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The NCERT Class 11 Indian Economic Development Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence examines the state of the Indian economy under British colonial rule. It examines the economic policies, agricultural stagnation, deindustrialisation, and demographic trends that influenced India’s economy prior to independence in 1947. The chapter highlights the challenges faced by the Indian economy and the impact of colonial policies. These NCERT solutions provide clear, concise, and CBSE-aligned answers to help students prepare effectively for exams.
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NCERT Solutions Class 11 Indian Economic Development Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
This section provides detailed and student-friendly answers for the Class 11 Indian Economic Development Chapter 1 exercise questions. Each answer is explained clearly to strengthen understanding and exam preparation.
Exercise
(Answer in Brief)
- What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
The colonial government’s economic policies in India focused on exploiting resources for British economic interests. These included promoting cash crops for export, extracting high land revenue, and neglecting Indian industries to favour British goods. The impacts were severe: agricultural stagnation due to exploitative land revenue systems, de-industrialisation of traditional handicrafts, and economic drain through heavy taxation and wealth transfer to Britain. These policies left India’s economy underdeveloped, with widespread poverty and limited industrial growth.\
- Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period.
Notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period include Dadabhai Naoroji, William Digby, Findlay Shirras, V.K.R.V. Rao, and R.C. Desai. Their estimates highlighted the low and stagnant per capita income, reflecting the economic exploitation under British rule.
- What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
The main causes of agricultural stagnation included:
- Exploitative land revenue systems (Zamindari, Ryotwari, Mahalwari) that burdened farmers with high taxes.
- Lack of investment in irrigation and agricultural technology.
- Forced cultivation of cash crops like indigo and cotton for British markets reduced food crop production.
- Frequent famines and neglect of rural infrastructure.
These factors led to low productivity, indebtedness, and widespread poverty among farmers.
- Name some modern industries which were in operation in our country at the time of independence.
At the time of independence, modern industries in India included:
- Cotton textile mills
- Jute mills
- Iron and steel industries (e.g., Tata Iron and Steel Company)
- Sugar industries
- Paper and cement industries
These industries were limited in scale and concentrated in a few regions.
- What was the two-fold motive behind the systematic de-industrialisation effected by the British in pre-independent India?
The British pursued systematic de-industrialisation with a two-fold motive:
- To make India a supplier of raw materials (e.g., cotton, jute) for British industries.
- To ensure India remained a market for British-manufactured goods, the British suppressed local industries like textiles and handicrafts.
This policy destroyed traditional industries, increased unemployment, and deepened India’s economic dependence on Britain.
- The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Yes, I agree that traditional handicraft industries were ruined under British rule. Reasons include:
- British policies favoured imported manufactured goods, which were cheaper due to industrial production.
- Heavy tariffs and restrictions on Indian goods reduced their competitiveness.
- The decline of princely courts and local patronage diminished demand for handicrafts.
- Forced de-industrialisation turned India into a supplier of raw materials, leading to the collapse of industries like textiles, metalwork, and pottery, causing widespread unemployment.
- What objectives did the British intend to achieve through their policies of infrastructure development in India?
The British developed infrastructure like railways, roads, and telegraph systems with the following objectives:
- To facilitate the transport of raw materials (e.g., cotton, jute) from India to British ports for export.
- To ensure the efficient movement of British goods into Indian markets.
- To strengthen administrative control and military mobility across India.
- To maximise revenue collection through better connectivity.
These developments primarily served colonial interests, with little benefit to the Indian population.
- Critically appraise some of the shortfalls of the industrial policy pursued by the British colonial administration.
The British industrial policy had several shortfalls:
- It neglected the development of Indian industries, focusing on British industrial interests.
- Heavy industries like machinery and engineering were underdeveloped, limiting technological progress.
- Indian industries faced discriminatory tariffs and competition from British goods.
- Lack of investment in education and technical training hindered industrial growth.
- The policy led to de-industrialisation, destroying traditional handicrafts and causing unemployment.
As a result, India’s industrial sector remained weak and dependent at the time of independence.
- What do you understand by the drain of Indian wealth during the colonial period?
The drain of Indian wealth refers to the systematic transfer of India’s resources and wealth to Britain during colonial rule. This occurred through:
- Heavy land revenue and taxes were extracted from Indians.
- Export of raw materials at low prices and import of expensive British goods.
- Salaries and pensions paid to British officials in India, remitted to Britain.
- Profits from British companies operating in India.
This drain impoverished India, reduced capital for local development, and enriched Britain.
- Which is regarded as the defining year to mark the demographic transition from its first to the second decisive stage?
The year 1921 is regarded as the defining year marking India’s demographic transition from the first stage (high birth and death rates) to the second stage (high birth rates but declining death rates), leading to population growth.
- Give a quantitative appraisal of India’s demographic profile during the colonial period.
India’s demographic profile during the colonial period included:
- High birth and death rates, with life expectancy around 32 years.
- Population growth was slow until 1921, after which it increased due to declining death rates.
- Frequent famines and epidemics (e.g., plague, influenza) caused high mortality.
- Low literacy rates, with less than 16% of the population literate.
- Poor healthcare and sanitation facilities contributed to high infant mortality and low life expectancy.
- Highlight the salient features of India’s pre-independence occupational structure.
The salient features of India’s pre-independence occupational structure were:
- Dominance of agriculture, with over 70–75% of the population engaged in farming.
- Limited industrialisation, with only 10–15% employed in manufacturing and handicrafts.
- A small proportion (less than 10%) worked in services, trade, and administration.
- Regional variations, with some areas having higher dependence on non-agricultural activities.
- Lack of occupational mobility due to the rigid caste system and colonial policies.
- Underline some of India’s most crucial economic challenges at the time of independence.
India’s crucial economic challenges at independence included:
- Widespread poverty and low per capita income due to colonial exploitation.
- Agricultural stagnation, with low productivity and dependence on monsoon rains.
- De-industrialisation, leading to the collapse of traditional industries and limited modern industries.
- Poor infrastructure, with limited benefits for the general population.
- Low literacy and a lack of skilled human resources.
- Economic dependence on Britain due to the drain of wealth and trade imbalances.
- When was India’s first official census operation undertaken?
India’s first official census operation was undertaken in 1881 during British rule. It provided a systematic record of the population, marking the beginning of organised demographic data collection in India, which helped in understanding the country’s social and economic profile under colonial administration.
- Indicate the volume and direction of trade at the time of independence.
At the time of independence:
- India’s foreign trade was heavily oriented towards Britain, which accounted for a significant share of exports and imports.
- Exports primarily consisted of raw materials like cotton, jute, and tea.
- Imports included manufactured goods like textiles, machinery, and metal products from Britain.
- The volume of trade was limited, and India had an unfavourable balance of trade due to the import of expensive finished goods and export of cheap raw materials.
- Were there any positive contributions made by the British in India? Discuss.
Yes, the British made some positive contributions, though their primary motive was colonial interest:
- Infrastructure Development: Railways, roads, and telegraph systems improved connectivity, facilitating trade and communication, though mainly for British benefit.
- Legal and Administrative Systems: Introduction of modern legal frameworks, such as property rights, and a unified administrative system, provided some stability.
- Education: The Establishment of modern schools and colleges introduced Western education, fostering a class of educated Indians who later led the independence movement.
- Census and Data Collection: The first census in 1881 provided valuable demographic data.
However, these contributions were limited in scope, primarily served colonial interests, and did not significantly improve the welfare of the Indian population.
Also Read: CBSE Class 10 Economics Chapter 1 NCERT Solutions
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