UPSC Prelims 1996·GS1·geography·human and economic geography

As per the 1991 Census, the average size of households in terms of number of persons per household in respect of the given states follows the sequence (highest first, lowest last).

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  1. AHaryana, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
  2. BUttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, KeralaCorrect
  3. CGujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
  4. DUttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala

Explanation

The correct answer is B because it reflects the demographic transition patterns in India as recorded in the 1991 Census. During that period, northern and eastern states generally had higher fertility rates leading to larger family sizes, while southern states had progressed further in family planning. In the 1991 Census data, Uttar Pradesh had the highest average household size among the options, exceeding 6 persons per household. West Bengal followed with a slightly lower average. Gujarat occupied a middle position, while Kerala had the lowest average household size among these states due to its early success in education, healthcare, and population control measures. Therefore, the sequence Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala correctly ranks them from the highest to the lowest average household size.
geography: As per the 1991 Census, the average size of households in terms of number of persons per household in respect of the giv

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