SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 9

SSC Selection Post - Graduation Level - 29th August 2025 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q9

Read the following two statements carefully and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: India experienced a negative population growth rate between 1911 and 1921.
Statement 2: The influenza epidemic of 1918-19 caused widespread deaths during that period.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

Correct Answer
Both 1 and 2 are correct

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because India recorded a negative population growth rate during the decade 1911–1921. This was mainly due to a high death rate caused by widespread epidemics and adverse conditions during that period.

Statement 2 is also correct because the influenza epidemic of 1918–19 (Spanish Flu) led to a large number of deaths in India, significantly affecting the population growth during that decade.

Key Points
• India had negative population growth during 1911–1921.
• The 1918–19 Spanish Flu was a major contributing factor.
• Lack of medical facilities led to high mortality rates.
• This is an important phase in India’s demographic history.

Additional Facts
• The year 1921 is often referred to as the “Year of Epidemics” in India’s census history.
• This decade is known as the “epidemic period” in demographic studies.
• Population growth improved steadily after this period.

Important Questions
Q: In which decade did India record negative population growth?
Ans: 1911–1921

Q: What was the 1918–19 epidemic called?
Ans: Spanish Flu