Hello Readers,

Do you want to know what makes today so special!

On 9th February 1951, the first census of free India took place. It was not the first census of India though. Let me take you on a little journey to understand the history of census in India.

·      One of the earliest Indian manuscripts, Rigveda, contains population records from 800-600 BC.

·      One of the most popular politics, economics, and military strategy book, Arthashastra, written by Kautilya in the 3rd century, includes population statistics as a taxation measure by the state. It includes a detailed analysis of conducting population, economic, and agriculture census.

·      ‘Ain-e-Akbari’, the administrative report written in the 16th century during the regime of Mughal king Akbar, contains comprehensive data concerning the population, industry, wealth, etc.

·      India’s first systematic and non-synchronous (not occurring at the same time) census took place in different parts of India at different times between 1865 and 1872.

·      India’s first synchronous (taking place at the same time) census took place in 1881.

·      Census has taken place uninterruptedly once every decade.

·      The 2001 census enlisted at least 2 million enumerators (survey personnel) to conduct the survey by visiting each and every house.

·      The Indian Survey is one of the largest administrative exercise carried out in the world.

·      The 16th Indian Census would be the first digital census in the history of India. A pre-test of the census will be conducted from August 12th till September 30th, 2021.

Enjoy the edition!

Priyanka