Colonial Agricultural Policies in India

The system of land ownership in British India where large landowners (zamindars) collected rent from cultivators, but were not obligated to improve the land.

The practice of growing crops primarily for sale in the market, rather than for self-consumption.

The practice of dividing land into smaller units and then allocating these units to individual cultivators for farming.

A decline or stagnation in the growth of agricultural production, typically marked by low yields and limited improvements.

The measures or arrangements put in place by the colonial government to collect revenue from cultivators.

The total amount of land under cultivation in a particular area.

The process of increasing the amount of land used for agriculture.

The overall productivity of agricultural land, measured by the amount of output (crops) per unit of land.

The economic policies implemented by the British colonial government primarily served the interests of their home country, Great Britain, rather than focusing on the development of the Indian economy.

India's economic structure before independence was rooted in its historical development, particularly under British rule. This period significantly shaped how India's economy would evolve.

India's economy before independence relied heavily on agriculture, providing livelihoods for most people. However, it also included various manufacturing activities, especially handicrafts.

Traditional Indian handicrafts, like cotton and silk textiles, metalwork, and precious stone crafts, gained global recognition for their high quality and skilled craftsmanship.

The fine quality of materials and skilled craftsmanship in Indian handicrafts made them popular worldwide, creating a significant market for these products.

The British colonial government's economic policies aimed to convert India into a supplier of raw materials for Great Britain's industries, rather than encouraging self-sufficiency.

Muslin, a type of cotton textile, originated in Bengal, particularly around Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). 'Daccai Muslin' gained worldwide fame for its exquisite quality.

The finest variety of muslin was called 'malmal', sometimes referred to as 'malmal shahi' or 'malmal khas', implying its use by, or suitability for, royalty.

The process of intentionally hindering the development of a modern industrial base in a country.

Industries that produce machinery and tools used to make other goods.

The decline of traditional and handcrafted industries, often due to competition from machines.

A company established in 1907 to produce iron and steel in India, marking a significant step towards industrialization.

The region in India where many textile mills were established under British rule, mainly owned by Indians.

The region in India where jute mills, predominantly owned by foreigners, thrived during British rule.

The main motivation of the British colonial government was to make India a supplier of raw materials to Britain and a market for British manufactured goods.

The time period after World War II saw the emergence of industries like sugar, cement, and paper in India.

A waterway built to connect two bodies of water, often used for transportation and trade.

The process of developing and improving the infrastructure of a country, such as roads, railways, and communication systems.

A system of communication using wires or cables to transmit messages over long distances.

A system of delivering mail and packages to different locations.

The act of buying and selling goods and services between different countries.

The state of having a large number of people who are willing and able to work but are unable to find jobs.

The condition of being extremely poor, lacking basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare.

The amount of goods or services that can be produced with a given amount of resources.

A situation where a large number of people suffer from hunger and starvation due to a shortage of food.

The percentage of people working in different industries, like agriculture, manufacturing and services.

When large numbers of people die, especially due to disease or famine.

Diseases spread through contaminated water or air, like cholera or typhoid.

The main aim or purpose behind an action or development.

Roads built primarily to serve the needs of the military and transport raw materials for export.

The lack of enough all-weather roads to reach people in rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.

A major problem or hardship faced by people in a particular situation or region.

The British aimed to improve transportation and communication in India, primarily to facilitate the movement of goods and troops, and to strengthen their control and exploit resources more effectively.

While the British claimed to promote industrialization, their policies actually hindered the development of indigenous industries and favored their own interests. They restricted Indian industries, provided preferential treatment to British goods, and discouraged innovation.

The drain of wealth refers to the systematic transfer of resources from India to Britain during colonial rule. This included profits from trade, taxation, salaries of British officials, and the cost of maintaining the colonial administration.

The year 1921 is considered the turning point in India's demographic transition. It marks the beginning of the second stage, characterized by a decline in mortality rates due to improvements in sanitation and healthcare, leading to a rapid population growth.

During the colonial period, India's population experienced significant growth. The population increased from roughly 200 million in 1800 to around 361 million in 1947. This increase was primarily due to declining mortality rates.

Prior to India's independence, the majority of the workforce was engaged in agriculture. Other major occupations included small-scale industries, trade, and services. The occupational structure was largely agrarian, reflecting the country's primarily agricultural economy.

At the time of independence, India faced several economic challenges, including widespread poverty, low agricultural productivity, a limited industrial base, high unemployment, and a weak infrastructure, leaving the country in a state of development backwardness.

India's first official census operation was conducted in 1872. This census was a significant step in understanding the country's population and demographics, providing valuable data for governance and policy-making.