In which of the following phases of 20th century, the population growth rate in India found almost stagnant?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 1901–1921 
Explanation:
· The period from 1901 to 1921 is referred to as the phase of stagnant or stationary growth of India's population.
· During this phase, the birth rate and death rate were both very high and almost balanced each other out.
· Factors contributing to high death rates included frequent famines, epidemics (like plague, malaria, and the Spanish Flu), poor health facilities, and wars.
· The year 1921 is considered the "Year of Great Divide" because it marked a shift from this period of near-stagnation to a phase of continuous, although initially slow, population growth. 
Information Booster:
· The population growth rate during 1911-1921 even recorded a negative growth rate due to the impact of the Spanish Flu epidemic, which claimed millions of lives.
· This phase reflects the first stage of the Demographic Transition Model, characterized by high birth rates and high death rates, resulting in low population growth potential.
· After 1921, improvements in health and sanitation began to reduce death rates, leading to subsequent phases of steady and rapid population growth. 
Additional Knowledge: (b) 1921–1951
· This period is characterized as the phase of steady population growth. There was a decline in the mortality rate due to improved health facilities and sanitation, while the birth rate remained high. 
(c) 1951–1981
· This period witnessed a population explosion in India. It was marked by a rapid fall in the mortality rate but a consistently high fertility rate, leading to a significant increase in population growth. 
(d) 1981–2011
· From 1981 onwards, India's population growth rate, although still high, began to show signs of slowing down. This was mainly due to a decline in birth rates, influenced by factors like family planning programs, increased female education, and a desire for a better quality of life.