Demographics
According to the 2011 census Dadra and Nagar Haveli has a population of 342,853, roughly equal to the nation of Belize. This gives it a ranking of 566th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 698 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,810 /sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 55.5% which is the highest percentage growth among all Indian states and Union Territory. Dadra and Nagar Haveli has a sex ratio of 775 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 77.65%.
Tribals make up a large part of the population: 62%. The most prominent are Dhodia (16.90%), Kokna (16.85%) and Varli (62.94%), with small groups of Koli, Kathodi, Naika and Dubla scattered across the territory, collectively representing 3.31% of the population. Dhodias and Dubles mainly populate the Northern part, whereas Koknas and Varlis are found all over the Union Territory. They worship the primary deities of Dis (Sun) and Chand (Moon), and Narandev, Kanasari, Himai, Hirva, Veer, Rangtai and Vagdev.
One prominent feature of this territory is that people from all over India form a part of non-tribal residents. Though Gujaratis have a prime influence in the area. The same is reflected by the fact that Gujarati is a part of one of the three official language. Others being Hindi and English. Besides Gujaratis, one can find Marathis, Rajasthanis, Biharis, Tamilians, Uttar Pradeshis, and people from several other states. The prime reason for such diverse population is the industrial hub. Employment opportunities, good climate and the landscape is highly appealing.
As per Census 2001, out of the 137,225 ST persons of the UT, except 3,796 (2.8 per cent) Christians, the remaining all are Hindus. At the individual tribe level, Kokna have the highest 6.7 per cent Christians population in 2001. Jains also form an important part of the non-tribal population. Recently the Digambara Jains constructed a temple in the capital city Silvassa. Swetambara sects also have a temple in Dadra and Silvassa — two important towns of the union territory. The influence of Swaminarayana has also grown especially in Silvassa. Their temple is under construction and will supposedly be the biggest and most expensive in the area.
Read more about this topic: Dadra And Nagar Haveli