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Maharashtra is the second most populous state of India and has a diverse population of many religions and communities. At the census 2011, out of the 11.24 Crore population, around 9 crores (79.83%) have returned themselves as followers of the Hindu religion; 1.30 crores (11.54%) as Muslims or followers of Islam; 65.31 Lakhs (5.81%) as Buddhist; 14 lakhs (1.25%) as Jain; 10.80 lakhs (0.96%) are Christians; and 2.24 Lakhs (0.20%) as Sikh. In addition, 0.25% Stated no religion & 0.16% are other religions.
also read about Population of Maharashtra
Religion-wise Population Percentage in Maharashtra
| # | Religion | Population % |
| 1 | Hindu | 79.83% |
| 2 | Muslim | 11.54% |
| 3 | Buddhist | 5.81% |
| 4 | Jain | 1.25% |
| 5 | Christian | 0.96% |
| 6 | Sikh | 0.20% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 0.16% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 0.25% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion-wise Population in Maharashtra
| # | Religion | Population 2011 | 2024 Estimate |
| 1 | Hindu | 89,703,057 | 10 Crore |
| 2 | Muslim | 12,971,152 | 1.5 Crore |
| 3 | Buddhist | 6,531,200 | 75 lakh |
| 4 | Jain | 1,400,349 | 15.75 lakh |
| 5 | Christian | 1,080,073 | 12.60 lakh |
| 6 | Sikh | 223,247 | 2.5 lakh |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 178,965 | 2 lakh |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 286,290 | 3.16 lakh |
| Total | 112,374,333 | 126,400,000 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Maharashtra - Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 53,986,028 | 87.70% |
| 2 | Muslim | 3,496,807 | 5.68% |
| 3 | Buddhist | 3,412,078 | 5.54% |
| 4 | Jain | 269,959 | 0.44% |
| 5 | Religion not stated | 156,133 | 0.25% |
| 6 | Christian | 114,972 | 0.19% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 93,647 | 0.15% |
| 8 | Sikh | 26,450 | 0.04% |
| Total | 61,556,074 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Maharashtra - Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Pop. 2011 | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 35,717,029 | 70.28% |
| 2 | Muslim | 9,474,345 | 18.64% |
| 3 | Buddhist | 3,119,122 | 6.14% |
| 4 | Jain | 1,130,390 | 2.22% |
| 5 | Christian | 965,101 | 1.90% |
| 6 | Sikh | 196,797 | 0.39% |
| 7 | Religion not stated | 130,157 | 0.26% |
| 8 | Other religions and persuasions | 85,318 | 0.17% |
| Total | 50,818,259 |
Source: Census 2011
Maharashtra Caste-wise Population
| Caste | Population (%) |
| OBC* | 34% |
| Dalits (SCs) | 11.81% |
| Tribals (STs) | 9.35% |
| General caste | 32.4% |
| Muslims | 11.54% |
| Others | 0.90% |
*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 Maharashtra
Broadly, the Maratha community forms the single largest social group in Maharashtra. The Maratha community is believed to constitute the largest social group in Maharashtra at around 25% of the total population, followed by Kunbi (8%) and Mahar (approximately 7–8%). Among other significant communities, Shaikh and Brahmin groups are each estimated at around 6%, while Bania/Aggarwal account for roughly 5%.
Several medium-sized communities (2-3% each) — including Mali, Matang, Gond, Bhil, and Koli — represent important regional and social segments across different parts of Maharashtra. In addition, there are numerous smaller yet socially and politically relevant groups such as Teli, Yadav, Rajput, Jatav/Bhambi, Sonar, Banjara, Pashtun, Sayyid, Badhai, Vanjara, Nai, Kumhar, Varli, and Ansari, which collectively contribute to the state’s diverse social composition.
Since the Census of India 2011 did not publish detailed caste-wise data apart from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the following distribution is based on independent estimates and secondary sources, and should be treated as indicative rather than official figures.
Major Population Groups
| Marathas |
| Kunbi |
| Mahars |
| Shaikh |
| Brahmin |
| Bania/ Aggarwals |
| Mali |
| Matang |
| Gond |
| Bhil |
| Koli |
| Teli |
| Yadav |
| Rajput |
| Jatav/ Bhambi |
| Sonar |
| Banjara |
| Badhai |
| Vanjara |
| Nai |
| Pashtun |
| Sayyid |
| Kumhar |
| Varli |
| Ansari |
+ 200 other caste groups with a population less than 1%
Caste by people groups
Indian or Maharashtra Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in Census 2011. So Caste Percentages are not accurate & based on estimates by the Joshua Project and many sources of varying accuracy.
| # | Caste wise/People Group* | % of Total |
| 1 | Marathas | 26% |
| 2 | Kunbi | 8% |
| 3 | Mahars | 7 – 8% |
| 4 | Shaikh | 6% |
| 5 | Brahmin | 6% |
| 6 | Bania/ Aggarwals | 5% |
| 7 | Mali | 2-3% |
| 8 | Matang | 2% |
| 9 | Gond | 2% |
| 10 | Bhil | 2% |
| 11 | Koli | 2% |
| 12 | Teli | 1.5% |
| 13 | Yadav | 1 – 2% |
| 14 | Rajput | 1 – 2% |
| 15 | Jatav/ Bhambi | 1.20% |
| 16 | Sonar | 1% |
| 17 | Banjara | 1% |
| 18 | Badhai | 0.80% |
| 19 | Vanjara | 0.72% |
| 20 | Nai | 0.72% |
| 21 | Pashtun | 1.08% |
| 22 | Sayyid | 1.14% |
| 23 | Kumhar | 0.69% |
| 24 | Varli | 0.68% |
| 25 | Ansari | 0.67% |
Source: past surveys 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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