Merriam Webster defines census as:
Census (noun)
Cen·sus
: a usually complete count of a population (as of a state)
especially : a periodic governmental count of a population that usually includes social and economic information (as occupations, ages, and incomes)
Looking past the standard definition, a Census becomes something more than a mere head count. It is a detailed record that snapshots the country’s population, age, gender, occupation, literacy, living conditions and other demographic and social stats. For governments, it serves as a vital database that provides the backbone for policy making, resource allocation and planning. For researchers and historians it is a gold mine data source that provides a look into the social and economic fabric.
The first census in India was conducted in 1872, under British colonial rule. It was conducted in a non-synchronous manner, carried out at different times across provinces. The first census in India 1881 was a synchronous and comprehensive one, and has been continued in the same manner every decade since then (except for 2021). (History of Census in India)
Comparing data from those early censuses and the modern ones reveal a fascinating story of the nation, its growth and transformation over time and across periods of colonial and independent rule. With this blog we go through the key statistics from the first census of India and contrast them with today’s figures, highlighting how far the country has come.
The first census in India was done in 1872 by the British when India was under their rule. It was conducted over a period of years in different provinces, rather than a synchronous manner (carried out throughout the nation at the same time) that we see now. The primary objective of this census was to aid the administrative services, helping the British government streamline taxation, military recruitment and governance. This early attempt laid the foundation of what would evolve into a systematic data collection system.
The first census of India to be carried out in a synchronous manner, where data was collected across the country at the same time, took place in 1881 under the supervision of W.C Plowden, the then census commissioner of India. This marked the start of a tradition of decennial (every ten years) census, a practice that had continued for 130 years for the next 13 censuses. (Wikipedia: 1881 Census of India)
There were several issues faced by this early census attempt (first census in India 1881):
Nevertheless, it remains a milestone event of major significance that provides an insight into what India meant. Along with population it also recorded demographic details such as caste, religion, occupation and literacy, categories that continue to influence India’s socioeconomic policies.
The statistics from the first census in India (in 1872 and following 1881) paint a vastly different picture between then and what we see today. By comparing what we see now and what data was collected back then, we can clearly see how the nation has progressed demographically, socially and economically over the past 140 years.
In 1872, India’s population was estimated to be around 238 million. By the 2011 census this was reported to have grown to 1.21 billion, making India the second most populous country in the world. (Census India)
Back during the first census of India, the country was overwhelmingly rural, with 90% of the population living in villages. After more than a century urbanization has increased significantly, even though the majority of Indians are still rural.
This shift shows a major trend towards industrialization, economic diversification and migration to cities.
The sex ratio (females per 1000 males) is a critical indicator in demographics and an important measure of a country’s stability and progress.
This shows a persistent gender imbalance and indicates towards gender inequality and social stagnation since the first census in India 1872 that may result in adverse demographic, biological and social consequences.
A nation’s literacy rate is the measure of education levels amongst its population and a vital indicator of its progress. An educated population can tackle workforce requirements for secondary and tertiary industry as well as lead to social and economic change.
During the colonial period literacy and structured education systems were limited to the elites. The stark contrast shows how far the nation has come today, especially in women education.
Wikipedia, Extracts From The All India Census Reports On Literacy
The first census in India that recorded detailed data such as occupation was in 1881. Over 70% of the population were engaged in agriculture. There was minimal participation in manufacturing, industry or service.
In 2011, agriculture still employed about 50% of the workforce. However there has been a significant increase in percentages employed in other industries and services, that has made India the 4th largest economy in the world.
| Parameter | First Census in India (1872/1881 as per data availability) | Latest Census (2011) |
| Population | ~238M (1872), 253M (1881) | 1.21B |
| Urban Population | ~10% (1881) | 31% |
| Sex Ratio | 954 (1881) | 943 |
| Literacy Ratio | 3.2% (1872), 4.8% (1881) | 74% |
| Occupation | >70% Agriculture (1881) | 50% Agriculture; Industry & Service (growing) |
This clear contrast shows how India’s demographic landscape has shifted from a largely illiterate, rural and agrarian society to one that is urbanizing, educated and economically diversified since the first census of India.
After independence in 1947 census followed a decennial pattern established beforehand. The first census of India after independence was conducted in 1951. It proved to be crucial for the newly independent nation and its self ruling government to form a baseline for planning, comparison and development.
Key highlights:
The 1951 census was the first one attempted by a newly independent emerging nation. The focus shifted from aiding administration and taxation by a colonial power to becoming a foundation for nation building. It became the basis on which India started developing their five year plans to boost the economy and meet the needs of a growing population.
Policymakers used the census to identify critical areas, such as education, healthcare, food security, etc. Additionally the first census in India after independence marked the beginning of modernisation in data collection, setting standards, improving methods and reporting accurate data. (Census of India,1951, Wikipedia)
The comparison of data from the first census in India (1872), the consecutive ones (1881, 1951 and so on) and the last one in 2011 reveal more than just population growth. It’s a dive into history that paints how the economic and social landscape have changed in over a century.
Although today the census shows that more than half the labourforce is employed in agriculture, it has changed a lot since the first census in India 1881. The rise of industry and service economy has boosted India to a globally competitive economy. This diversification reflects industrialization, urban growth and integration with global markets.
With a 5% literacy rate India lagged behind a majority of the world. Since then the steady rise has been remarkable to achieve 74% literacy in 2011. It signals major progress, success of governmental education initiatives, social reforms and spread of modern schooling. Another important aspect is that of Female literacy, which in particular, has seen dramatic improvement (82.1% for males and 65.46% for females in 2011 which is far higher than the negligible rate in the first census in India).
The shift from 10% urban population in 1881 to 31% in 2011 shows a gradual trend towards urbanisation. The number of cities has increased as well as their size since the first census of India accommodating more citizens and providing them better healthcare, infrastructure and job opportunities.
Despite progress in other areas, the gender ratio has in fact declined from 954 females per 1000 males in 1881 to 940 in 2011. The gender imbalance highlights underlying social issues like discrimination and skewed cultural norms. Recent policies are attempting to correct this trend but only the next census will be able to measure whether they will be successful.
The first caste census in India recorded caste data extensively. It was completed in 1881. The 1931 census was the last to provide comprehensive caste data. After that caste is no longer fully enumerated but its historical role remains significant in understanding social hierarchies, affirmative action policies and socio-economic disparities.
Census data is a powerful tool for the government. Be it the British or independent Indian government the data provided by census gave valuable insights to plan and administer this vast nation. Today it helps shape policies in healthcare, education, infrastructure, employment and more.
(Historical Insights on India’s Caste and Census)
The journey from the first census in India in 1872 to the latest one in 2011 is a story of transformation. What began as a colonial administrative tool has become an essential instrument for national level planning and development. The numbers show a growth in population, literacy, urbanisation, economy and much more.
Yet, the census is more than historical data. It is a mirror of society, reflecting its strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. With the upcoming census of 2027 expected to incorporate advanced technology and more detailed socio-economic parameters, India continues to rely on this vital exercise to measure its future.
Understanding where we came from helps us understand where we are headed. The first census of India may have been a colonial milestone, but its legacy continues to shape the way India plans for tomorrow.