A new government report has revealed an interesting demographic shift: women in South India are significantly more likely to be widowed, divorced or separated than women in many other parts of the country.
According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, all five southern states, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, recorded a higher proportion of women living without a spouse than the national average.
Nationally, 5.4% of women fall into the widowed, divorced or separated category. In comparison, Tamil Nadu recorded the highest share among larger states at 11.6%, followed by Kerala at 10.4%. Karnataka stood at 8.6%, Andhra Pradesh at 8%, and Telangana at 7.6%.
While the numbers may seem surprising, experts point to a combination of demographic and social factors rather than a single explanation.
One of the biggest reasons is longevity. Women in southern states generally live longer and are more likely to outlive their husbands, leading to higher rates of widowhood. Kerala, for instance, has one of the highest female survival rates in the country.
Population ageing also plays a significant role. Southern India has some of the country's oldest populations, with larger numbers of women aged 60 and above. As populations age, widowhood naturally becomes more common.
The report also notes higher male mortality rates in several southern states compared to the national average. When men die earlier, more women spend a greater part of their lives without a spouse.
In contrast, states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have younger populations and lower proportions of women living without a spouse. Bihar recorded the lowest figure among larger states at just 2%.
The findings highlight how changing life expectancy, ageing populations and shifting family structures are reshaping women's lives across India. Beyond the numbers, they offer a glimpse into the realities of millions of women navigating life, work, caregiving and ageing independently.