Chapter 5.7.3 – Population of India

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5.7.3: Population of India

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. The first Census in India was conducted in:
(a) 1881
(b) 1872
(c) 1901
(d) 1857

Ans: (b) 1872

2. The main cause of population explosion in India is:
(a) Low birth rate
(b) High death rate
(c) High birth rate and low death rate
(d) Migration

Ans: (c) High birth rate and low death rate

3. The most densely populated state of India is:
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) West Bengal
(d) Kerala

Ans: (b) Bihar

4. Population density means:
(a) Total number of people in a country
(b) Number of people per unit area
(c) Growth of population
(d) Migration of population

Ans: (b) Number of people per unit area

5. Which Union Territory has the highest population?
(a) Chandigarh
(b) Puducherry
(c) Delhi
(d) Lakshadweep

Ans: (c) Delhi

6. Which city is a megacity in West Bengal?
(a) Durgapur
(b) Asansol
(c) Kolkata
(d) Siliguri

Ans: (c) Kolkata

7. Which Union Territory has the least population?
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(b) Lakshadweep
(c) Dadra and Nagar Haveli
(d) Chandigarh

Ans: (b) Lakshadweep

8. Which region of India is most densely populated?
(a) Thar Desert
(b) Himalayan region
(c) Gangetic Plains
(d) Deccan Plateau

Ans: (c) Gangetic Plains

9. Urbanisation means:
(a) Growth of villages
(b) Growth of industries only
(c) Increase in urban population
(d) Decrease in rural population

Ans: (c) Increase in urban population

10. The least densely populated state of India is:
(a) Sikkim
(b) Mizoram
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Nagaland

Ans: (c) Arunachal Pradesh

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. The official counting of population is called __________. (Census)
2. The first Census in India was conducted in the year __________. (1872)
3. The least populated state of India is __________. (Sikkim)
4. About __________% of India’s population lives in urban areas. (31)
5. The most populated state of India is __________. (Uttar Pradesh)
6. The Union Territory with the least population is __________. (Lakshadweep)
7. __________ development means using resources without harming future generations. (Sustainable)
8. The main cause of population explosion is high birth rate and __________ death rate. (low)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. Census is conducted every 5 years in India. (False)
2. Arunachal Pradesh has high population density. (False)
3. Delhi is the most densely populated Union Territory. (True)
4. Sikkim is the most populated state of India. (False)
5. Sustainable development harms future generations. (False)
6. Transport and communication help in urban development. (True)
7. Mountain regions usually have high population density. (False)
8. High birth rate and low death rate lead to population explosion. (True)
9. Improvement in healthcare reduces death rate. (True)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. What percentage of the Indian population presently lives in urban areas?
Ans: About 31% of the Indian population presently lives in urban areas according to the 2011 Census.

2. When was the 1st Census conducted in India?
Ans: The first Census in India was conducted in the year 1872.

3. What population of India presently lives in urban areas?
Ans: Nearly one-third of India’s total population lives in urban areas at present.

4. Which Union Territory has the least population?
Ans: Lakshadweep is the Union Territory with the least population in India.

5. Name a megacity in West Bengal.
Ans: Kolkata is a megacity in West Bengal.

6. Which Union Territory has the highest population?
Ans: Delhi is the Union Territory with the highest population in India.

7. What is the interval of Census survey in India?
Ans: The Census survey in India is conducted at an interval of every 10 years.

8. Which is the most densely populated state of India?
Ans: Bihar is the most densely populated state of India.

9. Which is the most densely populated Union Territory of India?
Ans: Delhi is the most densely populated Union Territory of India.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. Name the most populated states of India.
Ans: The most populated states of India are Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal. These states have a large population because of historical settlement, economic development, and availability of resources and employment opportunities.

2. What is Census?
Ans: Census is the official counting of the population of a country conducted at regular intervals, usually every ten years in India. It collects detailed information about the population such as age, sex, literacy, occupation, and living conditions. This data helps the government in planning development programs and proper allocation of resources.

3. How does transport and communication help in developing an urban centre?
Ans: Transport and communication play an important role in developing an urban centre by connecting it with other regions for trade and movement of people. They help in the growth of industries and businesses, attract investment, and provide better accessibility. As a result, more people migrate to such areas, leading to the development of towns and cities.

4. Name the four most densely populated states of India.
Ans: The four most densely populated states of India are Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala. These states have high population density mainly due to fertile land, favorable climate, availability of water, and better economic opportunities.

4. Analytical questions and answers [3 marks each]

1. What is density of population?
Ans: Density of population is an important measure used to understand how population is distributed over a particular area. It refers to the number of people living per unit area of land and is calculated by dividing the total population by the total area in square kilometres. It is usually expressed as persons per square kilometre. This measure helps in identifying whether an area is densely or sparsely populated. It is also useful for governments in planning housing, transport, and other public services. Moreover, areas with high population density require careful management of resources to meet the needs of the people.

2. Discuss the causes leading to rapid increase of population in India.
Ans: India’s rapid population growth is influenced by multiple social, economic, and medical factors:

High Birth Rate: Early marriages and long reproductive span result in more children per family.
Decline in Death Rate: Improvement in healthcare facilities, vaccination, and sanitation has significantly reduced death rates and increased life expectancy.
Advancement in Medical Science: Availability of hospitals, medicines, and trained doctors has reduced infant mortality and improved survival rates.
Improved Food Production: The Green Revolution and modern agricultural techniques have increased food supply, supporting a larger population.
Lack of Education and Awareness: In many rural areas, people are unaware of family planning methods and population control measures.
Socio-cultural Factors: Traditions, religious beliefs, and preference for male children encourage larger families.

3. What are the causes of high birth rate in India?
Ans: The high birth rate in India is due to:

Early marriages: Early marriages in India increase the reproductive span of individuals, which leads to a higher number of births.
Illiteracy and lack of awareness: Illiteracy and lack of awareness among people lead to ignorance about family planning methods and population control measures.
Poverty: Poverty forces many families to consider children as a source of income and support, which encourages larger family size.
Preference for male child: The preference for a male child in society leads families to have more children until a son is born.
Limited use of contraceptives: The limited use of contraceptives due to lack of access and awareness results in higher birth rates.
Traditional beliefs and social norms: Traditional beliefs and social norms in society encourage people to have more children.

4. Why does Arunachal Pradesh have the lowest density of population in India?
Ans: Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density due to several factors:

Rugged mountainous terrain: Arunachal Pradesh is dominated by high mountains, steep slopes, and deep valleys, which make settlement, agriculture, and construction activities very difficult.
Dense forest cover: A large portion of the state is covered with thick forests, which restricts the availability of land for habitation and limits developmental activities.
Poor transport and communication: The state has limited road, rail, and communication networks, which makes many areas inaccessible and discourages large-scale settlement.
Heavy rainfall and harsh climate: The region receives very heavy rainfall and experiences difficult climatic conditions, which affect agriculture, transportation, and living conditions.
Lack of industrial and economic development: The state has very few industries and limited employment opportunities, which results in low in-migration and sparse population.
Strategic and restricted areas: Arunachal Pradesh is a border state, and many areas are under security restrictions, which limits population growth and settlement.

5. Why does Himachal Pradesh lie in the category of low population density zone?
Ans: Himachal Pradesh falls under low population density due to several geographical and economic reasons:

Mountainous Relief: The state is largely covered by the Himalayas with steep slopes and uneven terrain. Such land is not suitable for building settlements, roads, or large-scale agriculture, limiting population growth.
Severe Climatic Conditions: Winters are extremely cold with heavy snowfall in many regions. These harsh conditions make daily life difficult and discourage permanent settlement.
Limited Arable Land: Only small valleys and terraces are suitable for cultivation. The lack of extensive fertile plains reduces agricultural productivity and employment opportunities.
Poor Transport and Accessibility: Building roads and railways in mountainous regions is difficult and expensive, leading to isolation of many areas.
Lack of Industrial Development: Due to difficult terrain and poor connectivity, industries are less developed, resulting in fewer job opportunities.
Natural Hazards: Frequent landslides, earthquakes, and soil erosion make the region unsafe for dense population.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [5 marks each]

1. Discuss the causes of Urbanisation in India.
Ans: Urbanisation in India has grown rapidly due to several important factors:

Industrialisation: The growth of industries in cities creates employment opportunities, attracting people from rural areas in search of jobs and better income.
Employment Opportunities: Urban areas offer a wide range of jobs in sectors like services, business, education, healthcare, and government, which are not available in villages.
Better Education and Healthcare Facilities: Cities have better schools, colleges, universities, and hospitals, which attract people seeking improved quality of life.
Rural-to-Urban Migration:
Due to lack of employment, poverty, and limited resources in rural areas, people migrate to cities for better livelihood opportunities.
Transport and Communication Development:
Improved roads, railways, and digital communication make cities more accessible and encourage migration.
Modern Lifestyle and Amenities:
Cities provide better housing, entertainment, electricity, water supply, and other facilities, attracting people towards urban life.
Government Policies and Planning:
Government initiatives like smart cities, industrial corridors, and urban development projects promote growth of cities.
Growth of Trade and Commerce:
Cities are centers of trade, banking, and business activities, which create more economic opportunities and attract population.

2. Classify the different states and union territories of India according to their density of population.
Ans: States and Union Territories can be classified based on population density as follows:

High Density (Above 500 persons per sq km): These areas have fertile land, developed industries, and good infrastructure. Examples include West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi has extremely high density due to being the national capital with vast employment opportunities.
Medium Density (250–500 persons per sq km): These regions have moderate agricultural productivity and industrial development. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat fall in this category.
Low Density (Below 250 persons per sq km): These areas have unfavorable conditions such as hilly terrain, dense forests, or harsh climate. Examples include Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.

3. Discuss the reasons of uneven distribution of population in different regions of India.
Ans: The distribution of population in India is highly uneven due to a combination of physical, economic, and social factors:

Relief (Landforms): Flat and fertile plains such as the Northern Plains provide suitable conditions for agriculture, transport, and settlement, leading to high population density. In contrast, mountainous regions like the Himalayas and desert areas like the Thar Desert have difficult terrain, which restricts human habitation and results in low population.
Climate: Regions with moderate and pleasant climate example West Bengal, Kerala attract more people because they are comfortable for living and agriculture. Areas with extreme climates very hot deserts or very cold mountainous regions discourage settlement.
Soil Fertility: Fertile alluvial soil found in river valleys supports intensive agriculture and provides food security, leading to dense population. On the other hand, infertile, rocky, or sandy soils do not support farming, resulting in sparse population.
Availability of Water: Areas near rivers such as the Ganga and Brahmaputra have abundant water for drinking, irrigation, and industry, which attracts population. Dry regions with water scarcity are less populated.
Economic Activities: Industrial and commercial centers provide employment opportunities and attract large numbers of people. For example, cities with industries, trade, and services have higher population density.
Transport and Communication: Regions with well-developed roads, railways, and communication networks are more accessible and attract settlement. Remote and poorly connected regions remain sparsely populated.
Urbanisation: Urban centers offer better facilities like education, healthcare, and jobs, which pull people from rural areas, leading to higher population concentration in cities.
Historical and Social Factors: Areas with long history of settlement, cultural importance, and administrative significance tend to have higher population density due to continued development over time.