According to the 2001 Census of India, which state among the following had the highest population density?

Introduction / Context:
Population density measures how many people live per square kilometre of area and is an important demographic indicator for planning and resource management. Historically, certain Indian states have had much higher population densities than others. This question focuses on the situation as per the 2001 Census of India and asks which state among the given options had the highest population density at that time.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The reference point is the 2001 Census, not more recent Census data.
• The states listed are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• We assume that the question reflects the commonly used exam fact that West Bengal led in density among these states based on 2001 data.
• Later Censuses may show different rankings, but the answer is anchored to the specified reference period.

Concept / Approach:
Population density is calculated by dividing the total population of a state by its geographical area. In 2001, West Bengal had a very high population density compared to most other Indian states, largely due to its relatively small area compared to its large population. While Uttar Pradesh also had a very large population, its larger land area resulted in a slightly lower density than West Bengal in that Census. Kerala and Tamil Nadu also had high densities but still did not surpass West Bengal in that period.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the time frame clearly as the 2001 Census of India.Step 2: Recall that West Bengal was often cited in exam materials of that era as the state with the highest population density among large states.Step 3: Compare West Bengal with Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan in terms of density, not absolute population.Step 4: Recognise that Rajasthan has a large area and therefore low density, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu have high but not the highest densities for that year.Step 5: Conclude that West Bengal had the highest population density among the given options as per the 2001 Census.

Verification / Alternative check:
Looking at demographic data from the 2001 Census shows West Bengal with a very high density figure, exceeding that of Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Many older geography and general knowledge books explicitly mention West Bengal as the state with the highest population density among large states according to 2001 figures. Although later Censuses show changes, the exam question must be interpreted in the 2001 context to remain consistent with its intended key.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kerala and Tamil Nadu have high literacy and relatively high population densities, but they did not surpass West Bengal in density in the 2001 Census. Uttar Pradesh, although very populous, has a larger land area than West Bengal and therefore a somewhat lower density in that period. Rajasthan is known for its large desert area and has one of the lower population densities among major Indian states. Thus, none of these alternatives match West Bengal's density figure for 2001.

Common Pitfalls:
Students who only know recent demographic updates may think of Bihar as having the highest population density among states in more recent Censuses, and they may be puzzled because Bihar is not listed as an option here. Others may confuse absolute population with population density and choose Uttar Pradesh on that basis. To avoid these mistakes, it is essential to pay attention to the reference year and to remember that the question focuses on density rather than total population.

Final Answer:
West Bengal had the highest population density among the listed states according to the 2001 Census of India.