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Uttarakhand is the most populous Hill state of India and has a diverse population of many religions & communities. At the census 2011, out of the 1 Crore population, around 84 Lakhs (82.97%) have returned themselves as followers of the Hindu religion, 14 lakhs (13.95%) as Muslims or followers of Islam, 2.36 Lakhs (2.34%) as Sikh. In addition, 0.12% Stated No religion & 0.52% are other religions.
also read about Population of Uttarakhand
Religion-wise Population in Uttarakhand
| # | Religion | Population 2011 |
| 1 | Hindu | 8,368,636 |
| 2 | Muslim | 1,406,825 |
| 3 | Sikh | 236,340 |
| 4 | Christian | 37,781 |
| 5 | Buddhist | 14,926 |
| 6 | Jain | 9,183 |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 11,608 |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 993 |
| Total | 10,086,292 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion-wise Population Percentage in Uttarakhand
| # | Religion | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 82.97% |
| 2 | Muslim | 13.95% |
| 3 | Sikh | 2.34% |
| 4 | Christian | 0.37% |
| 5 | Buddhist | 0.15% |
| 6 | Jain | 0.09% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 0.12% |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 0.01% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Uttarakhand - Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 6,031,638 | 85.71% |
| 2 | Muslim | 790,857 | 11.24% |
| 3 | Sikh | 180,370 | 2.56% |
| 4 | Christian | 16,746 | 0.24% |
| 5 | Buddhist | 7,829 | 0.11% |
| 6 | Jain | 1,021 | 0.01% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 7,801 | 0.11% |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 692 | 0.01% |
| Total | 7,036,954 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Uttarakhand - Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Pop. 2011 | Percentage |
| 1 | Hindu | 2,336,998 | 76.64% |
| 2 | Muslim | 615,968 | 20.20% |
| 3 | Sikh | 55,970 | 1.84% |
| 4 | Christian | 21,035 | 0.69% |
| 5 | Jain | 8,162 | 0.27% |
| 6 | Buddhist | 7,097 | 0.23% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 3,807 | 0.12% |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 301 | 0.01% |
| Total | 3,049,338 |
Source: Census 2011
Uttarakhand Population - Caste wise
| Caste | Population (%) |
| OBC* | 20% |
| Dalits (SCs) | 18.76% |
| Tribals (STs) | 2.89% |
| General | 55% |
*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 percentage in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand’s social composition is strongly dominated by upper castes. Rajputs (around 35%) and Brahmins (about 20–25%) together form a clear majority of the state’s population, especially in the hill districts.
Scheduled Castes (SCs) form another major segment, constituting 18.76% of Uttarakhand’s population according to the 2011 Census. Among them, Shilpkar is the largest community (about 9.3 lakh), followed by Jatav/Dhusia/Jhusia groups (around 5.5 lakh) and Balmiki (over 1.1 lakh). Several smaller SC communities such as Kori, Dom, Bajgi, Bangali, and Pasi are also present across the state.
Scheduled Tribes (STs) make up a relatively small share, about 2.9% of the population. The main tribes include Jaunsari, Tharu, Buksa, Bhotiya, and Raji. These groups are regionally concentrated, with Jaunsaris mainly in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun and Uttarkashi, Tharus in the Terai districts like Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital, and Bhotiyas in the high Himalayan areas of Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Uttarkashi.
In Uttarakhand, Other Backward Classes (OBCs) make up roughly around 20-22% of the state’s population. The Central list of OBCs in the state includes 25+ communities, many of which belong to pastoral, agricultural, artisan, and service backgrounds. Prominent OBC groups include Gurjars and Yadavs, along with communities such as Rai-Sikh (Mahatam), Gorkha (excluding Brahmins and Kshatriyas), Gada, and Goswami.
Several traditional artisan and service communities are also classified under OBC, including Jogi, Kunjra (Rayeen), Khumra, Sangtarash, Hansiri, and Kumhar/Prajapati. These communities are recognized by the government for their historical social and educational disadvantages and are eligible for reservation benefits in education and public employment.
*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census 2011. So OBC & General Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimates.
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