Class 12 Geography: INDIA - People and Economy
(Unit 6: People)
I. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Which Indian state has the highest population density according to the 2011 Census?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Bihar
c) West Bengal
d) Kerala
Answer: b) Bihar
The term 'adolescent population' in India typically refers to the age group:
a) 0-6 years
b) 10-19 years
c) 20-35 years
d) 60 years and above
Answer: b) 10-19 years
Which of the following is a 'push factor' for rural-urban migration in India?
a) Better educational facilities in cities
b) Lack of employment opportunities in villages
c) Higher wages in urban areas
d) Availability of healthcare in cities
Answer: b) Lack of employment opportunities in villages
According to the 2011 Census, which religious community has the highest proportion of urban population in India?
a) Hindus
b) Muslims
c) Christians
d) Jains
Answer: d) Jains
The sex ratio in India is defined as the number of females per:
a) 100 males
b) 1000 males
c) 1000 females
d) 100 females
Answer: b) 1000 males
Which of the following linguistic families accounts for the largest proportion of India's population?
a) Dravidian
b) Sino-Tibetan
c) Indo-Aryan
d) Austric
Answer: c) Indo-Aryan
The phase of 'rapid and sustained population growth' in India (often referred to as the population explosion) occurred primarily during:
a) 1901-1921
b) 1921-1951
c) 1951-1981
d) 1981-2011
Answer: c) 1951-1981
Which state in India has the highest Human Development Index (HDI) value?
a) Bihar
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Kerala
d) Odisha
Answer: c) Kerala
What is a major consequence of international migration on the source region (emigration)?
a) Brain gain
b) Increase in working-age population
c) Remittances from abroad
d) Social homogeneity
Answer: c) Remittances from abroad
Occupational composition of population refers to the distribution of population according to their:
a) Age groups
b) Gender
c) Engagement in different economic activities
d) Rural or urban residence
Answer: c) Engagement in different economic activities
Which factor is a significant cause of regional disparities in human development within India?
a) Uniform distribution of resources
b) Equitable access to education and healthcare
c) Historical inequalities and varied developmental policies
d) Similar levels of industrialization across states
Answer: c) Historical inequalities and varied developmental policies
The decline in the sex ratio in some parts of India is primarily attributed to:
a) Higher female literacy rates
b) Preference for a male child and sex-selective abortions
c) Out-migration of males for employment
d) Improved healthcare for women
Answer: b) Preference for a male child and sex-selective abortions
'Brain drain' is a negative consequence of which type of migration?
a) Rural to urban migration
b) Urban to urban migration
c) International migration (emigration)
d) Seasonal migration
Answer: c) International migration (emigration)
The relationship between 'population, environment, and development' in India is best described as:
a) Independent and unrelated
b) A one-way impact of population on environment
c) An intricate and interdependent nexus
d) Always leading to sustainable outcomes
Answer: c) An intricate and interdependent nexus
What is the main reason for the concentration of population in the Ganga Plains of India?
a) Presence of numerous industrial cities
b) Fertile land and availability of water
c) Proximity to international borders
d) High density of mineral resources
Answer: b) Fertile land and availability of water
II. Short Questions
Define population density and state the formula to calculate it.
Answer: Population density is the number of people living per unit area of land. Formula: Population Density = Total Population / Total Land Area (usually in square kilometers).
Name two Indian states with high population density and two with low population density (as per 2011 Census).
Answer: High Population Density: Bihar, West Bengal. Low Population Density: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram.
What are the three main components of population growth in India?
Answer: Birth Rate, Death Rate, and Migration.
Briefly explain the term 'occupational composition of population'.
Answer: Occupational composition refers to the distribution of the working population among different economic sectors, typically categorized into primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary activities.
List two causes of international migration from India.
Answer: Two causes are: Search for better economic opportunities (jobs, higher wages) and pursuit of better educational opportunities abroad.
What is the significance of the rural-urban composition of India's population?
Answer: It indicates the level of urbanization and development, highlighting the concentration of population in cities and the challenges and opportunities associated with this distribution (e.g., resource allocation, infrastructure planning).
Name two selected indicators used to measure Human Development in India.
Answer: Two indicators are: Life Expectancy at Birth (for health) and Literacy Rate/Mean Years of Schooling (for education). (GNI per capita is the third).
How does population growth impact the environment in India?
Answer: Population growth leads to increased demand for resources (water, land, energy), resulting in deforestation, over-extraction of groundwater, increased pollution (air, water, solid waste), and habitat loss.
Give one example of a 'pull factor' for internal migration within India.
Answer: Better employment opportunities in metropolitan cities.
What are remittances in the context of migration?
Answer: Remittances are sums of money sent by migrants (often international migrants) back to their home country or region to support their families. They are a significant source of income for many developing economies like India.
III. Long Questions
1-Discuss the regional patterns of population distribution and density in India. Analyze the major physical and socio-economic factors responsible for these uneven patterns across the country.
Answer:
Regional Patterns of Population Distribution and Density in India:
India exhibits highly uneven patterns of population distribution and density.
High Density Zones:
Northern Plains: The Indo-Gangetic Plains (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal) are among the most densely populated regions globally.
Coastal Plains: The eastern and western coastal plains (e.g., Kerala, parts of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat).
Peninsular Plateaus (select pockets): Areas with mineral resources and industrial development, like the Chota Nagpur Plateau region (parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal).
Moderate Density Zones:
Many parts of the Peninsular Plateau (e.g., Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, parts of Maharashtra).
Some states in Central India.
Low Density Zones:
Himalayan Region: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand.
Northeastern States: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim.
Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: Western Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat.
Islands: Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Major Factors Responsible for Uneven Patterns:
A. Physical Factors:
Availability of Water: This is the most crucial factor. Regions with abundant fresh water (e.g., river valleys like the Ganga-Yamuna, coastal areas with reliable rainfall) support high densities. Arid regions (e.g., Thar Desert) have low densities.
Relief/Landforms: Flat plains and gentle slopes are ideal for agriculture, settlement, and infrastructure development, leading to high densities. Hilly, mountainous, and dissected plateau regions (e.g., Himalayas, Western Ghats) are less conducive to large settlements, resulting in low densities.
Climate: Moderate climates with adequate rainfall are preferred. Extreme climates (very hot/cold, very dry/wet) deter settlement. For example, the scorching heat of Rajasthan or the dense forests and heavy rainfall of the Northeast limit population.
Soils: Fertile alluvial soils (e.g., in the Ganga plains, river deltas) support intensive agriculture, which can sustain large populations. Areas with poor or infertile soils tend to be sparsely populated.
B. Socio-Economic Factors:
Agricultural Development: Historically, areas with highly productive agriculture (e.g., river plains) could support larger populations, leading to early settlement and continuous growth.
Industrialization and Urbanization: Regions with industrial development (e.g., Mumbai-Pune belt, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi-NCR) attract large populations due to employment opportunities in factories and associated services. Urban centers act as magnets for migration, leading to high densities.
Availability of Minerals and Energy Resources: Areas rich in mineral deposits (e.g., Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh) attract mining and related industries, leading to clusters of population.
Transport Network: Well-developed road, rail, and water transport networks facilitate trade, movement of goods, and accessibility, thus promoting higher population densities (e.g., coastal areas with ports).
Historical and Cultural Factors: Ancient cities and pilgrimage sites (e.g., Varanasi, Mathura) have sustained large populations due to their historical and cultural significance.
Government Policies: Developmental projects, establishment of new industries, or Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can significantly influence population distribution by creating new growth poles.
In conclusion, the interplay of these diverse physical and socio-economic factors has shaped India's complex and highly varied population distribution and density patterns, ranging from the extremely crowded plains to the sparsely inhabited mountainous and arid zones.
2-Analyze the causes and consequences of internal (national) migration in India. What are the main streams of migration, and how do they impact both the source and destination regions?
Answer:
Internal (National) Migration in India:
Internal migration refers to the movement of people within the national boundaries of India. It is a significant demographic phenomenon with profound socio-economic implications.
Main Streams of Migration:
The four main streams of internal migration in India are:
Rural to Rural: Movement from one rural area to another. Often driven by marriage (especially for females), search for agricultural labor, or displacement due to natural calamities.
Rural to Urban: The most dominant stream. People move from villages to towns and cities. Driven by economic opportunities, education, and better amenities.
Urban to Rural: Relatively small stream. May involve return migration (e.g., after retirement), or reverse migration due to economic downturns in cities, or the growth of peri-urban areas.
Urban to Urban: Movement between different urban centers. Often driven by transfer of jobs, search for better career prospects, or educational advancement in larger cities.
Causes of Internal Migration:
Migration in India is primarily driven by push and pull factors:
A. Push Factors (Reasons for leaving the source region):
Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunities: Limited arable land, low agricultural productivity, lack of industrial development, and widespread unemployment in rural areas.
Lack of Basic Amenities: Poor infrastructure (roads, electricity), inadequate educational facilities, and limited healthcare services in villages.
Natural Disasters: Droughts, floods, famines, and other environmental calamities that disrupt livelihoods.
Social Factors: Caste discrimination, social conflict, or lack of social security in some rural areas.
Landlessness: Increasing number of landless laborers in rural areas.
B. Pull Factors (Attractions of the destination region):
Better Employment Opportunities: Availability of jobs in industries, construction, services, and informal sectors in urban areas, often with higher wages.
Higher Standard of Living: Access to better housing (even if informal), consumer goods, and modern amenities.
Educational Opportunities: Superior quality and variety of educational institutions in cities for children's future.
Healthcare Facilities: Advanced medical facilities and specialized doctors available in urban centers.
Social Attainment: Perceived greater freedom, anonymity, and diverse social environment in cities.
Consequences of Internal Migration:
A. Consequences for the Source Region (Rural Areas):
Positive:
Remittances: Money sent by migrants to their families improves the economic condition of rural households, boosts local consumption, and can be used for education or health.
Reduced Pressure: Eases population pressure on land and resources.
Social Change: Return migrants may bring new ideas, skills, and awareness, leading to social changes and development.
Negative:
Loss of Human Resources (Brain Drain/Labor Drain): Out-migration of young, able-bodied, and skilled individuals leads to a shortage of labor, particularly in agriculture, and a loss of potential innovation.
Demographic Imbalance: Left-behind population often comprises elderly, women, and children, leading to an aging population and changing gender roles.
Social Burden: Increased responsibility on women and elderly, and potential neglect of children.
B. Consequences for the Destination Region (Urban Areas):
Positive:
Labor Supply: Provides a readily available and often cheap labor force for industries, construction, and services, fueling urban economic growth.
Demographic Dividend: Young migrants contribute to the working-age population.
Cultural Enrichment: Adds to the diversity and vibrancy of urban culture.
Negative:
Overcrowding and Slums: Leads to immense pressure on urban infrastructure, causing housing shortages, the proliferation of slums, and strain on basic services (water, sanitation, electricity).
Environmental Degradation: Increased pollution (air, water, noise), waste generation, and depletion of resources due to high population density.
Traffic Congestion: Strain on transport networks, leading to traffic jams and increased commuting times.
Social Problems: Can exacerbate issues like unemployment, poverty, crime, and social tension due to competition for resources and cultural differences.
Strain on Services: Overburdening of public health, education, and other civic services.
In summary, internal migration in India is a complex phenomenon driven primarily by economic disparities. While it offers some benefits to both source and destination regions, it also poses significant challenges, particularly for urban infrastructure and rural human capital, necessitating comprehensive planning and policy interventions.
3-Elaborate on the concept of Human Development in the Indian context, considering its selected indicators and regional patterns. Discuss the nexus between population, environment, and development in India.
Answer:
Human Development in the Indian Context:
The concept of Human Development in India, consistent with global understanding, focuses on expanding people's choices to lead a long and healthy life, acquire knowledge, and have a decent standard of living. It moves beyond merely economic growth (GDP) to emphasize the well-being of people as the ultimate goal of development.
Selected Indicators and Regional Patterns:
India uses indicators similar to the global Human Development Index (HDI) to assess progress and compare regional patterns:
Health (Long and Healthy Life):
Indicator: Life Expectancy at Birth.
Regional Patterns: Significant disparities exist. States like Kerala consistently show high life expectancy (over 75 years), comparable to developed nations, due to strong public healthcare and education. Conversely, states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam have lower life expectancy, reflecting challenges in healthcare access, nutrition, and sanitation.
Education (Knowledge):
Indicators: Adult Literacy Rate and Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at various levels, or more comprehensively, Mean Years of Schooling and Expected Years of Schooling.
Regional Patterns: Again, Kerala leads with the highest literacy rates (nearly 94%). Other high-performing states include Mizoram and Goa. States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan lag significantly in literacy and educational attainment, particularly for females. This disparity impacts workforce skills and overall development potential.
Access to Resources (Decent Standard of Living):
Indicator: Per Capita Income (often GSDP per capita).
Regional Patterns: Economically advanced states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka (driven by industry and services) have higher per capita incomes. States relying heavily on agriculture or with limited industrialization (e.g., Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand) show lower per capita incomes, reflecting disparities in economic opportunities and resource access.
Regional Disparities in HDI:
Overall, states like Kerala, Goa, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the northeastern states (like Mizoram) generally rank high on the Human Development Index within India. They have invested heavily in social sectors (education, health). In contrast, states forming the "BIMARU" group (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and now often including Odisha and Chhattisgarh) consistently rank lower, facing challenges in all three dimensions due to historical underdevelopment, lower public investment in social infrastructure, and higher population growth.
Nexus between Population, Environment, and Development in India:
This is an intricate and interdependent relationship where each factor influences the others.
Population's Impact:
On Environment: A large and growing population (especially in a developing country like India) places immense pressure on natural resources. Increased demand for food leads to agricultural expansion and deforestation. Demand for water leads to over-extraction of groundwater. Increased consumption results in higher waste generation and pollution (air, water, soil) from domestic, industrial, and vehicular sources. Urbanization due to population growth leads to habitat loss and encroachment on ecologically fragile areas.
On Development: A large population can be a 'demographic dividend' if educated and healthy, contributing to the workforce and innovation. However, if not adequately skilled or employed, it can become a 'demographic burden,' leading to unemployment, poverty, and strain on public services (education, healthcare, housing), hindering overall development.
Environment's Impact:
On Population: Environmental degradation directly impacts human health (e.g., respiratory diseases from air pollution, water-borne diseases from contaminated water). Resource scarcity (e.g., water shortage) can lead to migration and conflict. Climate change impacts (e.g., extreme weather events, sea-level rise) displace populations and affect livelihoods.
On Development: Depleted natural resources (e.g., degraded land, scarce water) hinder economic development, particularly for resource-dependent sectors like agriculture and industry. Environmental disasters cause economic losses and divert resources from developmental projects.
Development's Impact:
On Population: Development, particularly economic growth, often leads to improved living standards, better healthcare, and education, which can influence population dynamics (e.g., lower birth rates, higher life expectancy, urbanization).
On Environment: Unsustainable development models (e.g., relying on fossil fuels, polluting industries) can severely degrade the environment. However, sustainable development approaches (e.g., renewable energy, circular economy, efficient resource use) aim to achieve economic growth while minimizing environmental harm. Investment in education and technology can also lead to environmentally friendly innovations.
Conclusion for India:
India faces the dual challenge of sustaining a large and growing population while pursuing rapid economic development and protecting its fragile environment. The regional disparities in human development highlight the need for targeted policies that address specific socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities. Achieving sustainable development in India requires a balanced approach that integrates population management, environmental conservation, and inclusive economic growth, recognizing their inherent interdependencies.
