According to Census of India, which year is called as 'Year of big divide'?

UPPSC 2017

Non Nursing Subjects

Easy

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

The year 1921 is termed the 'Year of the Great Divide' because it represents the transition from a period of stagnant and fluctuating population growth to one of steady and continuous increase.
Before 1921, India's population was in the first stage of the demographic transition, characterized by high birth rates and high death rates, leading to minimal or even negative growth.
The census for the decade 1911-1921 recorded a negative population growth of -0.31%, largely due to the impact of famines and epidemics like the 1918 influenza pandemic.
After 1921, improvements in public health, sanitation, and food distribution led to a significant decline in the death rate, while the birth rate remained high, initiating a period of sustained population growth.

Option A: The decade ending in 1981 was part of the 'period of population explosion' with a very high growth rate, but it does not mark the fundamental turning point from stagnant to steady growth.
Option B: The year 1951 is sometimes called the 'Year of the Small Divide' as it marked the beginning of the 'population explosion' phase after independence, with a dramatic fall in mortality rates.
Option C: 1947 is a landmark year for India's independence and partition. While the partition led to massive population movements and demographic changes, it is not referred to as the 'Great Divide' in the context of long-term population growth trends.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Demographic History of India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding a country's demographic trends is fundamental for public health planning, resource allocation, and policymaking.
The shift after 1921 led to a growing population that required expansion of healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, challenges that continue to shape public policy in India.
What if... the 'Great Divide' had not occurred in 1921? If high mortality rates had persisted, India's population would be significantly smaller, altering its economic development, social structure, and global standing. The concept of a 'demographic dividend' would not be part of India's economic narrative.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'Year of big divide'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question related to the Census of India and its demographic history.
Understand that a 'divide' in this context refers to a major turning point or a shift in a trend.
Evaluate the historical significance of each option in the context of population trends.
Recall or deduce that before the 20th century, population growth was unstable due to famines and epidemics.
Connect the year 1921 with the transition from this unstable phase to a period of consistent, steady population growth, making it the 'Great Divide'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 33-35