Worksheet Solutions: Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: India's population density in 2011 was ______ individuals per square kilometer.
Ans: 382
India's population density in 2011 was 382 individuals per square kilometer, indicating the crowded nature of its habitable land.

Q2: ______ and ______ are key physical factors influencing population distribution in India.
Ans: Topography and climate
Topography and climate are key physical factors influencing population distribution in India, shaping settlement patterns across the country.

Q3: ______ refers to the total population divided by the net cultivated area.
Ans: Population density
Population density refers to the total population divided by the net cultivated area, providing insight into the pressure of population on available land for cultivation.

Q4: India's National Youth Policy (NYP-2014) was launched in the year ______.
Ans: 2014
India's National Youth Policy (NYP-2014) was launched in the year 2014 to empower and guide the country's youth towards their full potential.

Q5: The linguistic survey of India conducted between 1903 and 1928 identified ______ languages and ______ dialects.
Ans: 179 languages and 544 dialects
The linguistic survey of India conducted between 1903 and 1928 identified 179 languages and 544 dialects, highlighting the diverse linguistic landscape of the country.

Q6: The National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship was formulated in the year ______.
Ans: 2015
The National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship was formulated in the year 2015, providing a framework for skill development activities in India.

Q7: ______ is the predominant religion in most Indian states.
Ans: Hinduism
Hinduism is the predominant religion in most Indian states, shaping the cultural and religious landscape of the country.

Q8: The proportion of working population in India engaged in household industries is ______ percent.
Ans: 10
The proportion of working population in India engaged in household industries is 10 percent, reflecting the diversity of occupations within the country's workforce.

Q9: The 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign aims to promote ______ sensitivity.
Ans: Gender
The 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign aims to promote gender sensitivity, advocating for the rights and opportunities of girls and women in society.

Q10: States like ______ have a higher proportion of agricultural laborers.
Ans: Bihar
States like Bihar have a higher proportion of agricultural laborers, emphasizing the agrarian nature of their economy and employment opportunities.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: India's high population density can solely be attributed to urbanization.
Reason: Urban areas have the highest population density in India.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are True, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are True, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is True, but Reason is False.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are False.
Ans: (b)
While it is true that urban areas generally have high population density, India's high population density cannot solely be attributed to urbanization. India's overall population density is influenced by both urban and rural areas. The reason provided does not adequately explain the assertion as it oversimplifies the complex factors contributing to India's population density, including rural population distribution, agricultural activities, and regional variations.

Q2: Assertion: The distribution of religious communities in India is uniform across all states.
Reason: Religious composition has a significant impact on the cultural aspects of Indian society.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are True, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are True, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is True, but Reason is False.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are False.
Ans: (d)
The assertion is false because the distribution of religious communities in India is not uniform across all states. Different states have varying religious compositions based on historical, cultural, and demographic factors. The reason is also false because while religious composition does impact cultural aspects, it does not necessarily lead to uniform distribution across all states. India is a diverse country with different religious majorities in different regions.

Q3: Assertion: India's population growth rate has consistently decreased since 1901.
Reason: Increase in the mean age of marriage and improved quality of life have contributed to this trend.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are True, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are True, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is True, but Reason is False.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are False.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true. India has experienced a gradual decrease in population growth rate since 1901 due to various factors, including improvements in healthcare, education, and living standards. The reason is also true because an increase in the mean age of marriage and improved quality of life are key contributing factors to the decline in birth rates, leading to a decrease in population growth rate.

Q4: Assertion: The rural-urban composition in India is solely influenced by the availability of jobs.
Reason: Better socio-economic conditions and migration from rural areas have contributed to urban population growth.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are True, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are True, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is True, but Reason is False.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are False.
Ans: (b)
The assertion is true to some extent, as the availability of jobs is one of the factors influencing rural-urban migration. However, the reason is also true but not the correct explanation for the assertion. Better socio-economic conditions, improved infrastructure, and educational opportunities in urban areas are equally important factors contributing to rural-urban migration. Both factors independently influence the rural-urban composition in India.

Q5: Assertion: Physiological density provides a comprehensive measure of human-land relationship.
Reason: It accounts for the total population divided by the net cultivated area.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are True, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are True, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) Assertion is True, but Reason is False.
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are False.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true. Physiological density indeed provides a comprehensive measure of human-land relationship by considering the population in relation to the cultivable land. It indicates the pressure of population on agricultural resources. The reason is also true because physiological density is calculated by dividing the total population by the net cultivated area, making it a meaningful measure of human-land relationship.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is physiological density?
Ans: Physiological density is the number of people per unit area of arable land.

Q2: Name two factors influencing population distribution in India.
Ans: Two factors influencing population distribution in India are availability of resources and economic opportunities.

Q3: Which states have the highest population density?
Ans: The states with the highest population density in India are Bihar and West Bengal.

Q4: Name two language families in India.
Ans: Two language families in India are Indo-Aryan and Dravidian.

Q5: Which Indian state has a high proportion of cultivators?
Ans: The state of Punjab has a high proportion of cultivators.

Q6: What is the purpose of the National Youth Policy (NYP-2014)?
Ans: The purpose of the National Youth Policy (NYP-2014) is to address the needs and aspirations of the youth in India and enable them to realize their full potential.

Q7: Which state has the lowest urban population in India?
Ans: The state of Himachal Pradesh has the lowest urban population in India.

Q8: Define induced population growth.
Ans: Induced population growth refers to an increase in population due to factors such as improved healthcare, sanitation, and economic development.

Q9: Name the states with a growth rate below 20 percent.
Ans: The states with a growth rate below 20 percent are Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Q10: What is the objective of the 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign?
Ans: The objective of the 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign is to promote the welfare and empowerment of girls and address the issue of gender imbalance in India.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the variations in population density across different states of India.
Ans: The variations in population density across different states of India can be attributed to several factors. Some states have high population density due to factors such as fertile land, availability of water resources, and better job opportunities. For example, states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal have high population density due to their fertile agricultural land and historical factors. On the other hand, states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim have low population density due to their hilly terrain, limited availability of resources, and geographical constraints.

Q2: Discuss the impact of socio-economic factors on population growth in India.
Ans: Socio-economic factors play a significant role in population growth in India. Higher levels of poverty, illiteracy, lack of access to healthcare, and limited employment opportunities contribute to higher population growth. These factors often result in a lack of awareness about family planning methods and limited access to contraceptives. Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs also influence population growth as some communities have a preference for larger families. Efforts to address these socio-economic factors, such as improving education, healthcare, and promoting family planning, can help in controlling population growth in India.

Q3: How does migration affect population distribution in India?
Ans: Migration has a significant impact on population distribution in India. People migrate from rural to urban areas in search of better employment opportunities, education, and improved living standards. This leads to a higher concentration of population in urban areas, resulting in overcrowding, strain on infrastructure, and pressure on resources. On the other hand, migration from urban to rural areas, known as reverse migration, can lead to depopulation in some urban areas. Therefore, migration patterns influence the distribution of population across different regions in India.

Q4: Describe the regional variation in population growth from 2001-2011.
Ans: The regional variation in population growth from 2001-2011 in India varies across different states and regions. Some states, particularly in the northern and central regions, experienced high population growth rates during this period. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan recorded significant population growth. However, certain states in the southern and northeastern regions witnessed relatively lower population growth rates. Factors such as fertility rates, migration patterns, and socio-economic conditions contribute to these regional variations in population growth.

Q5: Explain the composition of India's working population and the gender disparities within it.
Ans: India's working population consists of various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services. However, the majority of the working population is engaged in the informal sector, which includes self-employment and small-scale enterprises. Gender disparities exist within the working population, with a significant gender gap in labor force participation. Women face challenges such as limited access to education, social norms, and discrimination, leading to lower female labor force participation rates compared to males. Additionally, there is also occupational segregation, with men dominating certain sectors while women are concentrated in sectors like agriculture and domestic work.

Q6: Discuss the role of the 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign in challenging social constructs related to gender.
Ans: The 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign is a government initiative in India aimed at addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting the value and importance of the girl child. This campaign seeks to challenge social constructs related to gender by emphasizing the need for equal opportunities for girls in education, healthcare, and overall development. It aims to change mindsets and promote a more gender-sensitive society by discouraging practices such as female foeticide, child marriage, and gender-based violence. The campaign also focuses on empowering girls through education, skill development, and creating an enabling environment for their growth and development.

Q7: Explain the linguistic and religious composition of India as per the 2011 census.
Ans: As per the 2011 census, India is a linguistically diverse country with numerous languages spoken across its states and regions. The constitution recognizes 22 official languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, and Punjabi, among others. Additionally, there are several regional and minority languages spoken by various communities. In terms of religious composition, India is home to multiple religions. The majority religion is Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These religions coexist in India, and the country promotes religious tolerance and secularism.

Q8: Discuss the policies implemented by the Indian government to address the challenges posed by population growth.
Ans: The Indian government has implemented several policies to address the challenges posed by population growth. Some key policies include:

• Family Planning Programs: The government has focused on promoting family planning methods, improving access to contraceptives, and creating awareness about population control.
• Education and Empowerment: Emphasis has been placed on improving education, particularly for women, as educated women tend to have lower fertility rates. Empowering women through education and skill development helps in controlling population growth.
• Healthcare Initiatives: The government has implemented various healthcare programs to improve access to reproductive health services, maternal and child healthcare, and family planning counseling.
• Incentives and Awareness: Incentive-based programs, such as cash transfers and rewards for adopting family planning methods, have been introduced to encourage smaller families. Awareness campaigns have been conducted to educate people about the benefits of smaller families.
• Urban Planning and Development: The government focuses on planned urbanization and infrastructure development to accommodate the growing population in urban areas and reduce rural-urban migration.

These policies aim to address the challenges posed by population growth by promoting awareness, education, and access to healthcare and family planning services.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the role of climate, terrain, and water availability in determining the distribution of population in India. Provide examples.
Ans: Climate, terrain, and water availability play crucial roles in determining the distribution of population in India. These factors influence the suitability of an area for human habitation and impact various aspects of life, including agriculture, infrastructure, and access to resources.

• Climate: India has diverse climatic conditions, ranging from tropical in the south to temperate in the north, and arid in the western regions. The availability of favorable climatic conditions for agriculture, such as moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall, attracts population settlement. For example, the fertile Gangetic plains in the northern part of India have a favorable climate for agriculture, leading to dense population concentrations in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• Terrain: The geographical terrain of an area affects its suitability for settlement and economic activities. Regions with rugged terrain, such as mountainous areas, may have lower population densities due to limited space for agriculture and infrastructure development. The hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in northern India have comparatively lower population densities due to their challenging terrain.
• Water Availability: Water is a vital resource for human survival and economic activities. Areas with abundant water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, tend to attract human settlement. For instance, the coastal regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in southern India have a higher population density due to the availability of water resources for agriculture, fishing, and other economic activities.

The combination of these factors, along with other socio-economic factors, determines the spatial distribution of the population in India.

Q2: Discuss the factors that have contributed to the high population growth rate in India and how it has changed over the years.
Ans: Several factors have contributed to the high population growth rate in India. These include:

• High Birth Rate: Historically, India has had a high birth rate, primarily due to social and cultural factors such as early marriages, preference for large families, and lack of awareness about family planning methods. This led to rapid population growth.
• Decline in Death Rate: India has made significant advancements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition over the years, leading to a decline in the death rate. Improved access to healthcare facilities, vaccination programs, and better disease control measures have contributed to increased life expectancy and reduced mortality rates.
• Lack of Effective Family Planning: In the past, there were challenges in implementing effective family planning programs and creating awareness about contraception methods. This resulted in limited contraceptive usage and inadequate family planning measures, leading to continued population growth.

Over the years, however, there have been changes in the population growth rate in India. The government has implemented various initiatives to address population growth and promote family planning. These efforts have resulted in a decline in the overall population growth rate. Additionally, factors like increasing literacy rates, urbanization, and changes in socio-cultural norms have contributed to a gradual decrease in the fertility rate.

Q3: Analyze the regional variation in population growth in India, considering the growth rates of different states and Union Territories. Provide reasons for the variations.
Ans: There is significant regional variation in population growth rates among different states and Union Territories in India. Some key reasons for these variations include:

• Socio-economic Factors: States with higher levels of socio-economic development, such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, tend to have lower population growth rates. Factors like better education, healthcare facilities, and awareness about family planning contribute to lower fertility rates in these regions.
• Cultural and Religious Factors: Cultural and religious practices influence population growth rates. States with conservative cultural practices or religious beliefs that promote larger families may have higher population growth rates. For example, states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which have a large proportion of the population following traditional practices, have higher population growth rates.
• Migration Patterns: Migration plays a significant role in population growth rates. Some states and Union Territories, particularly those with better employment opportunities and economic growth, attract migrants from other regions. This influx of migrants can lead to higher population growth rates in these areas. For example, the National Capital Territory of Delhi has a high population growth rate due to migration from other states in search of better job prospects.
• Government Policies and Initiatives: Government policies and initiatives related to family planning, healthcare, and education also impact population growth rates. States that have effectively implemented family planning programs and provided accessible healthcare facilities tend to have lower population growth rates.

These factors, along with others like natural disasters, resource availability, and political factors, contribute to the regional variations in population growth rates across India.

Q4: Explain the challenges and initiatives related to gender sensitivity in India, focusing on the 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign and the participation of women in different sectors of the economy.
Ans: Gender sensitivity is a critical issue in India, and several challenges persist in achieving gender equality. However, various initiatives, including the 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' campaign, aim to address these challenges and promote gender sensitivity. Here are some key points regarding these challenges and initiatives:

Challenges:

• Gender Discrimination: Deep-rooted gender biases and discrimination against women persist in Indian society. This includes issues like female infanticide, child marriage, dowry system, and limited access to education and healthcare for girls.
• Violence against Women: Women in India face various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and dowry-related crimes. These acts of violence create a hostile environment for women and hinder their participation in society.
• Gender Wage Gap: Women often face unequal pay and limited opportunities for career advancement in the formal sector. The gender wage gap remains a significant challenge, reflecting gender-based economic disparities.

Initiatives:

• Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao Campaign: Launched in 2015, this campaign aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the value of the girl child. It focuses on preventing gender-biased sex-selective practices, ensuring girls' education, and empowering them through various welfare schemes.
• Women's Reservation Bill: The Women's Reservation Bill, which is yet to be passed, proposes to reserve one-third of the seats in the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies for women. This initiative aims to increase women's political representation and decision-making power.
• Women's Empowerment Programs: Various government and non-governmental organizations run programs to empower women economically, socially, and politically. These initiatives focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion to enhance women's participation in different sectors of the economy.
• Legal Reforms: The Indian government has introduced legal reforms to address gender-based violence, including amendments to laws on dowry, domestic violence, and sexual harassment. These reforms aim to provide better protection and justice to women.

While these initiatives have made some progress in promoting gender sensitivity, challenges like deep-rooted social norms, limited access to resources, and inadequate implementation of policies continue to hinder gender equality in India.