The decades_______ are referred to as the period of population explosion in India.

The correc answer is from 1951 to 1981.

Key Points

• The decades 1951-1981 (Phase III) are referred to as the period of population explosion in India.
• It was caused by a rapid fall in the mortality rate but a high fertility rate of the population in the country.
• The average annual growth rate was as high as 2.2 percent.
• It is in this period, after the Independence, that developmental activities were introduced through a centralized planning process and the economy started showing up ensuring the improvement of the living conditions of people at large.
• Consequently, there was a high natural increase and a higher growth rate.

Additional Information 

• India is the second-most populous country after China in the world.
• Phase I :
  • The period from 1901-1921 is referred to as a period of the stagnant or stationary phase of growth of India’s population.
  • In this period growth rate was very low, even recording a negative growth rate during 1911-1921.
• Phase II :
  • The decades 1921-1951 are referred to as the period of steady population growth.
  • An overall improvement in health and sanitation throughout the country brought down the mortality rate.
• Phase IV :
  • Post-1981 till present, the growth rate of the country’s population though remained high, has started slowing down gradually.

Note - At present, India has overtaken China as the world's most populous country,