Chapter 1: Population : Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition
Geography - India People and Economy • Class 12
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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate19 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
This chapter outlines the distribution, density, growth, and composition of India's population. It emphasizes the uneven distribution of population across states, influenced by physical geography, economic activities, and historical factors. The chapter also discusses the growth trends, explaining phases of population growth in relation to birth, death rates, and migration. Additionally, it explores the demographic composition in terms of rural-urban dichotomy, linguistic and religious diversity.
Key Topics
- •Population distribution patterns
- •Population density measures
- •Phases of population growth
- •Rural-urban composition
- •Linguistic diversity
- •Religious composition
- •Economic activities and population
- •Demographic challenges
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand population distribution and its determinants
- ✓Analyze population density and growth patterns
- ✓Identify phases of population growth and their characteristics
- ✓Recognize the composition of population by language and religion
- ✓Evaluate socio-economic factors affecting population dynamics
- ✓Develop insights into rural and urban population trends
Questions in Chapter
India’s population as per 2011 census is:
Answer: 1210 million
Page 14
Which one of the following states has the highest density of population in India?
Answer: Bihar
Page 14
Which one of the following states has the highest proportion of urban population in India according to 2011 Census?
Answer: Goa
Page 14
Which one of the following is the largest linguistic group of India?
Answer: Indo – Aryan
Page 14
Explain the role of climate on the distribution of population.
Page 14
Which states have large rural populations in India? Give one reason for such large rural population.
Page 14
Why do some states of India have higher rates of work participation than others?
Page 14
‘The agricultural sector has the largest share of Indian workers.’ – Explain.
Page 14
Discuss the spatial pattern of density of population in India.
Page 14
Give an account of the occupational structure of India’s population.
Page 14
Additional Practice Questions
What factors contribute to the uneven distribution of population in India?
mediumAnswer: Physical factors such as climate, terrain, and water availability play significant roles. Socio-economic factors like agriculture, industrialization, historical settlement patterns, and urbanization also influence distribution.
How has the agricultural sector in India impacted the country's population distribution?
mediumAnswer: The agricultural sector, being labor-intensive, causes a higher population density in arable regions, influencing rural settlement patterns and resulting in more people residing in fertile plains and deltas.
What measures can be taken to address the high population density in urban areas?
hardAnswer: Measures include improved urban planning, development of satellite towns, infrastructure investments, promotion of public transport, and imposition of policies to decentralize economic activities.
Describe the phases of population growth in India.
mediumAnswer: There are four phases: the stagnant (1901-1921), steady growth (1921-1951), explosion (1951-1981), and slowing growth phases (post-1981). Each phase reflects changes in birth, death rates, and socio-economic factors.
How does linguistic diversity affect social and economic conditions in India?
hardAnswer: Linguistic diversity fosters cultural richness but can complicate national cohesion and policy implementation. Economically, it may impact education and communication, influencing workforce mobility and integration.
Discuss the role of migration in influencing population growth and distribution in India.
mediumAnswer: Migration affects population distribution by concentrating people in economically vibrant regions, often leading to urban growth. It can be driven by economic opportunities, social conditions, or environmental factors.
What are the main religious groups in India, and how do they influence cultural landscapes?
mediumAnswer: Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains are main groups. Their religious practices shape cultural landscapes through temples, mosques, churches, festivals, and dietary choices.
Evaluate the impact of government policies on population composition and distribution.
hardAnswer: Policies on education, health, employment, and urbanization influence population composition. Affirmative actions, family planning, and rural development programs aim to balance distribution and enhance social well-being.
Analyze the demographic transition model concerning India.
hardAnswer: India is in the third stage, characterized by declining birth rates and a significantly reduced death rate, resulting in moderate population growth and an older population structure.
How does urbanization affect demographic trends in India?
mediumAnswer: Urbanization leads to increased population density in cities, changes in occupational structure, lifestyle shifts, and impacts infrastructure demands and social services.