Chapter 1: Population : Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition 

 EXERCISES:

1. Choose the right answers of the followings from the given options.

(i) India’s population as per 2011 census is :

(a) 1028 million (c) 3287 million

(b) 3182 million (d) 1210 million

Answer: (d) 1210 million

Prepare composite bar graphs, one for India and the

other for your respective states showing the proportion

of male and female workers in agriculture, household

industries and other sectors, and compare.

Rationalised 2023-24

14 India : People and Economy

(ii) Which one of the following states has the highest density of population in

India?

(a) West Bengal (c) Uttar Pradesh

(b) Kerala (d) Punjab

Answer: (a) West Bengal.

(iii) Which one of the following states has the highest proportion of urban

population in India according to 2011 Census?

(a) Tamil Nadu (c) Kerala

(b) Maharashtra (d) Goa

Answer: (a) Tamil Nadu 

(iv) Which one of the following is the largest linguistic group of India?

(a) Sino – Tibetan (c) Austric

(b) Indo – Aryan (d) Dravidian

Answer: (b) Indo – Aryan 

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

(i) Very hot and dry and very cold and wet regions of India have low density of population. In this light, explain the role of climate on the distribution of population.

Answer: Extreme climates, scorching deserts and frigid mountains, challenge human survival and limit resources like agriculture and water. This makes them less attractive for settlement, leading to low population density. Climate acts as a powerful force, influencing where people choose to live by shaping conditions for sustenance and comfort.

(ii) Which states have large rural population in India? Give one reason for such large rural population.

Answer: Several Indian states have a significantly large rural population, exceeding 70% of their total inhabitants. Here are some of the most prominent:

* Himachal Pradesh: With a staggering 89.96% of its population residing in rural areas, Himachal Pradesh tops the list. Its mountainous terrain and dependence on agriculture contribute to this high rural concentration.

*Bihar: Bihar boasts a robust 88.70% rural population, likely due to its fertile Ganges plain and agrarian economy. Despite rapid urbanization, rural areas remain home to a significant portion of Bihar's people.

*Assam: Assam's lush green valleys and tea plantations support a large rural population of 85.92%. Agriculture and its related activities form the backbone of the state's rural economy.

*Odisha: With 83.32% of its population living in rural areas, Odisha's dependence on agriculture and limited industrial development contribute to its high rural concentration.


    One primary reason for these large rural populations lies in the predominant role of agriculture in these states. Agriculture remains a significant source of livelihood and employment, attracting and sustaining large populations in rural areas. Additionally, factors like limited infrastructure development, slower urbanization compared to other states, and cultural ties to the land also play a role.

(iii) Why do some states of India have higher rates of work participation than others?

Answer: 

(iv) ‘The agricultural sector has the largest share of Indian workers.’ – Explain.

Answer: Several factors contribute to varying work participation rates across Indian states:

*Economic Development: Less developed states often need more manual labor for subsistence activities, leading to higher rates.

*Demographic Composition: Younger populations and higher male-to-female employment ratios can boost participation.

*Agricultural Dependency: Agrarian economies may see fluctuations in participation based on seasons and crop cycles.

*Formal vs. Informal Employment: Large informal sectors in some states can be undercounted, skewing data.

*Social and Cultural Factors: Gender roles, education levels, and family structures can influence participation norms.

Understanding these interlinked factors provides a clearer picture of why work participation rates differ across India's diverse states.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

(i) Discuss the spatial pattern of density of population in India.

Answer: The spatial pattern of population density in India is a fascinating tapestry of high and low concentrations woven across its diverse landscape. Here's a breakdown of the key features:

High Density Zones:

*Indo-Gangetic Plain: This fertile belt stretching from Punjab to West Bengal cradles some of the densest populations, exceeding 1,000 people per sq km. Favorable agricultural conditions, historical settlements, and economic opportunities attract and sustain large populations.

*Coastal Plains: The eastern and western coasts, with their rich deltas and proximity to resources, host thriving populations. States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra exhibit densities exceeding 500 people per sq km due to factors like fishing, trade, and tourism.

*River Valleys: Major rivers like the Indus, Brahmaputra, and Godavari nurture dense populations along their banks. These areas benefit from fertile alluvial soil, irrigation potential, and historical settlements, leading to densities often exceeding 400 people per sq km.


Low Density Zones:

*Himalayan Region: The harsh mountainous terrain, extreme weather, and limited agricultural potential of the Himalayas result in sparse populations, often below 50 people per sq km. States like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh showcase this pattern.

*Thar Desert: The arid Thar Desert in Rajasthan, with its scorching temperatures and scarce water resources, supports a meager population density of around 80 people per sq km.

*Dense Forests: Densely forested areas in central and northeastern India, like parts of Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh, have low population densities due to limited accessibility, challenging terrain, and wildlife conservation efforts.

Factors Shaping the Pattern:

* Physical Geography: Terrain, climate, and water availability play a crucial role. Fertile plains and river valleys attract people, while deserts and mountains repel them.

* Economic Activities: Agriculture-dependent regions tend to have higher densities, while industrial hubs and urban centers also attract populations.

*Historical Settlements: Areas with long-established settlements often exhibit higher densities due to accumulated infrastructure and cultural factors.

*Infrastructure and Resources: Availability of transportation, water, and other resources influences where people choose to live.

Understanding this spatial pattern is crucial for:

*Planning resource allocation and infrastructure development.

*Formulating policies for regional development and poverty alleviation.

*Managing environmental issues and ensuring sustainable resource use.

    By studying the intricate tapestry of population density in India, we gain valuable insights into the complex interplay of geography, economics, history, and human choices that shape where people live and how they interact with their environment.

(ii) Give an account of the occupational structure of India’s population.

Answer: India's Occupational Structure: A Shifting Landscape

India's occupational structure paints a picture of a nation in transition, evolving from an agrarian society toward a service-driven economy. Understanding this evolving landscape is crucial for comprehending India's economic and social dynamics.

Dominant Features:

*Shifting Sands: Historically, agriculture dominated the landscape, employing over 70% of the workforce. However, this share has steadily declined to around 44% in recent years, with the service sector now accounting for about 52% of employment.

*Urban vs. Rural Divide: The shift toward services is primarily driven by urbanization, with cities offering more opportunities in sectors like finance, IT, education, and healthcare. Rural areas, however, still rely heavily on agriculture and related activities.

*Informal Economy: A significant portion of the Indian workforce, estimated at around 40%, operates in the informal sector. This includes street vendors, rickshaw drivers, and other small-scale entrepreneurs who often lack formal contracts and social security benefits.

*Gender Imbalances: Gender disparities remain entrenched in the occupational landscape. Women are underrepresented in formal employment, often concentrated in informal sectors or confined to domestic roles.

*Skills Gap: The rapid change in the economy demands new skills that a significant portion of the workforce may not possess. Bridging the skills gap through education and training is crucial for employability and social mobility.

Challenges and Opportunities:

*Job creation: The burgeoning young population needs significant job creation, particularly in the skilled service sector, to ensure stable livelihoods and prevent unemployment.

*Formalization of the informal: Integrating the informal sector into the formal economy would provide workers with better protection and benefits, while boosting tax revenue and economic growth.

*Empowering women: Addressing gender disparities through education, skill development, and equal access to opportunities is essential for inclusive growth and social progress.

*Investing in education: Providing high-quality education and skill development programs aligned with industry needs is crucial for preparing the workforce for the future economy.

Conclusion:

    India's occupational structure is in flux, presenting both challenges and opportunities. By understanding the current trends and addressing the emerging needs, India can navigate this transition and build a robust, inclusive, and equitable economy for its diverse population.

    Remember, this is just a starting point. You can further delve into specific sectors, regional variations, and the impact of technological advancements on the occupational landscape for a more nuanced understanding.


Answer By: Himashree Bora.