Development Policies in India (1947-90)

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was one of the primary benefits of the canal that opened in 1869?

Increased sailing time for ships

Elimination of trade with South Asia

Reduced transportation costs (correct)

Expanded trade routes to America only

What demographic transition stage was India in before 1921?

No demographic transition

Second stage of demographic transition

Third stage of demographic transition

First stage of demographic transition (correct)

What was the estimated infant mortality rate in India before 1921?

218 per thousand (correct)

33 per thousand

69 per thousand

150 per thousand

What was the female literacy rate in India during the colonial period?

7 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue regarding public health facilities during the colonial period in India?

They were unavailable or inadequate for large portions of the population Signup and view all the answers

What was the life expectancy in India before 1921?

32 years Signup and view all the answers

How did the opening of the canal in 1869 affect trade routes?

Facilitated direct trade routes with South Asia and Oceania Signup and view all the answers

What literacy level was prevalent during the colonial period in India?

Less than 16 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant drawback of India's new industrial sector during the colonial period?

It remained limited to a few sectors like railways and power generation. Signup and view all the answers

Which products did India primarily export during the colonial period?

Primary products like raw silk and sugar. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Britain play in India's foreign trade?

Britain maintained a monopoly over India’s exports and imports. Signup and view all the answers

How did the opening of the Suez Canal affect India's foreign trade?

It intensified British control over India's foreign trade. Signup and view all the answers

What argument is presented regarding industries not considered strategic in nature?

They should be privatized due to inefficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major step taken by the Government of India post-independence regarding economic planning?

Announcement of five year plans Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a characteristic of India's foreign trade during the colonial period?

High levels of independence in trade. Signup and view all the answers

How did colonial rule affect the Indian economy before independence?

It caused underdevelopment and stagnation. Signup and view all the answers

What was one objective of the five year plans in India?

To ensure balanced economic development Signup and view all the answers

What sector remained predominantly public during India's colonial industrial development?

Railways and power generation. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Planning Commission play in India’s economic development?

Formulating and implementing five year plans Signup and view all the answers

What was India's role in global trade during ancient times?

It was considered an important trading nation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the saying by Victor Alexander Vruce imply about India's importance to the British Empire?

India was central to the economic viability of the Empire. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Indian economy at the eve of independence?

Weak industrial base and widespread poverty Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects India's economy prior to British rule?

It had a fully independent economic system. Signup and view all the answers

What was one limitation of the planned development approach seen in India post-independence?

High levels of bureaucracy in implementation Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the most significant contributions of the British to India in 1850?

Development of railways Signup and view all the answers

How did the introduction of railways affect the agricultural workforce in certain Indian states?

Enabled people to travel long distances impacting agriculture Signup and view all the answers

Which states experienced an increase in the agricultural workforce despite the railway development?

Orissa, Rajasthan and Punjab Signup and view all the answers

What was a major economic consequence of railway development in India?

Expanded volume of exports without local benefit Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of the railways on Indian village economies?

Adversely affected self-sufficiency Signup and view all the answers

How did the railway system influence cultural barriers in India?

Facilitated long-distance travel and broken barriers Signup and view all the answers

What misconception is associated with the British administration in India?

It was quite beneficial in many ways Signup and view all the answers

What infrastructure improvements accompanied the introduction of railways in colonial India?

Improvements in roads and inland trade Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the workforce did the agricultural sector account for in India at the time of independence?

70-75% Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant problem faced by the population living in rural areas during natural calamities?

Limited transportation infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the roads constructed in India before British colonial rule?

To mobilize the army Signup and view all the answers

Which sector accounted for the smallest share of the workforce in India around the time of independence?

Services sector Signup and view all the answers

What issue contributed to the high mortality rate in India during the period described?

Water and air-borne diseases Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of regional variations in India during the time described?

Uneven impact of famines Signup and view all the answers

What was indicated as a consequence of a large section of India's population lacking basic needs?

Higher levels of poverty Signup and view all the answers

What essential infrastructure was lacking to assist rural populations during the rainy season?

All-weather roads Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of the colonial government's economic policies on India's agricultural sector?

It resulted in stagnation and deterioration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a consequence of Britain's economic interests during its rule in India?

Collapse of traditional handicraft industries. Signup and view all the answers

What was a reason for the high mortality rates among the Indian population during the colonial period?

Frequent natural calamities and famines. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the colonial government to improve infrastructure in India?

To enhance British economic interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition must be understood to appreciate India's post-independence economic development?

The economic conditions before independence. Signup and view all the answers

What was one effect of the systematic de-industrialization by the British in India?

Destruction of traditional craft industries. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the colonial government play in the public health sector during their rule in India?

They made minimal efforts contributing to health facilities. Signup and view all the answers

How did the agricultural sector's status affect the overall economy of India before independence?

It contributed to widespread poverty and dependence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit I: Development Policies and Experience (1947-90)

This unit provides an overview of the Indian economy from the eve of independence to four decades of planned development.
The Indian government established the Planning Commission and implemented five-year plans to guide economic development.
The unit critically assesses the merits and limitations of planned development.
The learners will become familiar with the state of the Indian economy in 1947.
The unit examines the factors contributing to the underdevelopment and stagnation of the Indian economy.

1.1 Introduction

India's economy was drastically altered after British rule ended in 1947.
The British aimed to exploit India's resources for their industrial needs rather than fostering Indian economic development.
The colonial era saw the shift to extracting raw materials and creating a market for British goods.

1.2 Low Level of Economic Development Under Colonial Rule

India had an independent agricultural economy before British rule.
Agriculture dominated employment and livelihoods.
Manufacturing included diverse crafts and industries that had significant international markets and reputation for quality.
India's economy depended on raw materials exporting and importing finished goods, which was detrimental to its economic growth.

1.3 Agricultural Sector

India's economy was largely agrarian before independence.
Around 85% of India's population relied on agriculture for their livelihoods.
The colonial system resulted in a decline of agricultural productivity, largely due to lower yield of cash crops and overall low agricultural investment.

1.4 Industrial Sector

India had a pre-existing handicraft industry, though colonial policies led to its decline.
The British primarily aimed at using India for raw material supply for their industries.
India's industrial sector struggled to develop a robust industrial base due to various exploitative policies.

1.5 Foreign Trade

India was a significant trading nation historically.
Colonial economic policies and preferences damaged India's export and import trade.
India was primarily a raw material exporter and a consumer of finished British products.

1.6 Demographic Condition

Pre-independence population data was incomplete and not the most reliable.
The prevalence of poverty and disease negatively affected population growth and overall health indicators, impacting life expectancies.

1.7 Occupational Structure

Agriculture employed the largest portion of people.
The sector had limited growth and change in the colonial period.
Manufacturing and other industries were underdeveloped.

1.8 Infrastructure

British infrastructure development had specific interests.
The primary motive was to support military goals and resource extraction.
The developmental approach was not always beneficial for common citizens.

1.9 Conclusion

India's economy faced significant challenges post-independence.
The British colonial era had a major impact on economic spheres (agriculture, industrial sector, trade etc.)
The Indian government needed to address the issues of poverty, unemployment, lack of infrastructure and overall economic development.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the evolution of the Indian economy from independence in 1947 to the implementation of planned development policies. It covers the establishment of the Planning Commission, critiques of five-year plans, and economic challenges faced during this period. Test your knowledge of the factors that shaped India's economic landscape post-colonial rule.