With regard to population trends in India, which one of the following years is known as the Year of the Great Divide, after which there has been continuous and rapid growth in the population of India?

Introduction / Context:
Demographic history of India is often described using key milestones identified in the decadal census data. One of the best known milestones is the Year of the Great Divide. This label refers to the census year after which the population of India began to grow rapidly and continuously, instead of fluctuating around a relatively stable level. The question checks whether you can correctly identify this special year from the given options.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about population growth patterns as recorded by the Census of India.
• We are given four possible census years: 1911, 1921, 1941, and 1951.
• The phrase Year of the Great Divide refers to the year when the demographic trend changed from stagnation to sustained growth.
• We assume standard demographic classification used in Indian population studies.

Concept / Approach:
Before 1921, the population of India showed a pattern of slow growth with major fluctuations due to famines, epidemics, and wars. The census of 1921 actually recorded a decline in population compared to the previous decade. After 1921, however, each census recorded an increase in population, reflecting the beginning of a phase of continuous and more rapid growth. Because of this sharp change in trend, demographers call 1921 the Year of the Great Divide in the population history of India.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that census operations in India have been conducted every ten years since 1872 on a modern basis.Step 2: Examine the trend before 1921, which was one of quasi stability, with some decades showing only small increases in population.Step 3: Note that the census of 1921 actually recorded a slight decline in population, making it unique.Step 4: After 1921, every subsequent census recorded a substantial increase in population, due to improvements in health, reduction in mortality, and other factors.Step 5: Because 1921 marks a dividing line between stagnant population and continuous growth, it is labelled the Year of the Great Divide.Step 6: Therefore, among the options given, 1921 is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Demographic textbooks and exam preparation guides refer to 1921 explicitly as the Year of the Great Divide. They often present a table of census figures showing pre 1921 fluctuations and post 1921 continuous growth. No other census year carries this specific label. This repeated emphasis in standard sources confirms that 1921 is the correct year to select.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1911: This is an earlier census year that still falls within the stagnation phase and does not mark the turning point.

1941: By this time the phase of rapid growth had already begun; 1941 is not the first year of the new trend.

1951: This census reflects continued growth after independence, but it does not mark the initial divide between stagnation and growth.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the Year of the Great Divide with other labels, such as the Year of Small Increase or the Year of Population Explosion. Others think that the divide must have occurred after independence and therefore choose 1951. Remembering that the critical turning point actually occurred in 1921 helps answer related questions accurately.

Final Answer:
The Year of the Great Divide in India's population history is 1921.