Provisional results of the March 1991 decennial census of India are discussed in terms of population growth rates, sex ratios, literacy, birth and death rates, and contraceptive coverage, for the 15 major Indian states. The population was counted at 843.93 million, a growth of 23.5% in 10 years, or a growth rate of 2.11, which for the first time is a decline. There were 3 states with growth rates >2.3%, with Rajasthan the highest at 2.47%; 7 states grew <1.9%, with the lowest rate in Kerala. The growth rate is still rising in 4 states. 11 states have previously peaked and are now declining in rate of growth. The sex ratio was 929 females/1000 males, the lowest in this century. Female literacy increased from 29.8 to 39.4%, improving in every state more than did the male literacy rate. The highest female literacy rate was recorded in Kerala, which also has the 2nd lowest growth rate, 2nd highest couple protection rate, and the highest sex ratio. The average birth rate was 32.5 and the average death rate was 11.3. Lower growth rates were not correlated with couple protection rate overall. Sterilization was statistically significantly correlated with lower growth rate, however.