Which Indian city had the highest population as per the 2011 Census?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Mumbai
Explanation
According to the official 2011 Census of India, Mumbai (specifically the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) was the most populous city proper in India, with a population of approximately 1.24 crore (12.4 million) residents.
When evaluating census data, a distinction is made between a "city proper" (municipal corporation boundaries) and an "Urban Agglomeration" (UA), which includes the city and its continuous suburban extensions. As a city proper within its strict municipal limits, Mumbai held the top rank. Following Mumbai, Delhi city proper stood in second place, with Bangalore and Hyderabad trailing further behind.
Key Points
If looking at the wider Urban Agglomeration (UA) data from the 2011 Census, the Mumbai Urban Agglomeration (including Thane, Navi Mumbai, etc.) was the largest with around 1.84 crore people, closely followed by the Delhi Urban Agglomeration.
Delhi is classified as a National Capital Territory (NCT) containing multiple municipal bodies, which is why its individual city corporation numbers rank below Mumbai's single municipal limit.
The Census of India is conducted once every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which Indian state recorded the highest overall population during the 2011 Census?
Answer: Uttar Pradesh was recorded as the most populous state in India.
Question: Which city ranked as the third most populous urban agglomeration in India according to the 2011 figures?
Answer: Kolkata ranked as the third largest urban agglomeration, following Mumbai and Delhi.