Question (46-50)
Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions.
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 factors 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 human 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 and 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, Bengaluru, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Jaipur have high concentrations of population due to
industrial development and urbanisation, drawing large numbers of rural-urban migrants.
Which factor has resulted in a moderate to high concentration of population in areas of the Peninsular States which were previously very thinly populated?
Correct Answer :
Development of transport network
Solution :
The correct option is: Development of transport network
Step-by-Step Explanation:
To find the correct factor, we analyze the details provided in the passage regarding the Peninsular States.
The passage discusses how physical, socio-economic, and historical factors affect population distribution in India. It specifically highlights certain regions where population concentration shifted from thin to moderate or high due to developmental factors.
Let's look at the relevant sentence from the text:
"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."
From this sentence, we can directly map each region to its corresponding growth factor:
1. Rajasthan: Development of irrigation
2. Jharkhand: Availability of mineral and energy resources
3. Peninsular States: Development of transport network
Therefore, the factor that has resulted in a moderate to high concentration of population in the Peninsular States is the development of transport network.
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