1871 Census of India

The 1871 Census of India was the first comprehensive national census conducted in the British Raj, marking a significant milestone in the demographic history of the subcontinent. Initiated by the British administration under Viceroy Lord Mayo, the census aimed to gather detailed information on the population, including data on ethnicity, religion, language, and social structure. The enumeration was carried out over a series of months, culminating in a total population count of approximately 253 million individuals, making it the largest population survey at that time. The census provided critical insights into regional disparities and social conditions, influencing government policy and administration. Subsequent censuses were structured based on methodologies established during this pivotal enumeration, laying the groundwork for future statistical studies in India.