First census of India was done in
A. 1871 – 1881
B. 1911 – 1921
C. 1981 – 1991
D. 1951 – 1961
Hint:The first all-India census was conducted by British authorities, but S.C. Srivastava notes that it was incomplete and irregular, conducted between 1867-1872 rather than covering the entire country at once. Initially planned for 1861, the census was delayed after the 1857 rebellion and postponed to cover ten-year intervals starting in 1861.
Complete answer:
A population census is a procedure used to gather, compile, analyze, and share data on the demographic, social, cultural, and economic aspects of every individual in a country at a specific interval, typically every 10 years. In a diverse country like India, the population census is considered the most substantial administrative effort conducted during peacetime. The wealth of information collected through the census—from household conditions and amenities to socio-economic and cultural data—makes it an invaluable source for planners, researchers, administrators, and other data users. Organizing and conducting the census in India is a challenging yet essential task.
Between 1865 and 1947, the Indian census was conducted annually before independence. These censuses were mainly administration-focused and encountered various obstacles, such as missing house numbers in villages, cultural objections, and dangers from wildlife faced by census workers. Rather than solely focusing on the population structure, these censuses were intended to support British administrative goals. Within the British Empire, the 1871 Indian Census marked India’s first official census, and the first fully comprehensive census was conducted in 1881, providing the most extensive demographic record for any comparable population in India.
Thus, the correct answer is option A: 1871 – 1881.
Note:The vast amount of data collected through the household census—covering household amenities, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics of the population—makes the Indian Census the most valuable and unique resource for planners, researchers, administrators, and other information users.