UPSC Prelims 2005 · General Studies
Question 1: Geography
According to Census 2001, which one of the following Indian States has the maximum population in India after Uttar Pradesh?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
After Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra was India's most populous state in Census 2001, with about 9.7 crore people. Bihar followed with about 8.3 crore, West Bengal with about 8.0 crore and Tamil Nadu with about 6.2 crore. Remember the 2001 order: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra is still second in later censuses.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) West Bengal had about 8.0 crore, fourth after Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar.
- (b) Maharashtra, about 9.7 crore, was second only to Uttar Pradesh.
- (c) Bihar had about 8.3 crore, third in 2001.
- (d) Tamil Nadu had about 6.2 crore, well behind the top three.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2005, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.