UPSC Prelims 2005 Q136: Geography – Population & Demography
Consider the following statements:
1. Area - wise, Chhattisgarh is larger than West Bengal.
2. According to the 2001 Census, the population of West Bengal is larger than that of
Chhattisgarh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Chhattisgarh and West Bengal
| State | Area and population (2001) |
|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | About 135,000 sq km; population about 2.08 crore |
| West Bengal | About 88,000 sq km; population about 8.0 crore |
Chhattisgarh is larger by area, while West Bengal has far more people, so both statements are correct.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct.
- (c) CORRECT. Both statements are correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are correct.
Key point
Chhattisgarh: 10th by area; West Bengal: 13th by area but 4th by population.
Remember
Chhattisgarh is larger in area; West Bengal is larger in population.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a bigger State has more people.
- Mixing the area with the population ranks.
- Forgetting that Chhattisgarh was formed only in 2000.
Exam tip
Density: West Bengal about 904 per sq km, Chhattisgarh about 154.
Sources
- Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Census of India 2001: Provisional Population Totals
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — West Bengal