Home › PYQs › Indian Geography › All questions › 1983 · Densest States (1981)
UPSC Prelims 1983 · Indian Geography · People and Settlements
What is the correct sequence of the following densely populated States? I. Uttar Pradesh II. Kerala III. Bihar IV. West Bengal
- (a) II, III, I, IV
- (b) IV, I, II, III
- (c) I, IV, II, III
- (d) II, IV, III, I
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) II, IV, III, I
Kerala (655) > West Bengal (615) > Bihar (402) > UP (377), Census 1981.
The idea
Rank density by population divided by area at the stated historical date. A present-day leader need not have led in an earlier census. For this 1983 question, use Census 1981 and the State boundaries that applied then.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Bihar was not above West Bengal.
(b) Kerala was denser than West Bengal then.
(c) UP was the least dense of these four.
The trap
Today Bihar leads — so read the year.
Also know
As of Census 2001, West Bengal was the densest State; as of Census 2011, Bihar was. Boundary changes complicate direct comparisons across decades. Density is an average over the entire State and does not rank individual cities or districts.
🔒 1981: Kerala densest · 2001: West Bengal · 2011: Bihar (1,106/sq km).
Solve this chapter interactively →All Indian Geography questions