Question

Discuss the growth and distribution of population in India.

Hint:

India's population growth is slowing but remains large due to its youthful base. Fertile plains and industrial regions attract dense settlement, while deserts and mountains remain sparsely populated.

Answer 1

India is the second most populous country in the world after China, with over 1.4 billion people. The growth and distribution of population in India have been influenced by geographical, economic, social, and historical factors.
Growth of Population:
1. Pre-Independence Period:
- Population growth was slow due to high mortality rates, famines, epidemics, and lack of medical facilities.
2. Post-Independence Period:
- After 1951, population grew rapidly due to a decline in death rate and improvement in healthcare facilities, while birth rate remained high.
- This led to population explosion during the 1951–1981 period.
3. Recent Trends:
- Growth rate has slowed in recent decades due to family planning, education, and awareness.
- However, the total population continues to rise due to a large base of young people.
Distribution of Population:
- The distribution of population in India is highly uneven.
- The Indo-Gangetic plain, coastal regions, and industrial areas are densely populated.
- States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Maharashtra have high density, while states like Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir have low density due to deserts, mountains, and difficult terrain.
Factors Influencing Distribution:
1. Physical Factors:
- Fertile soil, moderate climate, and water availability support dense population.
2. Economic Factors:
- Industrialization, trade, and job opportunities attract people to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
3. Social and Historical Factors:
- Areas with cultural importance and historical significance like Varanasi and Delhi have remained population centres for centuries.
Conclusion:
The population of India has grown rapidly in the last century and is unevenly distributed. Managing this growth through family planning, balanced regional development, and urban planning is essential for sustainable development.