Question

Study the table given below and answer the questions that follow:

Proportion of Urban Population (1901-2011)
Year of Census	Urban Percentage	Year of Census	Urban Percentage
1901	10.84	1961	17.97
1911	10.29	1971	19.90
1921	11.17	1981	23.31
1931	11.99	1991	25.72
1941	13.85	2001	27.78
1951	17.29	2011	31.16

1. In which census year was the urban population percentage the lowest?
2. In which census year was the urban population percentage the highest?
3. In which two consecutive census years was the difference between the urban population percentage the highest?
4. Compare the proportionate increase in percentage of urban population during the periods 1901 to 1961 and 1961 to 2011.
5. Give two reasons for the growth of urban population in India.

Answer 1

1. The urban population percentage was the lowest in the year 1911, at 10.29%.
2. The urban population percentage was the highest in the year 2011, at 31.16%.
3. The highest difference between two consecutive census years was between 1951 and 1941, where the percentage increased from 13.85% to 17.97%, a rise of 3.44%.
4. 1. From 1901 to 1961:
      Urban population increased from 10.84% to 17.97%.
      Increase = 17.97 − 10.84
      = 7.13%
   2. From 1961 to 2011:
      Urban population increased from 17.97% to 31.16%.
      Increase = 31.16 − 17.97
      = 13.19%
   3. Therefore, the proportionate increase was greater between 1961 to 2011 compared to 1901 to 1961.
5. 1. Industrialisation:
      Growth of industries in urban areas created job opportunities, attracting people from rural regions.
   2. Improved Urban Facilities:
      Cities offer better education, healthcare, housing, transport, and overall quality of life, which encourages people to migrate and settle there.