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Demographic Condition

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Estimated time: 10 minutes
CBSE: Class 12

Population Growth

  • India conducted censuses regularly from 1881 onwards.
  • Population growth was uneven during the colonial period.
  • Before 1921: India was in the first stage of demographic transition — population growth was very low.
  • After 1921: India moved into the second stage of demographic transition — population began to grow at a faster rate.
CBSE: Class 12

Literacy

  • Overall literacy rate was less than 16%.
  • Female literacy rate was as low as about 7%.
CBSE: Class 12

Health and Life Expectancy

  • Public health facilities were poor and inadequate.
  • Water-borne and air-borne diseases were widespread.
  • Infant mortality rate: 218 per thousand (present level: 28 per thousand).
  • Life expectancy at birth: 32 years (present level: 69 years).
CBSE: Class 12

Then vs Now

Indicator Colonial Period Present
Infant Mortality Rate 218 per thousand 28 per thousand
Life Expectancy 32 years 69 years
Overall Literacy Less than 16%
Female Literacy About 7%
CBSE: Class 12

Key Points: Demographic Condition

  • Census data available from 1881 onwards; population growth was uneven.
  • India was in the first stage of demographic transition before 1921.
  • After 1921, India entered the second stage with faster population growth.
  • Literacy was critically low — under 16% overall, ~7% for females.
  • Public health was poor; water-borne and air-borne diseases were rampant.
  • Infant mortality stood at 218 per thousand; life expectancy was only 32 years.
  • Extensive poverty during colonial rule was the root cause of the poor demographic profile.
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