Story perspectives

India Launches Historic Census, Including Caste Data for First Time

4/17/2026

History

India's Historic Census

India has begun its census, the largest in history, to count its 1.4 billion people.
The census, delayed since 2011, includes a new column for caste data not collected since 1931.
Amit Shah, India's Home Minister, says the data is needed for welfare programs and political representation.
The two-phase census starts with housing conditions and moves to detailed demographic information.
The rollout could reshape political boundaries toward northern states, prompting southern states to fear seat losses amid election-season scrutiny.

Left

Modi's Gender Quota

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would reserve 33% of parliamentary seats for women and redraw constituencies based on 2011 census, aiming to raise Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850.
Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accuse the plan of gerrymandering to consolidate power and disadvantage southern states.
Protests erupted as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister burned a copy of bill and urged resistance to perceived BJP marginalization.

History

Historical Context

India's census history began in 1872, with the 1931 census being the last under British rule, enumerating over 350 million people. The British Raj used census data to shape governance and political representation, particularly regarding caste. The upcoming 2023 census aims to address contemporary welfare needs and political boundaries, reflecting ongoing tensions in southern states amid protests against perceived marginalization by the ruling BJP.

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India's Historic Census

India has begun its census, the largest in history, to count its 1.4 billion people.
The census, delayed since 2011, includes a new column for caste data not collected since 1931.
Amit Shah, India's Home Minister, says the data is needed for welfare programs and political representation.
The two-phase census starts with housing conditions and moves to detailed demographic information.
The rollout could reshape political boundaries toward northern states, prompting southern states to fear seat losses amid election-season scrutiny.

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