Give a quantitative appraisal of India's demographic profile during the colonial period.
India's demographic profile during the colonial period presents a grim picture, characterised by widespread illiteracy, poor health facilities, high mortality rates, and low life expectancy.
The overall literacy level was less than 16 per cent, with female literacy at a negligible low of about seven per cent. This reflected the colonial administration's neglect of education and social development.
Public health facilities were either unavailable to large sections of the population or highly inadequate where they existed. As a result, water and air-borne diseases were rampant and claimed numerous lives.
The mortality rate was very high, with the infant mortality rate being alarmingly high at about 218 per thousand. Life expectancy was merely 32 years. Extensive poverty prevailed, which further worsened the demographic profile.
Regarding demographic transition, before 1921, India was in the first stage. The second stage began after 1921, which is regarded as the defining year marking this transition. However, at this stage, neither the total population nor the rate of population growth was very high.
Explanation
This answer covers all quantitative aspects of India's demographic profile from the colonial period as mentioned in the textbook context. The key statistics include: literacy level (less than 16%), female literacy (about 7%), infant mortality rate (218 per thousand), and life expectancy (32 years). The answer also mentions the demographic transition with 1921 as the defining year. The format follows the 5-mark long answer pattern with 5 paragraphs and key terms highlighted in bold.