West Bengal Muslim Population 2025: West Bengal, a vibrant state in eastern India, is known for its rich culture and diverse population. The topic of the West Bengal Muslim population 2025 is important because it helps us understand the state’s demographic makeup. This article dives into the details of the Muslim population across West Bengal’s districts. It also covers the percentage of Muslims, Hindus, and Christians in the state. By exploring these numbers, we can get a clear picture of the religious diversity in West Bengal. Let’s break it down step by step.
A Snapshot of West Bengal’s Population
West Bengal is home to millions of people from different religions and backgrounds. According to the 2011 Census, the state’s total population was around 91.3 million. Projections for 2025 suggest it could reach about 99.2 million. Hinduism is the largest religion, followed by Islam. Christianity, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths also have followers here. The Muslim population is significant, making up a large portion of the state’s diversity.
In 2011 Census, Muslims accounted for 27.01% of the population, roughly 24.6 million people. Hindus made up 70.54%, around 64.4 million. Christians were about 0.72%, totaling 658,618 individuals. These numbers give us a baseline. For 2025, estimates suggest the Muslim population may grow to around 27.8 million, based on fertility rates and trends. Let’s explore the details further.
West Bengal Muslim Population District-Wise
West Bengal has 23 districts, each with its own demographic profile. The Muslim population varies widely across these districts. Some districts have a Muslim majority, while others have smaller Muslim communities. Below is a detailed look at the Muslim population in key districts, based on available data from 2011 Census and projections for 2025.
- Uttar Dinajpur: This district has a population of about 3 million. Muslims number around 1.5 million, making up 49.92% of the population. It’s one of the districts where Muslims are nearly half the population.
- South 24 Parganas: With a population of 8.16 million, this district has 2.9 million Muslims. That’s 35.57% of the total. It’s a densely populated area with a strong Muslim presence.
- Puruliya: This district has about 2.93 million people. Muslims are a smaller group here, with 227,249 individuals, or 7.76%. It’s one of the districts with a lower Muslim percentage.
- Purba Medinipur: Home to 5.09 million people, this district has 743,436 Muslims. That’s 14.59% of the population.
- Purba Bardhaman: With 4.83 million residents, Muslims number 1.21 million, or 25.16%. This district has a notable Muslim community.
- Paschim Medinipur: This district has 4.83 million people. Muslims make up 593,612, or 12.27%.
- Paschim Bardhaman: With 2.88 million people, Muslims are 383,886, or 13.32%.
- North 24 Parganas: One of the largest districts, it has 10 million people. Muslims number 2.58 million, or 25.82%.
- Nadia: This district has 5.16 million residents. Muslims are 1.38 million, making up 26.76%.
- Murshidabad: This district has 7.1 million people. Muslims dominate here, with 4.7 million, or 66.27%. It’s the district with the highest Muslim percentage.
- Maldah: With 3.98 million people, Muslims number 2.04 million, or 51.27%. It’s another Muslim-majority district.
- Kolkata: The capital city has 4.49 million residents. Muslims are 926,414, or 20.60%.
- Koch Bihar: This district has 2.81 million people. Muslims number 720,033, or 25.54%.
- Kalimpong: A smaller district with 202,239 people, Muslims are just 1,887, or 0.93%. It has the lowest Muslim percentage.
- Jhargram: With 1.07 million people, Muslims number 89,042, or 8.31%.
- Jalpaiguri: This district has 2.44 million residents. Muslims are 316,573, or 12.94%.
- Hugli: With 5.51 million people, Muslims number 870,204, or 15.77%.
- Haora: This district has 4.85 million people. Muslims are 1.27 million, or 26.20%.
- Darjiling: With 1.64 million residents, Muslims number 103,199, or 6.28%.
- Dakshin Dinajpur: This district has 1.67 million people. Muslims are 412,788, or 24.63%.
- Birbhum: With 3.5 million people, Muslims number 1.29 million, or 37.06%.
- Bankura: This district has 3.59 million residents. Muslims are 290,450, or 8.08%.
- Alipurduar: With 1.42 million people, Muslims number 129,244, or 9.06%.
| District | Total Population | Muslim Population | Muslim % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murshidabad | 7103807 | 4707573 | 66.27% |
| Malda (Maldah) | 5167600 | 2652247 (approx) | 51.27% |
| North 24 Parganas | 10009781 | 2584684 | 25.82% |
| South 24 Parganas | 8161961 | 2903075 | 35.57% |
| Uttar Dinajpur | 3007134 | 1501170 | 49.92% |
| Dakshin Dinajpur | 1676276 | 1298054 | 77.45% |
| Birbhum | 2045151 | 290450 | 14.20% |
| Nadia | 5167600 | 383886 | 7.43% |
| Purba Bardhaman | 5095875 | 743436 | 14.59% |
| Paschim Bardhaman | 2882031 | 258468 (approx) | 8.97% |
| Puruliya | 2930115 | 227249 | 7.76% |
| Paschim Medinipur | 4832832 | 1215777 | 25.16% |
| Purba Medinipur | 4838621 | 593612 | 12.27% |
| Hooghly (Hugli) | 5519145 | 870204 | 15.77% |
| Howrah (Haora) | 4850029 | 1270641 | 26.20% |
| Darjeeling | 1644584 | 103199 | 6.27% |
| Jalpaiguri | 2446828 | 316573 | 12.94% |
| Alipurduar | 720033 | 129244 | 17.95% |
| Kalimpong | 202239 | 26942 | 13.32% |
| Jhargram | 1074836 | 87000 (approx) | 8.09% |
| Bankura | 3988845 | 1887 | 0.05% |
| Kolkata | 4496694 | 927000 (approx) | 20.60% |
| Cooch Behar (Koch Bihar) | 2819086 | 3502404 (possibly error, adjusted to 28%) | 28.00% |
These numbers show how diverse West Bengal’s districts are. Murshidabad, Maldah, and Uttar Dinajpur stand out with Muslim majorities. Meanwhile, districts like Kalimpong and Darjiling have small Muslim populations.
West Bengal Muslim Population Percentage
The Muslim population in West Bengal is a key part of the state’s identity. In 2011, Muslims made up 27.01% of the population. This is significant compared to the national average, where Muslims are about 14.23%. For 2025, projections suggest the Muslim percentage may rise slightly to around 28%. This is based on fertility rates, which are slightly higher for Muslims (2.04) than Hindus (1.6) in the state, according to NFHS-5 surveys.
The districts with the highest Muslim percentages are Murshidabad (66.27%), Maldah (51.27%), and Uttar Dinajpur (49.92%). These areas have a strong Muslim influence in culture, politics, and daily life. On the other hand, districts like Kalimpong (0.93%), Darjiling (6.28%), and Puruliya (7.76%) have much smaller Muslim communities. The statewide average of 27% shows that Muslims are spread across urban and rural areas, with a mix of Bengali Muslims and Urdu-speaking communities.
West Bengal Hindu-Muslim Population District-Wise
To understand the religious balance, let’s compare the Hindu and Muslim populations in each district. Hindus are the majority in most districts, but Muslims dominate in a few. Here’s a district-wise breakdown based on 2011 data:
- Uttar Dinajpur: Hindus: 1.47 million (48.9%), Muslims: 1.5 million (49.92%).
- South 24 Parganas: Hindus: 5.17 million (63.4%), Muslims: 2.9 million (35.57%).
- Puruliya: Hindus: 2.57 million (87.7%), Muslims: 227,249 (7.76%).
- Purba Medinipur: Hindus: 4.31 million (84.6%), Muslims: 743,436 (14.59%).
- Purba Bardhaman: Hindus: 3.56 million (73.7%), Muslims: 1.21 million (25.16%).
- Paschim Medinipur: Hindus: 4.1 million (84.9%), Muslims: 593,612 (12.27%).
- Paschim Bardhaman: Hindus: 2.4 million (83.4%), Muslims: 383,886 (13.32%).
- North 24 Parganas: Hindus: 7.36 million (73.5%), Muslims: 2.58 million (25.82%).
- Nadia: Hindus: 3.77 million (73%), Muslims: 1.38 million (26.76%).
- Murshidabad: Hindus: 2.35 million (33.1%), Muslims: 4.7 million (66.27%).
- Maldah: Hindus: 1.91 million (47.9%), Muslims: 2.04 million (51.27%).
- Kolkata: Hindus: 3.44 million (76.5%), Muslims: 926,414 (20.60%).
- Koch Bihar: Hindus: 2.06 million (73.2%), Muslims: 720,033 (25.54%).
- Kalimpong: Hindus: 159,989 (79.1%), Muslims: 1,887 (0.93%).
- Jhargram: Hindus: 963,593 (89.7%), Muslims: 89,042 (8.31%).
- Jalpaiguri: Hindus: 2.04 million (83.3%), Muslims: 316,573 (12.94%).
- Hugli: Hindus: 4.57 million (82.9%), Muslims: 870,204 (15.77%).
- Haora: Hindus: 3.53 million (72.9%), Muslims: 1.27 million (26.20%).
- Darjiling: Hindus: 1.24 million (75.5%), Muslims: 103,199 (6.28%).
- Dakshin Dinajpur: Hindus: 1.23 million (73.5%), Muslims: 412,788 (24.63%).
- Birbhum: Hindus: 2.15 million (61.5%), Muslims: 1.29 million (37.06%).
- Bankura: Hindus: 3.22 million (89.7%), Muslims: 290,450 (8.08%).
- Alipurduar: Hindus: 1.23 million (86.5%), Muslims: 129,244 (9.06%).
Hindus are the majority in 20 districts, while Muslims lead in Murshidabad, Maldah, and Uttar Dinajpur. This balance shapes the cultural and political dynamics of each district.
West Bengal Hindu-Muslim-Christian Population
Now, let’s include Christians to get a fuller picture. Christians are a smaller group but have a presence in certain areas. Here’s how the three religions compare statewide and in select districts:
- Statewide:
- Hindus: 64.4 million (70.54%).
- Muslims: 24.6 million (27.01%).
- Christians: 658,618 (0.72%).
- Murshidabad:
- Hindus: 2.35 million (33.1%).
- Muslims: 4.7 million (66.27%).
- Christians: 8,510 (0.12%).
- Maldah:
- Hindus: 1.91 million (47.9%).
- Muslims: 2.04 million (51.27%).
- Christians: 3,990 (0.1%).
- Uttar Dinajpur:
- Hindus: 1.47 million (48.9%).
- Muslims: 1.5 million (49.92%).
- Christians: 16,483 (0.55%).
- Kolkata:
- Hindus: 3.44 million (76.5%).
- Muslims: 926,414 (20.60%).
- Christians: 39,758 (0.88%).
- Darjiling:
- Hindus: 1.24 million (75.5%).
- Muslims: 103,199 (6.28%).
- Christians: 123,989 (7.54%).
- South 24 Parganas:
- Hindus: 5.17 million (63.4%).
- Muslims: 2.9 million (35.57%).
- Christians: 22,825 (0.28%).
Christians have a higher presence in districts like Darjiling and Kolkata. In rural areas like Murshidabad and Maldah, their numbers are very low. This mix of religions adds to West Bengal’s unique identity.
West Bengal Hindu Muslim Christian Population 2025
In 2025, West Bengal’s estimated religious composition looks like this:
- Hindus: Around 67%
- Muslims: Around 30%
- Christians: Around 1%
- Others (Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Tribal religions): Around 2%
Christian Population is highest in districts like Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. Tribal populations in these areas also follow traditional or indigenous beliefs.
Key Observations:
- Murshidabad is the only Muslim-majority district in West Bengal.
- Malda and Uttar Dinajpur have almost equal Hindu and Muslim populations.
- South Bengal (e.g., Howrah, Kolkata) has a mixed population.
- Hindus form a majority in most districts except 1–2.
- Christian and tribal religious groups are in small numbers.
- Muslim population is rising slowly, largely due to higher birth rates and migration patterns.
Economic and Educational Status
In many districts, Muslims live in rural areas. Their participation in agriculture and small-scale industries is common. Educationally, the state has taken efforts to improve literacy and employment among Muslim youth.
Schemes like Aikyashree, Sabuj Sathi, and Kanyashree are reaching more Muslim beneficiaries today. The state has also focused on minority schools, hostels, and scholarships.
Historical Context and Trends
The Muslim population in West Bengal has grown over time. Before 1947, Muslims made up about 33% of undivided Bengal. After partition, many Muslims moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), dropping the percentage to 20% in 1951. By 2011, it reached 27%. This growth is due to higher fertility rates and natural population increase, not large-scale immigration, as some claim. Studies show both Hindu and Muslim growth rates have slowed, with Muslims declining from 25.9% in 2001 to 21.8% in 2011.
The state’s fertility rate reached replacement level (2.1) in 2003. For Muslims, it’s slightly higher but has also dropped significantly. This suggests a stable demographic future. Claims of “infiltration” from Bangladesh are not supported by data, as border district growth rates for both communities have declined.
Cultural and Social Impact
Muslims in West Bengal are mostly Bengali-speaking, with a smaller Urdu-speaking community in urban areas like Kolkata. They contribute to the state’s culture through festivals, food, and literature. Sufi traditions, like those of the Bengal Sultanate, have left a lasting mark. Figures like Kazi Nazrul Islam, a famous Muslim poet, are celebrated across communities.
Politically, Muslims play a key role, especially in districts like Murshidabad and Maldah. Their votes influence elections, but they remain underrepresented in some areas like education and jobs. Efforts to improve literacy and economic opportunities are ongoing.
Conclusion
The West Bengal Muslim population 2025 is a vital part of the state’s story. With an estimated 27.8 million Muslims, they form about 28% of the population. Districts like Murshidabad, Maldah, and Uttar Dinajpur have Muslim majorities, while others like Kalimpong have few. Hindus dominate with 70.54%, and Christians add to the mix at 0.72%. This diversity shapes West Bengal’s culture, politics, and daily life.
Understanding these numbers helps us appreciate the state’s complexity. From rural villages to bustling Kolkata, West Bengal thrives on its mix of faiths. As we look to 2025, the state’s demographic balance will continue to evolve, but its spirit of harmony remains strong.