Development of Population Studies in India

The population studies in India has been closely associated with the basis of social development in the larger story of India’s history. Demography, or the study of population, has been essential to comprehending the trends of the India’s growth. There has been a notable transformation in the study of India’s demographic environment from before independence to the present.

Here, we set out on a historical trip that explores the development of population studies in India. It highlights how important demography is in determining strategies and policies. We investigate the historical turning points of the National Sample Survey, committees, Indian Population Conferences, and Indian demographic centres. Find out more about how these elements benefited the “demography” and “population” investigations.

Population studies, Pre-Independence India:

Arthashastra (300 BC):

1. This ancient treatise Kautilya authored, also known as Chanakya
2.  provides detailed descriptions of methods for conducting censuses of population, economic activity, and agriculture.
3. It highlights the importance of data collection for effective governance and administration.

Ain-i-Akbari (16th century):

1. Compiled by Abul Fazl during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar,
2. This comprehensive document contains valuable demographic information about the Mughal Empire.
3.  It includes data on population size, religious composition, occupations, and land revenue.

Poplation studies, British India:

• Decennial Census System (1872): The British Raj established a system of regular decennial censuses in 1872. He marked a significant shift in data collection practices. These censuses provided detailed information on population size, age, sex, religion, caste, occupation, and literacy.
• Kingsley Davis and ‘The Population of India and Pakistan (1951). It was Based on data from the decennial censuses conducted between 1872 and 1941. American demographer Kingsley Davis published his seminal work, “The Population of India and Pakistan.” This book offered valuable insights into population trends, fertility patterns, and the impact of colonial policies on demographics.

Population in the Pages of an Empire: The Imperial Gazettee and India’s Demographic Discourse

The Imperial Gazettee, first published in 1882 under the title “The Indian Empire, Its History, People, and Products,”. It stands as a historical treasure trove chronicling India’s multifaceted landscape. The revised editions was in 1907 and 1909. With a remarkable 26 volumes, delve into the intricate tapestry of the subcontinent’s past. Amidst the wealth of information, the Gazettee played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on India’s population dynamics.

Early Insights by PK Wattal

In 1916, PK Wattal, a perceptive thinker, laid the foundation for discussions on India’s burgeoning population problem. His seminal work, “Population Problem in India,” addressed the pressing concerns of the time. A subsequent edition in 1933 reflected the evolving demographic landscape.

Indian Population Conference

• The first Indian Population Conference, convened in 1936 under the auspices of the University of Lucknow, marked a watershed moment. It provided a platform to analyze and project the future growth of India’s population. Insights from this conference set the stage for subsequent deliberations.
• Building upon the momentum of the Lucknow conference, the second All India Conference in 1938, held in Bombay. The conference delved deeper into population issues.
• Enid Charles, in her work “Twilight of Parenthood” (1936), noted the slow but steady increase in India’s population.
• Dr. KCKE Raja contested this view. He asserted that the rate of growth in the coming decade (1931-41) would surpass the preceding one.
• In 1938, Dr. Radhakamal Mukerjee’s “Food Planning for Four Hundred Million” emphasized the critical intersection of population and food resources.
• Gyan Chand’s subsequent work, “India’s Teeming Million” (1939), continued the exploration of this complex relationship, adding depth to the discourse.
• Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, the Indian National Congress established the National Planning Committee in 1938. It was under the chairmanship of Jawaharlal Nehru. This committee focused on studying issues such as food supply, nutrition, social reform, unemployment, and social welfare.

Government Initiatives and Committees

• The government’s growing concern prompted the establishment of the Population Data Committee in 1944. Chaired by WM Yeats, Sir Theodore Gregory, Prof. PC Mahalanobis, KB Madhava, and Dr. KCKE Raja. This committee played a pivotal role in shaping policies.
• In 1946, the Health Survey and Development Committee is commonly known as the Bhore Committee. It was instituted to examine health conditions in India comprehensively.

Post-Independence Development

• The 1951 census, masterminded by the eminent demographer R.A. Gopalaswamy, played a pivotal role in comprehending the changes in the size and structure of the Indian population.
• Gopalaswamy introduced the rural urban dichotomy in census tabulations.
• The insights garnered from the 1951 census underscored the implications of the changing size and structure of the Indian population. The rural-urban dichotomy facilitated a deeper understanding of the distribution of population across different regions.
• Building upon the insights gleaned from the 1951 census, India took a groundbreaking step in 1952 by launching the National Family Planning Programme. This initiative marked India as the first country in the world to implement a comprehensive national family planning program.

The National Sample Survey

• The National Sample Survey (NSS) stands as a stalwart in India’s statistical landscape, tracing its roots back to 1949.
• NSS embarked on a crucial mission: to provide accurate and unbiased data on India’s diverse population and socio-economic realities.
• It all began in the 14th round of the survey, conducted during the pivotal years of 1958-59. It was then that the NSS, with its meticulous sampling techniques and rigorous data collection methods, started shedding light on the vital parameters of India’s population growth – the birth and death rates.
• It led to the formulation of targeted population control policies, including family planning initiatives and healthcare interventions.
• Its surveys not only track birth and death rates but also delve into critical aspects like fertility patterns, child mortality, internal migration, and aging trends.

Early Field Surveys

The realm of demographic studies has long been an essential component in understanding the dynamics of human populations. One notable milestone in this domain is the Mysore Population Study conducted during the years 1952-53. Sponsored by both the United Nations and the Government of India, this early field survey aimed to delve into the intricacies of fertility and mortality.

In the post-independence era, as nations were grappling with the challenges of development and planning, understanding population dynamics became crucial. The Mysore Population Study emerged against this backdrop, seeking to unravel the demographic patterns of the time. The collaboration between the United Nations and the Indian government underscored the global significance of such research in shaping policies for sustainable development.

Professors V.M. Dandekar and Kumudini Dandekar employed a rigorous and comprehensive methodology in conducting the field survey. Nashik, a city with a diverse demographic characteristics, served as the backdrop for this pioneering study.

Demographic Centres

• 1956 – The central Family Planning Board : They appointed a subcommittee on Demographic studies under the chairmanship of Dr.V K R V Rao, established 4 demographic research centres.
• 1956- Demographic Training Research centre ( International Institute of population studies) established in Bombay.
• 1957 – Demographic Research Centre in Culcutta, Delhi, Trivandrum.
• 1960 – at Dharwar.

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