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Questions and Answers
What was the estimated population of India as per the 1951 census?
What was the estimated population of India as per the 1951 census?
Which year is referred to as the 'Year of Great Divide' in India's demographic history?
Which year is referred to as the 'Year of Great Divide' in India's demographic history?
What was the female illiteracy rate in India at the time of independence?
What was the female illiteracy rate in India at the time of independence?
What was the infant mortality rate in India at the time of independence?
What was the infant mortality rate in India at the time of independence?
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At the time of independence, life expectancy in India was approximately how many years?
At the time of independence, life expectancy in India was approximately how many years?
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Which sector dominated the Indian economy on the eve of independence?
Which sector dominated the Indian economy on the eve of independence?
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What was a significant consequence of the poor health facilities in India at the time of independence?
What was a significant consequence of the poor health facilities in India at the time of independence?
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What influenced high infant mortality rates in India during the pre-independence period?
What influenced high infant mortality rates in India during the pre-independence period?
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Study Notes
Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
- Population Estimates: First population estimates were taken in 1881. A census was done every 10 years, and the 1951 census showed a population of approximately 36.10 crore.
Demographic Transition
- Pre-1921: Death and birth rates were high (40 and 49 per thousand, respectively), leading to a relatively stable population.
- Post-1921: Death rates decreased significantly, while birth rates remained relatively high. This led to a rapid population increase.
Literacy Rates
- Low Literacy: Only 16% of the population was literate at the time of independence, meaning 84% were illiterate.
- High Female Illiteracy: Female illiteracy rate was even higher, reaching 93%.
Health Facilities
- Poor Infrastructure: A significant portion of the population lacked access to adequate healthcare facilities.
- Poor Quality: Even where these facilities were available, their quality was often poor.
- Deadly Diseases: Several deadly diseases were prevalent, with epidemics breaking out frequently.
Infant Mortality
- High Rate: Infant mortality rate was extremely high at 218 per thousand, in stark contrast to the current rate around 32.
- Causes: Lack of proper healthcare, particularly for women and children, and widespread poverty were major contributors.
Life Expectancy
- Low: Life expectancy at birth was only around 44 years at the time of independence.
Poverty
- Widespread: Poverty was widespread throughout India.
- Exact Data Unavailable: Precise estimates of prevalence of poverty at that time aren't available.
- Impact: Poverty was a significant factor contributing to the overall demographic issues of the country.
Three Sectors of the Indian Economy
- Dominant Agriculture: The agricultural sector was the most important sector of the Indian economy at the time of independence.
- Backward Industry: The industrial sector was significantly underdeveloped and not as developed as the other sectors.
- Notable Services: The service sector also played a role, but it was not a significant contributor compared to agriculture.
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Description
Explore the key aspects of the Indian economy on the eve of independence, including population estimates, demographic transitions, and literacy rates. Understand the challenges faced in health facilities and the socio-economic landscape of pre-independence India.
