India's Population Dynamics: North vs. South
India is a vast country with significant regional differences in population distribution. It is often observed that the northern part of the country, particularly the capital Delhi and the states of Uttar Pradesh (UP), has a higher population density compared to southern areas. However, this is not an absolute rule. Regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir have a reasonable population density, whereas Rajasthan, the largest state in India, is less densely populated.
Overpopulation in the North
Of all the northern states, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are indeed the most overpopulated. While it is true that these regions have a higher population density, it does not mean that the entire northern region is overpopulated. Countries like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir have never been densely populated historically. Rajasthan, despite its vast land area, is not overpopulated due to its relatively lower population density. Additionally, there is a notable population concentration in the eastern part of the country.
Fertility rates in Delhi have decreased from about 2.1 to a range between 1.2 and 1.8 since the 1990s, indicating slower population growth. This contrasts with the historical fertility rates, which were around 2.1 before the 1990s. Delhi, as the capital city, draws a large number of migrants, which further contributes to its high population density.
Factors Contributing to Population Growth
The study of population growth in India reveals that poverty, poor education, weaknesses in political will, and lack of family planning are significant contributing factors, outweighing economic development. It is not accurate to claim unequivocally that South India is far superior to Northern India. Southerners have been more conscious about family planning and have strictly followed it for nearly four decades, a period during which northern regions neglected family planning measures.
The historical context plays a crucial role in understanding the population dynamics. Centres of economic and cultural activities often experience population growth, and the same is true for the Indo-Gangetic plains, which could support significant populations during the agricultural revolution. The growth in the southern regions of India began much later, coinciding with the modern era of European influence on the West Coast. Currently, the IT revolution has brought about significant growth in southern cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Historical and Economic Factors
Another critical factor is the historical relationship between the north and the British colonial rule. The northern regions played a significant role in expelling English rule and were less inclined toward adopting English values post-independence. This could have hindered their integration with the global world. However, this rejection of English influence was also poorly timed, especially during the critical period of the Green Revolution, which was introduced by states like Punjab, Haryana, North Rajasthan, and Western UP.
During the early post-independence period, industrial towns like Jullundher, Ludhiana, Meerut, Kanpur, Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Amritsar, and others were located in the northern region. The economic activities of these cities have contributed significantly to population growth. Similarly, southern cities are experiencing uncontrolled growth due to increased economic activities in recent times.
In conclusion, the population distribution in India is influenced by a complex interplay of historical, economic, and social factors. While the northern states are currently more densely populated, the southern regions have also seen significant growth due to modern economic activities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for policymakers in crafting effective strategies for sustainable development.