Correct Option
The correct option is 1 - 3 - 2 - 4.
Explanation
India’s demographic history is classified into four distinct phases of population growth based on Census data collected from 1901 to 2011. These phases reflect the transition in birth and death rates over the last century.
Chronological Analysis
- Phase I (1901-1921) - Stagnant Growth: This period is referred to as the phase of stagnant or stationary growth. During this time, both birth rates and death rates were extremely high, effectively cancelling each other out. The growth rate was very low, and the decade 1911-1921 even recorded a negative growth rate due to the influenza epidemic.
- Phase II (1921-1951) - Steady Growth: This period is known as the phase of steady population growth. Improvements in health and sanitation led to a decline in the mortality rate (death rate), while the crude birth rate remained high. This resulted in a consistent, steady increase in population.
- Phase III (1951-1981) - Population Explosion: This period is characterized as the phase of population explosion. A rapid fall in mortality rates, driven by developmental activities and better medical facilities, combined with consistently high fertility rates, led to a sharp spike in the annual growth rate.
- Phase IV (Post-1981) - Slowing Down of High Growth: From 1981 onwards, the growth rate has remained high but has shown definite signs of slowing down. A gradual decline in the crude birth rate is responsible for this deceleration in the pace of growth.
Correct Order: Stagnant growth (1) → Steady growth (3) → Population explosion (2) → Slowing down of high growth (4).
Key Takeaway
The year 1921 is historically significant as the "Year of the Great Divide," marking the transition from a fluctuating, stagnant population to a period of continuous and rapid growth.