India’s strength lies in its villages. While cities drive technology and business, villages hold the roots of culture, agriculture, and traditions. Every district, state, and region of India has its unique rural character — from the farmlands of Punjab to the coastal villages of Kerala.
Knowing how many villages exist in India helps us understand how development reaches every corner of the country and how rural life continues to shape India’s identity.
Total Number of Villages in India
According to the Census of India 2011, there were 6,40,867 villages across the country. However, due to population growth and administrative changes, this number has increased in the last decade. Based on updates from the Ministry of Rural Development, India now has over 6.6 lakh villages (as of 2025).
These include both inhabited and uninhabited villages spread across all states and union territories. Most of these villages are small settlements, but some have populations larger than small towns.
State-Wise Distribution of Villages in India
Villages are spread unevenly across India. States with large agricultural land areas like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh have the highest numbers.
Here’s an approximate state-wise breakdown:
Uttar Pradesh: 97,800+ villages
Madhya Pradesh: 55,000+ villages
Bihar: 45,000+ villages
Maharashtra: 44,000+ villages
Rajasthan: 44,000+ villages
Odisha: 51,000+ villages
West Bengal: 40,000+ villages
Karnataka: 27,000+ villages
Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana): 27,000+ villages
Gujarat: 18,000+ villages
Jharkhand: 32,000+ villages
Chhattisgarh: 20,000+ villages
Himachal Pradesh: 20,000+ villages
Punjab: 12,000+ villages
Haryana: 7,000+ villages
Tamil Nadu: 15,000+ villages
Kerala: 1,500+ villages
The numbers may slightly vary as new districts are created or boundaries are restructured.
Inhabited vs. Uninhabited Villages
Not all listed villages in India are populated. Some are officially recorded but have no permanent residents.
As per the 2011 Census:
Inhabited villages: 5,97,618
Uninhabited villages: 43,249
Uninhabited villages may have been deserted due to reasons like:
Migration to cities for work
Floods, droughts, or natural calamities
Lack of water or resources
Administrative mergers with nearby villages
In contrast, inhabited villages continue to thrive as centers of agriculture, trade, and culture.
Administration and Governance in Villages
Each village in India functions under the Panchayati Raj system, which gives people the power to manage local affairs. This three-tier structure ensures that governance and development reach the grassroots level.
Gram Sabha: The village assembly where local people discuss and decide on common issues.
Gram Panchayat: The governing council led by an elected Sarpanch.
Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad: Block and district-level bodies that coordinate wider development programs.
This system plays a vital role in implementing schemes like MGNREGA, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in rural areas.
Population Living in Villages
Despite rapid urbanization, India remains a predominantly rural nation. According to the 2011 Census:
In 2025, this roughly translates to about 950 million people living in rural India out of the total population of around 1.4 billion. Most of them depend on agriculture, livestock, small industries, and local trades for their livelihood.
Importance of Villages in India
Villages are not only home to millions but also the backbone of the nation’s economy and identity. They contribute in several ways:
Agricultural Output: Villages produce most of the country’s food grains, vegetables, and dairy products.
Cultural Heritage: Folk traditions, festivals, and art forms originate in rural communities.
Employment: Agriculture and rural industries employ a large share of the workforce.
Sustainability: Many villages follow eco-friendly lifestyles that support the environment.
Without villages, India’s growth story would be incomplete.
Development and Modernization of Villages
Over the last two decades, India’s villages have seen rapid transformation. Government programs and digital initiatives have connected even remote regions to modern infrastructure.
Electrification: Nearly all villages have electricity access today.
Digital Connectivity: Mobile internet and digital payments have become common in rural areas.
Infrastructure Growth: Roads, schools, health centers, and banking services have expanded.
Skill Development: Training centers and rural jobs have reduced migration pressure on cities.
Projects like Digital India, Smart Villages, and Rural Skill Development Mission are bridging the gap between rural and urban living standards.
Largest Villages in India
Some Indian villages are so large that they are often compared to small towns. Here are a few examples:
Gahmar (Uttar Pradesh): One of the largest villages in Asia, with over 25,000 residents.
Bhatiya (Gujarat): A large fishing village along the Arabian coast.
Baragaon (Bihar): Known for its dense population and fertile land.
Amini (Lakshadweep): Largest village in the island group with a rich cultural identity.
Kisanpur (Uttar Pradesh): A well-developed village with strong infrastructure and education facilities.
These examples show the variety and diversity of Indian villages — each with its distinct livelihood and geography.
The Future of Indian Villages
India’s future depends greatly on how its villages evolve. As cities grow, rural areas are also being integrated into the nation’s digital and economic framework.
Smart Village Programs: Aim to provide high-speed internet, e-health, and e-learning facilities.
Renewable Energy: Many villages now use solar power for electricity and irrigation.
Rural Entrepreneurship: Local industries and startups are helping people find jobs near home.
Infrastructure Expansion: Better connectivity is bringing healthcare, markets, and education closer to villagers.
The goal is to make every village self-sufficient, sustainable, and digitally connected, aligning with India’s Vision 2047 for inclusive growth.
Conclusion
India’s 6.6 lakh villages are the heart and soul of the country. They feed the nation, preserve culture, and uphold the real essence of India. As modernization continues, the focus should remain on empowering rural communities with education, technology, and infrastructure. Balanced growth between rural and urban India will ensure that every citizen enjoys equal opportunities, regardless of where they live.
FAQs
How many villages are there in India in 2025?
As of 2025, India has over 6.6 lakh villages, based on estimates from the Ministry of Rural Development. The exact number will be confirmed in the upcoming census.
Which state has the most villages in India?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of villages, with more than 97,000 rural settlements, making it the state with the largest rural network.
How many people live in Indian villages?
Around 950 million people, or nearly 68% of India’s population, live in villages. Most are engaged in farming, cottage industries, and small-scale businesses.
What is the smallest village in India?
Some villages in Lakshadweep and Sikkim have fewer than 50 residents, making them among the smallest in India. The numbers change slightly with migration and census updates.
How many inhabited and uninhabited villages are there?
According to the 2011 Census, India had about 5.97 lakh inhabited and 43,000 uninhabited villages. Updated data will be available after the next census report.
