On the basis of tribal population (2011), identify the option that arranges the following states in ascending order.

A. Madhya Pradesh

B. Maharashtra

C. Odisha

The correct answer is Option 1: (C), (B), (A) — meaning the ascending order of tribal (Scheduled Tribe) population as per the 2011 Census is: Odisha → Maharashtra → Madhya Pradesh.

To solve this, we need to recall the Scheduled Tribe (ST) population figures from the Census of India, 2011 for the three given states:

State-wise Tribal (ST) Population — Census 2011:

• (A) Madhya Pradesh — Approximately 1,53,16,784 (≈ 15.3 million)
• (B) Maharashtra �� Approximately 1,05,10,213 (≈ 10.5 million)
• (C) Odisha — Approximately 95,90,756 (≈ 9.59 million)

Step 1: Compare the figures.
Odisha (≈ 9.59 million) < Maharashtra (≈ 10.5 million) < Madhya Pradesh (≈ 15.3 million)

Step 2: Arrange in ascending order (smallest to largest).
(C) Odisha → (B) Maharashtra → (A) Madhya Pradesh

Step 3: Match with the given options.
This corresponds directly to option (C), (B), (A).

Key Fact: Madhya Pradesh has the highest tribal population in absolute numbers among all Indian states as per Census 2011, while Odisha, despite having a high percentage of tribal population (~22.8%), has a smaller total ST count in absolute terms compared to both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Therefore, the correct ascending order is: (C) Odisha < (B) Maharashtra < (A) Madhya Pradesh.