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UPSC Prelims 2005 · Indian Geography · People and Settlements
According to the 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
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) Maharashtra
Maharashtra (≈9.7 crore in 2001) came after Uttar Pradesh.
The idea
A population ranking counts residents rather than comparing land area or density. The question asks for the next State after an already named leader. Use the Census 2001 State boundaries, especially because three new States had been formed in 2000.
Why the others are wrong
(a) West Bengal was fourth.
(c) Bihar was third.
(d) Tamil Nadu was sixth.
Also know
Bihar in Census 2001 excludes Jharkhand; Uttar Pradesh excludes Uttarakhand; Madhya Pradesh excludes Chhattisgarh. A boundary change can reduce a State’s recorded population without any resident having moved. Long-term comparisons should use a consistent territory.
🔒 Census 2011: UP > Maharashtra > Bihar > West Bengal > MP.
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