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 of the following is NOT a socio-economic or historical factor of the distribution of the population?
Correct Answer :
Availability of water
Solution :
The correct option is Availability of water.
Let us break down the passage step-by-step to understand why this option is correct:
1. Identification of Physical Factors:
According to the first paragraph of the passage, the spatial distribution of India's population is heavily influenced by physical factors. The passage explicitly states: "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." Thus, the availability of water is categorized strictly as a physical factor.
2. Identification of Socio-economic and Historical Factors:
The second paragraph of the passage lists the socio-economic and historical factors: "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."
3. Evaluating the Options:
- Evolution of settled agriculture: Mentioned explicitly as a socio-economic/historical factor.
- Industrialisation and urbanisation: Mentioned explicitly as a socio-economic/historical factor.
- Development of transport network: Mentioned explicitly as a socio-economic/historical factor.
- Availability of water: Classified under physical factors in the passage, not socio-economic or historical factors.
Therefore, Availability of water is NOT a socio-economic or historical factor of the distribution of the population.
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