Understanding Urban Population in India (2011 Census)

This question asks about the state among the given options that had the highest percentage of its total population living in urban areas according to the 2011 Census of India. The Census of India provides detailed demographic data, including the distribution of population between urban and rural areas.

Defining Urban Areas in the Census

According to the 2011 Census, an urban area is defined in two ways:

• All places with a Municipality, Corporation, Cantonment Board, or Notified Town Area Committee.
• All other places which satisfy the following criteria:
  • A minimum population of 5,000.
  • At least 75 per cent of the male main working population engaged in non-agricultural pursuits.
  • A population density of at least 400 persons per sq. km. ($\text{persons/km}^2$).

Areas that meet these criteria are considered urban, and the population residing in such areas constitutes the urban population.

Analyzing Urban Population Percentage of States (2011)

Let's look at the percentage of urban population for the states listed in the options based on the 2011 Census data:

Comparing Urbanisation Levels

Comparing the percentages from the table:

• Madhya Pradesh: ~27.55%
• Haryana: ~34.83%
• Bihar: ~11.29%
• Uttar Pradesh: ~22.27%

Among the four states listed, Haryana had the highest urban population percentage in the 2011 Census, with approximately 34.83% of its population residing in urban areas.

Conclusion on Highest Urban Percentage

Based on the 2011 Census data, Haryana recorded the highest percentage of urban population among the states provided in the options: Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

Revision Table: Key Urbanisation Data (2011 Census)

Additional Information on Indian Urbanisation

While Haryana had the highest urban percentage among the given options, it is important to note that other states and Union Territories had significantly higher urban population percentages nationally in 2011. For example, Goa had an urban population percentage of over 62%, Mizoram over 52%, and Tamil Nadu over 48%. Union Territories like Delhi and Chandigarh had even higher percentages. However, the question specifically asks about the listed states.

Urbanisation is an ongoing process influenced by economic development, migration, and infrastructure growth. The Census data is crucial for understanding these demographic shifts and planning for urban development.