According to Census of India 2011, the growth rate of Hindu population in the decade 2001-2011 was ___________.

Correct option is B

The growth rate of the Hindu population during the decade 2001-2011, as reported in the Census of India 2011, was 16.8%. This figure represents the percentage increase in the Hindu population over the ten-year period, highlighting demographic trends within India's majority religious group.

The Hindu population grew from approximately 827 million in 2001 to 966 million in 2011, maintaining its position as the largest religious community in India.

Additional Information:

• The overall population growth rate in India during the same period was 17.7%.
• The Hindu population's growth rate was slightly lower than the national average, reflecting broader trends of declining fertility rates among the majority community.
• Among other religious groups, the Muslim population had a higher growth rate of 24.6% during the same period.

Other Options:

• 10.0%: This figure is significantly lower than the reported growth rate and does not align with Census data.
• 20.1%: While plausible, this is closer to the growth rate of the Muslim population during the same decade, not Hindus.
• 8.6%: This is incorrect and represents a much lower figure than the actual growth rate for any major religious community during this period.