The people are very important component of a
The people are very important component of a — Study Notes
NCERT-aligned · 6 notes · 3 shown free
Population
ExplanationPopulation
Population is a fundamental component of any country, representing the total number of people inhabiting a territory. India, as per the 2011 Census, is the second most populous country in the world with a population of approximately 1,210 million. This population surpasses the combined population of North America, South America, and Australia, highlighting the immense demographic weight India carries globally. The large population size often leads to debates regarding its impact on the country's limited natural resources and socio-economic challenges. Understanding population involves exploring not just the number of people but also their distribution, density, growth, and composition, which collectively influence the country's development trajectory. This chapter aims to delve into these aspects, providing insights into how India's population is spread across its vast geography, how densely populated different regions are, the patterns and phases of population growth, and the various demographic characteristics that define the Indian populace.
- India is the second most populous country with 1,210 million people (2011).
- Population exceeds combined populations of North America, South America, and Australia.
- Large population impacts resource availability and socio-economic conditions.
- Population study includes distribution, density, growth, and composition.
- Population is not just numbers but a dynamic component influencing governance and development.
- Understanding population helps in planning and policy formulation.
- 📌 Population: The total number of people living in a particular area.
- 📌 Socio-economic problems: Issues arising from the interaction of social and economic factors, often influenced by population size.
Sources of Population Data
ExplanationSources of Population Data
Population data in India is primarily collected through the Census operation conducted every ten years. This decennial census provides comprehensive demographic data essential for planning and policy-making. The first attempt at a population census in India was made in 1872, but it was incomplete. The first complete and systematic Census was conducted in 1881, setting the foundation for subsequent censuses. The Census collects data on various demographic parameters including population size, distribution, density, growth, composition, and socio-economic characteristics. This data is crucial for understanding demographic trends, regional disparities, and for formulating development strategies. The Census operation is a massive exercise involving enumeration of every individual across the country, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.
- Population data collected every 10 years through Census.
- First population census attempt in India was in 1872.
- First complete Census conducted in 1881.
- Census provides data on size, distribution, density, growth, and composition.
- Data is vital for planning and policy formulation.
- Census is a massive nationwide enumeration exercise.
- 📌 Census: Official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
- 📌 Enumeration: The process of counting individuals during the census.
Distribution of Population
ExplanationDistribution of Population
India exhibits a highly uneven spatial distribution of population across its states and Union Territories. Uttar Pradesh holds the highest population, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal. This uneven distribution is influenced by a combin
Practice Questions — The people are very important component of a
Includes NCERT exercise questions with answers
Q1.Choose the right answers of the followings from the given options. (i) India's population as per 2011 census is : (a) 1028 million (b) 3182 million (c) 3287 million (d) 1210 million (ii) Which one of the following states has the highest density of population in India? (a) West Bengal (b) Kerala (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Bihar (iii) Which one of the following states has the highest proportion of urban population in India according to 2011 Census? (a) Tamil Nadu (b) Maharashtra (c) Kerala (d) Goa (iv) Which one of the following is the largest linguistic group of India? (a) Sino - Tibetan (b) Indo - Aryan (c) Austric (d) Dravidian
Answer:
Answers: (i) (d) 1210 million Explanation: According to the 2011 Census, India's population was approximately 1.21 billion (1210 million). (ii) (d) Bihar Explanation: Bihar has the highest density of population among Indian states due to its fertile plains and agricultural economy. (iii) (d) Goa Explanation: Goa has the highest proportion of urban population as per 2011 Census because of its small size and urbanized economy. (iv) (b) Indo - Aryan Explanation: Indo-Aryan is the largest linguistic group in India, spoken by the majority of the population.
Explanation:
Step-by-step solution: (i) The 2011 Census data shows India's population as about 1.21 billion, so option (d) is correct. (ii) Population density is highest in Bihar due to fertile land and high rural population concentration. (iii) Goa, being a small state with urbanized economy, has the highest urban population proportion. (iv) Linguistically, Indo-Aryan languages are spoken by the majority, making it the largest group.
Q2.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. (ii) Which states have large rural population in India? Give one reason for such large rural population. (iii) Why do some states of India have higher rates of work participation than others? (iv) 'The agricultural sector has the largest share of Indian workers.' – Explain.
Answer:
Answers: (i) Climate affects population distribution as extreme climates like very hot, dry deserts and very cold, wet mountainous regions are less hospitable, leading to low population density. (ii) States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh have large rural populations due to dependence on agriculture and limited urbanization. (iii) States with more agricultural activities and less urbanization tend to have higher work participation rates as more people are engaged in labor-intensive sectors. (iv) Agriculture employs the largest share of Indian workers because a majority of the population depends on farming for livelihood, especially in rural areas.
Explanation:
Step-by-step solution: (i) Extreme climates limit human settlement due to harsh living conditions. (ii) Large rural populations are found where agriculture dominates and urban centers are fewer. (iii) Work participation varies with economic structure; agrarian states have more workers. (iv) Agriculture remains the main occupation for many, hence largest workforce share.
Q3.Answer the following questions in about 150 words. (i) Discuss the spatial pattern of density of population in India. (ii) Give an account of the occupational structure of India's population.
Answer:
Answers: (i) The spatial pattern of population density in India shows high density in the Indo-Gangetic plains, parts of Kerala, and coastal areas due to fertile land, favorable climate, and economic opportunities. Regions like deserts, high mountains, and dense forests have low density due to harsh living conditions and poor accessibility. (ii) The occupational structure of India’s population is broadly divided into three sectors: primary (agriculture, forestry, fishing), secondary (manufacturing, industry), and tertiary (services). The majority of the population is engaged in the primary sector, especially in rural areas. The secondary and tertiary sectors are growing with urbanization and industrialization, but agriculture still employs the largest share.
Explanation:
Step-by-step solution: (i) Population density is influenced by physical geography and economic factors; fertile plains and urbanized coastal areas have higher density. (ii) Occupational structure reflects economic development; India is predominantly agrarian but is gradually shifting towards industry and services.
All 9 Chapters in India -People And Economy
Geography · Class 12