after Uttar Pradesh.
- (c) Incorrect. Bihar ranked third, with about 8.3 crore people.
- (d) Incorrect. Tamil Nadu ranked sixth, with about 6.2 crore people.
Key point
Census 2001 order: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
Remember
Maharashtra is second in population after Uttar Pradesh.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Bihar because of its density, although its total population is lower than Maharashtra's.
- Mixing up Census 2001 with the later Census 2011 ranking (where Bihar overtakes West Bengal but Maharashtra stays second).
- Confusing population rank with density rank.
Exam tip
Rank by population: UP, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal. Rank by density: Bihar and West Bengal lead.
Sources
- Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Census of India 2001: Provisional Population Totals
- NCERT Class XII Geography — India: People and Economy — Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition