Discuss the spatial pattern of density of population in India.
The density of population in India (2011) is 382 persons per sq km, showing a steady increase from 117 persons per sq km in 1951. India exhibits a highly uneven spatial distribution of population density, ranging from as low as 17 persons per sq km in Arunachal Pradesh to 11,297 persons in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
The highest densities are found in the northern Indian states, particularly Bihar (1102), West Bengal (1029), and Uttar Pradesh (828). Among the peninsular states, Kerala (859) and Tamil Nadu (555) have higher densities. The Union Territories (excluding Andaman and Nicobar Islands) also have very high densities of population.
Moderate densities are observed in states like Assam, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Development of irrigation (Rajasthan), availability of mineral and energy resources (Jharkhand), and development of transport network (Peninsular States) have resulted in moderate to high concentration in areas which were previously thinly populated.
The lowest densities are found in the hill states of the Himalayan region and North eastern states (excluding Assam). The interior districts of southern and central Indian States also have relatively lower population concentration.
This spatial pattern is largely determined by physical factors like climate, terrain, and availability of water. The North Indian Plains, deltas, and Coastal Plains have higher proportion of population than areas with difficult terrain.
Explanation
The textbook explains that India has a highly uneven pattern of population density. The context provides specific data on density variations across states - from 17 persons/sq km in Arunachal Pradesh to 11,297 in Delhi. The answer categorizes states into high, moderate, and low density regions based on the provided figures. The physical factors (climate, terrain, water availability) and socio-economic factors (irrigation, minerals, transport) mentioned in the context explain the reasons behind this spatial pattern.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Define density of population and state India's average density (382 persons/sq km in 2011)
Step 2: Identify high density areas - Bihar (1102), West Bengal (1029), Uttar Pradesh (828), Kerala (859), Tamil Nadu (555), and Union Territories
Step 3: Identify moderate density areas - Assam, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Odisha
Step 4: Identify low density areas - Himalayan hill states and North eastern states (excluding Assam)
Step 5: Explain the factors determining the spatial pattern - physical factors (climate, terrain, water) and development factors (irrigation, minerals, transport)