According to the Census of India 2001, which state recorded the highest rate of population growth during the decade 1991 to 2001?

Introduction / Context:
Decadal population growth rates from the Census of India provide important insights into demographic trends across states. Some states grow much faster than the national average, while others grow more slowly. Competitive examinations often ask about which state recorded the highest population growth in a particular census period. This question focuses on the decade 1991 to 2001 and the state that recorded the highest growth in that period.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The period of interest is the decade between the 1991 and 2001 censuses.
- The options list four Indian states: Gujarat, Manipur, Nagaland, and Haryana.
- We are asked to identify which state recorded the highest decadal population growth rate according to the 2001 Census data.
- We assume standard official census figures as published by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

Concept / Approach:
The decadal growth rate of population is calculated as the percentage increase in population between two consecutive censuses. According to provisional and final results of the 2001 Census, Nagaland recorded a very high growth rate, significantly above the national average, and was widely reported as the state with the highest decadal population growth for 1991 to 2001. The other states listed, such as Gujarat, Manipur, and Haryana, showed significant growth but did not surpass Nagaland in this particular statistic.

Step by Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall from standard general knowledge that Nagaland recorded an exceptionally high decadal growth rate in the 2001 Census, above 60 percent. Step 2: Gujarat and Haryana experienced strong economic and demographic growth, but their population growth rates did not exceed Nagaland's figure for that decade. Step 3: Manipur also showed population growth, but again, it did not top the national list in 2001. Step 4: Option C explicitly names Nagaland as the state with the highest decadal population growth rate, matching the census records. Step 5: Therefore, option C is the correct answer for this question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reports and summaries released after the 2001 Census highlighted that Nagaland recorded a decadal population growth rate of more than 60 percent, far above the all India average of around 21 percent. This fact was widely noted in newspapers, government publications, and exam preparation materials. In contrast, while states like Gujarat and Haryana recorded significant growth, their rates were considerably lower. This supports the conclusion that Nagaland is correctly identified as the state with the highest population growth rate for the 1991 to 2001 period.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because Gujarat did not surpass Nagaland's population growth rate during the 1991 to 2001 decade.
Option B is wrong because Manipur's growth, although notable, was not the highest in the country for that census period.
Option D is wrong because Haryana also did not record the highest decadal population growth rate in the 2001 Census.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to assume that states with rapid economic growth, such as Gujarat, automatically have the highest population growth. Economic growth and population growth are related but distinct phenomena. Another pitfall is to confuse later census results, such as the period 2001 to 2011, with the earlier decade. To avoid confusion, remember that for the decade leading to the 2001 Census, Nagaland was noted for having the highest decadal population growth rate among Indian states.

Final Answer:
Nagaland, with the highest decadal population growth rate.