Top 10 Most Populous States in India (2023)
India, a federal union comprising 28 states and eight union territories, is projected to reach a population of 1,388,163,000 in 2023. Among these, Uttar Pradesh emerges as the most populous state. In this article, we will explore the top 10 most populous states in India, delving into their demographics, unique characteristics, and key cities.
- Uttar Pradesh:
- Estimated Population (2023): 235,687,000
- 2011 Census: 199,812,341
- Population Density: 828/km2
- Capital: Lucknow
- Largest City: Kanpur
Overview: Uttar Pradesh, the fourth-largest state in India, is situated in the northeast. Boasting rich Gangatic plains, it is the most populous state, with a significant rural population. Factors contributing to its growth include a decline in infant mortality and increased opportunities.
- Maharashtra:
- Estimated Population (2023): 126,385,000
- 2011 Census: 112,374,333
- Population Density: 365/km2
- Capital: Mumbai
- Largest City: Mumbai
Overview: Maharashtra, the third-most populous state globally, is characterized by diverse physiography. Formed on May 1, 1960, it houses Mumbai, India’s most populous city and the state capital.
- Bihar:
- Estimated Population (2023): 126,756,000
- 2011 Census: 104,099,452
- Population Density: 1,102/km2
- Capital: Patna (Pataliputra)
- Largest City: Patna
Overview: Bihar, in East India, has a rich historical significance. Formerly the imperial capital, it plays a crucial role in India’s cultural history.
- West Bengal:
- Estimated Population (2023): 99,084,000
- 2011 Census: 91,276,115
- Population Density: 1,029/km2
- Capital: Kolkata
- Largest City: Kolkata
Overview: West Bengal, in the east, is one of India’s smallest states but densely populated. It played a pivotal role in the national movement during British rule.
- Madhya Pradesh:
- Estimated Population (2023): 86,579,000
- 2011 Census: 72,626,809
- Population Density: 236/km2
- Capital: Bhopal
- Largest City: Indore
Overview: Madhya Pradesh, at the heart of India, boasts diverse physiography and is the second-largest state by land area.
- Tamil Nadu:
- Estimated Population (2023): 76,860,000
- 2011 Census: 72,147,030
- Population Density: 555/km2
- Capital: Chennai
- Largest City: Chennai
Overview: Tamil Nadu, India’s sixth most populated state, has a robust economy and a rich cultural heritage, with Chennai as its capital.
- Rajasthan:
- Estimated Population (2023): 81,025,000
- 2011 Census: 68,548,437
- Population Density: 201/km2
- Capital: Jaipur
- Largest City: Jaipur
Overview: Known as the “Land of the Rajputs,” Rajasthan is India’s largest state by land and seventh in population.
- Karnataka:
- Estimated Population (2023): 67,692,000
- 2011 Census: 61,095,297
- Population Density: 319/km2
- Capital: Bengaluru
- Largest City: Bengaluru
Overview: Karnataka, on the western shoreline, has a rich cultural past and geographical boundaries with other southern states.
- Gujarat:
- Estimated Population (2023): 71,507,000
- 2011 Census: 60,439,692
- Population Density: 308/km2
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Largest City: Ahmedabad
Overview: Gujarat, on the Arabian Sea’s west coast, is the seventh-largest state, known for high industrialization and a low unemployment rate.
- Andhra Pradesh:
- Estimated Population (2023): 53,156,000
- 2011 Census: 49,386,799
- Population Density: 303/km2
- Legislative Capital: Amaravati
- Largest City: Visakhapatnam
Overview: Located in the southeast, Andhra Pradesh has a unique history, with Hyderabad serving as the shared capital with Telangana until their separation in 2014
