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Indian Census History and 2011 Data
The history of the Indian census began with the first partial census in 1872 during the tenure of Lord Mayo (). The first complete and synchronized census was conducted in 1881 under Lord Ripon (), with W.C. Plowden serving as the Census Commissioner. Historically, the first census of any city in India was conducted for Dacca in 1830 by Henry Walter, who is known as the Father of Indian Census. Censuses are conducted every 10 years. The first census after independence was held in 1951. The most recent data comes from the 2011 census, which was the 15th census of India and the 7th after independence. The authority responsible for conducting the census is the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). For 2011, the Registrar General was C. Chandramouli, and the motto was "Our Census, Our Future."
In 2011, India consisted of 35 States and Union Territories (UTs) and 640 districts. The total population was recorded as (), comprising males and females. This population represents of the global total, while China holds . The state with the highest population is Uttar Pradesh (), followed by Maharashtra and Bihar, while Sikkim has the lowest. Among UTs, Delhi has the highest population and Lakshadweep the lowest. Thane (Maharashtra) is the most populous district, while Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh) is the least. The annual growth rate was , while the decadal growth rate () was . The maximum decadal growth occurred between (), and the lowest was in (), known as the Year of Great Divide. Meghalaya recorded the highest decadal growth at , while Nagaland saw a negative growth of .
The sex ratio in 2011 was 943 females per 1000 males, an increase from 933 in 2001. The highest sex ratio is in Kerala (1084) and Puducherry (1037), and the lowest is in Haryana (879) and Daman & Diu (618). Mahe has the highest district-level sex ratio, while Daman has the lowest. The child sex ratio ( years) dropped from 927 in 2001 to 919 in 2011. The highest child sex ratio is in Mizoram and the lowest in Haryana. Chhattisgarh's state literacy rate rose from in 2001 to in 2011. Males have a literacy rate of and females , a gap of , which is widest in Rajasthan. Kerala () and Lakshadweep () have the highest literacy, while Bihar () has the lowest. Population density in 2011 was , with Bihar being the most dense () and Arunachal Pradesh the least ().
Indian Classical Dance Forms and Exponents
Indian classical dances are distinguished from folk dances by their adherence to strict steps and traditional temple origins. The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes 8 classical dances, while the Ministry of Culture recognizes 9, including Chhau. The primary literary sources for these dances are the Natya Shastra by Bharata Muni (often called the 5th Veda) and the Abhinaya Darpan by Nandikeshwaram. Classical dance consists of Laasya (feminine, associated with Parvati) and Tandava (masculine, associated with Shiva). The term "Abhinaya" literally means "leading towards."
Bharatnatyam, originating in Tamil Nadu, was traditionally performed by Devadasis and is also known as Daasi Attam or Sadir Attam. The last Devadasi was Smt. Mutchukannammal. It includes elements like Alarippu, Jatiswaram, Sabdam, Varnam, and Tillana. Major styles include Pandanallur, Vazhuvoor, Kalakshetra, Melattur, and Tanjore. Famous exponents include Rukmini Devi Arundale, Padma Subramanyam, Alarmel Velli, Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Mallika Sarabhai, Bala Saraswati, Yamini Krishnamurti, Leela Samson, Sonal Mansingh, Ram Vaidyanathan, and Narthaki Nataraj.
Kuchipudi hails from the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh and was revived by Siddhendra Yogi. It focuses on Vaisnavism and includes the brass plate dance known as Tarangam. Key exponents include Vempati Chinna Satyam, Raja and Radha Reddy, Padmaja Reddy, Bhavana Reddy, Yamini Reddy, Lakshmi Narayan Shastri, Vedantam Satyanarayan, and Swapna Sundari. Mohiniyattam from Kerala is the "Dance of the Enchantress," associated with the Vishnu avatar Mohini. It represents the Air element. Famous practitioners include Kanak Rele, Sunanda Nair, Gopika Varma, and Jayaprabha Menon.
Kathakali from Kerala is a martial-themed dance depicting the victory of good over evil. It uses 24 hand gestures and green face paint to signify strength. Milena Salvini and Kunchu Kurup are notable exponents. Kathak from Uttar Pradesh is based on storytelling. It was revived by Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh. Major gharanas include Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras. Key dancers are Birju Maharaj, Lacchu Maharaj, Shovna Narayan, Sitara Devi, and Kumudini Lakhia. Manipuri dance focuses on the Radha-Krishna Raasleela and utilizes instruments like the Pung drum. Famous exponents include the Jhaveri Sisters and Guru Bipen Singh. Sattriya from Assam was introduced by Sankaradev in the 15th century. Exponents include Jatin Goswami and Bapiram Bayan Attan. Odissi from Odisha represents the Water element and traces its roots to Maharis and Gotipuas. Exponents include Kelucharan Mohapatra and Sanjukta Panigrahi.
Folk Dances of Indian States
Andhra Pradesh: Features dances such as Veeranatyam, Dhimsa, Bhamakalapam, Burrakatha, Bonalu, Butta Bommalu, Kolattam, and Tappu/Dappu. Arunachal Pradesh: Includes Ajilamu, Wancho, Buiya, Pasi Kongki, Popir, Bardo Chham, Rikhampada, and the Lion & Peacock Dance. Assam: Known for Bhortal, Jhumur, Bagurumba, Ali Ai Ligang, Deodhani, and the famous Bihu. Bihar: Features the Jat-Jatin, Bideshiya, Dhobia, Jarni, Jhijhiya, Paika, and Kajari. Chhattisgarh: Known for Kakasar, Suwa (Parrot Dance), Karma, Gendi, Gaur Maria, Panthi, and Pandavani (famous artist Teejan Bai).
Gujarat: Famous for Garba, Dandiya Raas, Bhavai, Tippani, Hudo, Padhar, and Siddi Dhamal. Goa: Features Mando, Ghode Modni, Talagari, Fugdi, Jagor, Dekhni, Tarangmel, Dhalo, Gonph, and Romat. Himachal Pradesh: Includes Nati, Jhora/Jhali, Dhaman, Rakshas (Demon) Dance, Cholamba, Kayang Mala, Shand and Shabu, Dangi, and Chhapeli. Haryana: Features Dhamal, Jhumur, Daph, Charukula, Manjira, Khoria, Phag, and Loor. Jammu & Kashmir: Known for Rouf, Bhand Pather, Kud, Damali, and Hikkat.
Jharkhand: Features Karma, Paika, Phagua, Mundari, Santhali, Domkach, and Jhumair. Karnataka: Famous for Yakshagana, Karga, Veergase, Dollu Kunitha, Bhuta Aradhane, Kamsale, and Nagamandala. Kerala: Includes Ottam Thullal, Kaliyattam, Kaniyattam, Kolakali, Thappukali, Kuravarkali, and Theyyam. Madhya Pradesh: Known for Jawara, Matki, Phulpatti, Tertali, Saila, Ada, Khada Nach, and Maach. Manipur: Features Thang-Ta, Lai Haraoba, Dhal Cholom, Pung Cholom, and Raaslila.
Maharashtra: Famous for Koli, Povadas, Lavani, Lezim, Tamasha, Gafa, Mauni, and Dhangari Gaja. Nagaland: Includes Rengma, Alooyattu, Bamboo Dance, Changai, and Zeliang. Odisha: Known for Gotipua, Dalkhai, Dandari, Ghumura, Bagha Nacha, and Mayurbhanj Chhau. Rajasthan: Features Gangaur, Kalbelia (UNESCO recognized), Ghoomar, Terah Taali, Suisini, and Chari. Tamil Nadu: Includes Kolattam, Silambattam, Oyilattam, Devarattam, Kudiraiaattam, and Kummi. Telangana: Known for Lambadi, Dhimsa, Gusadi, Bonalu, and Mathuri.
Festivals of India by State
Andhra Pradesh: Celebrates Durgamma, Yellamma Jatra, and the New Year festival Ugadi. Arunachal Pradesh: Observes Sangken, Solung, Dri, Chalo Loku, Losar, Mopin, and Pangsau. Assam: Famous for the Bihu festivals (Bohag/Rongali in April, Magh/Bhogaali in January, and Kati/Kongali in October), Ali-Ai-Ligang, Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple, and the Majuli festival. Bihar: Observes Sama Chakeva, Chhath Puja, Bihula, and the Sonepur Cattle Fair. Chhattisgarh: Features Pola, Madai, Hareli, Goncha, and the Bastar Dussehra.
Goa: Celebrates Shigmo, Sao Joao, Sunburn Festival, Carnival, and the Feast of St. Francis Xavier. Gujarat: Known for Modhera Dance Festival, Madhavpur Mela, Rann Utsav, and Vautha Mela. Himachal Pradesh: Observes Halda, Sazo, Minjar, Pori, Sair, and Phulaich. Haryana: Features Surajkund Crafts Mela, Pinjore Gardens Festival, and Gugga Naumi. Jammu & Kashmir: Famous for the Tulip festival and Shikara festival. Jharkhand: Observes Sarhul, Karam, Jawa, Sohrai, and Tusu Parab.
Karnataka: Celebrates Hampi Utsav, Mahamastakabhisheka (at Shravanabelagola), Pattadakal Dance Festival, and Kambala (Buffalo race). Kerala: Famous for Thrissur Pooram, Vishu (New Year), Onam (Harvest festival), Makaravilakku, and the Vallam Kali Boat Race. Ladhak: Features Hemis, Saka Dawa, and Losar. Madhya Pradesh: Includes Lokrang, Khajuraho Festival, Bhagoria Haat, and Tansen Sangeet Samaroh. Maharashtra: Celebrates Gudi Padwa (New Year), Ganesh Chaturthi, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and Elephanta Festival.
Nagaland: Famous for the Hornbill Festival ( December), Moatsu (Ao tribe), and Sekrenyi (Angami tribe). Odisha: Observes Konark Festival, Raja Parva, Rath Yatra (Jagannath Puri), and Nuakhai. Rajasthan: Features Pushkar Mela, Desert Festival (Jaisalmer), Gangaur, and the Baneshwar Fair. Tamil Nadu: Celebrates Pongal (Bhoghi, Surya, Mattu, and Kannum Pongal), Jallikattu, Thaipusam, and Puthandu (New Year). Telangana: Observes Bonalu, Bathukamma, and Medaram Jatra. Uttarakhand: Features Harela, Phool Dei, and Kandali.
Musical Instruments and Famous Masters
Musical instruments are categorized into four types: Chordophones (stringed), Aerophones (wind), Membranophones (percussion with skin membranes), and Idiophones (solid percussion).
Sitar: Pundit Ravi Shankar (Bharat Ratna 1999, first Indian Grammy winner for "West Meets East"), Vilayat Khan, Nikhil Banerjee, and Shahid Parvez. Tabla: Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain (Padma Vibhushan 2023, Grammy winner 2024 for "This Moment"), and Anokhelal Mishra. Flute: Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pannalal Ghosh (Amal Jyoti Ghosh). Shehnai: Bismillah Khan (recipient of all four highest civilian awards, played at the Red Fort in 1947), Raghunath Prasanna, and Bagheshwari Qamar (female practitioner).
Sarod: Allauddin Khan, Amjad Ali Khan, and Ali Akbar Khan. Santoor: Shivkumar Sharma (credited with making it a classical instrument) and Bhajan Sopori. Sarangi: Pundit Ram Narayan and Sultan Khan. Veena: S. Balachander (historically associated with Samudragupta and Aurangzeb). Nadaswaram: Sheikh Chinna Moulana. Ghatam: T.H. Vinayakram (Vikkku Vinayakram) and E.M. Subramanyam. Pakhawaj: Kunal Patil and Kelucharan Mohapatra. Violin: T.N. Krishnan and Lalgudi Jayaraman. Surbahar: Annapurna Devi and Imrat Khan.
Books, Autobiographies, and Famous Authors
Sports Autobiographies: "Imperfect" (Sanjay Manjrekar), "The Nice Guy Who Finished First" (Rahul Dravid), "The Test of My Life" (Yuvraj Singh), "Playing It My Way" (Sachin Tendulkar), "A Century is Not Enough" (Sourav Ganguly), "Ace Against Odds" (Sania Mirza), "A Shot at History" (Abhinav Bindra), and "Goal" (Major Dhyan Chand).
Literary and Political Works: "A History of British India" (James Mill, 1817), "Amar Jiban" (Rashsundari Devi), "Dollar Bahu" (Sudha Murty), "Train to Pakistan" (Khushwant Singh), "The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian" (Nirad C. Chaudhuri), "Midnight's Children" (Salman Rushdie), "Mein Kampf" (Adolf Hitler), "The God of Small Things" (Arundhati Roy), and "An Era of Darkness" (Shashi Tharoor).
Global Classics and Novels: "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" (Thomas Hardy), "The Great Gatsby" (F. Scott Fitzgerald), "The Diary of a Young Girl" (Anne Frank), "Anna Karenina" (Leo Tolstoy), and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" (Lewis Carroll). Indian regional works include "Mrityunjay" by Shivaji Sawant and the works of Munshi Premchand such as "Godan", "Gaban", and "Nirmala".
Sports, Olympics, and Governing Bodies
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin, with headquarters now in Lausanne, Switzerland. The first Modern Olympics were held in Athens in 1896. The Olympic motto is (Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together). India first participated in 1900 with Norman Pritchard winning two silver medals. India's first individual gold was won by Abhinav Bindra in 2008 (10m Air Rifle), followed by Neeraj Chopra in Tokyo 2020 (Javelin Throw). Karnam Malleswari was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Bronze, 2000).
Cricket: Governed by the ICC (Dubai). The first Test match was in 1877 (Australia vs England). India has won the ODI World Cup twice (1983 and 2011). The 2023 World Cup was hosted by India alone. Football: Governed by FIFA (Zurich). The pitch length is and the width is . The distance between goalposts is (). Hockey: India has won 8 Olympic Gold medals. A standard match lasts 60 minutes. Dimensions of a hockey pitch are .
International Organizations and Research Institutes
United Nations (UN): Established in 1945 to replace the League of Nations (). It has six principal organs: General Assembly, Security Council (P5: USA, UK, France, Russia, China), Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, Secretariat, and the International Court of Justice (The Hague). Other organizations include UNICEF (New York), UNEP (Nairobi), UNESCO (Paris), WHO (Geneva), and the IMF/World Bank (Washington D.C.).
Regional Blocs: SAARC (Kathmandu), ASEAN (Jakarta), BIMSTEC (Dhaka), and SCO (Beijing). G20 was founded in 1999 and now includes the African Union (G21). The European Union (EU) is headquartered in Brussels.
Indian Research Institutes: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Delhi), Central Sugarcane Research Institute (Coimbatore), Central Tobacco Research Institute (Rajahmundry), National Dairy Research Institute (Karnal), Central Leather Research Institute (Chennai), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (Trombay). The Forest Research Institute is in Dehradun.
Questions & Discussion
Q: What is the most famous dance of Assam performed by tea garden workers during autumn? A: Jhumur dance.
Q: Which dance represents the pain of women whose partners have gone away? A: Birha and Bideshiya.
Q: Who is the master of the Surbahar instrument? A: Ustad Imrat Khan.
Q: Which dance is a traditional mask dance of West Bengal? A: Gambhira.
Q: On which occasion is the Rathwa ni Gher dance performed in Gujarat? A: Holi.
Q: Which Indian athlete's autobiography is titled "Playing It My Way"? A: Sachin Tendulkar.
Q: What is the literacy gap between males and females in India as per Census 2011? A: .
Q: Which state conducted the first census in independent India? A: The census is a central subject conducted nationwide; the first post-independence census was in 1951.
Important Days of the Year
January: 1st (Global Family Day), 4th (World Braille Day), 9th (NRI Day), 12th (National Youth Day), 15th (Army Day), 24th (National Girl Child Day), 25th (National Voters Day), 30th (Martyr's Day). February: 2nd (World Wetlands Day), 4th (World Cancer Day), 13th (World Radio Day), 21st (International Mother Language Day), 28th (National Science Day). March: 3rd (World Wildlife Day), 8th (International Women's Day), 15th (World Consumer Rights Day), 22nd (World Water Day), 24th (World TB Day). April: 7th (World Health Day), 13th (Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Remembrance), 18th (World Heritage Day), 22nd (Earth Day), 24th (National Panchayati Raj Day). May: 1st (Labour Day), 3rd (Press Freedom Day), 8th (World Red Cross Day), 22nd (International Day for Biological Diversity), 31st (Anti-Tobacco Day). June: 5th (World Environment Day), 21st (International Yoga Day), 29th (National Statistics Day). August: 7th (Javelin Throw Day), 12th (International Youth Day), 29th (National Sports Day). September: 5th (Teacher's Day), 14th (Hindi Diwas), 16th (World Ozone Day), 27th (World Tourism Day). October: 2nd (International Day of Non-Violence), 8th (Indian Air Force Day), 16th (World Food Day), 24th (UN Day), 31st (National Unity Day). November: 11th (National Education Day), 14th (Children's Day), 26th (Constitution Day). December: 1st (World AIDS Day), 4th (Navy Day), 10th (Human Rights Day), 22nd (National Mathematics Day), 23rd (Kisan Diwas), 25th (Good Governance Day).", "title": "Static General Knowledge Comprehensive Guide: Census, Culture, Sports, and Organizations"}