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Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad) is one of the major historic and administrative cities of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is located at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers and is an important religious and cultural center of northern India.
As per the provisional data of the Census of India 2011, the population of Prayagraj city was 1,168,385 (11.68 lakh). The city has witnessed steady growth over the last few decades due to its role as an educational, administrative, and religious hub. Based on recent growth trends, the estimated population of Prayagraj city in 2026 is around 14 lakh (1.4 million).
👉 Projected Population of Prayagraj in 2026: ~14 lakh
Prayagraj City Demography
Prayagraj City Population (2011 vs 2026)
| Prayagraj City | Census 2011 | 2026 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,168,385 | 14 lakh |
| Male Population | 630,577 | 7.52 lakh |
| Female Population | 537,808 | 6.48 lakh |
Census 2011 Qucik Facts
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| City Area | 88.17 sq. km |
| Population Density | 13,252 per sq. km |
| Average Literacy Rate | 84.76% |
| Male Literacy | 88.37% |
| Female Literacy | 80.53% |
| Sex Ratio | 853 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 869 |
| Children (0–6 years) | 114,439 |
Sources: Census 2011
Allahabad Historical Population
Prayagraj has seen continuous urban growth during the last century. The city crossed the 1 million population mark in the early 21st century and continues to expand as a major urban center in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
| Year | Population | Actual Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 172,032 | – | – |
| 1911 | 171,697 | -335 | -0.19% |
| 1921 | 157,220 | -14,477 | -8.43% |
| 1931 | 173,895 | 16,675 | 10.61% |
| 1941 | 246,226 | 72,331 | 41.59% |
| 1951 | 312,259 | 66,033 | 26.82% |
| 1961 | 413,201 | 100,942 | 32.33% |
| 1971 | 492,445 | 79,244 | 19.18% |
| 1981 | 619,628 | 127,183 | 25.83% |
| 1991 | 806,486 | 186,858 | 30.16% |
| 2001 | 1,018,092 | 211,606 | 26.24% |
| 2011 | 1,168,385 | 150,293 | 14.76% |
| 2021 (Est.) | 1,310,000 | 141,615 | 12.12% |
Prayagraj District Population
Prayagraj district is one of the largest and most populous districts in the state. As per the 2011 Census, the district population was 5,954,391 (59.54 lakh). Based on recent growth trends, the estimated population of Prayagraj district in 2026 is around 66 lakh (6.6 million).
| Indicator | Census 2011 |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,954,391 |
| Male Population | 3,131,807 |
| Female Population | 2,822,584 |
| Literacy Rate | 72.32% |
| Sex Ratio | 901 |
| Child Sex Ratio | 893 |
Religion in Prayagraj District
| Religion | Population Share |
|---|---|
| Hinduism | 85.69% |
| Islam | 13.38% |
| Other / Not Stated | 0.93% |
Languages Spoken in Prayagraj District
At the time of the 2011 Census:
• Hindi (including variants) – 94.91%
• Urdu – 2.69%
• Awadhi – 1.86%
Local dialects like Awadhi and Bagheli are also widely spoken in rural areas of the district.
Note: In many Indian cities, official municipal boundaries cover only the core urban area, so the reported city population may appear smaller than the actual urban population. In such cases, the district population often provides a better reflection of the broader urban region, as Census city limits and Urban Agglomeration (UA) definitions do not always capture the full functional city area.
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