Direction (Q46. to Q50.) Read the given passage carefully and answer following five questions: India has 640,867 villages according to the Census 2011 out of which 597,608 (93.2 per cent) are inhabited villages. However, the distribution of rural population is not uniform throughout the country. You might have noted that the states, like Bihar and Sikkim have very high percentage of rural population. The states of Goa and Maharashtra have only little over half of their total population residing in villages. The Union Territories, on the other hand, have smaller proportion of rural population, except Dadra and Nagar Haveli (53.38 per cent). The size of villages also varies considerably. It is less than 200 persons in the hill states of north-eastern India, Western Rajasthan and Rann of Kachchh and as high as 17 thousand persons in the states of Kerala and in parts of Maharashtra. A thorough examination of the pattern of distribution of rural population of India reveals that both at intra-State and inter-State levels, the relative degree of urbanization and extent of rural-urban migration regulate the concentration of rural population. You have noted that contrary to rural population, the proportion of urban population (31.16 per cent) in India is quite low but it is showing a much faster rate of growth over the decades. The growth rate of urban population has accelerated due to enhanced economic development and improvement in health and hygienic conditions. The distribution of urban population too, as in the case of total population, has a wide variation throughout the country. Which part of India has bigger size of villages according to population?
Kerala
Understanding Village Size Variation in India
The question asks about the part of India that has villages with a larger population size, based on the provided passage about India's rural and urban population distribution.
Let's examine the relevant part of the passage that discusses the size of villages:
The size of villages also varies considerably. It is less than 200 persons in the hill states of north-eastern India, Western Rajasthan and Rann of Kachchh and as high as 17 thousand persons in the states of Kerala and in parts of Maharashtra.
This statement directly compares the typical population size of villages in different regions of India.
- It states that village sizes are less than 200 persons in:
- Hill states of north-eastern India
- Western Rajasthan
- Rann of Kachchh
- It states that village sizes are as high as 17 thousand persons in:
- States of Kerala
- Parts of Maharashtra
Comparing the options provided with the information from the passage:
- Western Rajasthan: The passage says village size is less than 200 persons.
- Rann of Kutch: The passage says village size is less than 200 persons.
- Kerala: The passage says village size can be as high as 17 thousand persons.
- Hill states of North East India: The passage says village size is less than 200 persons.
Based on this comparison, Kerala is identified as having villages with a significantly larger population size (up to 17 thousand persons) compared to the other regions mentioned in the options, which have village sizes less than 200 persons.
Therefore, according to the passage, Kerala has bigger-sized villages based on population.
| Region | Village Population Size (as per passage) | Relative Size |
|---|---|---|
| Western Rajasthan | Less than 200 persons | Smaller |
| Rann of Kachchh | Less than 200 persons | Smaller |
| Kerala | As high as 17 thousand persons | Bigger |
| Hill states of North East India | Less than 200 persons | Smaller |
Revision Table: Key Facts from the Passage
| Topic | Detail from Passage |
|---|---|
| Total villages (Census 2011) | 640,867 |
| Inhabited villages | 597,608 (93.2%) |
| States with high rural population % | Bihar, Sikkim |
| States with low rural population % | Goa, Maharashtra (little over half) |
| Union Territories rural population | Smaller proportion (except Dadra & Nagar Haveli) |
| Village size in small village regions | < 200 persons (NE Hill states, W. Rajasthan, Rann of Kachchh) |
| Village size in large village regions | Up to 17,000 persons (Kerala, parts of Maharashtra) |
| Urban population % in India | 31.16% (relatively low) |
| Urban population growth | Faster rate over decades |
| Factors affecting urban growth | Enhanced economic development, improved health/hygiene |
| Factors regulating rural population concentration | Relative urbanization, rural-urban migration |
Additional Information: Factors Influencing Village Size
The size of villages, in terms of population, can be influenced by various geographical, economic, and historical factors. The passage highlights that there is considerable variation across India.
- Geographical Factors: Regions with challenging terrain (like hills) or harsh climates (like deserts or salt marshes) often support smaller populations, leading to smaller villages. Conversely, fertile plains or coastal areas with abundant resources might sustain larger communities.
- Economic Activities: Areas with predominantly agricultural economies might have varying village sizes depending on land availability, irrigation, and farming practices. Regions with other economic opportunities (like fishing in coastal areas or specific crafts/industries) might see population concentration.
- Historical Development: Historical migration patterns, land settlement policies, and the development of infrastructure (like roads or markets) have also played a role in shaping the size and distribution of villages over time.
- Urbanization and Migration: As the passage mentions, the degree of urbanization and rural-urban migration significantly impacts rural population concentration. High out-migration from rural areas to cities can lead to smaller villages or even depopulation in some areas. Conversely, areas near urban centers might see some spillover growth.
The contrast noted in the passage between regions like Western Rajasthan (small villages) and Kerala (large villages) illustrates how these factors can lead to diverse settlement patterns within the same country.
Important Questions from Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems
Which country officially proclaimed the Gross National Happiness (GNH) as the measure of development?
Read the urban strategy priorities outlined by the United Nations Development Programme carefully.
(A) Upgrading energy use and alternative transport systems.
(B) Increasing shelter and employment for all urban people.
(C) Improving womenandrsquo;s access to basic services and government facilities.
(D) Reducing air pollution.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
The states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha have very low Human Development Index. Which one could be the most important reason?
Large iron and steel industry is traditionally located in the areas of _____ availability.
Mini steel mills are located _____.
