Asian Review of Social Sciences

ISSN: 2249-6319 Vol.7 No.3, 2018, pp. 143-153

© The Research Publication, www.trp.org.in

Demography of Jammu and Kashmir in Historical Perspective

Bilal Ahmad Khan
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
E-Mail: [email protected]/[email protected]

Abstract - At the time of the birth of India and Pakistan, the geographical area of 222, 236 sq.kms. comprising 6.93 per
state of J&K with a population of four million people, most of cent of the total Indian Territory which includes 78,114 sq.
it concentrated in the fertile valley of the Jhelum River of the kms. under illegal occupation of Pakistan and 5,180 sq.kms.
Indus River system, was one of the least developed regions in illegally handed over by Pakistan to China and 37,555
the Indian sub-continent. The economy of the state was
sq.kms. under illegal occupation of China in Leh (Ladakh)
overwhelmingly rural and agricultural in character. Nearly 90
percent of people lived in villages and derived their livelihood district. This leaves the state with an area of 101,387 sq.
from agricultural and related pursuits using traditional and kms which is demarcated into 22 districts.
low productivity techniques. The extreme backwardness of the
state was reflected by the abysmal mass poverty, low literacy, The Jammu & Kashmir State has a unique geographical
high birth and death rate, low life expectancy, low population entity. It is well bestowed with natural resources, mighty
density etc. The size of population and its growth have a direct rivers, evergreen forests, snow-covered peaks and humane
bearing on the economic development, social well being and population that are famous throughout the world. This
political stability of a region. The history of population growth northern most state of India is bounded in the north-east by
in the Jammu and Kashmir State is a record of constant
China, in the north-west by Afghanistan, and in the west by
impulses of immigration from the north-west, west-south and
east directions. The main objective of the paper is to look the Pakistan. The southern boundary is contiguous with the
nature and trends of population change since the birth of states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh (Rahman, 1996)7.
Jammu and Kashmir and also examine thedemographic trends The State possesses a variety of climate. For instance,
in view of historical perspectives of Jammu & Kashmir State. Jammu has tropical climate, while Kashmir situated in the
The State has great diversity in its terrain, climatic conditions sub-tropical area is subject to an extraordinary variations of
and resource base which resulted uneven distribution of temperature. (JKEco.Survey, 2013-14)36.
population.
Keywords: Poverty, Birth and Death Rate, Life Expectancy, II. OBJECTIVES
Population Density, Immigration and Uneven distribution
1. To look the nature and trends of population change
I. INTRODUCTION
since the birth of Jammu and Kashmir
2. To examine thedemographic trends in view of historical
Geologists of the region are of the view that Kashmir
perspectives of J&K State.
emerged more than a hundred million years ago. There are
various versions of historical backgrounds available for the
III. DISCUSSION AND FINDINGS
State of Jammu & Kashmir in general and for the valley of
Kashmir in particular. According to Rajtarangani, the
The State has no physical monotony but presents an
Kashmir Valley was once a large lake ‘Satisar’ (Durga),
interesting morphology. The immense diversity of State can
home to ferocious demons.
be broadly grouped into three main regions, namely Jammu,
Kashmir and Ladakh, recognized by its constitution.
According to folk etymology, the name "Kashmir" means
Geographically, the PirPanchal range separates Jammu from
"desiccated land" (In Sanskrit: Ka means water and
Kashmir Valley, while the Zojila intervenes between the
shimeera means desiccate). The lake was drained by the
latter and Ladakh.
great rishi Kashyapa, son of Brahma, by cutting the gap in
the hills at Baramulla (Varaha-mula). When the lake had
A. Nature of Population Growth in Jammu & Kashmir State
been drained, Kashyapa asked Brahmans to settle there.
Geologists said that geographical gradual changes made
At the time of the partition of British India, the state had a
way for the outflow of water by subsidence of the mountain
population of slightly more than four million, one million of
at Khadianayar, Baramulla.Thus the Kashmir Valley had
whom were in the areas that were occupied by Pakistan
been emerged (Kalhan, 1148 A.D)1.
during the first Kashmir war of 1948–49. The remaining
three million lived in the part of the state that was to be
The State of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the largest States
controlled by India. The population in the Indian part of
of the Indian Union and is situated in the lap of the mighty
Kashmir increased at a rate of less than 1 percent annually
Himalayas. It lies between 32o-15' to 37o-05' latitude north
till 1971. After that, the growth rate increased threefold to
and 72o-35' to 80o-20' longitudes east. The state has a
2.6 percent a year. It stayed at that level for three decades.

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 Bilal Ahmad Khan

The sudden jumps in some periods reflect some migration ethos and mode of life of this region. The State has great
into the area from other parts of India (Burki, 2007)8. diversity in its terrain, climatic conditions and resource base
The history of population growth in the J&K State is a which resulted uneven distribution of population. The heavy
record of constant impulses of immigration from the north- increase of population in the State from past seven decades
west, west-south and east directions. The alien races, ethnic is reflects in table I.
groups and various religions have influenced the cultural

TABLE I POPULATION TREND FOR J&K STATE, 1941-2011, (LAKHS)

Year T. Pop Male % Fem % Rural % Urban %
1941 29.46 15.77 53.51 13.69 46.49 25.60 86.88 3.86 13.12
1951 32.53 17.16 53.36 15.17 46.64 27.96 85.95 4.57 14.05
1961 35.60 18.96 53.25 16.64 46.75 29.67 83.34 5.93 16.66
1971 46.16 24.58 53.25 21.58 46.76 37.58 81.41 8.58 18.59
1981 59.87 31.64 52.84 28.22 47.16 47.26 78.95 12.60 21.05
1991⁕ 77.18 40.14 52.00 37.04 48.00 58.79 76.17 18.39 23.83
2001 100.69 53.00 52.63 47.36 47.36 75.64 75.12 25.05 24.88
2011 125.48 66.65 53.11 58.83 46.88 91.34 72.79 34.14 27.20
Source: 1.Census of India 1981, 2011,2. Digest o f Statistics 2000-0/ 2011-12,
Note: (i) 1951 figures of population are the arithmetical mean o f 1941 & 1961 populations, as in 1951, Census was not held in J&K State.
(ii) • The 1991 Census was not held in Jammu and Kashmir. The population figures are as projected by the Standing Committee o f Experts on Population
Projections (October 1989)

Prior to 1921, the population of the State grew at a slow rate population while as 27.20 percent urban population (Census
because the State experienced number of famines and of India, 2011)15.
epidemics ((Census of India, 1921)9. After 1921, however,
the population increased steadily. In 1941, the population of The Kashmir province accounts higher proportion of rural
the Stale was 29.46 lakhs, out of which 15.77 lakhs (53.51 population than in Jammu province. However, percentage of
per cent) were males and 13.69 (46.49 per cent) females. In total population living in villages has declined decade after
1951, soon after the partition, the population of the State decade. In fact, people from rural areas have migrated to
reached to 32.53 lakhs. During 1961-71, the population of urban areas because of security reasons, education, medical
the State proliferated from 35.60 lakhs to 46.16 lakhs, thus facilities and employment opportunities.
showing an increase of 10.56 lakhs. As per 1981 Census,
the total population of the State was 59.87 lakhs with 52.84 B. Population Growth in Jammu & Kashmir State, 1901-
per cent males and 47.16 per cent females (Census of India, 2011
1941)10.
Yet an analysis of the development process over the past
The figures of 2001 Census showed that the population of decades shows that one of the major causes for slow
the Stale crossed one crore mark showing a total population economic and social development has been unplanned
of 100.69 lakhs with 53.00 lakhs males (52.63%) and 47.36 population growth. Its optimum size, growth, composition
lakhs females (47.36 %). Again census 2011 showed that and quality of population play an important role in the
the population of the Stale increased 125.48 lakhs with development process. There is, however, no clear-cut
66.65 lakhs males (53.11%) and 58.83 lakhs females yardstick to calculate the optimum size and rate of growth
(46.88%). Thus it becomes articulate fixing the data that of population. A large population undergoing hyper growth
population in the State has increased by 96.02 lakhs from in a poor economy with limited resources and rudimentary
1941-2011. Agriculture is the main stay of economy, thus technology can be a liability. Contrary to this, when a
majority of population live in the rural areas. The rural population is productively employed, it can be an asset and
population in the State is three times more than the urban a resource. Thus stabilization of population is the most
population as shown in Table 1.1. According to the Census important factor (Annual Report, Health & Family Welfare,
report of 1941, 86.88 per cent o f the total population o f the 1998)32.
State was residing in the villages and the remaining 13.12
per cent in urban areas. During 1961-71, the percentage of The state has witnessed a fluctuating population growth rate
urban population increased from 16.66 per cent to 18.59 per since 1901. Population trend is examined since the
cent and the trend continued as shown in the table 3.1. beginning of this century using the census data. The
According to 1991 estimates, the rural population was 76.17 beginning of the century witnessed breakouts of cholera,
per cent while as that of urban population was 23.83 pneumonia followed by floods and earthquakes which took
percent. The Census of 2011 showed 72.79 percent of rural a heavy toll of life in Kashmir Division. In Jammu division
also, plague, enteric fever and famine remained active

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 Demography of Jammu and Kashmir in Historical Perspective

throughout this period. In the first two decades of the 20th between the decades since 1931 (Census, 1941)10. This can
century the population growth was below 10 per cent. After be attributed to the fact that the general population itself has
1931, it rose at a constant rate of 10 per cent per decade up grown rapidly through natural increase; this growth has
to 1961, thereafter; an unprecedented rise of 29 per cent per occurred in all regions and affected almost all population
decade was highest growth rates among the all states in the groups in the towns and villages. The accentuated growth
country. rate is recorded only after 1960s. Data shows sudden spurt
in population from 9.44 per cent in 1961 to 29.65 percent in
During the decade 1921-31, there was a severe famine in the 1971, then 29.69 percent in 1981, 28.92, 30.46 and 23.71
Jammu division followed by cholera, small pox and plague percent in 1991, 2001 and 2011. The population growth of
in the state. The census year 1931 marks a watershed in the J&K from 1901 to 2011 is reflected in table below.
demographic history of the state with a discernible change

TABLE II POPULATION GROWTH IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR, 1901-2011

Population Decadal Variation Average Annual
Year Absolute Change (Lakhs)
(in Lakhs) J &K India Growth Rate
1901 21.39 ----- - - -
1911 22.92 1.53 7.16 5.75 0.69
1921 24.24 1.31 5.75 -0.31 0.56
1931 26.70 2.45 10.14 11.0 0.97
1941 29.46 2.76 10.36 14.22 0.99
1951 32.53 3.07 10.42 13.31 1.00
1961 35.60 3.07 9.44 21.64 0.91
1971 46.16 10.55 29.65 24.80 2.63
1981 59.87 13.70 29.69 24.66 2.63
1991* 77.18 17.31 28.92 23.86 2.57
2001 100.69 23.51 30.46 21.34 2.69
2011 125.48 26.51 23.71 17.70 2.63
Source: Various issues, Census of India, Jammu and Kashmir
*The 1991 census was not held in J&K. The population of India includes projected population of J&K (excludes area under occupation of
Pakistan and China) as on 1.3.1991 made by the Standing Committee of Experts.

However, since 1971, there was great change in absolute is because of undulating topography and harsh climate has
terms. In 1971 census, J&K stands 46.16 lakhs, and then restrained people from settling there (Census, 1971)12.
proliferated to 59.87, 77.18, 100.69 and 125.48 lakhs in
TABLE III DISTRICT-WISE GROWTH RATE OF POPULATION FOR J&K, 1951-
1981, 1991, and 2001 and in 2011, reflects more than 25
2001, PERCENT
percent decadal variation since 1971 against nation
District 1951 1961 1971 1981 2001
experienced below than 25 percent in the same periods. The
annual growth rate is more than two percent since 1971. The Kupwara 5.75 5.73 5.58 5.49 6.36
annual growth rate of 2.63, 2.63, 2.57, 2.69 and 2.63 percent Baramulla 11.05 11.01 11.10 11.19 11.59
is reflected during the same period of 1971, 1981, 1991, Srinagar 12.01 12.36 12.22 11.83 12.30
2001 and 2011 respectively. According to the 2001 census,
Badgam 5.84 6.01 5.83 6.13 5.90
the size of J&K’s population is 100.69 lakhs i.e., 0.98 per
cent at all India level and 1.01 per cent (125.48 lakhs) Pulwama 6.87 6.95 6.80 6.75 6.28
according to the 2011 census. Anantnag 11.13 11.27 11.22 10.96 11.62
Leh 1.24 1.22 1.12 1.14 1.17
C. District Wise Population Growth Rate for J&K (1951-
2001) Kargil 1.29 1.27 1.16 1.10 1.14
Doda 7.06 7.37 7.41 7.10 6.86
The distribution of population since 1951 shows almost the
Udhampur 7.32 7.31 7.42 7.58 7.34
same trend. In 1951, seven districts had 5-10 per cent of the
state population. Due to the decline in the share of Punch 4.53 4.34 3.70 3.74 3.69
population in Rajauri district, in 1961 and 1971, six districts Rajauri 5.46 4.82 4.71 5.05 4.75
remained in the category of having 5-10 per cent of the Jammu 14.43 14.41 15.70 15.76 15.61
growth rate of state’s population. In Leh and Kargil district,
Kathua 6.01 5.92 6.02 6.17 5.40
a little more than 1 per cent of the population is found. This
J&K 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: Calculated from the census data of 1971, 1981 and 2001 & 2001

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 Bilal Ahmad Khan

Thus is also a great deal of variation in the rate of growth of and 2001, Leh and Kargil district found only 1-2 per cent of
population in terms of spatial dimension. Major districts the average growth rate of population due to harsh climate
experienced an average annual growth rate ranging around 1 that has restrained people from settling there. In other
percent and some around 14 percent during the reference districts, it can be assumed that male members have
period from 1951 to 2001. Most of these districts form a migrated to cities where employment opportunities are
pocket surrounding Srinagar district. It is very important to better compared to the villages.
note that the districts having influence of the urban
agglomerations have a better average annual growth D. District-Wise Population for Jammu & Kashmir, 2011
compared to other districts. Four districts Srinagar,
Anantnag, Baramulla and Jammu experienced average According to census 2011, total population of the state
annual growth rate ranging 10 percent to 15 percent from stands 125.48 lakhs and district Jammu accounts highest
1951 to 2001. The district-wise growth rate of population proportion (15.26 lakhs) followed by Srinagar (12.69 lakhs)
since 1951 (up to 2001) in the J&K State is depicted in the due to urbanization which causes rapid migration from rural
table below. areas. Decadal growth rate during 2001-11 records 23.71
percent. According to census 2011, sex ratio stands at 883
The Jammu district ranks the top among all the districts in per thousand males. The District-wise population of Jammu
the average growth rate of population. From 1971 to 2001, & Kashmir State, as per Census 2011 is depicted in the table
Jammu district accounts more than 15 percent of average below.
growth rate of population. During the period between 1951

TABLE IV DISTRICT-WISE POPULATION OF J & K STATE, CENSUS 2011

Proportion of District
Total Pop (Lakhs) Decadal Growth Sex Pop Density
District Pop to State Total Pop
Rate (2001-11) ratio Per Sq. Km
M F T M F
Kupwara 4.75 40.04 8.75 34.62 843 368 3.79 3.19
Baramula 5.42 4.73 10.1 20.34 873 305 4.32 3.77
Srinagar 6.75 5.94 12.6 23.56 879 703 5.38 4.73
Badgam 3.90 3.55 7.35 21.18 883 537 3.11 2.75
Pulwama 2.97 2.72 5.70 29.18 913 598 2.37 2.17
Anantnag 5.52 5.17 10.7 37.48 937 375 4.40 4.13
Leh 0.92 0.54 1.47 25.48 583 3 0.74 0.43
Kargil 0.80 0.62 1.43 20.18 775 10 0.64 0.50
Doda 2.13 1.96 0.40 27.89 922 79 1.70 1.57
Udampur 2.98 2.57 5.55 20.86 863 211 2.38 2.05
Punch 2.52 2.24 4.76 27.97 890 285 2.01 1.79
Rajauri 3.32 2.86 6.19 28.14 863 235 2.65 2.29
Jammu 8.15 7.10 15.2 12.48 871 596 6.50 5.66
Kathua 3.27 2.87 6.15 20.38 877 232 2.61 2.29
Samba 1.68 1.49 3.18 16.90 886 318 1.35 1.19
Reasi 1.66 1.48 3.14 27.06 891 184 1.33 1.18
Kishtwar 1.20 1.10 2.31 21.06 917 125 0.96 0.88
Ganderbal 1.58 1.38 2.97 36.30 869 1151 1.27 1.10
Kulgam 2.16 2.06 4.22 7.30 951 925 1.73 1.64
Ramban 1.49 1.34 2.83 31.81 901 213 1.19 1.07
Shopian 1.36 1.29 2.65 25.85 951 852 1.09 1.03
Bandipore 2.01 1.83 3.85 26.31 911 1117 1.61 1.46
J&K 66.65 58.83 125.4 23.71 883 124 2.47 1.98
Source: Census of India, 2011, Directorate of Statistics and Economics, Govt. Jammu & Kashmir, 2011-12.
Note: In 2006 new eight (8) districts were created in the Azad-led government, Kishtwar, Samba, Reasi and Ramban new districts in the Jammu division and
Bandipore, Kulgam, Ganderbal and Shopian in the Kashmir valley.

However, the population density of state varies highly Bandipora(1117) whereas district Leh and Kargil accounts
among the districts. District Ganderbal (1151 per sq km) only 3 and 10.
accounts highest proportion followed by and

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 Demography of Jammu and Kashmir in Historical Perspective

IV. RETROSPECTIVE FEATURES OF JAMMU AND boys. Study further argues that there is mounting evidence
KASHMIR DEMOGRAPHIC of sex-selective abortion in some districts of the state
(Report: Health & Family Welfare, 2013-14)35. The district
Demographic transition is the important feature for wise sex-ratio since 1981 is shown in the table.
understanding State’s development that is, studying various
aspects of development. It represents past achievements or TABLE V DISTRICT WISE SEX-RATIO OF J & K STATE, 1981-2011, PER
1000
trends and makes some firm statements about the future
where the state is going. Furthermore, attempts to explain District 1981 1991 2001 2011
why the economies have more or less passed through the Kupwara 858 882 906 843
same three stages of population growth (Theory of Badgam 880 906 931 88
Demographic Transition). Before the economic
modernization, these economies had stable or very slow Leh 886 854 823 583
growing population combination of high birth rate and high Kargil 853 845 837 775
death rate. With economic development resulting in higher Punch 889 904 919 890
incomes, improving health facilities, there was marked
Rajouri 906 892 878 863
decline in mortality that gradually raised life expectancy.
With declining death rate but birth rate not falling Kathua 917 908 898 877
correspondingly, these economies passed through stage two, Baramulla 876 891 905 873
marking slow growing population to rapidly increasing Bandipora 858 876 894 911
number. Finally, stage third is reached when the influences
of modernization and economic development cause fertility Srinagar 873 857 841 879
to decline so that eventually falling of birth rate converge Ganderbal 871 894 917 869
with lower death rate leaving little or no population growth Pulwama 906 919 942 913
(Dyson, 1988)3.
Shupiyan 876 913 950 951
The workforce of a state is closely controlled by a large Anantnag 888 900 911 937
number of demographic factors. The size of population, the Kulgam 887 916 945 951
birth rate, the death rate, the longevity, migration, literacy,
Doda 904 909 913 922
education, general health of people, the occupation of the
people, per capita income attitude towards life and standard Ramban 867 878 889 901
of living influence the availability of workforce in a society Kishtwar 896 900 904 917
(Roy, 2008)5. Udhampur 934 876 846 863

In this context we propose to discuss the following Reasi 864 872 880 891
demographic trends in view of historical perspectives of Jammu 912 889 865 871
J&K State like sex composition of population, population Samba 945 896 897 886
density, literacy rate etc. The salient demographic charac-
J&K 892 892 892 883
teristics of the Jammu and Kashmir State have been
elaborated in the following paragraphs: - India 934 927 933 943
Source: Compiled from Census of India
A. Sex Composition, 1981-2011 Note: Data of newly Created districts in 2006 stands at Tehsil level in
1981& 2001

The sex composition of a population helps in understanding The sex ratio in the State is adverse in the sense that in 1981
the demographic processes of fertility, mortality and there were 892 female per 1000 males against 934 at
migration. The spatial pattern of sex ratio reveals a high national level. The sex-ratio as per census 2001 is 892
degree of variation at district level. Kulgam and Shupian against 933 at national level. The sex-ratio as per census
have highest sex ratio as per 2011 and 2001 census and 2011 was 883 against 940 at national level which is a matter
replaced Samba and Udhampur. Kargil registered least sex of great concern and needs to be addressed on priority. It is
ratio of 775 per thousand. also depicts higher mortality rates for females in the state
due to low level of social development.Furthermore, the
B. District Wise Sex-Ratio, 1981-2011 Division of Kashmir has only 878 females per 1000 of
males, while in Jammu and Ladakh Divisions, the sex ratio
An important concern in the present status of Jammu and stands at 925 and 879 respectively. The Division of
Kashmir’s demographic transition relates to adverse sex Kashmir having over 95 percent of Muslim population has a
ratio. Since 1981 nothing has happened to change the low sex ratio. In fact, many of the Muslim boys are not
attitude of the people in respect of their preference for sons. getting married and in many cases the bridegrooms have to
The low sex ratio in the state may be attributed to the high pay a substantial amount to the parents of brides (Report:
mortality rate among the females on account of negligence HFW, 2008-09)34.
of female children. Girls receive less medical attention than

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C. Age Structure or Age Composition, 1981-2011 considering J&K State, the dependency ratio is significantly
high which reflects feature of developing societies. The age
Age structure is an important characteristic of population groups of State Population at national level since 1981 have
which determines the workforce and dependency ratio. Now been given in table.

TABLE VI POPULATION AGE GROUPS OF J&K STATE, 1981-2011, (PERCENTAGE)

Jammu and Kashmir State All India
Age Group 1981 2001 2011 1981 2001 2011
0-4 13.34 9.49 7.3 14.3 12.8 9.7
5-14 25.95 26.15 17.6 26.4 22.6 19.7
15-59 54.97 57.23 65.9 54.1 57.1 62.5
60 & Above 5.67 7.13 8.4 6.2 7.5 8.0
Source: - Census of India, 1981, 2001 & 2011/ Statistical Report, Registrar General of India

According to census 198113, age group 0-14 posses D. Birth Rate and Death Rate of Jammu & Kashmir, 1970-
somewhat large proportion (13.34 %) then declined 9.49% 1998
(2001) and 7.7% (2011). Fortunately age group of 15-59
continuously maintains the dominance since 1981. J&K state has performed well in providing health and
According to census 2011, large proportion of population medical facilities to the people. The number of health
are trapped in the age group of 15-59 (65.9 %) followed by institutions has increased substantially in the recent past.
group 5-14 (26.15 percent). Thus the state’s potential for The health indicators have improved and indicate the
creating job opportunities can meet the increasing demand following position over the last five decades as shown in
for employment as a consequence of increasing proportion table. The birth rate and death rate for the state from 1971 to
of adult population. 2011 is shown in the table below:-

TABLE VII BIRTH RATE, DEATH RATE AND IMR FOR J&K STATE, (PER 1000)
Years Birth Rate Death Rate Infant Motility Rate
Combined 21.44 Combined 7.19 Combined 71
1971 Rural 22.19 Rural 11.7 Rural 84
Urban 20.89 Urban 6.02 Urban 57
Combined 31.6 Combined 9.0 Combined 72
1981 Rural 33.9 Rural 9.7 Rural 81
Urban 21.4 Urban 6.0 Urban 63
Combined 20.2 Combined 6.1 Combined 50
2001 Rural 21.1 Rural 6.1 Rural 51
Urban 16.4 Urban 6.1 Urban 45
Combined 18.6 Combined 5.7 Combined 45
2011 Rural 19.9 Rural 6.0 Rural 48
Urban 13.7 Urban 4.7 Urban 34
Source: Various Reports of Health and Family Welfare, GoI

From the above estimates, it can be inferred that vital important fact is that both the birth and death rates in the
indicators BR, DR & IMR have come down, reflect a state remained quite below than national average. The birth
satisfactory picture of health status of J&K state. However, and death rate at both levels slumped during 1981 to 2011;
death rate is lower in urban areas which can be attributed to however, nation experienced faster speed than state.
better health care and health standards in urban areas.
Similarly, table shows the high birth rate in rural areas A. Density of Population
which can be attributed to illiteracy and less acceptance to
family planning measures. The density of population in the state has shown tremendous
increase after independence. It has increased from 32 to 124
V. BIRTH RATE (BR) AND DEATH RATE (DR) AT persons per km2 in 1951 to 2011 generally by the rapid rate
NATIONAL LEVEL of population. The density of population has increased more
than two fold in the last 50 years only. Srinagar and Jammu
The difference between birth rate (BR) and death rate (DR) districts recorded high density of population of 703 and 596
gives the estimate of growth rate. The most encouraging and

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 Demography of Jammu and Kashmir in Historical Perspective

persons per km2 respectively, mainly on account of being density is found in the Leh district with only 3 persons per
the state’s administrative capitals which have made them km2. The population density of since 1981 shown in table.
the hub of socio-economic activities. .The lowest population
TABLE VIII BIRTH RATE AND DEATH RATE OF J & K STATE, 1981 & 2011
Birth rate/1000 Population Death rate/1000 Population
Year J&K India J&K India
1981 20.2 28.4 6.1 9.3
2001 19.9 25.8 5.4 8.4
2011 19.9 21.8 5.5 7.2
Source: - Census of India, 1981 & 2011

TABLE IX POPULATION DENSITY OF J & K STATE, 1981-2011

State/ Density (Persons per sq. km of area)
Area sq. kms
Districts 1981 1991 2001 2011
Anantnag 3984 165 207 294 375
Pulwama 1398 289 369 464 594
Srinagar 2228 318 401 531 703
Badgam 1371 268 263 461 537
Baramulla 4588 146 188 252 305
Kupwara 2379 138 175 269 368
⁕
Leh 82665 2 (a) 2 (a) 3 (a) 3
Kargil 14036 5 6 8 10
Jammu 3097 305 390 508 596
Udampur 4550 100 132 162 211
Doda 11691 36 45 59 79
Kathua 2651 139 186 205 232
Rajouri 2630 115 159 182 235
Poonch 1674 134 175 222 285
J&K 222236 SqKms 59 (a) 76 (a) 99 (a) 124
All India 3287263 SqKms 240 298 324 382
⁕
Including 78114 sq. kms under Pakistan, 5180 sq. kms handed over by Pakistan to China.
Source: Census of India 1981 & 2011, J&K

The service activities played significant role in population souls per sq. km., Jammu and Kashmir State stands at 124
concentration in Srinagar, Badgam, Pulwama, Anantnag and in 2011.
Baramulla district. Similarly in Jammu division high
concentration and high density of population is found in B. Literacy Rate of Jammu And Kashmir, 1981-2011
Jammu plains consisting of Jammu and Kathua districts. On
the other hand, Leh, Kargil and Doda districts recorded least Literacy rate is a vital parameter to gauge the socio-
density of population due to harsh environment control and economic transformation of the population. The process of
the absence of social and economic development activities. education in terms of improved qualification and skills
would help in the formation of human capital stock which
Since 1981, Srinagar was the most thickly populated district has an overwhelming influence on the socio-economic
followed by Jammu district. As per 2001 Census, Srinagar development of a region as it determines the rate and pattern
district has 531 souls per sq. km, while as Jammu has 508 of resource utilization. The district wise literacy rate, 1981
souls per sq. km. Leh has the lowest density o f 3 souls per to 2001 is reflected in the table below:-
sq.km. Srinagar, Jammu, Pulwam and Badgam districts
constitute the zone of highest density in the State. This is District wise literacy rate of State is examined since 1981.
due to variety of factors such as level of land, fertile During 1981 only four districts, namely Srinagar (33.90 %),
character of the soil, moderate climate and availability of Jammu (42.86 %), Kathua (31.90) and Leh (25.17 %), the
adequate irrigational facilities besides higher level of literacy rate was over 25 percent, while in other three
economic development.Against the national density of 382 districts, namely Badgam (17.86%), Kargil (18.86) and

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Bilal Ahmad Khan

Doda (18.50) possess less than 20 percent of literacy rate. TABLE X DISTRICT WISE LITERACY RATE OF J & K STATE, 1981
The literacy rate in the remaining districts varied between Districts 1981 2001 2011
20 to 25 percent. However, with the passage of time, the Anantnag 22.93 51.27 64.32
literacy rate increase steadily due to several schemes and
Pulwama 20.47 54.62 65.00
backward and economically deprived areas were given
special attention. It inceased almost two fold. Srinagar 33.90 50.57 71.21
Budgam 17.86 47.60 57.98
According to census 2011, literacy rate of J&K stands 68.74 Baramulla 20.62 51.12 66.93
percent. District Jammu (83.98 percent) persistently
maintains dominance since census 1981. Kupwara 16.82 51.36 66.92
Leh 25.17 68.84 80.48
1. Literacy Rate at National Level Kargil 18.86 68.35 74.49
Jammu 42.86 77.87 83.98
According to the census of 1981, literacy rate of the state
stood only 26.67 percent against national average of 41.43 Udhampur 23.50 66.97 69.90
percent. During 1981 to 2011, the literacy rate increased by Doda 18.50 63.74 65.97
42.07 against 31.57 percent at national level shown the table
Kathua 31.90 71.68 73.50
below.
Rajouri 24.73 71.02 68.54
As per census of 2011, the literacy rate of the state is 68.74 Poonch 23.39 68.62 68.69
percent against 74.04 percent at national level. Male and Jammu & Kashmir State 26.67 54.46 68.74
female literacy rate accounts 78.26 percent and 58.01 Source: Census 1981, 2001, 2011
percent against the national average of 82.14 percent and Note: In 2006 new eight (8) districts were created in the Azad-led
65.46 percent. The district-wise pattern of literacy rate government, Kishtwar (58.54), Samba (82.48), Reasi (59.42) andRamban
indicates high rate for Jammu, Samba and Leh district, (56.90) new districts in the Jammu division and Bandipore (57.82),
Kulgam (60.35), Ganderbal (59.99) and Shopian (62.49) in the Kashmir
while low literacy rates for Ramban, Bandipora and valley according to census 2011.
Badgam districts in the State. Female literacy rate is low in
all districts. This reflects a poor social awareness for female
education due to existing socio-cultural beliefs.
TABLE XI LITERACY RATE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR AT ALL INDIA LEVEL
Jammu and Kashmir State All India
Literacy Rate Male Female Literacy Rate Male Female
1981 26.67 36.29 15.88 41.43 53.46 28.47
2001 54.46 65.75 41.82 65.38 75.85 54.16
2011 68.74 78.26 58.01 73.0 80.9 64.6
Source: -Indian Economy, PriyotiyitaDarpun, 2016-17,Census of India, various Issues

C. Religious Composition The religious composition for state of 1981 has been given
in table.
The religious composition has great social and economic
relevance.
TABLE XII RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR STATE, 1981
Division Muslims Hindus Sikhs Buddhists Others
Kashmir 94.00 4.42 1.20 0.05 0.33
Jammu 33.81 62.06 3.67 0.11 0.35
Ladakh 44.66 0.01 ---- 51.82 3.51
Total 65.84 30.41 1.06 1.26 0.19
Source: - Victoria Schofield (2001) Kashmir in Crossfire, London, B Taurus Publishers

It is examined that nearly 66 percent of the total population constituting 94 percent of population and in Jammu
of the J&K state consists of Muslims and 30.41 percent of Division about 62 percent are Hindus, while in Ladakh
Hindus. Buddhists with 1.26 percent constitute the third Division 51.82 percent are Buddhists.Thus spatial variation
largest religious group followed by Sikhs (1.06 %) in the in the population of different regions are quite significant.
state. There are however, significant spatial variations in the The Religious composition of J&K State since 1981 is
concentrating of different religious groups. In the Kashmir depicted in the table below.
Division, Muslims have an overwhelming majority

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 Demography of Jammu and Kashmir in Historical Perspective

TABLE XIII RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION OF J&K STATE, 1981- 2011 data released (on Oct. 19, 2016) by Registrar General of
1981 2001 2011 India custodian of census data. The report from Sample
Muslim 64.19 66.97 68.31 Registration Survey provides life expectancy at birth for
year 2002-06 and 2010-14 for J&K 72.6 and 74.6 against
Hindusism 32.24 29.63 28.44
All India figure of 67.9 and 63.5. This hasn't happened
Sikhism 2.23 2.04 1.9 overnight as it took more than three decades to reach to this
Buddhism 1.16 1.12 0.9 level along with constant efforts from the state. While going
Christainty 0.19 0.20 0.30
to the retrospection, in 1970-75, J&K had a total life
expectancy of 56.1 years with 56.9 for men and 55.2 for
Janism 0.03 0.02 0.01 women whereas Kerala in the same period of 1970-75 had a
Others 0.02 0.01 0.01 total life expectancy of 62.0 with 60.8 for men and 63.3 for
Source: The First Report on Religion Data, New Delhi, 2004 women. J&K State was behind Kerala, Punjab (57.9), and
Source: Victoria Schofield (2001) Kashmir in Crossfire, London, B Taurus Haryana (57.5).
Publishers
Source: Census of India, 2011
According to National Family Health Survey, 2016-17, J&K
Expectedly, very large variations are found in the stands at the rank two with 2,812 hospitals after Rajasthan.
percentage of different religious communities since 1981. The J&K has higher number of health institutions than
The State possesses large proportion of Muslims and India neighboring Himachal Pradesh (160), Punjab (240), and
followed by Hindu proportion. As per the last 2011 census, Haryana (159). J&K has a total of 637 Primary Health
Jammu and Kashmir is Muslim majority state in India with Centres, 84, Community Health Centres and 23 district
approximately 68.31 percent of population following Islam. hospitals.
Hinduism is the second popular religion in the State with
approximately 28.44 percent following it. While 1.9 percent E. Occupational Structure
followed Sikhism and small proportion follow Buddhism
(0.9 percent), Christianity (0.3 percent), Jainism (0.01) and Estimates with regard to sectoral structure reveal that in
other (0.01). consistent with the declining contribution of primary sector
towards GSDP, the labor absorption of this sector shows a
D. Life Expectancy of Jammu and Kashmir dwindling trend. And the tertiary sector occupied this place
as the employment generation and secondary sector has
Jammu and Kashmir has surpassed Kerala as the state with remained more or less constant over the period except for
the highest life expectancy in India, according to the latest the decade 1971-81.
TABLE XIV SECTORAL OCCUPATIONAL STRUCTURE IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGE)
Occupation 1961 1971 1981 2001 2011
Primary Sector 78.62 71.05 64.28 50.1 43.10
Secondary Sector 9.03 8.94 14.27 6.2 8.4
Tertiary Sector 12.35 20.01 21.45 43.7 48.5
Source: Compiled from Census of India, various Issues

From the table above, it is interesting to note that from 1961 by one half. The agriculture can be attributed to sharp
to 2011, the sharp fall from 78.62 percent to 43.10 percent decline in the size of holdings during 60s as compared to
in primary sector took place which has been compensated 50s and absence of industrialization during the said decade.
by a sharp and unprecedented increase in the tertiary sector
by 12.35 percent to 48.5 percent. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed rapid rate of population.
Work force increases with the increase of population,
The number of cultivators shows the consistent decline from however, the pace of workforce is very low than population.
1961-2011 and the direct labor absorption capacity of The working population between the periods of 1981 to
agriculture during the five decades of planning is reduced 2011 is shown in the table below.

TABLE XV WORKING POPULATION OF J & K, 1981-2011 (LAKHS)

Work
Year Pop %age Male Workers %age Female Workers %age D. I
force
1981 59.87 26.50 47.85 17.66 66.64 8.83 33.35 0.601
2001 100.69 29.51 29.30 26.41 89.79 3.10 10.21 0.881
2011 125.48 43.22 34.44 30.95 71.61 12.27 28.38 0.805
Source: Economic census, Govt. of India, various issues

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Bilal Ahmad Khan

Correlations
Year Total workers
Pearson Correlation 1 .917*
Year Sig. (2-tailed) .028
N 5 5
Pearson Correlation .917* 1
Total workers Sig. (2-tailed) .028
N 5 5
*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).
David Sopher’s Disparity Index
D.I. = log (X1/X2) + log (100-X2/100-X1), M=male, F = female

The analysis of workforce during 1981 period, the State F. Urbanization

accounts 26.50 lakh of work force that stood 47.85 percent
from total population. Male accounts 17.66 lakh (66.64%) Urbanization is a part of development process. Its process is
and female accounts 8.83 lakh (33.35%). During 2001, the fast in rapidly growing economies where newly established
total workforce accounts 29.51 lakh, stood 29.31 percent industries and ancillary activities continuously provide jobs
from total population. Male accounts 26.41 lakh (71.60%) to people who wish to migrate to cities (Dyson, 1988)2.
and female accounts 10.47 lakh (28.39%). In 2011, the same
stood 43.22 lakh (34.44%) with male 71.60 percent and The development experience of various economies reveals
female 12.27 percent. During the three decade period 1981 that the growth process and structural transformations move
to 2011, workers-population ratio is low due to rapid growth concurrently. The decline in the contribution of agriculture
of population, low female participation in labour and under- and growth in the contribution of manufacturing and tertiary
enumeration and omission of unpaid family workers even sector give fillip to process of urbanization.
when according to the accepted concept they are to be
classified as workers.

TABLE XVI URBAN POPULATION AND DENSITY OF POPULATION FOR J&K STATE
Year Urban Population (J&K) Kashmir Division Jammu Division Density
1961 16.66 20.21 12.18 NA
1971 18.59 23.14 13.81 45
1981 21.05 25.20 14.61 59
2001 24.81 26.52 22.62 100
2011 27.21 31.70 31.02 124
Sources: Digest of Economics, Govt. of J&K

While analyzing urban population since 1961 in terms of Srinagar urban agglomeration recorded a concentration of
percentage, it has steadily increased from 16.66 percent to 35.52 percent of the state urban population, whereas the
27.21 percent up to 2011. At the provincial level though Jammu city, the second largest urban centre in the state,
similar pattern is observable yet some interesting aspects registered 22.28 percent of urban population. Thus, the two
call for special attention. In Kashmir division, the process of cities together constitute 57.80 percent of the total urban
urbanization has increased from 20.21 percent to 31.70 from population. It indicates that these two cities occupy primate
1961 to 2011 respectively. While as in the Jammu division city position having concentration of economic and service
correspondingly estimates are 12.18 percent and 22.02 activities. The district wise proportion of urban population
percent. Interestingly Jammu division experiences the indicates huge disparity.
highest increase in proportion of urban population
particularly during 1981 to 2001 because of migration from VI. CONCLUSION
Kashmir due to turmoil.
To sum up, demographic characteristics provide an
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has almost 27.21 percent overview of population size, composition and territorial
in 2011 of the total population in urban areas. In the case of distribution of population, density and dependency ratio,
Kashmir division, major urban centers are concentrated birth rate, death rate, and natural growth rate and migration
mainly along Jhelum Valley Floor recording 95 per cent of and occupational pattern. These indicators for the state will
the total urban population of Kashmir division. The other help in identifying areas that need policy and programmed
regions have negligible proportion of urban population. The interventions, setting near and far-term goals, and deciding

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 Demography of Jammu and Kashmir in Historical Perspective

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