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Karnataka Population by Religion
Karnataka is the Eighth most populous state of India and has a diverse population of many religions & communities. At the census 2011, out of 6.10 Crore population, around 5.13 crores (84.00%) have returned themselves as followers of Hindu religion, 79 lakhs (12.92%) as Muslims or the followers of Islam, 11.43 Lakhs (1.87%) as Christians, 4.40 lakhs (0.72%) as Jains. In addition 0.27% Stated as no religion and 0.23% are other religions.
Source: Census 2011
also read Population of Karnataka
Religion in Karnataka by population
| # | Religion | Population 2011 |
| 1 | Hindu | 51,317,472 |
| 2 | Muslim | 7,893,065 |
| 3 | Christian | 1,142,647 |
| 4 | Jain | 440,280 |
| 5 | Buddhist | 95,710 |
| 6 | Sikh | 28,773 |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 11,263 |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 166,087 |
| Total | 61,095,297 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Karnataka - Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 33,905,041 | 90.49% |
| 2 | Muslim | 2,883,788 | 7.70% |
| 3 | Christian | 309,419 | 0.83% |
| 4 | Jain | 220,362 | 0.59% |
| 5 | Buddhist | 69,969 | 0.19% |
| 6 | Sikh | 6,754 | 0.02% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 5,071 | 0.01% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 68,931 | 0.18% |
| Total | 37,469,335 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Karnataka - Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 17,412,431 | 73.70% |
| 2 | Muslim | 5,009,277 | 21.20% |
| 3 | Christian | 833,228 | 3.53% |
| 4 | Jain | 219,918 | 0.93% |
| 5 | Buddhist | 25,741 | 0.11% |
| 6 | Sikh | 22,019 | 0.09% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 6,192 | 0.03% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 97,156 | 0.41% |
| Total | 23,625,962 |
Source: Census 2011
Karnataka Population - Caste wise
| Caste | Population (%) |
| OBC* | 54% |
| Dalits (SCs) | 17.15% |
| Tribals (STs) | 6.95% |
| General caste | 8% |
| Muslims | 12.92% |
| Others | 1% |
*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census 2011. So OBC Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimates.
Caste wise population in Karnataka
The estimated percentage of the main sub-group or caste population.
It may vary in actual numbers, figures, or accuracy as the government has not provided caste-wise population data other than for SCs and STs in the 2011 census. The figures are based on various estimates.
| # | Caste Group | Percentage |
| 1 | Vokkaliga | 8-10% |
| 2 | Kuruba | 5-6% |
| 3 | Naikda | 5% |
| 4 | Adi Karnataka | 5% |
| 5 | Lingayat | 5-6% |
| 6 | Brahmin | 4% |
| 7 | Maratha | 3% |
| 8 | Bedar | 3% |
| 9 | Gangakula/ Bestha | 2.34% |
| 10 | Banjara | 2% |
| 11 | Dhangar Bharwad | 1.82% |
| 12 | Vaddar | 1.80% |
| 13 | Viswakarma | 1.78% |
| 14 | Kalal | 1.76% |
| 15 | Kalal Idiga | 1.53% |
| 16 | Madiga | 1.51% |
| 17 | Balija | 1.45% |
| 18 | Adi Dravida | 1.31% |
| 19 | Holaya | 1.31% |
| 20 | Yadav | 1.30% |
| 21 | Vanniyan | 1.19% |
| 22 | Banijiga | 1.18% |
| 23 | Chambhar | 1.00% |
| 24 | Beldar | 0.92% |
| 25 | Bania/ Vaishya | 0.92% |
*100+ other caste groups are on the list, they have a population of less than 1%
Source: Joshua Project and various news articles
Please note that the Caste percentage and percentage provided above is for general information only. It should not be considered reliable as it is based on non-governmental studies and news reports, and may not be accurate or up-to-date.
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