The population history of Berar since 1881 and its potential wider significance

population dynamics of the former British India province of Berar which now forms part of Maharashtra from 1881 to 1981 are analyzed. The paper is divided into four main parts. In the first section we introduce census and registration-based statistics relevant to a consideration of the provinces demographic history since 1881. second section then uses these statistics as a framework within which to introduce additional data sets and to consider key substantive aspects of long-run demographic change. papers third section concentrates on some of the possible wider implications of the results. In our view many of the more general aspects of Berars past demography probably applied throughout much of India. We also maintain that the material considered here may shed light on how some of the countrys current demographic characteristics have been achieved. final section of the paper summarises our main conclusions. (EXCERPT)