India’s federal union comprises 36 states and eight union territories. As per the Census Population Projection Report, the population of India is projected to reach 1,388,163,000 in the year 2023.

Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India’s union, is part of a total of 28 states and eight union territories. This information is derived from the Indian government’s latest census, conducted in 2011. Let’s now turn our attention to the populations of individual states.

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Rank	States	2023 estimates	2011 Census	Population Density
1	Uttar Pradesh	2,35,687,000	19,98,12,341	828/km2
2	Maharashtra	1,26,385,000	11,23,74,333	365/km2
3	Bihar	1,26,756,000	10,40,99,452	1,102/km2
4	West Bengal	99,084,000	9,12,76,115	1,029/km2
5	Madhya Pradesh	86,579,000	7,26,26,809	236/km2
6	Tamil Nadu	76,860,000	7,21,47,030	555/km2
7	Rajasthan	81,025,000	6,85,48,437	201/km2
8	Karnataka	67,692,000	6,10,95,297	319/km2
9	Gujarat	71,507,000	6,04,39,692	308/km2
10	Andhra Pradesh	53,156,000	49,386,799	303/km2

1. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, positioned in the northeast of India, is the fourth-largest state in the country and holds the distinction of being the most populous. The nomenclature “Uttar Pradesh,” meaning “Northern State,” was officially adopted on January 26, 1950, coinciding with the establishment of India’s government.

Lucknow serves as the capital of Uttar Pradesh, which holds the distinction of being India’s most densely populated state. As the twenty-first century began, the state accommodated a population that was more than twice that of the rest of the country.

Playing a crucial role in sustaining a significant portion of Uttar Pradesh’s population, the fertile soil of the Gangetic plains is instrumental. With a predominantly rural landscape, the state experiences a substantial demographic distribution across its countryside. The increase in population is linked to progressions such as a decline in infant mortality rates and enhanced opportunities for residents.

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2. Maharashtra

Capital: Mumbai
Winter Capital: Nagpur
Largest City: Mumbai

Maharashtra, a vast state occupying significant land in central and west-central India, features a distinctive physiography characterized by low hills, expansive high mountains, and river valleys. Geographically situated at the center of India, Maharashtra holds strategic importance.

In terms of population, Maharashtra stands as the third-most populous state globally and the second-most densely populated state in India. Established on May 1, 1960, through the division of the multilingual Bombay state formed in 1956, Maharashtra comprises 36 districts and six divisions. Mumbai, serving as both the state capital and India’s most populous urban city, plays a central role in the state’s cultural and economic landscape.

3. Bihar

Capital and Largest City: Patna (Pataliputra)

Bihar, located in East India, is the state with Patna serving as its capital. Jharkhand, a state formed in November 2000 from the southern provinces of Bihar, forms the southern and southeastern boundaries of Bihar.

In the early epochs of India’s history, Bihar held a pivotal position, serving as the primary imperial capital for numerous years and standing at the center of Indian culture and civilization.

4. West Bengal

Capital and Largest City: Kolkata

In the eastern part of the nation, the Indian state of West Bengal is known for being one of the smallest states in terms of land size but having one of the highest populations.

Kolkata (Calcutta) is the capital of the state. West Bengal holds historical significance as the starting point of the national movement during the era of British control, marking its initiation of the process of nationalism.

5. Madhya Pradesh

Capital: Bhopal
Largest City: Indore

Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as “the heart of India,” is situated in the central part of the nation. Devoid of an international border and coastline, the state is known for its distinctive physiography, encompassing low hills, expansive plateaus, and river valleys.

Bhopal, the state’s capital, is recognized as the cleanest city in Madhya Pradesh. Ranking as the fifth-largest state in terms of population and the second-largest in land area in India, Madhya Pradesh holds a central position in the geographical and demographic landscape of the country.

6. Tamilnadu

Capital and Largest City: Chennai

In terms of both territory and population, Tamil Nadu ranks as the sixth most populated state in India, as per the Human Development Index of 2011. Second only to Maharashtra, it boasts the country’s second-largest state economy and holds a leading position in industrialization.

Tamil, an ancient classical language that continues to be in use, is the primary language spoken in the state. Chennai, standing out as a hub of cultural and economic significance, serves as the capital of Tamil Nadu. The state’s tourism sector, characterized by diverse attractions that draw visitors from far and wide, is the largest among all Indian states. The Tamil cinema industry significantly influences the state’s popular culture, adding a distinctive flair to its cultural landscape.

7. Rajasthan

Capital and Largest City: Jaipur

Rajasthan, situated in northwest India and often referred to as the city of Rajputs, is characterized by the pink city of Jaipur serving as its capital. The state stands as a vivid embodiment of “The Rajas’ Place,” previously known as Rajputana, signifying “The Country of the Rajputs.”

After the integration of royal kingdoms and chiefdoms into India after 1947, the state adopted the name Rajasthan. Rajasthan, ranking as India’s seventh most populous state and the largest in terms of land area, shares borders with five other Indian states on the northwestern side of the country.

8. Karnataka

Capital and Largest City: Bengaluru

Karnataka, formerly known as Mysore until 1973, is situated on the western shoreline of the subcontinent. The state capital, Bengaluru (Bangalore), is in close proximity to the southeastern boundary.

Over time, Karnataka has witnessed the influence of various dynasties that have significantly enriched its cultural heritage. These dynasties have contributed to the development of diverse faiths and ideologies, leaving a lasting impact on literature, folklore, architecture, music, paintings, and other artistic expressions.

Among the southern states, Karnataka stands out as the only one with geographical boundaries connecting it to the other four states in southern India. It has been home to some of the most renowned dynasties of ancient and medieval India, further shaping its historical and cultural significance.

9. Gujrat

Capital: Gandhinagar
Largest City: Ahmedabad

Gujarat, occupying a region of 75,686 sq km on the west coast of the Arabian Sea, stands as the seventh-largest state in India. According to the 2011 census, the state is home to approximately 60,383,628 residents.

Gandhinagar holds the status of being the state’s capital, while other key cities include Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar. Recognized for its high levels of industrialization, Gujarat boasts a low unemployment rate, solidifying its position as one of the states with significant economic prowess in India.

10. Andhra Pradesh

Legislative Capital: Amaravati
Executive Capital: Visakhapatnam
Judicial Capital: Kurnool
Largest City: Visakhapatnam

Andhra Pradesh, situated in the southeast of the Indian subcontinent, has distinctive capitals for its legislative, executive, and judicial functions—Amaravati, Visakhapatnam, and Kurnool, respectively. The largest city in the state is Visakhapatnam.

For over six decades, Telangana was an integral part of Andhra Pradesh until it became an independent state in 2014, with Hyderabad serving as the shared capital for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The state derives its name from the Andhra people, who have inhabited the region since ancient times and developed their language, Telugu. The formation of Andhra Pradesh in its current form took place in 1956, responding to the demand of the Andhras for a separate state.

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