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Tamil Nadu is the most populous southern state of India and has a diverse population of many religions & communities. At the census 2011, out of 7.21 Crore population, around 6.31 crores (87.58%) have returned themselves as followers of Hindu religion, 44 lakhs (6.12%) as Christians, 42 Lakhs (5.86%) as Muslims or the followers of Islam, and 0.17% as followers of other religions. In addition, 0.26% Stated no religion.
Source: Census 2011
also read Population of Tamil Nadu
Religion-wise Population Percentage in Tamil Nadu
| # | Religion | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 87.58% |
| 2 | Christian | 6.12% |
| 3 | Muslim | 5.86% |
| 4 | Jain | 0.12% |
| 5 | Sikh | 0.02% |
| 6 | Buddhist | 0.02% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 0.01% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 0.26% |
Source: Census 2011
Religion-wise Population in Tamil Nadu
| # | Religion | Population 2011 |
| 1 | Hindu | 63,188,168 |
| 2 | Christian | 4,418,331 |
| 3 | Muslim | 4,229,479 |
| 4 | Jain | 89,265 |
| 5 | Sikh | 14,601 |
| 6 | Buddhist | 11,186 |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 7,414 |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 188,586 |
| Total | 72,147,030 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Tamil Nadu - Rural Population
| # | Religion | Rural Population | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 34,548,262 | 92.80% |
| 2 | Christian | 1,598,616 | 4.29% |
| 3 | Muslim | 993,822 | 2.67% |
| 4 | Jain | 10,084 | 0.03% |
| 5 | Sikh | 4,149 | 0.01% |
| 6 | Buddhist | 3,285 | 0.01% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 2,587 | 0.01% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 68,785 | 0.18% |
| Total | 37,229,590 |
Source: Census 2011
Religion in Tamil Nadu - Urban Population
| # | Religion | Urban Population | Percentage % |
| 1 | Hindu | 28,639,906 | 82.02% |
| 2 | Muslim | 3,235,657 | 9.27% |
| 3 | Christian | 2,819,715 | 8.08% |
| 4 | Jain | 79,181 | 0.23% |
| 5 | Sikh | 10,452 | 0.03% |
| 6 | Buddhist | 7,901 | 0.02% |
| 7 | Other religions and persuasions | 4,827 | 0.01% |
| 8 | Religion not stated | 119,801 | 0.34% |
| Total | 34,917,440 |
Source: Census 2011
Tamil Nadu Caste-wise Population
| Caste | Population (%) |
| OBC* | 71% |
| Dalits (SCs) | 20% |
| Tribals (STs) | 1.10% |
| General caste | 4 % |
| Others | 4% |
*Govt has not enumerated caste-wise population other than SCs and STs in the Census 2011. So the OBC Percentage is not accurate & based on various estimates.
Caste wise percentage in Tamil Nadu
Estimated percentages of some of the major caste and community groups in Tamil Nadu suggest that Vanniyars form the largest single group at around 14%, followed by Adi Dravida communities at about 9%. Other main groups include Maravan (around 4%) and Yadav/Konar/Ayar (3–4%). Several communities fall in the 2–4% range, such as Brahmins, Nadars, Vellalars, Boya, Paraiyan, Pallan, Viswakarma, Kaikolan, and Ilavan/Ezhava. Smaller but notable groups between roughly 1–2% include Nair, Kallan, Arunthathiyar, Chakkiliyan, and Kuruba.
In addition, there are more than 100 other subgroups and castes in Tamil Nadu, each with a population share of less than 1%. These figures are broad estimates and have not been officially verified, as the Government of India has enumerated caste-wise population data only for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Census 2011.
| Main Caste Group |
| Vanniyan |
| Adi Dravida |
| Maravan |
| Yadav/Konar/Ayar |
| Pallan |
| Viswakarma |
| Kaikolan |
| Ilavan/ Ezhavas |
| Brahmin |
| Boya |
| Paraiyan |
| Nadar (Hindu traditions) |
| Vellalar |
| Nair |
| Nadar (Christian traditions) |
| Kallan |
| Arunthathiyar |
| Chakkiliyan |
| Kuruba |
| Yadav Gola |
*100+ other subgroups/castes are present in TN with a population of less than 1%
Caste wise population in Tamil Nadu
Estimated Percentage of some of the main people subgroups/castes in Tamil Nadu. However, it should be noted that these are rough estimates and have not been verified by any State/ Central government department. The government has only enumerated caste-wise populations for SCs and STs in Census 2011.
| # | Caste Group | Percentage |
| 1 | Vanniyan | 14% |
| 2 | Adi Dravida | 9% |
| 3 | Maravan | 4% |
| 4 | Yadav/Konar/Ayar | 3-4% |
| 5 | Pallan | 3% |
| 6 | Viswakarma | 3% |
| 7 | Kaikolan | 3% |
| 8 | Ilavan/ Ezhavas | 3% |
| 9 | Brahmin | 2-3% |
| 10 | Boya | 2.60% |
| 11 | Paraiyan | 2.55% |
| 12 | Nadar (Hindu traditions) | 2-3% |
| 13 | Vellalar | 2.24% |
| 14 | Nair | 1.68% |
| 15 | Nadar (Christian traditions) | 1.44% |
| 16 | Kallan | 1.37% |
| 17 | Arunthathiyar | 1.35% |
| 18 | Chakkiliyan | 1.18% |
| 19 | Kuruba | 1.13% |
| 20 | Yadav Gola | 1% |
*100+ other subgroups/castes are present in TN with 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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