Question

During which one of the following phase of population growth in India, negative growth was recorded in a decade ?

• A. Phase I
• B. Phase II
• C. Phase III
• D. Phase IV

Hint:

1911-1921 is the ONLY decade in Indian census history with negative growth.
Phase I = Stagnant/Negative growth.
1921 = The Year of the Great Divide.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
• India's population growth history is divided into four stages or phases.
• Phase I (1901-1921): Stagnant growth.
• Phase II (1921-1951): Steady growth.
• Phase III (1951-1981): Population explosion.
• Phase IV (Post-1981): High growth with signs of slowing down.

Step 1: Identify the decade with negative growth
During the census of 1921, looking back at the decade 1911-1921, India recorded a negative growth rate of \(-0.03\%\).
This was due to poor health facilities, famines, and the 1918 influenza epidemic.

Step 2: Match the decade to the phase
The period from 1901 to 1921 is officially categorized as Phase I of population growth in India.
1921 is known as the "Great Divide" because growth became positive and steady thereafter.