Indian Economic Development: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

Topics in this chapter

• Colonial Economic Policies
• Agriculture Under Colonial Rule
• Deindustrialisation and Handicrafts
• Modern Industrial Development
• Colonial Trade and Drain
• Colonial Infrastructure and Markets
• Demographic and Occupational Conditions
• Education, Health, and Economic Indicators

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-C3B5D6

   What was the primary economic objective behind the development of railways and other infrastructure by the British in India?

   1. A.To facilitate the movement of raw materials to ports and finished British goods into Indian markets
   2. B.To promote balanced industrialisation in all regions of India
   3. C.To provide free transport facilities to Indian farmers
   4. D.To reduce India's dependence on foreign trade
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-5B20DD

   Which feature best describes the occupational structure of India on the eve of independence?

   1. A.A majority of the population was engaged in agriculture, with very limited employment in manufacturing and services
   2. B.Most workers were employed in modern industries and organised services
   3. C.Agriculture had become a minor occupation because of rapid industrialisation
   4. D.The workforce was evenly distributed among agriculture, manufacturing and services
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-142B46

   Which combination most accurately reflects the pattern of India's foreign trade under British rule?

   1. A.India mainly exported manufactured goods and imported raw materials
   2. B.India exported primary products and raw materials while importing manufactured consumer goods
   3. C.India's foreign trade was completely stopped to protect domestic industries
   4. D.India imported mainly agricultural products and exported industrial machinery
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-AFEC28

   Why did Indian agriculture remain stagnant on the eve of independence?

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-8CB71F

   Which combination best describes the demographic condition of India on the eve of independence?

   1. A.High birth rate, high death rate, low literacy and low life expectancy
   2. B.Low birth rate, low death rate, high literacy and high life expectancy
   3. C.High birth rate, low death rate, high literacy and high life expectancy
   4. D.Low birth rate, high death rate, low literacy and high life expectancy
   See the answer and solution