Comprehension

An uneven spatial distribution of the population in India suggests a close relationship between the population and physical, socio-economic and historical factors. As far as the physical fac- tors are concerned, it is clear that climate along with the terrain and the availability of water largely determine the pattern of the population distribution. Consequently, we observe that the North Indian Plains, deltas and Coastal Plains have a higher proportion of the population than the interior districts of the southern and central Indian States, the Himalayas, and some of the north-eastern and western states. However, development of irrigation (Rajasthan), availability of mineral and energy resources (Jharkhand) and development of transport network (Peninsular States) have resulted in a moderate to high concentration of population in areas which were previously very thinly populated.
Among the socio-economic and historical factors of the distribution of population, important ones are the evolution of settled agriculture and agricultural development; the pattern of hu- man settlement; development of transport networks, industrialisation and urbanisation. It is observed that the regions falling in the river plains and coastal areas of India have remained the regions of larger population concentration. Even though the use of natural resources like land and water in these regions has shown the sign of degradation, the concentration of the population remains high because of the early history of human settlement and the development of transport networks. On the other hand, the urban regions of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ben- galuru, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Jaipur have high concentrations of population due to industrial development and urbanisation, drawing large numbers of rural-urban migrants.

Question: 1

An uneven spatial distribution of the population in India does not suggest a close relationship between the population and which one of the following?

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For "does not suggest" or "is not mentioned" questions, carefully read the first few sentences of the passage. The main topics are usually introduced there, making it easy to see what is included and what is omitted.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • Physical factors
  • Literacy Rate
  • Socio-economic factors
  • Historical factors
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Question Clarification: The question seeks to identify the factor, from the given choices, that is *not* cited in the provided text as being closely related to India's population distribution. Step 2: Passage Examination: The opening sentence of the passage states: "An uneven spatial distribution of the population in India suggests a close relationship between the population and physical, socio-economic and historical factors." The subsequent text elaborates on these three identified factors. The "Literacy Rate" is not presented as a principal factor impacting population distribution within the passage. Step 3: Conclusion: Physical, socio-economic, and historical factors are directly referenced. The Literacy Rate is omitted, thus identifying it as the correct answer.
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Question: 2

Development of irrigation has resulted in moderate to high concentration of population in which of the following state?

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Look for examples given in parentheses in the text. Authors often use them to link a general concept (like irrigation) to a specific place (like Rajasthan), and these are common sources for comprehension questions.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • Rajasthan
  • Jharkhand
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Sikkim
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the Question:
The question requires identifying the state, as stated in the provided text, where irrigation development resulted in increased population density.
Step 2: Find the Answer in the Text:
The conclusion of the initial paragraph lists factors contributing to population growth in sparsely populated regions. It states: "However, development of irrigation (Rajasthan), availability of mineral and energy resources (Jharkhand) and development of transport network (Peninsular States) have resulted in a moderate to high concentration of population..."
Step 3: Formulate the Answer:
The text directly links the advancement of irrigation to Rajasthan.
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Question: 3

Which of the following is NOT a socio-economic or historical factor of the distribution of the population?

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Pay attention to how the author categorizes information. The passage clearly separates "physical factors" from "socio-economic and historical factors." Identifying which category an item belongs to is key to answering this type of question.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • Evolution of settled agriculture
  • Industrialisation and urbanisation
  • Development of transport network
  • Availability of water
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Question Interpretation: The objective is to identify the option not categorized as a "socio-economic or historical factor" within the provided text. Step 2: Textual Analysis: The passage distinguishes between two factor categories: physical and socio-economic/historical. The initial paragraph details physical factors, stating: "...climate along with the terrain and the availability of water largely determine the pattern..." The subsequent paragraph addresses socio-economic and historical factors: "...important ones are the evolution of settled agriculture... development of transport networks, industrialisation and urbanisation." Consequently, options 1, 2, and 3 are identified as socio-economic or historical factors. Option 4, "Availability of water," is explicitly designated as a physical factor. Step 3: Conclusion: According to the passage, "Availability of water" is classified as a physical factor, not a socio-economic or historical one.
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Question: 4

Urban regions of India have a high concentration of the population due to ______________________.

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Look for trigger words like "due to," "because of," or "as a result of." These phrases explicitly state cause-and-effect relationships, which are often the focus of comprehension questions.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • Industrial development and urbanisation
  • Agricultural development
  • Pattern of human settlement
  • Availability of mineral and energy resources
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the core question: The query seeks the cause of high population density in India's urban areas, according to the provided text.
Step 2: Extract the relevant information: The second paragraph's concluding sentence indicates: "On the other hand, the urban regions of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Jaipur have high concentrations of population due to industrial development and urbanisation, drawing large numbers of rural-urban migrants."
Step 3: Formulate the answer: The passage explicitly links increased population density in urban centers to industrial growth and urbanization.
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Question: 5

Which factor has resulted in a moderate to high concentration of population in areas of the Peninsular States which were previously very thinly populated?

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Again, the use of parentheses to provide specific examples is crucial here. The passage directly pairs "Peninsular States" with "development of transport network," making the answer clear and unambiguous.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • Availability of mineral and energy resources
  • Development of irrigation facilities
  • Development of transport network
  • Socio-economic and historical factors
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Question Analysis:
The question requires identifying the cause of higher population density in the Peninsular States as stated in the provided text.
Step 2: Information Retrieval:
The conclusion of the initial paragraph enumerates reasons for population growth in formerly sparsely populated regions: "...irrigation development (Rajasthan), mineral and energy resource availability (Jharkhand), and transport network development (Peninsular States) have led to moderate to high population concentration..."
Step 3: Conclusion:
The text directly attributes the increase in population concentration within the Peninsular States to the "development of transport network."
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