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Questions and Answers
What was the impact of the British exploitation on the Indian agricultural sector?
What was the impact of the British exploitation on the Indian agricultural sector?
How did the British exploitation affect the industrial sector in India?
How did the British exploitation affect the industrial sector in India?
What was the aim of encouraging the export of raw materials from India by the British?
What was the aim of encouraging the export of raw materials from India by the British?
Why did the British encourage the import of British goods into India?
Why did the British encourage the import of British goods into India?
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How did India's foreign trade get restructured under British rule?
How did India's foreign trade get restructured under British rule?
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What was the overall state of the Indian economy on the eve of independence?
What was the overall state of the Indian economy on the eve of independence?
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What was the per capita income of India in 1947-48?
What was the per capita income of India in 1947-48?
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Why did the agricultural sector in India have a low contribution to GDP?
Why did the agricultural sector in India have a low contribution to GDP?
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What was the condition of small-scale and cottage industries in India by the time of independence?
What was the condition of small-scale and cottage industries in India by the time of independence?
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Why was India heavily dependent on imports for machinery and related equipment?
Why was India heavily dependent on imports for machinery and related equipment?
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What percentage of India's population lived in urban areas at the time of independence?
What percentage of India's population lived in urban areas at the time of independence?
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What type of economy was India described as on the eve of independence?
What type of economy was India described as on the eve of independence?
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Study Notes
Impact on Indian Agricultural Sector
- British exploitation led to decreased agricultural productivity due to focus on cash crops over food grains.
- Imposition of land revenue systems caused farmer indebtedness and increased rural poverty.
- Traditional farming practices were disrupted, leading to land degradation and loss of local knowledge.
Effect on Industrial Sector
- British policies favored the import of British manufactured goods, stifling local industries and craftsmanship.
- Deindustrialization occurred, with many traditional industries like textiles facing decline due to competition from British imports.
- Raw materials were extracted for the benefit of British industries, limiting local industrial development.
Aim of Exporting Raw Materials
- The British aimed to secure raw materials for their industries, ensuring profitable trade routes.
- Targeted exports included cotton, jute, and tea, which would support British manufacturing and consumption.
Encouragement of British Goods
- British authorities promoted imports to create a market saturation of British products, undermining Indian goods.
- The strategy aimed to ensure economic dependence on British goods, which solidified colonial control over the Indian economy.
Restructuring of Foreign Trade
- Trade patterns shifted to favor British economic interests, with a focus on exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
- India’s foreign trade became one-way, primarily benefiting British industries at the expense of Indian economic autonomy.
State of Indian Economy at Independence
- The Indian economy was primarily agrarian, with minimal industrialization due to colonial policies.
- Limited infrastructure and investment led to widespread poverty and economic disparity among regions.
Per Capita Income in 1947-48
- India’s per capita income in 1947-48 was approximately $50, reflecting the economic distress under colonial rule.
Low Contribution of Agriculture to GDP
- Agricultural sector contributed a low percentage to GDP due to the focus on cash crops and neglect of food security.
- Inefficient farming techniques and lack of modern technology further constrained agricultural growth.
Condition of Small-Scale and Cottage Industries
- Small-scale and cottage industries were severely impacted by colonial policies, leading to a decline in livelihoods for many artisans.
- By independence, many traditional crafts faced extinction, and employment opportunities in this sector diminished.
Dependence on Imports for Machinery
- Heavy dependence on imports for machinery related to industry arose from a lack of domestic manufacturing capabilities.
- British policies discouraged local production, resulting in an industrial vacuum that necessitated importing technology from Britain.
Urban Population Percentage at Independence
- At the time of independence, around 15% of India's population lived in urban areas, indicating a predominantly rural society.
Description of India's Economy at Independence
- India's economy was described as stagnant and underdeveloped, characterized by agrarian dependency and lack of industrialization.
- The economy faced significant challenges, including high levels of poverty and limited access to resources and technology.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the exploitation of the Indian economy during the British colonial rule. Learn about how the agricultural and industrial sectors were impacted and understand the changes in foreign trade policies.
