Question

State and explain any two features which were observed in the demographic profile of India during the British rule.

Answer 1

1. High birth and death rates: During the colonial era, both the birth rate and the death rate were extremely high (approx. 48 and 40 per thousand, respectively). This resulted in a stagnant population growth rate. The high death rate was a direct consequence of widespread poverty, lack of medical facilities, and frequent famines.
2. Low life expectancy and poor literacy: The average life expectancy was alarmingly low, estimated at only 32 to 44 years, compared to the modern average of over 69 years. Furthermore, the overall literacy level was less than 16%, with female literacy as low as 7%. This reflected the severe lack of investment in public health and education by the colonial government.