What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
The economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India were concerned more with the protection and promotion of the economic interests of their home country rather than with the development of the Indian economy.
Thus, at the time of independence in 1947, India was a poor and underdeveloped country. At that time, agriculture was in a poor condition and mineral resources were not fully used. There were only a few industries and many of the cottage and small-scale industries had declined under the British rule. Millions of people were unemployed, not because they were unwilling to work but because there were no jobs to be found. The per capita income of Indians was one of the lowest in the world, indicating that the average Indian was extremly poor and could not afford even the basic necessities of life. For instance, the staple food of average Indian consisted of rice, wheat and millets (like jowar and bajra). Most Indians could not afford to buy nutritious and balanced diet. The vast majority of people in India led a miserable life.
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period.
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
Which is regarded as the defining year to mark the demographic transition from its first to the second decisive stage?
Give a quantitative appraisal of India’s demographic profile during the colonial period.
What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
Critically appraise some of the shortfalls of the industrial policy pursued by the British. colonial administration.
Name some modem industries which were in operation in our country at the time of independence.
Underscore some of India’s most crucial economic challenges at the time of independence.
The traditional handicraft industries were mined under the British mle. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
What was the two-fold motive behind the systematic de-industrialisation effected by the British in pre-independent India?
What objectives did the British intend to achieve through their policies of infrastructure development in India?