Describe the rate and spatial pattern of growth of population in India since 1901.

Rate and Spatial Pattern of Population Growth in India Since 1901:

India's demographic trajectory over 1901–2011 exhibits four distinct phases of growth:

• 1. Phase of Stagnant Growth (1901–1921):
  • High birth rate matched by high mortality due to famines and the 1918 Influenza epidemic. 1911–21 recorded negative growth ($-0.31$), making 1921 the "Great Demographic Divide".
• 2. Phase of Steady Growth (1921–1951):
  • Mortality declined with improved sanitation, yielding steady decadal growth of 11% to 14%.
• 3. Phase of Population Explosion (1951–1981):
  • Modern healthcare and antibiotics caused mortality to plummet while fertility remained high, peaking at 24.80% (1961–71) and 24.66% (1971–81).
• 4. Phase of High Growth with Slowing Down (1981–2011):
  • Decadal growth decelerated to 21.54% (1991–2001) and 17.70% (2001–2011).
  • Spatial Pattern: Southern states (Kerala 4.9%, Tamil Nadu) reached replacement TFR ($<2.0$), while Northern states (Bihar 25.4%, UP 20.2%, MP 20.35%) maintain higher momentum.