Demography of Odisha

Demography of Odisha: Demography is the scientific study of human populations, particularly their size, structure, and distribution, as well as the changes in these factors over time. It encompasses various aspects of population dynamics, including birth rates, death rates, migration patterns, fertility rates, age distribution, and other demographic factors. Demographic studies analyze the characteristics and behaviors of populations, providing insights into population growth, aging, migration patterns, and the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence them. Demographic data and analysis are widely used in fields such as sociology, economics, public health, urban planning, and policy-making to understand population trends and make informed decisions related to social and economic development.

Odisha, as per the 2011 census, has a population of approximately 41 million, ranking it as the 11th most populous state in India. The state contributes around 3.4% to the country’s total population, showing a slight increase from approximately 3% in the 2001 census. Covering an area of approximately 150,000 square kilometers, Odisha is the ninth largest state in India in terms of land size. The population density stands at around 260 individuals per square kilometer, slightly lower than the national average. The state’s growth rate is approximately 14%, which is three points lower than the national average. The population of Odisha has been steadily growing due to concerted efforts aimed at development and progress.

Over the years, Odisha has made significant progress in terms of literacy. The state’s literacy rate stands at approximately 73%, showing a notable improvement compared to previous years, thanks to continuous efforts by the government. However, for Odisha to compete with larger states in the country, further advancements are necessary. On a positive note, Odisha maintains a healthy sex ratio of 978 females per 1,000 males and has not experienced a significant decline in this aspect.

Population of Odisha

As per the Census 2011 data, the population of Odisha is 4.2 crores, indicating a significant increase from 3.68 crores in 2001. The state of Odisha has a total population of 41,974,218 individuals, with males accounting for 21,212,136 and females comprising 20,762,082. In the 2001 census, the total population was 36,804,660, with males totaling 18,660,570 and females totaling 18,144,090. The population of Odisha has grown at a rate of 14.05 percent during this decade, compared to 15.94 percent in the previous decade. In 2011, Odisha constituted 3.47 percent of India’s total population, while the figure was 3.58 percent in 2001.

Literacy Rate

Literacy rate refers to the percentage of people in a specific population or age group who can read and write with understanding. It is a measure of the level of education and the ability to comprehend written information. Typically, literacy rate is calculated based on the number of literate individuals divided by the total population or a specific age group, multiplied by 100.

According to the 2011 population census, the literacy rate in Odisha has shown a consistent increase and currently stands at 72.87 percent. However, there is a significant gender disparity in literacy rates, with male literacy at 81.59 percent and female literacy at 64.01 percent. In the 2001 census, the overall literacy rate in Odisha was 63.08 percent, with male and female literacy rates recorded at 75.35 percent and 50.51 percent, respectively. In terms of actual numbers, Odisha has a total of 26,742,595 literate individuals, with males accounting for 15,089,681 and females accounting for 11,652,914.

Population Density

Population density refers to the measurement of the number of people living in a specific area or region, relative to the size of that area. It is usually expressed as the number of individuals per square kilometer or square mile.

To calculate population density, the total population of the area is divided by the total land area. This provides an average value that indicates how crowded or sparsely populated an area is.

Population density is an important demographic indicator that helps understand the distribution of population across different regions and provides insights into the level of congestion or spaciousness in a particular area. It is often used to compare and analyze population patterns between different cities, states, or countries.

High population density typically indicates that a region has a large number of people living in a relatively small area, which can lead to challenges such as increased strain on infrastructure, limited living space, and higher competition for resources. On the other hand, low population density suggests that an area is more sparsely populated, with fewer individuals occupying a larger land area.

Population density can vary significantly between urban and rural areas, as well as between different countries or regions within a country. It is influenced by factors such as urbanization, migration patterns, economic opportunities, and geographic features.

Odisha spans across a land area of 155,707 square kilometers. With a population density of 270 inhabitants per square kilometer, it is lower than the national average of 382 inhabitants per square kilometer. In 2001, Odisha had a population density of 236 people per square kilometer, while the national average stood at 324 people per square kilometer.

Sex Ratio

In Odisha, the gender ratio is 979, indicating 979 females for every 1000 males, which is higher than the national average of 940 according to the 2011 census. In 2001, Odisha had a female sex ratio of 972 for every 1000 males.

Sex ratio refers to the ratio of females to males in a given population. It is typically expressed as the number of females per 1000 males. The sex ratio is an important demographic indicator that provides insights into the balance of males and females within a population. It helps in understanding the gender composition and can indicate any imbalances or disparities in the population. A sex ratio of 1000 means an equal number of females and males in the population, while a ratio less than 1000 indicates a higher proportion of males, and a ratio greater than 1000 indicates a higher proportion of females.

Religious Composition of Odisha

The majority religion in Odisha is Hinduism, with approximately 93.63 percent of the population practicing it. Christianity is the second most prevalent religion in the state, followed by approximately 2.77 percent of the population. Islam is practiced by approximately 2.17 percent of the population, while Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism are followed by 0.02 percent, 0.05 percent, and 0.05 percent of the population respectively. Around 1.14 percent of the population identified with other religions, and 0.18 percent identified as having no particular religion.

Urban Population

In Odisha, the urban population accounts for 16.69 percent of the total population. The urban regions have a population of 7,003,656, consisting of 3,625,933 males and 3,377,723 females. Over the past decade, the urban population has grown by 16.69 percent. In urban areas of Odisha, the sex ratio stands at 932 females for every 1000 males. Among children aged 0-6 years, the sex ratio in urban regions is 913 girls for every 1000 boys. The total number of children in this age group residing in urban areas is 747,324, comprising 10.67 percent of the urban population. The average literacy rate in Odisha’s urban areas is 85.75 percent, with males having a literacy rate of 90.72 percent and females at 74.31 percent. The total number of literate individuals in the urban regions of Odisha is 5,364,680.

Rural Population

Approximately 83.31 percent of Odisha’s total population resides in rural villages, with males accounting for 17,586,203 and females accounting for 17,384,359. The total population in rural areas of Odisha is 34,970,562. Over the decade from 2001 to 2011, the population in rural Odisha has grown by 83.31 percent. The female-to-male sex ratio in rural areas is 989 females per 1000 males, while the sex ratio for children aged 0 to 6 years is 946. The number of children in this age group in rural Odisha is 4,525,870, representing 12.94 percent of the rural population. The male and female literacy rates in rural Odisha are 79.65 percent and 59.95 percent, respectively. The average literacy rate in rural Odisha is 70.22 percent. The total number of literate individuals in rural areas amounts to 21,377,915.

Scheduled Tribes of Odisha

Odisha is home to a diverse range of tribal communities, with over 62 tribes comprising around 24 percent of the state’s population. These tribes primarily inhabit the slopes of the Eastern Ghats, extending in a north-south direction. The majority of their population is concentrated in three regions: Koraput, Sundergarh, and Mayurbhanj.

Among the tribal communities, the Sabaras have a long-standing connection with the Jagannath Temple and continue to play a significant role in the religious and social fabric of the sanctuary. Tribal groups have had a historical presence since the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and their indigenous beliefs have influenced the Jagannath cult, resulting in a syncretic worldview.

Anthropologically, Odisha’s tribal groups are referred to as Adivasi, Vanabasi, and Girijana, signifying their status as indigenous people of the region. Collectively, they make up 22.13 percent of Odisha’s population. The Government of India recognizes eight out of the 62 tribes as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs), including the Juang, Bondo Poraja, Lodha, Didayi, Mankidia, Birhor, Kharia, and Soura.

Livelihood and Culture

The livelihood of Primitive Tribal Groups revolves around forests. Forests sustain their existence, providing for their economic, socio-religious, and psychosocial needs. Their economic activities are closely intertwined with the forest ecosystem. Some tribes, such as the Juanga, Bhuiyan, Saora, Dharua, and Bonda, practice shifting cultivation, known as Podu Chasa or cut-and-consume. They clear a patch of land, usually on a mountain slope, by cutting down trees and shrubs, burn the vegetation, and wait for the rains before planting their crops. After a few seasons, when the soil fertility declines, they move on to a new plot.

The village’s central hub is the youth quarters, which is the largest dwelling in the village. It consists of three sections adorned with animal depictions, while the fourth side is open. The youth gather here in the evenings to socialize and unwind. Each night, the youth and women engage in communal dances in the open space of the quarters.

Weekly markets, known as HAAT, are lifelines for the tribes, providing a platform for socializing and trading. Tribes in Odisha are also known for their vibrant festivals and animistic beliefs involving reverence for Mother Earth and the heavens.

List of Scheduled Tribes of Odisha

(Recognized by the Government of India)

  • Bagata, Bhakta
  • Baiga
  • Banjara, Banjari
  • Bathudi, Bathuri
  • Bhottada, Dhotada Bhotra, Bhatra
  • Bhattara, Bhotora, Bhatara
  • Bhuiya, Bhuyan
  • Bhumia
  • Bhumij, Teli Bhumij, Haladipokhria, Bhumij, Haladi Pokharia Bhumija, Desi Bhumij, Desia Bhumij, Tamaria Bhumij
  • Bhunjia
  • Binjhal, Binjhwar
  • Binjhia, Binjhoa
  • Birhor
  • Bondo Poraja, Bonda Paroja, Banda Paroja
  • Chenchu
  • Dal
  • Desua Bhumij
  • Dharua, Dhuruba, Dhurva
  • Didayi, Didai Paroja, Didai
  • Gadaba, Bodo Gadaba, Gutob Gadaba, Kapu Gadaba, Ollara, Gadaba, Parenga Gadaba, Sano Gadaba
  • Gandia
  • Ghara
  • Gond, Gondo, Rajgond, Maria Gond, Dhur Gond
  • Ho
  • Holva
  • Jatapu
  • Juang
  • Kandha Gauda
  • Kawar, Kanwar
  • Kharia, Kharian, Berga Kharia, Dhelki Kharia, Dudh Kharia, Erenga Kharia, Munda Kharia, Oraon Kharia, Khadia, Pahari Kharia
  • Kharwar
  • Khond, Kond, Kandha, Nanguli Kandha, Sitha Kandha, Kondh, Kui, Buda Kondh, Bura Kandha, Desia Kandha, Dungaria Kondh, Kutia Kandha, Kandha Gauda, Muli Kondh, Malua Kondh, Pengo Kandha, Raja Kondh, Raj Khond
  • Kisan, Nagesar, Nagesia
  • Kol
  • Kolah Loharas, Kol Loharas
  • Kolha
  • Koli, Malhar
  • Kondadora
  • Kora, Khaira, Khayara
  • Korua
  • Kotia
  • Koya, Gumba Koya, Koitur Koya, Kamar Koya, Musara Koya
  • Kulis
  • Lodha, Nodh, Nodha, Lodh
  • Madia
  • Mahali
  • Mankidi
  • Mankirdia, Mankria, Mankidi
  • Matya, Matia
  • Mirdhas, Kuda, Koda
  • Munda, Munda Lohara, Munda Mahalis, Nagabanshi Munda, Odia Munda
  • Mundari
  • Omanatya, Omanatyo, Amanatya
  • Oraon, Dhangar, Uran
  • Parenga
  • Paroja, Parja, Bodo Paroja, Barong Jhodia Paroja, Chhelia Paroja, Jhodia Paroja, Konda Paroja, Paraja, Ponga Paroja, Sodia Paroja, Sano Paroja, Solia Paroja
  • Pentia
  • Rajuar
  • Santal
  • Saora, Savar, Saura, Sahara, Arsi Saora, Based Saora, Bhima Saora, Bhimma Saora, Chumura Saora, Jara Savar, Jadu Saora, Jati Saora, Juari Saora, Kampu Saora, Kampa Soura, Kapo Saora, Kindal Saora, Kumbi Kancher Saora, Kalapithia Saora, Kirat Saora, Lanjia Saora, Lamba Lanjia Saora, Luara Saora, Luar Saora, Laria Savar, Malia Saora, Malla Saora, Uriya Saora, Raika Saora, Sudda Saora, Sarda Saora, Tankala Saora, Patro Saora, Vesu Saora
  • Shabar, Lodha
  • Sounti
  • Tharua, Tharua Birdhani
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