Identify the odd one out among the following statements about India's…

The correct answer is Option (4) → India was the most populous country in the world at the Census of 2011, ahead of China.

Option (1) India's population growth rate rose substantially after independence from British rule. — Incorrect. This statement is true. The growth rate rose substantially after independence and reached 2.2% during 1961-1981, so it fits with the other true statements on growth.

Option (2) India's annual growth rate has fallen in recent decades but remains among the highest in the developing world. — Incorrect. This statement is true. The annual growth rate has come down since 1981, yet it remains one of the highest in the developing world.

Option (3) India's growth rate in the first half of the twentieth century was modest. — Incorrect. This statement is true. From 1901 to 1951 the average annual growth rate did not exceed 1.33%, which is a modest rate.

Option (4) India was the most populous country in the world at the Census of 2011, ahead of China. — Correct. This is the odd one out because it is false. At the Census of 2011 India was the second most populous country, after China, with 121 crores people. It is also the only statement about size rather than growth rate.