UPSC Prelims 2006 Q10: Geography – Population & Demography
Consider the following statements:
1. Sikkim has the minimum area among the 28 Indian States (Delhi and Pondicherry not included).
2. Chandigarh has the highest literacy rate among Pondicherry, NCT of Delhi and other Union
Territories.
3. Maharashtra has the highest population after Uttar Pradesh among the 28 Indian States (Delhi
and Pondicherry not included).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 only
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (d) 3 only
Explanation
States and Union Territories by area, literacy and population
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sikkim has the minimum area among the 28 states | False | Goa is the smallest state by area; Sikkim is second smallest |
| 2. Chandigarh has the highest literacy among Union Territories | False | Lakshadweep has a higher literacy rate than Chandigarh |
| 3. Maharashtra has the highest population after Uttar Pradesh | True | Maharashtra was the second most populous state in the 2001 Census |
Only statement 3 is correct.
Answer: (d) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are both false; Goa is smaller than Sikkim and Lakshadweep is more literate than Chandigarh.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false because Lakshadweep leads literacy among Union Territories.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false because Goa, not Sikkim, has the minimum area.
- (d) CORRECT. Only statement 3 is true; Maharashtra is the most populous state after Uttar Pradesh.
Key point
Goa is the smallest state by area, Lakshadweep tops Union Territory literacy, and Maharashtra is second to Uttar Pradesh in population.
Remember
Goa smallest by area; Maharashtra second in population.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Sikkim is the smallest because it is a tiny Himalayan state.
- Overlooking Lakshadweep when asked for the most literate Union Territory.
- Mixing up population ranks of Maharashtra and Bihar.
Exam tip
Smallest state: Goa. Most populous: Uttar Pradesh, then Maharashtra (2001 Census).
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