Question

Consider the following statements regarding the phases of population growth in India:

• The period between 1901 and 1921 is referred to as a period of stagnant or stationary phase of growth.
• The period between 1921 and 1951 is referred to as the period of steady population growth.
• The period between 1951 and 1981 is referred to as the period of population explosion in India.
• After 1981 till present, the crude birth rate has started increasing rapidly.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3 only
• C. 2, 3 and 4 only
• D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Hint:

Remember the phases of population growth in India:

• \(1901\text{--}1921\) $\rightarrow$ Stagnant phase
• \(1921\text{--}1951\) $\rightarrow$ Steady growth
• \(1951\text{--}1981\) $\rightarrow$ Population explosion
• After \(1981\) $\rightarrow$ Growth rate declining

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: India’s population growth is divided into different phases based on birth rate, death rate, and growth trends.

• 1901--1921 $\rightarrow$ Period of stagnant or stationary population growth
• 1921--1951 $\rightarrow$ Period of steady population growth
• 1951--1981 $\rightarrow$ Period of population explosion
• After 1981 $\rightarrow$ Growth rate started declining due to better education, healthcare, and family planning

Step 1: Examine Statement 1. The period from 1901 to 1921 is known as the stationary or stagnant phase because population growth remained very low due to high birth and death rates. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.

Step 2: Examine Statement 2. Between 1921 and 1951, India experienced a gradual decline in death rate while birth rate remained high, leading to steady population growth. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Step 3: Examine Statement 3. From 1951 to 1981, rapid improvements in healthcare and food supply reduced death rates significantly, causing a population explosion. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Step 4: Examine Statement 4. After 1981, the crude birth rate did not increase rapidly. Instead, it started declining because of awareness, literacy, and family planning measures. Hence, Statement 4 is incorrect. Therefore, only Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. \[ \boxed{\text{Statements 1, 2 and 3 only are correct.}} \]