Q.What are the causes for rapid growth of population in India?

India's population exploded because the death rate fell rapidly (due to better medical care, food security and control of epidemics) while the birth rate remained high for decades. Social and economic causes such as early marriage, illiteracy, poverty, preference for a male child and joint-family customs kept births high.

The basic cause

Population grows when the birth rate exceeds the death rate. In India the death rate came down steeply after 1921 while the birth rate declined only slowly, so the natural growth rate shot up. This widening gap is the central reason for rapid growth.

Causes of a high birth rate

1. Universal and early marriage: Early marriage of girls lengthens the child-bearing period.
2. Preference for a male child: Couples continue to have children until a son is born.
3. Illiteracy and ignorance: Lack of education keeps families large and family-planning use low.
4. Poverty: Poor families treat children as earning hands and old-age security.
5. Religious and social beliefs: Customs and religious attitudes discourage family planning.
6. Joint family system: The cost of raising children is shared, so large families are encouraged.

Causes of a falling death rate

1. Better medical and health facilities reduced deaths from disease. …