Question

Which of the following states had the highest density of population in 2011?

• A. Bihar
• B. West Bengal
• C. Uttar Pradesh
• D. Kerala

Hint:

2011 Census Population Density key facts:
Highest State Density: Bihar ($1,106\text{ persons/km}^2$).
Second Highest State: West Bengal ($1,028\text{ persons/km}^2$).
Lowest State Density: Arunachal Pradesh ($17\text{ persons/km}^2$).
Highest Overall (UT): NCT of Delhi ($11,320\text{ persons/km}^2$).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Population density is defined as the average number of persons residing per unit of land area, typically expressed as persons per square kilometer.
It serves as a critical demographic measure reflecting the spatial concentration of human population and pressure on land resources.
According to the 2011 Census of India, the overall national population density stood at $382\text{ persons per km}^2$.

Step 1: Analyzing State-wise Densities (Census 2011):
In the 2001 Census, West Bengal held the position of the most densely populated state in India with $903\text{ persons per km}^2$.
However, during the 2011 Census enumeration, Bihar recorded rapid demographic growth, reaching a density of $1,106\text{ persons per km}^2$.
West Bengal recorded $1,028\text{ persons per km}^2$, moving to the second position among states.
Kerala recorded a density of $860\text{ persons per km}^2$, holding the third rank.
Uttar Pradesh recorded a density of $829\text{ persons per km}^2$, placing it fourth among these major states.

Step 2: Comparative Verification:
Comparing the densities of the listed states:
\[ \text{Bihar } (1,106) > \text{West Bengal } (1,028) > \text{Kerala } (860) > \text{Uttar Pradesh } (829) \] Among Union Territories, Delhi boasts the highest density overall ($11,320\text{ persons per km}^2$), but among all Indian states, Bihar ranks first.
Final Answer:
Therefore, Bihar had the highest density of population in 2011.