Chapter 1 Population Distribution, Density, Growth And Composition

Introduction

The population of a country is its most vital component. India holds the position of the second most populous country globally, with a total population exceeding 1,210 million as per the 2011 Census. This population size is larger than the combined populations of North America, South America, and Australia.

Such a large population is frequently associated with challenges, often seen as exerting pressure on limited resources and contributing to various socio-economic issues within the country.

Understanding India goes beyond viewing it merely as a geographical territory. It represents a blend of diverse people living under specific systems of governance. This chapter will delve into the patterns of population distribution, density, growth, and the composition of India's population.

Sources Of Population Data

In India, the primary source for comprehensive population data is the Census. This is a massive operation conducted nationwide every 10 years.

The first attempt at a population Census in India was carried out in 1872. However, the first complete and systematic Census was conducted in 1881. Since then, the Census has been conducted regularly every ten years, providing valuable data on population characteristics.

Distribution Of Population

The distribution of population refers to the way people are spread across a geographical area. Observing the patterns of population distribution in India reveals a significantly uneven spread of people.

Uneven Spatial Distribution

India exhibits a highly irregular pattern of population distribution across its states and Union Territories. States like Uttar Pradesh hold the largest share of the country's population, followed by Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Collectively, ten states—U.P., Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Gujarat—account for a significant majority, approximately 76%, of the total population of India. Conversely, some states with considerable geographical area, such as Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have a very small proportion of the total population.

Physical, Socio-Economic And Historical Factors

This unequal distribution is a result of complex interactions between various factors:

• Physical Factors: Climate, terrain, and availability of water are fundamental determinants. Regions with favorable climates, fertile plains, deltas, and adequate water sources (like the North Indian Plains and Coastal Plains) tend to have higher population concentrations. Areas with harsh climates, rugged terrain (Himalayas), or water scarcity were historically thinly populated. However, human interventions like irrigation (e.g., in Rajasthan), discovery of mineral and energy resources (e.g., in Jharkhand), and development of transport networks (e.g., in Peninsular States) have allowed moderate to high population densities to emerge even in less naturally favourable areas.
• Socio-economic and Historical Factors: These include the long history of settled agriculture, patterns of human settlement over centuries, the development of transport systems, industrialization, and urbanization. River plains and coastal areas have historically been centers of early human settlement and agricultural development, supporting larger populations despite facing resource degradation in some instances. Modern industrial development and urbanization, particularly in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and others, act as significant pull factors, attracting large numbers of migrants from rural areas and leading to high population concentrations in these urban centers.

Density Of Population

Population density provides a more specific understanding of population distribution by relating the number of people to the area they occupy. It is a measure of how crowded a region is.

Spatial Variation Of Population Densities

Population density is calculated as the number of persons living per unit area (usually per square kilometre).

$ \text{Density of Population} = \frac{\text{Total Population}}{\text{Total Area}} $

According to the 2011 Census, the average population density of India was 382 persons per sq km. This represents a significant increase over the decades, more than tripling from 117 persons/sq km in 1951.

Population densities vary widely across Indian states and Union Territories, from the very low (e.g., 17 persons per sq km in Arunachal Pradesh) to extremely high (e.g., 11,297 persons per sq km in the National Capital Territory of Delhi).

High population densities are observed in Northern Indian states like Bihar (1102), West Bengal (1029), and Uttar Pradesh (828). Among the Peninsular states, Kerala (859) and Tamil Nadu (555) have relatively high densities. States like Assam, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Odisha show moderate densities. Hill states and most North-eastern states (excluding Assam) have low densities, while most Union Territories (excluding Andaman and Nicobar Islands) record very high densities.

Physiological And Agricultural Densities

Population density per unit of total area is a crude measure. To better understand the pressure of population on productive land, especially in an agriculturally dominant country like India, other measures of density are more informative:

• Physiological Density: Measures the number of people per unit of *net cultivated area*. This shows the pressure of the total population on the land actually used for farming.

  $ \text{Physiological density} = \frac{\text{Total population}}{\text{Net cultivated area}} $

• Agricultural Density: Measures the number of *agricultural population* per unit of *net cultivable area*. Agricultural population includes cultivators, agricultural laborers, and their family members. This shows the pressure of the farming population on the land available for cultivation.

  $ \text{Agricultural density} = \frac{\text{Total agricultural population}}{\text{Net cultivable area}} $

These measures provide a more nuanced view of the human-land relationship and the intensity of land use for agriculture compared to simple arithmetic density.

Growth Of Population

Growth of population refers to the change in the number of people in a specific area over a particular period, usually expressed as a percentage rate. Population growth has two components: natural growth and induced growth.

Natural growth is determined by birth rates and death rates. Induced growth is influenced by the movement of people into (in-migration) or out of (out-migration) an area. This section focuses primarily on the natural growth patterns in India.

Population Doubling Time

Population doubling time is the estimated time it takes for a population to double in size if it continues to grow at its current annual growth rate. India's high decadal and annual growth rates suggest a relatively short population doubling time, although the rate has shown signs of slowing down recently.

India's annual growth rate was 1.64% in 2011.

Phases Of Growth

India's population growth over the past century can be divided into four distinct phases, each characterized by different trends in birth rates, death rates, and overall growth:

• Phase I (1901-1921): Known as the period of stagnant or stationary growth. Growth rates were very low, even negative (-0.31%) during 1911-1921. High birth rates were offset by high death rates due to poor health services, low literacy, and inadequate distribution of food and necessities.
• Phase II (1921-1951): Termed the period of steady growth. Mortality rates declined due to improvements in health and sanitation and better transport/communication systems aiding distribution. Birth rates remained high, resulting in a moderate but steady increase in the growth rate compared to the previous phase. This growth occurred despite events like the Great Economic Depression and World War II.
• Phase III (1951-1981): Marked by population explosion. A rapid decline in mortality rates, coupled with persistently high fertility rates, led to a high average annual growth rate (as high as 2.2%). This phase coincided with developmental activities post-Independence, improving living conditions. Increased international migration also contributed to this rapid growth.
• Phase IV (Post 1981 - Present): The growth rate, although still high, has shown a gradual slowing down trend. This is attributed to a decline in the crude birth rate, influenced by factors such as an increase in the average age of marriage and improved quality of life, particularly female education.

Regional Variation In Population Growth

Population growth rates are not uniform across India; there are significant regional variations. During the 1991-2001 decade, southern states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry, and Goa recorded low growth rates (below 20%). Kerala had the lowest growth rate (9.4%).

A large belt of states in the north-west, north, and north-central parts (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, U.P., Uttarakhand, M.P., Sikkim, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand) showed relatively high growth rates (20-25%).

Notably, the 2001-2011 decade saw a decrease in growth rates for almost all states and Union Territories compared to the previous decade. The most populous states experienced a decline in their decadal growth rates, with some exceptions like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry registering a slight increase.

Growth Of Adolescents

Adolescents (aged 10-19 years) constitute a significant portion, about 20.9% (2011), of India's population. This group represents immense potential but is also vulnerable to various challenges. Issues include early marriage, illiteracy (especially among females), school dropouts, malnutrition, high maternal mortality rates among young mothers, susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, physical and mental health issues, drug abuse, and juvenile delinquency.

Recognizing these challenges, the Indian government has implemented policies aimed at the proper education and overall development of the adolescent population. The National Youth Policy (NYP) and the National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship are examples of initiatives designed to channelize the potential of youth and adolescents, address vulnerabilities, and link skills with economic opportunities.

Rural – Urban Composition

Analyzing the composition of a population based on their place of residence (rural or urban) provides valuable insights into social and economic characteristics. This is particularly important for India, where a large majority of the population traditionally resides in villages.

Rural Population Distribution

According to the 2011 Census, approximately 68.8% of India's total population lives in villages. India has a vast number of villages (over 640,000), most of which are inhabited. However, the distribution of this rural population is not uniform across the country.

States like Himachal Pradesh and Bihar have a very high percentage of their population living in rural areas. In contrast, states such as Goa and Mizoram have just over half of their population residing in villages. Union Territories generally have a lower proportion of rural population, with exceptions like Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Village sizes also vary considerably, from very small (less than 200 persons in some hill states and arid regions) to very large (over 17,000 persons in states like Kerala and parts of Maharashtra). The concentration of rural population is influenced by factors like the degree of urbanization in the state and the extent of rural-urban migration, both within and between states.

Urban Population Proportion

While the majority of India's population is rural, the proportion living in urban areas (31.16% in 2011) is increasing at a faster rate. The growth of the urban population has accelerated due to economic development and improvements in health and hygiene in urban centers.

Distribution Of Urban Population

Like the total population, the distribution of urban population varies widely across the country. There has been a notable increase in urban population in almost all states and Union Territories, reflecting both the development of urban areas themselves and increased migration from rural areas to urban centers.

Rural-urban migration is particularly prominent towards urban areas located along major transport routes (road and rail) in the North Indian Plains, and towards industrial hubs and large metropolitan areas like those around Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Ludhiana.

Areas with lower levels of urbanization tend to include agriculturally stagnant parts of the Ganga Plains, regions in Telangana, non-irrigated parts of Western Rajasthan, remote hilly and tribal areas, flood-prone areas in Peninsular India, and eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh. In these regions, factors limiting economic opportunities and connectivity have resulted in less urban development and consequently a lower proportion of urban population.

Linguistic Composition

India is renowned for its rich linguistic diversity, with a vast number of languages and dialects spoken across the country.

Linguistic Diversity

Historical surveys, such as Grierson's Linguistic Survey of India (1903-1928), identified a multitude of languages (179) and dialects (544). In modern India, the Constitution recognizes 22 Scheduled Languages, in addition to numerous non-scheduled languages.

Among the speakers of the scheduled languages, Hindi speakers constitute the largest percentage group. Some languages like Sanskrit, Bodo, and Manipuri have the smallest number of speakers among the scheduled languages (2011).

It is important to note that linguistic regions in India often do not have abrupt, clearly defined boundaries but rather feature transitional zones where languages and dialects gradually merge and overlap.

Linguistic Classification

The major languages spoken in India belong to four main language families, each with further sub-families and branches or groups. This classification helps in understanding the origins and relationships between different Indian languages:

Religious Composition

Religion significantly influences the cultural and social life of a large part of India's population. Understanding the religious composition is crucial as religion is deeply integrated into family and community life for many Indians.

Spatial Distribution Of Religious Communities

The distribution of different religious communities varies spatially across India. While some states or districts have a large concentration of a particular religion, its presence may be negligible elsewhere.

Hindus As Major Group

Hindus constitute the major religious group in many states, forming a large majority (70-90% or more). However, their proportion is smaller in areas along the Indo-Bangladesh border, Indo-Pak border, Jammu & Kashmir, the hill states of the North-East, and in some scattered areas of the Deccan Plateau and Ganga Plain.

Muslims Concentration

Muslims are the largest religious minority group in India. They are primarily concentrated in Jammu & Kashmir (where they form a majority in the Kashmir valley), certain districts of West Bengal and Kerala, many districts of Uttar Pradesh, and in and around Delhi. They also form a majority in Lakshadweep.

Christian Population Distribution

The Christian population is mainly found in rural areas. Significant concentrations are observed along the Western coast, particularly around Goa and in Kerala. Christian communities also have a strong presence in the hill states of the North-East (Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland), parts of the Chotanagpur area, and the hills of Manipur.

Sikhs Concentration

Sikhs are largely concentrated in a relatively small geographical area of India, mainly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.

Jains And Buddhists Concentration

Jains and Buddhists are among the smallest religious groups in India and are concentrated in specific areas. Jains are primarily concentrated in urban areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Buddhists have their main concentration in Maharashtra. Other areas with a Buddhist majority or significant presence include Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh (in Jammu & Kashmir), Tripura, and Lahul and Spiti (in Himachal Pradesh).

Other Religions Of India

This category includes various smaller religious groups such as Zoroastrians (Parsis), tribal religions, and other indigenous belief systems. These groups are found in smaller, scattered pockets throughout the country.

Religion And Landscape

Religion leaves tangible expressions on the landscape through sacred structures (temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, monasteries, village shrines), the use of cemeteries, and the preservation of natural features like groves of trees for religious purposes. These religious sites vary widely in size, architectural style, function, and density, adding a unique cultural dimension to the landscape of an area.

Composition Of Working Population

The population of India can be classified based on economic activity into three groups: main workers, marginal workers, and non-workers. This classification helps in understanding the economic status and workforce participation within the population.

Proportion Of Workers And Non-Workers

According to the 2011 Census, the proportion of workers (including both main and marginal workers) in India was only 39.8%. This means a significant majority, about 60%, of the population were classified as non-workers. This indicates a high proportion of the population is dependent on the working population, potentially suggesting the presence of a large number of unemployed or underemployed individuals.

A Main Worker is defined as a person who has worked for at least 183 days (or six months) in a year.

A Marginal Worker is defined as a person who has worked for less than 183 days (or six months) in a year.

Non-workers include students, housewives, dependents, pensioners, beggars, inmates of institutions, and others who are not engaged in any economically productive activity.

Work Participation Rate

The work participation rate is the percentage of the total population that is engaged in economic activity (i.e., main workers + marginal workers as a percentage of total population). This rate varies spatially across India, ranging from about 29.1% in Lakshadweep to about 51.9% in Himachal Pradesh.

States with relatively high work participation rates include Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Union Territories like Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu also show higher rates.

In the context of India, a higher work participation rate is sometimes observed in areas with lower levels of economic development. This is often because more manual workers are needed to perform subsistence or near-subsistence economic activities to support their livelihoods.

Occupational Composition Of India’S Population

The occupational composition of the population refers to the distribution of the working population across different sectors of the economy (primary, secondary, tertiary, etc.). The 2011 Census classifies the working population into four major categories:

1. Cultivators
2. Agricultural Labourers
3. Household Industrial Workers
4. Other Workers (including non-household industries, trade, commerce, construction, services, etc.)

India's occupational structure is still dominated by the primary sector. A large proportion, about 54.6%, of the total working population is engaged as cultivators and agricultural labourers. In contrast, a much smaller percentage (3.8%) works in household industries, and 41.6% are engaged as 'other workers' (covering secondary and tertiary activities primarily).

Male And Female Workers

Across all three broad sectors (primary, secondary, and tertiary), male workers significantly outnumber female workers in India.

Promoting Gender Sensitivity Through Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao Social Campaign

Social roles and expectations assigned to individuals often reinforce biological differences between male and female, leading to social differentiations, discrimination, and exclusion based on gender. This limits opportunities for women and hinders societal development. Gender discrimination is a significant challenge. Initiatives like the Government of India's 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter – Educate the Daughter) campaign aim to address issues like declining child sex ratio and promote gender equality by ensuring opportunities for education, employment, political representation, fair wages, and a dignified life for women.

Workers In Agricultural Sector Decline

While agriculture remains the largest employer, the proportion of workers in this sector has shown a decreasing trend over the past few decades (from 58.2% in 2001 to 54.6% in 2011). This decline indicates a gradual shift of workers from farm-based activities towards non-farm occupations, reflecting ongoing structural changes and sectoral shifts in the Indian economy towards secondary and tertiary activities.

Spatial Variation Of Work Participation Rate In Different Sectors

The distribution of workers across different sectors varies significantly across India. Some states, like Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland, have a very high proportion of cultivators. States such as Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh show a higher proportion of agricultural laborers. Highly urbanized areas like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Puducherry have a very large share of workers engaged in other services (tertiary sector), indicating limited agricultural land and greater opportunities in non-farm sectors due to urbanization and industrialization.