Population of India

Today, we delve into the intriguing realm of India's population, exploring the vast and dynamic demographic landscape that shapes the nation. With a diverse tapestry of cultures, traditions, and a burgeoning populace, India stands as a captivating study in the intricacies of human habitation and growth.

In 2023, India's population reached 1,428,627,663, reflecting a 0.81% rise compared to the previous year. The 2022 population stood at 1,417,173,173, marking a 0.68% increase from 2021.

India's population density stands at 481 per square kilometer (1,244 people per square mile). The population of India is experiencing an annual growth rate of 0.8%.

• Mumbai - 12,691,836
• Delhi - 10,927,986
• Bangalore - 5,104,047
• Kolkata - 4,631,392
• Chennai - 4,328,063
• Ahmedabad - 3,719,710
• Hyderabad - 3,597,816
• Pune - 2,935,744
• Surat - 2,894,504
• Kanpur - 2,823,249

These Indian cities represent a diverse tapestry of culture, history, and economic significance, with their populations ranging from the bustling metropolis of Mumbai to the industrial hub of Ahmedabad and the tech-savvy Bangalore. Each city contributes uniquely to India's social, cultural, and economic landscape.

India, with its vast and diverse population, is characterized by a rich tapestry of religious beliefs. The religious demographics of the country showcase a mosaic of faiths, reflecting a harmonious coexistence of various spiritual traditions. The majority of the population adheres to Hinduism, comprising approximately 79.8% of the total populace. Islam holds a significant presence at 14.2%, contributing to the religious diversity of the nation.

Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism follow in the religious landscape, with 2.3%, 1.7%, and 0.7% of the population respectively. Adivasi communities, encompassing belief systems like Sarnaism, Bon, Animism, Kirat Mundhum, and Donyi-Polo, constitute 0.5% of the population. Jainism and those identifying with no specific religion, including Atheism, Agnosticism, Secularism, and Not Stated, each contribute 0.4% and 0.25% respectively.

In addition, a minor percentage follows other faiths such as the Baháʼí Faith, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism, collectively making up 0.15% of India's diverse religious landscape.

Islam holds a significant historical and cultural presence in India, making it the second-largest religion in the country. The roots of Islam in India trace back to the early centuries after the religion emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. The spread of Islam in India initially occurred along the Arab coastal trade routes, particularly in Gujarat and along the Malabar Coast. Arab merchants played a key role in introducing Islam to Indian communities through their engagement in trade.

The inland penetration of Islam into the Indian subcontinent commenced in the 7th century when the Arabs conquered Sindh. Subsequently, during the 12th century, Islam made further inroads into Punjab and North India through the conquests of the Ghaznavids and Ghurids. Over the centuries, Islam has become an integral part of India's religious and cultural heritage.

Several historical mosques stand as testaments to the early presence of Islam in India. The Barwada Mosque in Ghogha, Gujarat, constructed before 623 CE, is one such example. The Cheraman Juma Mosque in Methala, Kerala (629 CE), and Palaiya Jumma Palli (The Old Jumma Masjid, 628–630 CE) in Kilakarai, Tamil Nadu, are among the earliest mosques built by seafaring Arab merchants in India.

The Legend of Cheraman Perumals suggests that the first Indian mosque was erected in 624 CE at Kodungallur in present-day Kerala. According to the legend, the last ruler of the Chera dynasty, Tajudeen Cheraman Perumal, mandated its construction after converting to Islam during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632). Similarly, Tamil Muslims along the eastern coasts claim to have embraced Islam during Muhammad's lifetime, with local mosques dating back to the early 700s.

Hinduism stands as the predominant religion in India, with roots dating back to the development of the Vedic culture between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. During this era, the Vedic religion gradually assimilated with local traditions and renouncer practices, giving rise to the comprehensive philosophy of Hinduism. This religious tradition has significantly shaped India's history, culture, and philosophy.

The term "India" itself finds its origin in Sanskrit, specifically from the word "Sindhu," which refers to the historic local designation for the Indus River. The evolution of Hinduism has been intertwined with the cultural and geographical identity of the Indian subcontinent.

Throughout its history, India experienced the rule of both Hindu and Muslim dynasties from approximately 1200 CE to 1750 CE. The decline of the Vijayanagara Empire marked a shift in dominance, with Muslim sultans gaining control, particularly in the Deccan region. However, Hinduism experienced a resurgence in political influence under the Maratha Empire, contributing to the diverse religious and cultural tapestry of the Indian subcontinent.

Christianity holds the position of India's third-largest religion, with a rich history that dates back to the introduction of the faith by Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD. Saint Thomas Christians, with written records mentioning their existence, assert that Christianity was brought to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Malabar region (present-day Kerala), by Thomas.

According to the Acts of Thomas, the early Christians in the region were Malabarese Jews who had settled in Kerala before the birth of Christ. Thomas, an Aramaic-speaking Jew from Galilee and one of Jesus Christ's disciples, came to India in search of Indian Jews. Following years of evangelism, Thomas was martyred and buried at St Thomas Mount, Mylapore. Scholarly consensus suggests that Christian communities, primarily composed of Nestorians following the Church of the East with the East Syriac Rite, were firmly established in Malabar by 600 AD.

With the discovery of a sea route to India by Vasco da Gama in the 15th century, Western Christianity took root in European colonies like Goa, Tranquebar, Bombay, Madras, and Pondicherry in the form of Catholicism and Protestantism. Conversions, often marked by the Goan Inquisition, resulted in the establishment of Christian communities. Christian missionaries played a role in introducing the Western educational system to India, advocating for Hindu social reforms alongside their efforts to spread Christianity.

In North India, the Bettiah Christians of Northern Bihar trace their community's establishment back to the 18th century. The Church of North India, Church of Pakistan, and Church of South India represent a United Protestant denomination resulting from the efforts of Anglicans, Calvinists, Methodists, and other Indian Protestants during colonial India.

Christianity has a notable presence in parts of Northeast India, particularly in states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya. It also holds significance in Arunachal Pradesh, with approximately 30 percent of the state's population identifying as Christian according to a 2021 study from the Pew Research Center.

Throughout history, Christians in India have been involved in the Indian National Congress and the independence movement, advocating for self-rule and opposing the partition of India. Various Christian communities, including Anglo-Indians, Luso-Indians, Armenian Indians, and others, have coexisted in the subcontinent. Additionally, reports suggest the presence of crypto-Christians in recent years due to concerns about persecution by Hindu extremists.

Buddhism, an ancient Indian religion, originated in and around the ancient Kingdom of Magadha, now situated in Bihar, India. It is founded on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, recognized as the "Awakened One," although Buddhist doctrine acknowledges the existence of other Buddhas preceding him. The spread of Buddhism beyond Magadha commenced during the lifetime of the Buddha.

Under the rule of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the Buddhist community experienced a split into two branches: the Mahāsāṃghika and the Sthaviravāda. These branches proliferated throughout India, giving rise to numerous sub-sects. In contemporary times, Buddhism is characterized by two major branches: Theravada, prominent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, and Mahayana, prevalent in the Himalayas and East Asia. The Vajrayana tradition, often considered a part of Mahayana Buddhism, is sometimes regarded as a distinct branch by certain scholars.

The influence of Buddhism in India waned around the 7th century CE, coinciding with the decline of the Gupta Empire. The last significant state supporting Buddhism, the Pala Empire, collapsed in the 12th century. By the end of the 12th century, Buddhism had largely disappeared from India, except for isolated remnants in parts of south India and the Himalayan region. However, since the 19th century, there have been modern revivals of Buddhism, including movements such as the Maha Bodhi Society, the Vipassana movement, and the Dalit Buddhist movement championed by B R Ambedkar.

In addition, the arrival of Tibetan refugees and the Tibetan government in exile to India, following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950, has led to a growth of Tibetan Buddhism in the country.

China and India are two populous countries in Asia, sharing similarities and differences in various demographic aspects.

China:

• Population: 1,425,671,000
• Inhabitants/km²: 149.1
• Life expectancy (males/females): Ø 75 years / Ø 81 years
• Average age: Ø 39.8 years
• Birth rate: 7.52 ‰
• Death rate: 7.18 ‰
• Migration rate: -0.14 ‰

India:

• Population: 1,428,627,663
• Inhabitants/km²: 481.0
• Life expectancy (males/females): Ø 66 years / Ø 69 years
• Average age: Ø 29.5 years
• Birth rate: 16.42 ‰
• Death rate: 9.45 ‰
• Migration rate: -0.21 ‰

Olaf from Berlin says: "India has historically been densely populated, benefiting from its abundant rivers, fertile land, and lush forests. The country's early economic landscape, especially after World War II, was primarily agrarian, where having more children translated to a larger pool of available free labor.

The transition from a predominantly agrarian society to a more diversified economy, coupled with government initiatives, has played a significant role in shaping India's population dynamics. As prosperity increased and urbanization took hold, there was a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards family size. The awareness of the economic implications of large families began to grow, prompting a decline in birth rates.

India's replacement rate, currently at 2.1, reflects the stabilization of population growth. Government efforts, including family planning programs and educational campaigns, have contributed to this change. Despite ongoing challenges, the trajectory suggests a positive shift towards a more balanced population structure, where the focus is shifting from sheer numbers to sustainable development and improved quality of life."