Chapter 1 - India: Size and Location
Introduction
1. India's Historical Significance
- Ancient civilization.
- Significant contributor to world history.
2. Socio-Economic Progress
- Multifaceted progress over the last five decades.
3. Key Achievements
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Technology
- Overall economic development.
Map
Location
1. Location of India
- Situated entirely in the Northern hemisphere.
- Mainland latitude: 8°4'N to 37°6'N
- Mainland longitude: 68°7'E to 97°25'E
2. Tropic of Cancer
- Passes through India at 23° 30'N.
- Divides India into approximately two equal parts.
3. Islands of India
- Southeast of mainland: Andaman and Nicobar islands (Bay of Bengal)
- Southwest of mainland: Lakshadweep islands (Arabian Sea)
- (Note: Check atlas for exact extent of these islands.)
Size
1. Size and Global Position of India
- Area: 3.28 million square km.
- Accounts for 2.4% of the world's geographical area.
- Ranks 7th in terms of size globally.
2. Boundaries and Coastline
- Land boundary: 15,200 km.
- Total coastline (including islands): 7,516.6 km.
3. Geographic Features
- Bordered by young fold mountains in the northwest, north, and northeast.
- Tapers southwards, dividing the Arabian Sea (west) and Bay of Bengal (east).
4. Extent and Time Zone
- Latitudinal and longitudinal extent is approximately 30°.
- East-west extent appears shorter than north-south extent.
- Time difference of two hours from Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh.
- Standard time is based on 82°30'E meridian through Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Latitudinal extent affects the duration of day and night.
Graph
India and the World
1. India's Strategic Position
- Central location between East and West Asia.
- The southward extension of the Asian continent.
2. Importance in Maritime Routes
- Trans-Indian Ocean routes connect Europe and East Asia, giving India a strategic advantage.
- Deccan Peninsula's protrusion facilitates connections with West Asia, Africa, Europe, Southeast, and East Asia.
- India has the longest coastline on the Indian Ocean, leading to the ocean's naming after the country.
3. Historical Contacts
- Land route interactions are older than maritime contacts.
- Northern mountain passes served as ancient travel routes.
- These routes enabled exchange of ideas and commodities.
4. Cultural and Commodity Exchange
- Exported: Upanishads, Ramayana, Panchtantra stories, Indian numerals, decimal system, spices, and muslin.
- Imported: Greek sculpture influence, dome, and minaret architectural styles from West Asia.
Map 1
Map 2
India’s Neighbors
1. India's Geographical Position
- Strategic position in South Asia.
- Comprises 28 states and eight Union Territories.
2. Land Neighbours
- Northwest: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- North: China (Tibet), Nepal, and Bhutan.
- East: Myanmar and Bangladesh.
3. Maritime Neighbours
- Sri Lanka: Separated by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.
- Maldives: South of Lakshadweep Islands.
4. Historical Links
- India has significant geographical and historical ties with neighboring countries.
- Stands distinct in the Asian continent.
Map
Additional Concepts
1. Suez Canal and India
- Opened in 1869.
- Reduced India's distance from Europe by 7,000 km.
2. Pre-1947 Indian States Classification
- Provinces:
- Directly ruled by British officials appointed by the Viceroy.
- Princely States:
- Ruled by local, hereditary rulers.
- Acknowledged British sovereignty in exchange for local autonomy.
3. School Bhuvan Portal
- Map-based learning platform.
- Raises awareness about India's natural resources, environment, and sustainable development.
- Initiative of Bhuvan — NRSC/ISRO.
Chapter 2 - Physical Features of India
Introduction
- Landforms in India:
- Variety: India boasts a diverse range of landforms including mountains, plains, deserts, plateaus, and islands.
- Peninsular Plateau:
- Age: One of the oldest landmasses on Earth.
- Stability: Considered one of the most stable land blocks.
- Composition: Made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks; features gently rising hills and broad valleys.
- Himalayas:
- Age: Among the youngest landforms.
- Stability: Geologically unstable zone.
- Features: Youthful topography with high peaks, deep valleys, and rapid rivers.
- Northern Plains:
- Formation: Created from alluvial deposits.
Major Physiographic Divisions
1. Major Physiographic Divisions of India:
- (1) The Himalayan Mountains: Young, fold mountains that run from the Indus to the Brahmaputra in a west-east direction.
- Comprises three parallel ranges with various valleys in between.
- Great or Inner Himalayas (Himadri): Most continuous with an average height of 6,000 metres.
- Lesser Himalaya (Himachal): Rugged mountain system with an altitude between 3,700 and 4,500 metres.
- Shiwaliks: Lowest range with an altitude between 900 and 1100 metres.
- (2) The Northern Plains: Formed by the interplay of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers. Fertile and agriculturally productive.
- (3) The Peninsular Plateau: Ancient landmass comprising the Central Highlands and the Deccan Plateau.
- Central Highlands: Lies north of the Narmada River with the Vindhyan range as a notable feature.
- Deccan Plateau: Triangular landmass south of the Narmada River, flanked by the Western and Eastern Ghats.
- (4) The Indian Desert: Sandy Plain in the west, characterized by sand dunes and low rainfall.
- (5) The Coastal Plains: Narrow strips along the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
- Western Coastal Plains: Includes Konkan, Kannad, and Malabar coasts.
- Eastern Coastal Plains: Features large deltas formed by rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
- (6) The Islands:
- Lakshadweep Islands: Near Kerala, formed of coral islands.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Elongated chain in the Bay of Bengal, significant for biodiversity.
Map 1
Table
Map 2
Additional Concepts
1. Terminology and Geographic Features
- (1) Doab:
- Derived from: ‘do’ (two) + ‘ab’ (water)
- Significance: Land between two rivers.
- (2) Punjab:
- Derived from: ‘Punj’ (five) + ‘ab’ (water)
- Significance: Region of five rivers.
- (3) Majuli:
- Location: Brahmaputra River.
- Notable for: Being the largest inhabited riverine island globally.
- (4) Chilika Lake:
- Location: Odisha, south of the Mahanadi delta.
- Notable for: Being India's largest saltwater lake.
- (5) Barren Island:
- Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Notable for: Housing India's only active volcano.
Chapter 3 - Drainage
Introduction
1. Drainage Concepts
- (1) Drainage: Describes the river system of an area.
- (2) Formation: Small streams converge to form the main river which drains into larger water bodies (e.g., lake, sea, ocean).
- (3) Drainage Basin: Area drained by a single river system.
- (4) Water Divide: Elevated areas (like mountains or uplands) that separate two drainage basins.
Drainage systems in India
- Controlled by India's relief features.
- (1) Himalayan Rivers:
- Perennial (water throughout the year).
- Major rivers: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra.
- Characteristics: Long courses, erosional activity, meanders, oxbow lakes, deltas.
- (2) Peninsular Rivers:
- Seasonal (dependent on rainfall).
- Major rivers: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri.
- Characteristics: Shorter courses, deltas (for east-flowing rivers), and estuaries (for west-flowing rivers).
2. Indus River System
- Origin: Tibet (near Lake Mansarovar).
- Enters India: Ladakh.
- Tributaries: Zaskar, Nubra, Shyok, Hunza, Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum.
- Length: 2900 km.
3. Ganga River System
- Headwaters: Bhagirathi (Gangotri Glacier).
- Major Tributaries: Yamuna, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Chambal, Betwa, Son.
- Features: Meanders, oxbow lakes, delta (Sundarban Delta).
4. Brahmaputra River System
- Origin: Tibet (east of Mansarowar lake).
- Enters India: Arunachal Pradesh.
- Characteristics: Braided channels, riverine islands, frequent flooding.
5. Peninsular Rivers
- West-flowing: Narmada, Tapi, Sabarmati, Mahi, Bharathpuzha, Periyar.
- East-flowing: Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna, Kaveri.
Image
Image
Map
Lakes
1. Lakes in India
- (1) Introduction:
- Famous lakes: Dal Lake in Kashmir, lakes in tourist spots like Nainital.
- Lakes enhance tourist attractions.
- (2) Characteristics:
- Vary in size and nature.
- Some are permanent, while others are seasonal (e.g., in semi-arid regions).
- (3) Formation:
- Glacial activity: Most freshwater lakes in the Himalayan region.
- Wind, river action, human activities.
- Oxbow lakes: Formed by meandering rivers.
- Lagoons: Formed by spits and bars (e.g., Chilika Lake, Pulicat Lake).
- Tectonic activity: e.g., Wular Lake (largest freshwater lake in India).
- Human-made: Due to the damming of rivers, e.g., Guru Gobind Sagar from Bhakra Nangal Project.
- (4) Importance:
- Flood control.
- Maintaining even river flow.
- Hydel power generation.
- Climate moderation.
- Aquatic ecosystem support.
- Enhancing natural beauty and tourism.
Role of Rivers in the Economy
- (1) Historical Significance:
- Rivers have always played a pivotal role in human history.
- Riverbanks have been prime locations for ancient settlements, now evolved into major cities.
- (2) Essential Resource:
- Rivers provide water, a fundamental natural resource for numerous human activities.
- (3) Economic Importance:
- Irrigation: Vital for agriculture, especially in regions with inconsistent rainfall.
- Navigation: Rivers serve as natural waterways for transportation.
- Hydro-power Generation: Rivers are sources for generating renewable energy.
- Settlements: Many major cities globally have evolved from settlements near rivers.
- (4) Special Mention:
- In countries like India, rivers are especially significant due to the agricultural prominence in the economy.
River Pollution
1. River Pollution Causes
- (1) Increased Demand: Growing needs from domestic, municipal, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
- (2) Draining Rivers: Excessive water withdrawal reduces river volumes.
- (3) Sewage & Effluents: Untreated sewage and industrial wastes are discharged into rivers, affecting water quality.
- (4) Reduced Self-cleansing: Pollution hampers a river's natural ability to cleanse itself. For instance, the Ganga could naturally dilute pollutants within 20 km of large cities, but urbanization affects this ability.
2. Consequences & Remedies
- (1) Elevated Pollution Levels: Due to unchecked urbanization and industrialization.
- (2) Action Plans: Various initiatives launched to combat river pollution.
- (3) Health Impact: Polluted river water poses health risks.
- (4) Importance of Fresh Water: Reflect on the implications of a life without fresh water.
Additional Concepts
1. Global & National River Facts
- (1) Amazon River: Boasts the world's largest drainage basin.
- (2) Indus Water Treaty (1960):
- India is entitled to only 20% of the Indus River system's water.
- Used for irrigation in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.
- (3) Namami Gange Programme:
- Launched in June 2014 by the Union Government.
- Aims: Pollution abatement and Ganga river rejuvenation.
- (4) Sundarban Delta:
- Named after the Sundari tree.
- World's largest and fastest-growing delta.
- Habitat for the Royal Bengal tiger.
- (5) River Names:
- Brahmaputra: Tsang Po in Tibet, Jamuna in Bangladesh.
- (6) Narmada Conservation:
- An initiative by the Madhya Pradesh government: Namami Devi Narmade.
- (7) Kaveri River:
- Features India's second-largest waterfall: Shivasamudram Falls.
- Hydroelectric power from this benefits several regions including Mysuru and Bengaluru.
- (8) Global Water Statistics:
- Earth's surface is 71% water.
- 97% of it is salt water.
- Of the 3% freshwater, 75% is ice.
- (9) Lakes:
- Large lakes are termed seas (e.g., Caspian, Dead, and Aral seas).
2. National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
- (1) Initiation:
- Started with the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) in 1985.
- (2) Expansion:
- By 1995, it expanded to include other rivers under NRCP.
- (3) Main Objective:
- Enhance river water quality through pollution abatement.
Chapter 4 - Climate
Introduction
1. Introduction to Climate
- (1) Climate vs. Weather: Climate is the average weather condition over a long period (>30 years). Weather is the atmospheric state at a particular time.
- (2) Elements: Temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation.
- (3) Seasons: Derived from general monthly atmospheric conditions. E.g., winter, summer, rainy.
2. Indian Climate Characteristics
- (1) Monsoon Type: Predominant in South and Southeast Asia.
- (2) Regional Variations: Despite a unified pattern, there are discernible differences across regions.
3. Temperature in India
- (1) Summer: Up to 50°C in Rajasthan; around 20°C in Pahalgam, J&K.
- (2) Winter: As low as -45°C in Drass, J&K; around 22°C in Thiruvananthapuram.
4. Precipitation in India
- (1) Forms: Snowfall in the Himalayas, rainfall in the rest of the country.
- (2) Amount: Over 400 cm in Meghalaya; less than 10 cm in Ladakh and western Rajasthan.
- (3) Seasons: Majority from June to September; Tamil Nadu gets rain in October and November.
5. Coastal vs. Interior Regions
- Coastal areas have less temperature contrast. Interior regions exhibit more seasonal contrasts.
- Rainfall decreases from east to west in Northern Plains.
- Variations influence lifestyle, including food, clothing, and housing.
Climatic Controls
1. Overview
- Climatic Controls: Factors that determine the climate of any location.
2. Six Major Climatic Controls
- (1) Latitude:
- Due to Earth's curvature, solar energy varies with latitude.
- Temperature decreases from the equator to the poles.
- (2) Altitude:
- The atmosphere thins with height; temperature drops.
- Hills and high-altitude areas are cooler.
- (3) Pressure and Wind System:
- Influenced by latitude and altitude.
- Determines temperature and rainfall patterns.
- (4) Distance from the Sea (Continentality):
- Proximity to sea moderates climate.
- Areas far from the sea have extreme temperatures.
- (5) Ocean Currents:
- Warm or cold currents can influence coastal climates.
- Onshore winds can intensify these effects.
- (6) Relief Features (Topography):
- Mountains can block or redirect prevailing winds.
- Rain shadow effect on leeward sides of mountains.
Factors Affecting India’s Climate
1. Overview
- Factors Affecting India’s Climate: Elements that determine the climatic patterns of India.
2. Major Factors
- (1) Latitude:
- The Tropic of Cancer divides India.
- South of it: Tropical region.
- North of it: Sub-tropical region.
- Result: Mix of tropical & subtropical climates.
- (2) Altitude:
- Northern mountains average about 6,000 meters.
- Coastal regions at about 30 meters elevation.
- Himalayas' Role: Block cold Central Asian winds; give India milder winters.
- (3) Pressure and Winds:
- Governed by:
- a. Surface pressure and winds.
- b. Upper air circulation.
- c. Cyclonic disturbances.
- India: Region of northeasterly winds.
- Winter: High-pressure north of the Himalayas, cold dry winds flow south.
- Summer: Low pressure in interior Asia & northwest India.
- Southwest Monsoon: Winds reverse, come from the sea, and bring widespread rainfall.
The Seasons
1. Overview
- India experiences distinct seasonal patterns due to its monsoon climate. The coastal areas show less variation, while the interiors show prominent changes.
2. Seasons in India
- (1) Cold Weather Season (Winter)
- Time: Mid-November to February.
- North India experiences the coldest months in December & January.
- Temperature gradient: Decreases from south to north.
- Predominant winds: Northeast trade winds. Dry for most parts but brings rainfall to the Tamil Nadu coast.
- Northern plains receive winter rains, important for 'rabi' crops.
- (2) Hot Weather Season (Summer)
- Time: March to May.
- Due to the northward movement of the sun, heat increases.
- High temperatures throughout, especially in northwestern parts.
- Phenomena: 'Loo' winds, dust storms, and localized thunderstorms.
- (3) Advancing Monsoon (Rainy Season)
- Starts: Early June.
- Characterized by the southwest monsoon winds bringing heavy rainfall.
- Notable features: Monsoon breaks, and fluctuations in rainfall. Heavy rains can lead to floods.
- Variability leads to disruptions for farmers.
- (4) Retreating Monsoon (Transition Season)
- Time: October-November.
- Marked by the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon.
- Features: 'October heat'. The transition from rainy to dry conditions.
- Cyclonic depressions from the Andaman Sea bring rain to the eastern coasts.
Map 1
Map 2
Distribution of Rainfall
1. Distribution of Rainfall in India
- (1) High Rainfall Areas:
- Western coast and northeastern India.
- Receive over 400 cm annually.
- (2) Low Rainfall Areas:
- Western Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab.
- Rainfall is less than 60 cm.
- Interior Deccan plateau and east of the Sahyadris also receive low rainfall.
- Around Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.
- (3) Moderate Rainfall Areas:
- The majority of the country.
- (4) Snowfall:
- Restricted to the Himalayan region.
- (5) Variability:
- Annual rainfall varies year to year.
- High variability in low rainfall areas.
- High-rainfall areas are prone to floods.
- Low-rainfall areas are prone to droughts.
Map
Monsoon as a Unifying Bond
- (1) Protective Role of Himalayas:
- Shields India from extremely cold Central Asian winds.
- Results in higher temperatures in northern India.
- (2) Peninsular Plateau Influence:
- Surrounded by seas on three sides leading to moderate temperatures.
- (3) Temperature Variations:
- Despite moderating influences, India sees significant temperature differences.
- (4) Unifying Influence of Monsoon:
- Brings a rhythmic cycle of seasons.
- Uncertainty and uneven distribution are monsoon characteristics.
- (5) Cultural and Agricultural Influence:
- Indian landscape, flora, fauna, agriculture, and festivities revolve around the monsoon.
- (6) Eager Anticipation:
- People across India await the monsoon's arrival every year.
- (7) Water's Unifying Role:
- Monsoon provides water, initiating agricultural activities.
- River valleys unite the country, functioning as a single unit.
Additional Concepts
1. Origin of the term 'Monsoon'
- Derived from the Arabic word ‘Musam’, meaning 'season'.
- Represents seasonal wind direction reversal.
2. Temperature Fluctuations
- (a) Day and Night Variations in Thar Desert:
- Day temperatures can rise to 50°C.
- Night temperatures can drop to around 15°C.
- (b) Minimal Variations in Coastal Regions:
- Places like Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Kerala have negligible day-night temperature differences.
3. Coriolis Force
- Caused by Earth's rotation.
- Deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere and left in the southern hemisphere.
- Also termed 'Ferrel’s Law'.
4. Mawsynram
- Recognized as the wettest place on Earth.
- Known for its stalagmite and stalactite caves.
Chapter 5 - Natural Vegetation and Wildlife
Introduction
1. India's Bio-diversity
- India ranks among the 12 mega bio-diversity countries globally.
- Positioned 10th in the world and 4th in Asia concerning plant diversity.
- Boasts around 47,000 plant species.
- Contains approximately 15,000 flowering plants, which is 6% of the world's total.
- Home to nearly 90,000 animal species.
- Abundant fish species in both fresh and marine waters.
2. Natural Vegetation
- Plants that grow without human intervention.
- Remained untouched by humans for extended durations.
- Distinct from cultivated crops and orchards.
3. Flora and Fauna
- 'Flora' denotes plants of a specific region or time.
- 'Fauna' refers to animal species of a particular region.
Types of Vegetation
1. Types of Vegetation in India
- Tropical Evergreen Forests: Found in high rainfall areas, such as the Western Ghats, islands, and parts of Assam. Characterized by tall trees and greenery throughout the year.
- Notable trees: Ebony, mahogany, rosewood, rubber, cinchona.
- Common animals: Elephant, monkey, lemur, deer, one-horned rhinoceros.
- Tropical Deciduous Forests: Most widespread in India, categorized as moist (200-100 cm rainfall) and dry (100-70 cm rainfall).
- Prominent trees: Teak, bamboo, sal, shisham, sandalwood.
- Fauna includes Lion, tiger, pig, deer, elephant, a variety of birds, lizards, and snakes.
- Thorn Forests and Scrubs: Located in areas with less than 70 cm of rainfall. Dominated by thorny trees and bushes.
- Main plants: Acacias, palms, euphorbias, cacti.
- Typical animals: Rats, mice, rabbits, fox, wolf, tiger, lion, wild ass, camels.
- Montane Forests: Found in mountainous areas with varied vegetation due to altitude changes.
- Wet temperate: 1000-2000 metres, with trees like oaks and chestnuts.
- Temperate forests: 1500-3000 metres, containing coniferous trees such as pine, deodar, and fir.
- Alpine vegetation: Above 3,600 metres, including silver fir, junipers, pines, birches, and alpine grasslands.
- Common animals: Kashmir stag, spotted deer, wild sheep, jackrabbit, Tibetan antelope, yak, snow leopard.
- Mangrove Forests: Located in coastal regions influenced by tides.
- Notable trees: Sundari, palm, coconut, keora, agar.
- Found in deltas like Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri
Map
Wildlife
1. India's Rich Fauna
- Approx. 90,000 animal species.
- 2,000 bird species (13% of the world's total).
- 2,546 fish species (12% of the world's stock).
- 5-8% of global amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
2. Notable Animals
- Mammals: Elephants (Assam, Karnataka, Kerala), one-horned rhinoceroses (Assam, West Bengal), wild ass (Rann of Kachchh), camels (Thar Desert), bison, nilgai, chousingha, gazel, monkeys.
- Big Cats: India has both tigers (Madhya Pradesh, Sundarbans, Himalayas) and lions (Gir forest, Gujarat). Leopards were also prevalent.
- Aquatic: Turtles, crocodiles, gharials.
- Birds: Peacocks, pheasants, ducks, parakeets, cranes, pigeons.
3. Himalayan Fauna
- Yak, Tibetan antelope, bharal, wild sheep, kiang, ibex, bear, snow leopard, red panda.
4. Conservation Challenges
- Imbalance in the ecosystem due to human activities.
- 1,300 plant species endangered; 20 extinct.
- Threat causes: Hunting, pollution, habitat destruction, alien species introduction.
5. Conservation Efforts
- 18 biosphere reserves; 12 in the world network.
- Projects: Tiger, Rhino, Great Indian Bustard.
- 103 National Parks, 563 Wildlife sanctuaries, and Zoological gardens.
Map
Additional Concepts
1. Vegetation Types
- Endemic/Indigenous: Original vegetation of India.
- Exotic: Plants that came from outside India.
2. Medicinal Plants
- Historical Context: India known for herbs/spices since ancient times.
- Ayurveda: Describes ~2,000 plants; 500 regularly used.
- Conservation: 352 medicinal plants on the World Conservation Union's Red List.
- Examples:
- Sarpagandha: Treats blood pressure.
- Jamun: Vinegar from ripe fruit has digestive properties; seed powder controls diabetes.
- Arjun: Juice for earache and regulating blood pressure.
- Babool: Leaves for eye sores; gum as a tonic.
- Neem: Antibiotic and antibacterial properties.
- Tulsi: Cures cough and cold.
- Kachnar: Treats asthma, ulcers; buds/roots for digestion.
3. Wildlife Protection
- Wildlife Protection Act: Implemented in India in 1972.
4. Migratory Birds
- Wetlands: Popular with migratory birds in winter.
- Siberian Crane: Visits India during winter.
- Rann of Kachchh: Migratory destination for flamingos.
Chapter 6 - Population
Introduction
1. Importance of Humans
- Humans give meaning to resources and events.
- Coal, a mere rock, becomes a resource through human technology.
- Natural events (e.g., Tsunamis) are termed 'disasters' when impacting human settlements.
2. Human Perspective in Social Studies
- Population is a pivotal element.
- 'Resources', 'calamities', and 'disasters' derive significance in relation to human beings.
3. Human Role
- Humans are both producers and consumers of Earth's resources.
- Vital to understand population: numbers, distribution, growth, and characteristics.
4. Census Data
- Provides information about a country's population.
Population, Size, and Distribution
1. Population Size and Numbers
- India's population (2011): 1,210.6 million (17.5% of global population).
- India's area: 3.28 million square km (2.4% of global area).
- Uttar Pradesh: Most populous state (199 million, 16% of India's population).
- Sikkim and Lakshadweep: Among the least populated areas.
- 50% of India's population is in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Rajasthan: Largest state by area but holds only 5.5% of India's population.
2. Population Density
- Density: Number of persons per unit area.
- India's density (2011): 382 persons/sq km.
- Bihar: Highest density (1,102 persons/sq km).
- Arunachal Pradesh: Lowest density (17 persons/sq km).
- Factors affecting low density: Rugged terrain, unfavorable climates.
- Moderate densities: Assam and many Peninsular states due to terrain and soil conditions.
- High densities: Northern plains and Kerala due to fertile soils and good rainfall.
Image 1
Chart
Map
Population Growth and Process of Population Change
1. Population Dynamics
- Population changes due to births, deaths, and migrations.
- Population Growth: Change in population over time.
- India's population (2011): 1,210 million.
- The growth rate decreased since 1981 but the absolute number added is still high.
2. Processes of Population Change
- Birth Rates: Number of live births per thousand persons annually.
- High birth rates have always exceeded death rates in India.
- Death Rates: Number of deaths per thousand persons annually.
- The decline in death rates previously led to high population growth.
- Migration: Movement of people across regions.
- Can be internal or international.
- Influences population distribution.
- In India, major migration is from rural to urban due to push (adverse rural conditions) and pull (urban opportunities) factors.
- The urban population rose from 17.29% (1951) to 31.80% (2011).
3. Adolescent Population
- Adolescents (10-19 years) make up one-fifth of India's population.
- Nutrition is crucial for this age group; many face nutritional deficiencies.
- A significant number of adolescent girls suffer from anemia.
4. National Population Policy (NPP) 2000
- Recognizes family planning for individual health and welfare.
- Aims:
- Free, compulsory school education up to 14 years.
- Reduce infant mortality rate below 30 per 1000 live births.
- Universal child immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Promote delayed marriage for girls.
- Make family welfare people-centric.
Table
Graph
Additional Concepts
1. Census Overview
- Definition: Official, periodic population count.
- India's Census History:
- Initial Census: 1872 (not complete).
- First Complete Census: 1881.
- Frequency: Every 10 years.
2. Significance of Census
- Offers comprehensive demographic, social, and economic data.
- A valuable reference for various sectors and research.
3. Global Comparison
- Only Bangladesh and Japan have higher average population densities than India.
4. Recent Changes in India's Administrative Units
- 2014: Telangana became India's 29th state.
- 2019: Jammu and Kashmir bifurcated into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.