Q1. The only State in India that shows excess of females over males is
(a) U.P.
(b) Kerala
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Tamil Nadu
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (b) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala has consistently shown a higher female-to-male ratio, attributed to better healthcare, education, and social awareness, setting it apart from other states.
Q2. Which is the most urbanised State in India ?
(a) Punjab
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Gujarat
(d) Tamil Nadu
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (b)
Explanation: In the context of 1982, Maharashtra was considered the most urbanised state due to the presence of major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, which contributed significantly to urban population growth, industrialisation, and economic activity.
Q3. Which of the following States in India has the highest density of population ?
(a) Kerala
(b) Assam
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Bihar
(UPSC Prelims 1982)
Answer: (d)
Explanation: In the context of 1982, Bihar had the highest population density, reflecting a high concentration of people per square kilometre. This was due to factors like fertile land, limited urban migration, and high birth rates.
Q4. The correct sequence of the following densely populated States is
I. Uttar Pradesh
II. Kerala
III. Bihar
IV. West Bengal
(a) II, III, I, IV
(b) IV, I, II, III
(c) I, IV, II, III
(d) II, IV, III, I
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (c) I, IV, II, III
Explanation: In terms of population density, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have historically ranked among the most densely populated states in India. Kerala and Bihar follow, with Bihar’s density increasing significantly in later decades. The sequence reflects relative density levels as per the 1981 census data, placing Uttar Pradesh first, followed by West Bengal, Kerala, and Bihar.
Q5. In India people migrate from the countryside to the towns while in the U.S.A. it is just the other way. What is the reason for this?
(a) In U.S.A. people like the countryside more than the cities
(b) Use of urban land for purposes other than that of residence
(c) Lack of security of life and property in cities
(d) Lack of employment opportunities in cities
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (b) Use of urban land for purposes other than that of residence
Explanation: In the U.S.A., urban land is often used for commercial and industrial purposes, leading to residential decentralization. In contrast, in India, people migrate to cities seeking employment and better amenities, causing urban concentration.
Q6. The rural population of India is about percent of the total population
(a) 55
(b) 65
(c) 75
(d) 85
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) 75
Explanation: During the 1980s, approximately 75% of India’s population resided in rural areas, reflecting the country’s agrarian economy and village-based settlement patterns. This demographic distribution influenced development planning and resource allocation.
Q7. The year of ‘Great Divide’, in Indian demography, is
(a) 1905
(b) 1921
(c) 1947
(d) 1965
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (b) 1921
Explanation: The year 1921 is known as the ‘Great Divide’ in Indian demography because it marked the transition from declining to increasing population growth, based on census data trends.
Q8. Physiological population density is the ratio of
(a) Total population to total area
(b) Total population to total irrigated land area
(c) Total population to urban land area
(d) Total population to rural land area
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (b) Total population to total irrigated land area
Explanation: Physiological population density measures the pressure on productive land, calculated as total population divided by irrigated (or arable) land area. It reflects the real burden on agricultural resources, especially in densely populated countries.