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UPSC Prelims 1982 · Indian Geography · People and Settlements
Which of the following States in India has the highest density of population?
- (a) Kerala
- (b) Assam
- (c) Uttar Pradesh
- (d) Bihar
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Kerala
Kerala was the densest State in Census 1981.
The idea
An undated census-based superlative in an old PYQ needs the latest census available at the exam. For the 1982 exam, that was Census 1981. Later demographic change cannot replace the historical comparison.
Why the others are wrong
(b) Assam had about 254 per sq km.
(c) UP had about 377.
(d) Bihar leads today, not in 1981.
The trap
Today’s answer (Bihar) is not the exam-year answer.
Also know
As of Census 1981, Kerala’s density exceeded the other three listed States. The national State leader changed to West Bengal by Census 2001 and Bihar by Census 2011. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar also lost territory when Uttarakhand and Jharkhand were created in 2000, affecting later comparisons.
🔒 1981 Kerala → 2001 West Bengal → 2011 Bihar.
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