According to the 2011 Census of India, which state had the worst (lowest) male to female sex ratio among all Indian states?

Introduction / Context:
The sex ratio is an important demographic indicator that shows the number of females per 1000 males. A low sex ratio often reflects deep rooted gender bias and socio economic issues. In competitive exams, questions about the highest and lowest sex ratios from official census data, such as the 2011 Census of India, are very common.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The data source is the 2011 Census of India.
• The question asks for the state with the “worst” (lowest) male female sex ratio.
• The options are Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana.
• We assume that “worst sex ratio” means the minimum number of females per 1000 males among all states.

Concept / Approach:
In the 2011 Census, Haryana reported one of the lowest female to male ratios among Indian states. Despite being economically advanced in some dimensions, the state has long struggled with issues such as female foeticide and gender discrimination. Kerala, by contrast, had one of the best sex ratios, while Uttar Pradesh and Delhi were not as low as Haryana. Thus, Haryana is correctly identified as having the “worst” sex ratio among the options.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which states are known for very low sex ratios in the 2011 Census. Step 2: Remember that Haryana and some parts of the north western belt consistently rank low in this indicator. Step 3: Compare this recollection with the options: Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. Step 4: Select “Haryana” as the correct answer because it is historically associated with the lowest sex ratio in the 2011 data set.

Verification / Alternative check:
You may remember that census based MCQs often pair Kerala (best sex ratio and high literacy) with Haryana (worst sex ratio), making them easy to compare. Visualising the census tables or revision charts can help you quickly verify that Haryana's figure is indeed the lowest among states listed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Kerala: Known for one of the best sex ratios and highest female literacy, not the worst.
• Uttar Pradesh: Although its sex ratio is not ideal, it is not at the very bottom like Haryana.
• Delhi: As a union territory with a mixed population, Delhi has demographic challenges, but its sex ratio is still higher than Haryana's.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes mix up absolute population with sex ratio and think the most populous state must also have the worst ratio. Others simply guess Delhi because of media coverage about gender issues. Remember that exam questions are based on official census data, not on perceptions or newspaper headlines. Always study the census figures directly.

Final Answer:
According to the 2011 Census of India, the state with the lowest male female sex ratio was Haryana.