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 land 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?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Availability of water
The passage 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.… 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.”
Option (1) Evolution of settled agriculture — A socio-economic or historical factor. It heads the passage’s list of socio-economic and historical factors. Settled farming let people stay in one place, and villages grew around the fields.
Option (2) Industrialisation and urbanisation — A socio-economic or historical factor. It is a socio-economic and historical factor. It explains the crowding in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.
Option (3) Development of transport network — A socio-economic or historical factor. It is in the same list. Good transport links helped the river plains and coastal areas keep a large population.
Option (4) Availability of water — Not a socio-economic or historical factor. Water is a gift of nature, not something society builds. The passage puts it with climate and terrain as a physical factor.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 12-06-2023 (Slot 3).