Largest State in India is a significant nation in terms of both area and population. It is the 7th largest country in the world by area and the 2nd most populous country after China. This article will focus on the largest states in India based on their area and population. The data presented is approximate and sourced from the NHS. The states of India will be listed in descending order of both area and population in this article.
Largest State in India
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, covering approximately 342,239 square kilometers. It is located in the northern part of the country and is known for its vast deserts, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. With its diverse landscapes ranging from the Thar Desert to the Aravalli mountain range, Rajasthan attracts tourists from all over the world. Jaipur, the state capital, is also known as the “Pink City” due to its iconic pink buildings and structures. In addition to its tourism industry, Rajasthan is famous for its traditional handicrafts, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine.
WhatsApp Channel Join Button
Top 5 Largest States in India by Population 2024
Rank
State
Population
1
Uttar Pradesh
Over 200 million
2
Maharashtra
120 million
3
Bihar
100 million
4
West Bengal
Over 90 million
5
Madhya Pradesh
Over 80 million
Here is the compilation of the biggest states in India ranked by population
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is the largest state in India, boasting a population exceeding 200 million. Known for its rich culture and tourist attractions, Uttar Pradesh is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Additionally, the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya serves as a significant symbol of Hinduism for followers worldwide.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra, the second most populous state in India, is where 120 million people reside. Known as the financial capital of India, Maharashtra is famous for its world-renowned oranges. Maharashtra boasts the renowned Nagpur oranges, as well as Mumbai, the hub of Bollywood and the Stock Market (Dalal Street).
Bihar
Bihar, situated in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, ranks as the third most populous state in India, with a population of 100 million. Formerly categorized as one of the ‘Bimaru’ states due to its significant poverty and underdevelopment, Bihar is now showing signs of improvement thanks to ongoing government initiatives.
West Bengal
West Bengal, the fourth most populous state in India, has a population exceeding 90 million. Situated in eastern India, it stretches from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. This state boasts cultural richness and a significant historical background, being the homeland of Nobel Prize laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is the fifth most populous state in India, following West Bengal, with a population exceeding 80 million. Often referred to as Rajasthan’s counterpart, it is a state experiencing growth with a rich cultural heritage. Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its numerous historical tourist attractions that draw visitors from around the globe.
List of Largest States in India in terms of Population 2024
We have compiled a list ranking all states based on their populations. The last official population survey in India was conducted in 2011, with the next one scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to COVID-19. While actual population figures may have changed, the states’ positions on the list are generally unchanged.
Sl.No.
State
Area
population
1
Uttar Pradesh
northern
19,98,12,341
2
Maharashtra
western
11,23,74,333
3
Bihar
Eastern
10,40,99,452
4
West Bengal
Eastern
9,12,76,115
5
Madhya Pradesh
Central
7,26,26,809
6
Tamil Nadu
South
7,21,47,030
7
Rajasthan
northern
6,85,48,437
8
Karnataka
South
6,10,95,297
9
Gujarat
western
6,04,39,692
10
Andhra Pradesh
South
4,95,77,103
11
Odisha
Eastern
4,19,74,219
12
Telangana
South
3,50,03,674
13
Kerala
South
3,34,06,061
14
Jharkhand
Eastern
3,29,88,134
15
Assam
Northeast
3,12,05,576
16
Punjab
northern
2,77,43,338
17
Chattisgarh
Central
2,55,45,198
18
Haryana
northern
2,53,51,462
19
Uttarakhand
northern
1,00,86,292
20
Himachal Pradesh
northern
68,64,602
21
Tripura
Northeast
36,73,917
22
Meghalaya
Northeast
29,66,889
23
Manipur
Northeast
25,70,390
24
Nagaland
Northeast
19,78,502
25
Goa
western
14,58,545
26
Arunachal Pradesh
Northeast
13,83,727
27
Mizoram
Northeast
10,97,206
28
Sikkim
Northeast
6,10,577
Significance of categorizing states based on population
In a democratic country like ours, where the power lies with the people, conducting a thorough census to determine the population distribution among states and districts is of utmost importance. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a delay in our latest census, which will be addressed soon. Through population data analysis, the government can gather information on gender distribution, poverty levels, caste demographics, and other relevant segments. This data enables the government at both national and state levels to develop policies and distribute resources more effectively to benefit specific groups within society.
Top 5 Largest States of India By Area
Below is a summary table displaying the top 5 biggest states in India based on area:
Rank
State
Area (in square kilometers)
1
Rajasthan
342,000
2
Madhya Pradesh
308,000
3
Maharashtra
307,000
4
Uttar Pradesh
240,000
5
Gujarat
196,024
Below is a list of the largest states of India by Area
Rajasthan
Rajasthan, located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, is the largest state in India by area, spanning over 342,000 square kilometers. Rajasthan constitutes 10.4% of the total land area of the country and is renowned for its abundant history, lively culture, and stunning desert scenery.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is India’s second-largest state by area, spanning over 308,000 square kilometers. Situated in central India, it is renowned for its abundant history, varied wildlife, and ancient temples and monuments.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra ranks third among the largest states in India by land area, spanning over 307,000 square kilometers in the western region of the country. The state is renowned for its vibrant capital, Mumbai, and features a varied terrain comprising beaches, mountains, and forests.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, located in North India, is the fourth largest state in the Indian subcontinent with a land area exceeding 240,000 square kilometers. The state is renowned for its abundant cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and religious destinations.
Gujarat
Gujarat, situated on the west coast of the Indian peninsula in western India, is the fifth largest state in terms of area in India, covering 196,024 square kilometres. The state boasts a rich cultural heritage and is renowned for its stunning beaches, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries.
List of Largest States in India by Area 2024
Sl.No.
State
Area
Area (in km2)
1
Rajasthan
Northern
3,42,239
2
Madhya Pradesh
Central
3,08,252
3
Maharashtra
Western
3,07,713
4
Uttar Pradesh
Northern
2,40,928
5
Gujarat
Western
1,96,024
6
Karnataka
South
1,91,791
7
Andhra Pradesh
South
1,60,205
8
Odisha
Eastern
1,55,707
9
Chattisgarh
Central
1,35,191
10
Tamil Nadu
South
1,30,058
11
Telangana
South
1,12,077
12
Bihar
Eastern
94,163
13
West Bengal
Eastern
88,752
14
Arunachal Pradesh
Northeast
83,743
15
Jharkhand
Eastern
79,714
16
Assam
Northeast
78,438
17
Himachal Pradesh
Northern
55,673
18
Uttarakhand
Northern
53,483
19
Punjab
Northern
50,362
20
Haryana
Northern
44,212
21
Kerala
South
38,863
22
Meghalaya
Northeast
22,429
23
Manipur
Northeast
22,327
24
Mizoram
Northeast
21,081
25
Nagaland
Northeast
16,579
26
Tripura
Northeast
10,486
27
Sikkim
Northeast
7,096
28
Goa
Western
3,702
Summary
Here is the compilation of the Biggest States in India by Area and by Population. While the land area of a state remains constant and involves a intricate procedure to alter, population figures are approximations provided by national health surveys until the census provides an accurate representation.
Largest State in India Images
What is the largest state in India by area?
Rajasthan is known as the largest state in India in terms of area, encompassing more than 342,000 square kilometers.
Which state ranks second in terms of area?
Madhya Pradesh is India’s second-largest state in terms of area, covering over 308,000 square kilometers.
What is the most populous state in India?
Uttar Pradesh is recognized as the most populous state in India, with a population of over 200 million.
Which state ranks second in terms of population?
Maharashtra, the second most populous state in India, is inhabited by around 120 million individuals.
How often is the census conducted in India?
In India, the census is usually carried out every decade to collect information on population demographics and other important statistics.
What factors contribute to the population distribution in India?
In India, population distribution is notably influenced by factors like geography, climate, historical settlements, and economic opportunities.
Which state has the highest population density?
Bihar boasts one of the highest population densities in India, with a significant number of individuals living in comparatively compact regions.
How does the government utilize census data?
The government uses census data to create policies, distribute resources, and plan infrastructure development according to population demographics.
Is the population distribution uniform across all Indian states?
No, population distribution varies significantly across Indian states due to factors such as geographical features, economic development, and cultural preferences.
When was the last census conducted in India?
The most recent census in India took place in 2011, offering valuable information on population trends and demographics nationwide.
