Question

During which decade did the population of India record a negative growth rate?

• A. 1921-31
• B. 1911-21
• C. 1941-51
• D. 1931-41

Hint:

The year 1921 is called the Year of Great Divide in Indian population history because growth turned positive after this.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine during which decade the population of India recorded a negative growth rate, we must look at historical population growth trends in India.

Before 1921, India experienced different patterns in population growth. The period between 1911 and 1921 is notable because it is the only decade in the 20th century where India recorded a negative growth rate.

1. Historical Context: The decade 1911-1921 was marked by several catastrophic events that adversely impacted the population of India. These include:
   • The outbreak of the First World War (1914-1918), which led to widespread distress and shifts in population.
   • The Spanish flu pandemic (1918-1919), which was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, causing millions of deaths worldwide. India was particularly affected, as the pandemic spread rapidly.
2. Impact of Events: Due to the combination of war and pandemic, the mortality rate in India saw a significant increase, outweighing the birth rate during this period. This led to the rare occurrence of a negative population growth rate.
3. Verification: Decades after 1921 saw positive growth rates because the mortality rates decreased, and the country stabilized and began to recover from these crises.
4. Conclusion: Based on historical records, the correct answer is that India recorded a negative growth rate during the decade 1911-21.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1911-21.