Question

Analyse the different aspects of population growth in India during 1901-1921 and 1921-1951.

Answer 1

1. Phase-I - 1901-1921:
   1. The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a period of stagnant or stationary phase of growth of India’s population, since in this period growth rate was very low,
   2. Even recording a negative growth rate during 1911-1921.
   3. Both the birth rate and death rate were high keeping the rate of increase low.
   4. Poor health and medical services, illiteracy of people at large and inefficient distribution system of food and other basic necessities were largely responsible for a high birth and death rates in this period.
2. Phase-II - 1921-1951:
   1. Period of steady population growth.
   2. An overall improvement in health and sanitation throughout the country brought down the mortality rate.
   3. At the same time better transport and communication system improved distribution system.
   4. The crude birth rate remained high in this period leading to higher growth rate than the previous phase.