Consider the following statements regarding the demographic profile of India: 1. The second stage of demographic transition began only after the 1951 Census. 2. Before 1921, neither the total population nor the rate of population growth was very high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 only Explanation The theory of demographic transition classifies population growth into stages based on birth and death rates. In the context of Indian demography, the census year 1921 is regarded as the "Year of Great Divide," marking a significant shift in population trends. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Before 1921, India was in the first stage of demographic transition. During this period, both birth rates and death rates were very high due to poor health facilities, frequent famines, and epidemics. Consequently, the population growth was stagnant or fluctuating, and the total population size was not very high. - Statement 2 is Correct: The second stage of demographic transition, characterized by high birth rates and declining death rates (leading to steady population growth), began after 1921, not 1951. The year 1921 marks the transition from a stagnant population to a steadily growing one. The period from 1921 to 1951 is referred to as the period of steady population growth, while the period post-1951 is often termed the period of population explosion. Key Takeaway 1921 is known as the "Year of Great Divide" in India's demographic history because it separates the earlier period of stagnant population growth from the later period of sustained expansion.

NCERT Class 11 Economics — Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the demographic profile of India:

The second stage of demographic transition began only after the 1951 Census.
Before 1921, neither the total population nor the rate of population growth was very high.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The theory of demographic transition classifies population growth into stages based on birth and death rates. In the context of Indian demography, the census year 1921 is regarded as the "Year of Great Divide," marking a significant shift in population trends.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Before 1921, India was in the first stage of demographic transition. During this period, both birth rates and death rates were very high due to poor health facilities, frequent famines, and epidemics. Consequently, the population growth was stagnant or fluctuating, and the total population size was not very high.
Statement 2 is Correct: The second stage of demographic transition, characterized by high birth rates and declining death rates (leading to steady population growth), began after 1921, not 1951. The year 1921 marks the transition from a stagnant population to a steadily growing one. The period from 1921 to 1951 is referred to as the period of steady population growth, while the period post-1951 is often termed the period of population explosion.

Key Takeaway

1921 is known as the "Year of Great Divide" in India's demographic history because it separates the earlier period of stagnant population growth from the later period of sustained expansion.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

With reference to the public health facilities during the colonial period, consider the following statements: 1. They were available to the majority of the population. 2. Water and air-borne diseases were rampant. 3. The overall mortality rate was very high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the textile industry in Bengal: 1. Daccai Muslin was a coarse cotton textile with no international demand. 2. The finest variety was known as 'malmal'. 3. It was exclusively used by the British royalty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The two-fold motive behind the systematic de-industrialisation of India was to: 1. Make India a supplier of raw materials. 2. Make India a net exporter of finished industrial products. 3. Prevent India from becoming a competitor in the industrial sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following statements accurately describes the "drain of wealth" mechanism?

medium

Which of the following were consequences of the decline of the indigenous handicraft industries? 1. Massive unemployment in India. 2. It led to an oversupply of locally made goods in the domestic market. 3. Increased demand for British manufactured goods.

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Correct Option

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Before 1921, India was in the first stage of demographic transition. During this period, both birth rates and death rates were very high due to poor health facilities, frequent famines, and epidemics. Consequently, the population growth was stagnant or fluctuating, and the total population size was not very high.
Statement 2 is Correct: The second stage of demographic transition, characterized by high birth rates and declining death rates (leading to steady population growth), began after 1921, not 1951. The year 1921 marks the transition from a stagnant population to a steadily growing one. The period from 1921 to 1951 is referred to as the period of steady population growth, while the period post-1951 is often termed the period of population explosion.

Key Takeaway

1921 is known as the "Year of Great Divide" in India's demographic history because it separates the earlier period of stagnant population growth from the later period of sustained expansion.