Largest number of tribal population (2011) in India is found in ___________.
Madhya Pradesh
Largest Tribal Population in India (2011 Census)
The question asks us to identify the state in India that had the largest population of Scheduled Tribes (tribal population) according to the 2011 Census data.
India is home to a significant tribal population, and their distribution varies widely across different states and Union Territories. The census conducted every 10 years is the primary source for demographic data, including the population of Scheduled Tribes.
Based on the Census of India 2011, the state with the largest Scheduled Tribe population is Madhya Pradesh.
Let's consider the options provided and the 2011 census data:
- Nagaland: Nagaland has a very high percentage of tribal population relative to its total population, but its absolute tribal population number is not the highest in India.
- Madhya Pradesh: According to the 2011 census, Madhya Pradesh had the largest number of Scheduled Tribes. The state has a diverse tribal population, including prominent groups like Gonds, Bhils, and Sahariyas.
- Gujarat: Gujarat also has a significant tribal population, particularly in its eastern belt, but the total number is less than that of Madhya Pradesh.
- Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu's tribal population is relatively smaller compared to the states in central India like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, etc.
Therefore, the state with the largest absolute number of tribal people as per the 2011 census was Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh: Home to India's Largest Tribal Group
Madhya Pradesh is known for its substantial tribal population. Several major tribes reside in the state. The 2011 census figures confirm its position as the state with the highest Scheduled Tribe population count in the country. Understanding the distribution of tribal populations is important for various governmental policies and social studies.
Revision Table: Tribal Population in Select States (2011 Census)
| State | Scheduled Tribe Population (2011) | Approx. % of India's Total ST Population |
|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | 7,318,000 | 14.7% |
| Maharashtra | 10,521,000 | 10.1% |
| Odisha | 9,591,000 | 9.2% |
| Rajasthan | 9,285,000 | 8.9% |
| Gujarat | 8,917,000 | 8.5% |
| Nagaland | 1,697,000 | 1.6% |
| Tamil Nadu | 795,000 | 0.8% |
Note: The figures for states other than Madhya Pradesh are provided for comparison and illustrate their relative positions based on the 2011 census data regarding Scheduled Tribes. Maharashtra had the second largest ST population, followed by Odisha and Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh had the single largest ST population number.
Additional Information on Scheduled Tribes in India
- Scheduled Tribes are communities listed in the Constitution under Article 342.
- They are often recognized for their distinct cultures, languages, geographical isolation, and historical marginalization.
- The distribution of tribal populations varies significantly across India; states like Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh have a very high proportion of their population as Scheduled Tribes, even if their absolute numbers are lower than larger states like Madhya Pradesh or Maharashtra.
- Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand) and the North Eastern states are regions with significant tribal presence.
- The Government undertakes various measures for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes.
Important Questions from Population Geography
As per the 2011 census, which is the least populous state in India?
A person is said to be in marginal employment if s/he has worked for fewer than ______ months in the year preceding the Census.
In terms of area, India is the ______ largest country in the world.
In countries like Japan, ______ birth rates make the population pyramid ______ at the base.
Which of the following factors affect distribution of population?
I. Climate
II. Soil
III. Topography
IV. Water
