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Madhya Pradesh is the fifth most populous state of India and has a diverse population of many religions & communities. At the census 2011, out of 7.26 Crore population, around 6.6 crores (90.89%) have returned themselves as followers of Hindu religion, 47.7 lakh (6.57%) as Muslims or the followers of Islam, 5.67 Lakhs (0.78%) as Jain, 2.16 lakhs (0.30%) as Buddhists, 2.13 lakhs (0.29%) are Christians, and in addition 0.12% Stated as no religion & 1.04% are other religions.
Source: Census 2011
also read Population of Madhya Pradesh
Religion-wise Population Percentage in Madhya Pradesh
| # | Religion | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 90.89% |
| 2 | Muslim | 6.57% |
| 3 | Jain | 0.78% |
| 4 | Buddhist | 0.30% |
| 5 | Christian | 0.29% |
| 6 | Sikh | 0.21% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 0.83% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 0.13% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion-wise Population in Madhya Pradesh
| # | Religion | Population 2011 |
| 1 | Hindu | 66,007,121 |
| 2 | Muslim | 4,774,695 |
| 3 | Jain | 567,028 |
| 4 | Buddhist | 216,052 |
| 5 | Christian | 213,282 |
| 6 | Sikh | 151,412 |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 599,594 |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 97,625 |
| Total | 72,626,809 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Madhya Pradesh - Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 49,827,046 | 94.80% |
| 2 | Muslim | 1,683,683 | 3.20% |
| 3 | Christian | 89,125 | 0.17% |
| 4 | Buddhist | 132,419 | 0.25% |
| 5 | Jain | 109,699 | 0.21% |
| 6 | Sikh | 55,152 | 0.10% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 592,365 | 1.13% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 67,915 | 0.13% |
| Total | 52,557,404 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Madhya Pradesh - Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 16,180,075 | 80.62% |
| 2 | Muslim | 3,091,012 | 15.40% |
| 3 | Jain | 457,329 | 2.28% |
| 4 | Christian | 124,157 | 0.62% |
| 5 | Sikh | 96,260 | 0.48% |
| 6 | Buddhist | 83,633 | 0.42% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 7,229 | 0.04% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 29,710 | 0.15% |
| Total | 20,069,405 |
Source: Census 2011
Madhya Pradesh Caste-wise Population
| Caste | Population (%) |
| OBC* | 42% |
| Dalits (SCs) | 15.62% |
| Tribals (STs) | 21.9% |
| General caste | 20% |
*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census 2011. So OBC Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimate
Caste Percentage in Madhya Pradesh
The social composition of the region reflects a diverse mix of communities. Bhils form the largest group at around 10%, followed by Rajputs (7–8%), Jatav/Satnami (7%), Gond (6%), and Brahmins (5–6%). Other notable communities include Bania (3–4%), Yadav, Kachhi, and Kurmi (about 3% each), along with Lodha and Teli (around 2% each).
Smaller groups such as Balai, Kol, Gujar, Nai, Kumhar, Dhimar, Mahar, Gadaria, Lohar, Kunbi, Kirar, Mali, Korku, Badhai, and Koli each constitute roughly 1–2% of the population. In addition, more than 200 other subgroups are present, each accounting for less than 1%, highlighting the region’s rich and complex social diversity.
| Main Caste Group |
| Bhil |
| Rajput |
| Jatav/Satnami |
| Brahmin |
| Gond |
| Bania |
| Yadav |
| Kachhi |
| Kurmi |
| Lodha |
| Teli |
| Balai |
| Kol |
| Gujar |
| Nai |
| Kumhar |
| Dhimar |
| Mahar |
| Gadaria |
| Lohar |
| Kunbi |
| Kirar |
| Mali |
| Korku |
| Badhai |
| Koli |
*200+ other subgroups below 1%
Caste Percentage in Madhya Pradesh
| Caste Group | Percentage |
| Bhil | 10% |
| Rajput | 7-8% |
| Jatav/Satnami | 7% |
| Brahmin | 5-6% |
| Gond | 6% |
| Bania | 3-4% |
| Yadav | 3% |
| Kachhi | 3% |
| Kurmi | 3% |
| Lodha | 2% |
| Teli | 2% |
| Balai | 1.90% |
| Kol | 1.65% |
| Gujar | 1.61% |
| Nai | 1.5% |
| Kumhar | 1.5% |
| Dhimar | 1.4% |
| Mahar | 1% |
| Gadaria | 1% |
| Lohar | 1% |
| Kunbi | 1% |
| Kirar | 1% |
| Mali | 1% |
| Korku | 1% |
| Badhai | 1% |
| Koli | 1% |
*200+ other subgroups below 1%
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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