The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Urbanisation refers to the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities. In India, demographic data regarding urbanisation is officially recorded by the Census of India. The 2011 Census highlighted significant shifts in the rural-urban composition of the population.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: According to the Census of India 2011, the level of urbanisation in the country was recorded at 31.16%. This represents a noticeable increase from 27.81% recorded in the 2001 Census.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The total urban population has not remained constant. It has increased approximately eleven-fold during the twentieth century. The absolute number of people living in urban areas has grown consistently due to natural population increase, rural-to-urban migration, and the reclassification of rural areas into urban areas.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The number of towns has increased significantly. In the 2011 Census, the total number of towns rose to 7,935 from 5,161 in 2001. This surge was largely driven by a significant increase in the number of "Census Towns"-areas that satisfy the demographic criteria for being urban but are not yet statutorily notified as towns.
Key Takeaway:
As per Census 2011, India's urban population stands at 31.16%. The trend of urbanisation in India is characterized by a steady increase in both the percentage of the urban population and the number of towns over the last century.