Question

The first complete census was taken in India in :

• A. 1861
• B. 1881
• C. 1891
• D. 1871

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 1881

• The first complete census in India was conducted in 1881 under the British colonial administration. This census marked a significant milestone as it was the first systematic and comprehensive population count that covered the entire Indian subcontinent uniformly.

• Prior to 1881, there were some localized census attempts - the first being in 1872 which was limited in scope and coverage. However, the 1881 census was notable because it was:

  1. Synchronous - conducted simultaneously across all regions

  2. Comprehensive - covered the entire territory under British rule

  3. Systematic - followed standardized procedures and methodology

  4. Complete - included detailed demographic data collection

• This census was conducted under the supervision of W.C. Plowden and established the foundation for regular decennial censuses in India. The practice of conducting a complete census every 10 years, which began with the 1881 census, continues in India even today, making it one of the longest-running census traditions in the world.

• The 1881 census recorded a total population of approximately 253.9 million people in British India, providing crucial demographic data that helped in administrative planning and policy formulation during the colonial period.