The Muslim Population in India Before Partition: Percentage and Distribution
Before the partition of India in 1947, the Indian subcontinent was under British rule and encompassed the present-day territories of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The demographic landscape was characterized by religious diversity, with the Muslim population being a significant part of the Indian subcontinent. Understanding the historical context and the distribution of the Muslim population in undivided India is crucial to grasp the complexities of the partition and its aftermath.
Estimates and Distribution of the Muslim Population
According to estimates, the Muslim population in India before partition was around 100 million, which constituted roughly one-fourth of the total Indian population of 388-430 million people (depending on which sources you consult). The Muslim population was not evenly distributed and was more concentrated in specific regions: particularly in the northwestern and northeastern parts of the subcontinent.
Pre-Partition Population Data
Before the partition in 1947, the Muslim population was approximately one-fourth (24.3%) of the total Indian population, which was around 39 crore (390 million) in 1941. The 1941 census revealed that there were 8.9 crore (89 million) Muslims, representing 22.8% of the total Indian population.
Following India’s independence in 1947, the 1951 census showed a total population of 36.5 crore (365 million), with 3.5 crore (35 million) Muslims, or 9.6% of the population. By 2011, the total population had grown to 121 crore (1.21 billion), with Muslims accounting for 17.5 crore (175 million), or 14.4% of the population.
Partition and Its Impact on Muslim Population
Partition led to the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan, with significant demographic shifts. Prior to partition, the Muslim population in present-day Pakistan was around 2.8 crore (28 million) and the non-Muslim population was around 56 lakh (5.6 million), which was 20% of the total population. In present-day Bangladesh, the population was 4 crore (40 million), including 1.2 crore (12 million) Hindus, representing 30% of the total population.
After partition, the Muslim population in Pakistan and Bangladesh saw significant growth. In Pakistan, the Muslim population constitutes 97.2% of the total population, with Hindus representing 1.2% and Christians 1.6%. Similarly, in Bangladesh, Muslims represent 91.8%, while Hindus make up 8.2% of the population. The data from 2011 shows that the Muslim population in Bangladesh is increasing rapidly, while the Hindu population is decreasing.
Current Population Figures
Today, the total Muslim population in the Indian subcontinent (including Pakistan and Bangladesh) is around 61 crore (610 million), while the non-Muslim population is around 110 crore (1.1 billion).
Conclusion
The demographic history of the Indian subcontinent is complex, with significant religious diversity and shifting population dynamics. Understanding these historical trends provides valuable insights into the social, political, and economic changes that followed partition, ultimately shaping the current demographic landscapes of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.