12th Census
Census 1991
India's population crossed 846 million. The census that preceded the historic economic liberalization era.
Key Statistics
- Total Population
- 84,64,21,039
- 846 Million
- Literacy Rate
- 52.21%
- +9.0% from 1981
- Sex Ratio
- 927
- Females per 1000 Males
- Decadal Growth
- 23.87%
- 1981-1991
Top 10 States by Population
| Rank | State | Population | Literacy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 139,112,287 | 40.71% |
| 2 | Bihar | 86,374,465 | 37.49% |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 78,937,187 | 64.87% |
| 4 | West Bengal | 68,077,965 | 57.70% |
| 5 | Andhra Pradesh | 66,508,008 | 44.09% |
| 6 | Madhya Pradesh | 66,181,170 | 44.20% |
| 7 | Tamil Nadu | 55,858,946 | 62.66% |
| 8 | Rajasthan | 44,005,990 | 38.55% |
| 9 | Karnataka | 44,977,201 | 56.04% |
| 10 | Gujarat | 41,309,582 | 61.29% |
Historical Context
12th Census of India conducted under Registrar General M. Vijayanunni
Economic liberalization began in 1991 under PM P.V. Narasimha Rao
First census to use computer-based data processing extensively
Mandal Commission recommendations implemented in 1990
Population Growth Trend
Data Availability
Detailed district-level and village-level data for Census 1991 is being processed. Currently showing state-level summary data. View complete data →