Question.
What could be the reason for the uneven distribution of population in India?
( Chapter - 6 Population, Cass 9 NCERT Contemporary India -I )
Answer.
The distribution of the population is highly uneven in India. Almost half of India's population lives in just five states namely Uttar Pradesh ( 16 %), Maharashtra ( 9 %), Bihar ( 9%), West Bengal ( 8 %), and Andhra Pradesh ( 7 %). The largest state in terms of the area is Rajasthan which has only 6 percent of the total Indian population.
The following are reasons for the uneven distribution of population in India:
There are two major reasons for the uneven distribution of population in India:
- Geographical factors
- Socio-economic factors
Role of geographical factors for the uneven distribution of population in India:
Geographical factors like soil fertility, pleasant climate, water accessibility, and topography affect the distribution of the population.
Northern plains have dense populations due to the availability of fertile soils, sufficient water groundwater availability, level plains land, perennial rivers, pleasant climate, and fewer natural hazards like earthquakes and cyclones. That is why states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, and Haryana have larger population density and the larger population.
Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Northeastern states have lower population shares as they have harsh climates, rugged topography, and lack of transport and communication facilities.
Rajasthan and Part of Gujarat have lower population share and lower population densities as there is a desert-like climate that makes it unfavorable for human habitat and agricultural activities.
Southern India has rugged topography and plateau areas which is why they have a middle population share.
So, the unequal distribution of fertile soils, plain areas, water resources, mineral resources, and pleasant climates leads to the unequal distribution of population in India.
Role of socio-economic factors for unequal distribution of population in India:
Socioeconomic factors like economic opportunities, literacy rate, and accessibility to transportation and communication facilities affect the distribution of the population in India.
The region which has good health facilities and literacy rate, there is a medium share of the population. For example, South India has a medium population as compared to states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar because of better literacy rates and health facilities. So, improvement in literacy rate, health facilities, and women's status often lead to declining in population growth.
The urban center provides better economic opportunities and transportation facilities, which is why they attract more population from lesser economic opportunities regions. That is why urban center like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai has a larger share of the population.
So, we can say the unequal distribution of natural and human-made resources and opportunities led to the unequal distribution of population in India.
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