India’s population growth during the 29th century can be classified into four distinct phases. Match List I (Period) with List II (Phase) and select the correct answer using the using the codes given below the lists

(Period) | (Phase)
A. 1901-21 | 1. Steady growth
B. 1921-51 | 2. Rapid high growth
C. 1951-81 | 3. Stagnant growth
D. 1981-2001 | 4. High growth with definite signs of slowdown

The correct answer is Option 3 (A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4). India’s demographic history is categorized into four distinct stages based on growth rates:

• A-3 (1901–1921): Period of Stagnant Growth. High birth rates were offset by high death rates due to poor medical facilities, famines, and epidemics (like the 1918 influenza). 1911–1921 even recorded a negative growth rate.
• B-1 (1921–1951): Period of Steady Growth. Improvements in sanitation and food distribution led to a decline in mortality rates, while birth rates remained high. 1921 is known as the "Great Divide."
• C-2 (1951–1981): Period of Rapid High Growth. This "population explosion" was driven by centralized planning, improved healthcare, and a steep fall in death rates alongside high fertility.
• D-4 (1981–2001): High Growth with Signs of Slowdown. While the population continued to increase, the mean growth rate began to decline due to increased literacy and successful family planning initiatives.

Other options are incorrect because they misalign these historically established demographic phases.