Indian states with the highest Muslim population

India, known for its diverse cultural and religious fabric, is home to a significant Muslim population. Islam is the second-largest religion in the country, with Muslims constituting around 14.2% of the total population according to the 2011 Census. This article explores the Indian states with the highest Muslim populations, highlighting key details about each region.

Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, has a substantial Muslim population. As of the 2011 Census, Muslims make up approximately 19.26% of the state’s population, translating to over 38 million individuals. Cities like Lucknow, Aligarh, and Varanasi have significant Muslim communities. The state has a rich history of Islamic culture, with landmarks such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Bara Imambara in Lucknow. The influence of Muslim rulers, particularly during the Mughal era, is evident in the state’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

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West Bengal, located in eastern India, has a notable Muslim population, comprising about 27% of its total population. This translates to over 24 million Muslims as per the 2011 Census. The districts of Murshidabad, Malda, and North 24 Parganas have particularly high concentrations of Muslims. Kolkata, the state capital, is known for its cultural diversity and historical significance. The state’s Muslim community has contributed significantly to its cultural and social fabric, with festivals like Eid being celebrated with great enthusiasm. West Bengal is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including literature, music, dance, and art. The state is the birthplace of several Nobel laureates, including Rabindranath Tagore and Amartya Sen.

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Bihar, situated in eastern India, has a Muslim population of around 16.87%, which amounts to over 17 million people according to the 2011 Census. The districts of Kishanganj, Araria, and Purnia have the highest concentrations of Muslims. Bihar has a rich Islamic heritage, with historical sites such as the ancient city of Sasaram and the tomb of Sher Shah Suri. The state’s Muslim community plays a vital role in its socio-economic landscape, contributing to various fields such as education, politics, and business.

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Maharashtra has a significant Muslim population, making up about 11.54% of the state’s total population. This equates to over 12 million Muslims as per the 2011 Census. Mumbai, the state capital, is home to a large Muslim community and is known for its diverse cultural milieu. The city has several prominent mosques, including the Haji Ali Dargah and the Jama Masjid. Maharashtra’s Muslim population is actively involved in various sectors, including film, business, and politics.

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Assam, located in northeastern India, has a Muslim population of approximately 34.22%, which translates to over 10 million individuals according to the 2011 Census. The districts of Dhubri, Barpeta, and Goalpara have the highest concentrations of Muslims. Assam’s Muslim community has a unique cultural identity, influenced by both indigenous Assamese and Bengali traditions. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine, with the Muslim community playing a significant role in its cultural landscape.

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Kerala, a southern Indian state, has a Muslim population of about 26.56%, amounting to over 8 million people as per the 2011 Census. The districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur have particularly high concentrations of Muslims. Kerala’s Muslim community is known for its educational achievements and active participation in the state’s socio-economic development. The state has a rich history of trade and cultural exchange, with the Muslim community contributing significantly to its diverse cultural heritage.

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Jammu and Kashmir, a union territory in northern India, has the highest percentage of Muslims in the country, with around 68.31% of its population adhering to Islam. This translates to over 8.5 million Muslims according to the 2011 Census. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Kashmir Valley, Dal Lake, and the Himalayan mountains. The Muslim community in Jammu and Kashmir has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional crafts, music, and cuisine playing a significant role in the region’s identity.

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Lakshadweep, a union territory consisting of a group of islands in the Arabian Sea, has the highest proportion of Muslims in India, with 96.58% of its population following Islam. This amounts to over 60,000 Muslims as per the 2011 Census. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique cultural heritage. The Muslim community in Lakshadweep has a distinct cultural identity, influenced by both Indian and Arab traditions. The region’s economy is primarily based on fishing, coconut cultivation, and tourism, with the Muslim community playing a central role in these activities.

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India has not conducted a census since 2011 primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 census was initially planned to be the first digital census and was set to begin in 2020. However, the outbreak of the pandemic led to its postponement as the government prioritized public health and safety. Despite the situation normalizing, the census has faced further delays, partly due to logistical challenges and the chaos of the 2024 general elections. This unprecedented gap has raised concerns about the accuracy of data used for policy-making and resource allocation, as the country continues to rely on outdated information from the 2011 census.

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​Indian Muslims have made significant contributions to India’s fabric, enriching the nation’s cultural, intellectual, and social landscape. Historically, they have played a pivotal role in various fields such as art, architecture, music, and literature. The Mughal era, for instance, left an unforgettable mark with architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Indian Muslims have also been instrumental in the development of classical music, with notable contributions from musicians like Ustad Bismillah Khan and Zakir Hussain. In the realm of literature, poets like Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal have enriched Urdu poetry and philosophy. Additionally, Indian Muslims have been active in the freedom struggle, with leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad playing a crucial role in India’s independence movement. Their contributions continue to shape India’s diverse and inclusive society.

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Zakat (charitable giving) and other forms of social welfare are practiced widely among Indian Muslims, contributing to the welfare of the community.

India is home to numerous important Islamic heritage sites, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. These sites attract visitors from around the world and reflect the rich Islamic heritage of the country.

Muslims in India have significantly influenced the country's culture, including contributions to music, art, architecture, cuisine, and literature. The Mughal Empire, in particular, left a lasting legacy with monuments like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. (Image: istock)

A lesser-known fact about Indian Muslims is their significant role in the development of Indian cuisine, particularly the Mughlai cuisine. This rich and flavorful cuisine, which includes dishes like biryani, kebabs, and korma, originated during the Mughal Empire and has been heavily influenced by Persian, Turkish, and Indian culinary traditions. The Mughal emperors were great patrons of the arts and culture, and their kitchens became a melting pot of different culinary practices. Over time, Mughlai cuisine has become an integral part of Indian food culture, enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.

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India, celebrates several significant Muslim festivals that highlight the diversity and unity of its people. Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a joyous occasion where families gather for prayers, feasts, and the exchange of gifts. Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and involves the ritual sacrifice of animals, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the needy. Muharram, the Islamic New Year, is observed with solemnity, especially by Shia Muslims, who commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Milad-un-Nabi, celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, is marked by processions, sermons, and community meals. These festivals not only reinforce religious beliefs but also foster communal harmony and cultural exchange across India.

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