Describe population distribution in India under the following headings: (a) Factors responsible (ii) Advantages (c) Problems

India has one of the most uneven population distributions in the world. Dense clustering occurs in the Ganges plain and along the coasts, while the mountains, deserts and dense forests are sparsely settled.

(a) Factors responsible for the distribution

• Relief: The extensive, low-lying and level Ganges (Indo-Gangetic) plain is easy to cultivate and build on, attracting dense settlement, while the high Himalayas and the Deccan uplands repel population.
• Fertile soils: The rich alluvial soils of the river plains support intensive farming and therefore large rural populations.
• Water supply and rainfall: Areas with reliable monsoon rainfall and river water (Ganges, Brahmaputra) are densely peopled, whereas the arid Thar Desert of the north-west is thinly settled.
• Industrial and commercial development: Cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai draw people through jobs in industry, trade and services.
• Transport and coastal advantage: Ports and good road/rail networks concentrate people along the coasts and river valleys.
• History and religion: Long-settled river valleys and holy cities along the Ganges have accumulated population over centuries.

(b) Advantages of dense population

• Large supply of cheap labour for agriculture and industry.
• Big internal market that encourages manufacturing and trade.
• Availability of skilled manpower and professionals for development.
• Cheaper provision of social services (schools, hospitals, roads) per person where people are concentrated.
• Strong defence and political influence from a large population.

(c) Problems of dense population

• Pressure on farmland leading to land fragmentation and low output per person.
• Overcrowding, slums and housing shortages in the big cities.
• Unemployment and under-employment.
• Strain on food supply, water, schools, hospitals and other social amenities.
• Environmental problems such as pollution, deforestation and poor sanitation.
• Widening poverty and high rural-urban migration.