UPSC Prelims 2002 Q47: Geography – Population & Demography
India's population growth during the 20th century can be classified into four distinct phases.
Match List I (Period) with List II (Phase) and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists:
List I (Period) List II (Phase)
A. 1901 - 21
1. Steady growth
B. 1921 - 51
2. Rapid high growth
C. 1951 - 81
3. Stagnant growth
D. 1981 - 2001
4. High growth with definite signs of slowdown
Codes:
A B C D
- (a) 3 1 4 2
- (b) 1 3 2 4
- (c) 3 1 2 4
- (d) 1 3 4 2
Answer: (c) 3 1 2 4
Explanation
Phases of India's population growth in the 20th century
| Period | Phase |
|---|---|
| A. 1901-21 | 3. Stagnant growth — famines and the 1918 influenza epidemic |
| B. 1921-51 | 1. Steady growth — falling death rate |
| C. 1951-81 | 2. Rapid high growth — population explosion after Independence |
| D. 1981-2001 | 4. High growth with definite signs of slowdown |
India's population was nearly stagnant in 1901-21, grew steadily in 1921-51 (the year 1921 is the 'Great Divide'), grew rapidly in 1951-81 and then showed high growth with signs of slowdown in 1981-2001. The code is A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4.
Answer: (c) A - 3, B - 1, C - 2, D - 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It makes 1951-81 a phase of slowdown, though it was rapid growth.
- (b) Incorrect. It makes 1901-21 steady growth, though it was stagnant.
- (c) CORRECT. A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 matches every period with its phase.
- (d) Incorrect. It reverses the first two phases and the last two.
Key point
Census: 1921 is the year of the Great Divide; 1951-81 the population explosion; the decadal growth peaked in 1961-71 at 24.8%.
Remember
1901-21 stagnant; 1921-51 steady; 1951-81 rapid; 1981-2001 high with slowdown.
Common mistakes
- Calling 1901-21 steady rather than stagnant.
- Placing 'rapid high growth' in 1981-2001.
- Missing that 1921 is the demographic divide.
Exam tip
Start from 1901-21 = stagnant, which already removes two options.
Sources
- Census of India 2001 — Provisional Population Totals
- NCERT Class XII — India: People and Economy