Assam has the highest Muslim population in India

Rank	Region Name	Values (%)
1	Lakshadweep	96.6
2	Jammu and Kashmir	68.5
3	Assam	35.2
4	West Bengal	28.2
5	Kerala	27.8
6	Uttar Pradesh	20.1
7	Bihar	17.5
8	Jharkhand	15.2
9	Karnataka	13.8
10	Telangana	13.2
11	Delhi	13.1
12	Maharashtra	12.2
13	Gujarat	10.1
14	Tamil Nadu	6.2
15	Andhra Pradesh	6.1
16	Haryana	7.8
17	Odisha	2.8
18	Punjab	2.2
19	Rajasthan	9.5
20	Madhya Pradesh	7.2
21	Uttarakhand	14.5
22	Tripura	8.8
23	Manipur	9.2
24	Meghalaya	5.1
25	Goa	8.8
26	Puducherry	6.8
27	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	8.5
28	Chandigarh	5.2
29	Himachal Pradesh	2.5
30	Arunachal Pradesh	2.2
31	Nagaland	2.8
32	Mizoram	1.5
33	Sikkim	1.8
34	DNHDD	4.2
35	Ladakh	46.5

India is home to the third-largest Muslim population in the world, which is expected to reach about 215 million by 2026.

This number accounts for roughly 15 percent of the overall population of the country. Historical trends and demographic patterns influence regional differences, with concentrations established through centuries of settlements, migrations, and conversions.

Lakshadweep and Jammu and Kashmir are notable regions where Muslims constitute the majority, whereas most other states have Hindu majorities.

Projections for 2026 indicate slight increases from the 2011 census figures, attributed to higher fertility rates among Muslims, although these rates are expected to align more closely with national averages over time.

Regional Variations and Historical Roots

In Lakshadweep, Muslims constitute a significant 96.6 percent of the population, while in Jammu and Kashmir, they make up 68.5 percent.

The introduction of Islam to the Lakshadweep islands by Arab traders centuries ago resulted in nearly complete conversion.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the faith was propagated by Sufi missionaries during the medieval period, which helped to establish its stronghold in the Kashmir Valley.

Ladakh has a notable Muslim population of 46.5 percent, influenced by its historical connections to Tibetan Buddhism and Islamic traditions from Central Asia.

In the northeastern states, Assam has a Muslim population of 35.2 percent. This high percentage is attributed to immigration from Bengal during the British colonial era, along with subsequent cross-border movements.

West Bengal has a Muslim population of 28.2 percent, reflecting its shared history with Bangladesh and the partitions that preserved substantial Muslim communities.

Kerala’s Muslim population stands at 27.8 percent, a result of peaceful trade relations with Arab merchants along the Malabar Coast, fostering a thriving and cohesive Muslim community.

The northern heartland states exhibit large absolute numbers of Muslims. Uttar Pradesh has a Muslim population of 20.1 percent, which translates to over 40 million individuals, a legacy of Mughal-era settlements and influences from the Delhi Sultanate.

Bihar, with 17.5 percent, and Jharkhand, at 15.2 percent, trace their Muslim populations back to historical conversions among local communities.

Southern and western states exhibit moderate proportions. Karnataka achieves 13.8 percent and Telangana 13.2 percent, stemming from the legacies of the Deccan Sultanate.

Maharashtra is at 12.2 percent, with urban concentrations primarily in Mumbai. Gujarat attains 10.1 percent, despite having lower overall figures.

Lower percentages are noted in Punjab at 2.2 percent and Himachal Pradesh at 2.5 percent. These figures can be attributed to partition migrations, as a significant number of Muslims relocated to Pakistan.

In the northeastern states, which are predominantly Christian, such as Mizoram at 1.5 percent and Nagaland at 2.8 percent, the Muslim presence remains minimal.

Factors Influencing Demographic Changes

Elevated fertility rates are a driving force behind the growth of the Muslim population. Data from the National Family Health Survey covering 2019-2021 reveals a total fertility rate of 2.36 for Muslims, in contrast to 1.94 for Hindus.

This disparity diminishes as education and urbanization progress, especially among Muslim women. Between 2001 and 2011, the decadal growth rate for Muslims was 24.6 percent, compared to 16.8 percent for Hindus, although overall growth rates are declining across all groups.

Migration influences demographics in states like Assam and West Bengal. Internal migration for economic opportunities also plays a significant role.

Socioeconomic conditions are crucial: Muslims frequently experience lower literacy rates and higher poverty levels, which are associated with larger family sizes.

Government programs aimed at enhancing education and health access may accelerate the convergence of fertility rates.

Projections take these trends into consideration. The national Muslim share is expected to rise gradually from 14.2 percent in 2011 to approximately 15 percent by 2026.

The Pew Research Center anticipates a figure of 18 percent by 2050, with Muslims continuing to be a minority. Changes at the state level are likely to remain marginal over short time frames, as majorities in Hindu-dominant regions remain stable.

Implications for the Pluralistic Fabric of India

The demographics highlight the secular diversity of India. Significant concentrations in specific areas create distinct cultural fusions, ranging from the Mappila arts of Kerala to the Sufi traditions of Kashmir.

However, challenges remain, such as the lack of representation in employment and education, as previous reports have indicated.

Policies aimed at fostering inclusive growth seek to address these disparities without favoring any particular group.

Equitable development helps to mitigate regional disparities. The increasing levels of education among Muslims, particularly women, accelerate socioeconomic advancement.

The demographic path of India reinforces its dedication to unity in diversity, where various religious communities coexist and play a role in the nation’s progress.

Based on:

• Census of India. (2011). Religion data: Census 2011. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/religionpca/Religion_PCA.html
• Pew Research Center. (2021). Population growth and religious composition in India. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/09/21/population-growth-and-religious-composition/
• Government of India. (2023). Estimates on Muslim population shared in Parliament. Referenced in various sources including Wikipedia and news reports.
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). (2019-2021). Fertility rates by religion. International Institute for Population Sciences.