This page contains the NCERT Economics class 11 chapter 1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence from Unit I Development Policies and Experience (1947-90), Finance and Trade. You can find the solutions for the chapter 1 of NCERT class 11 Economics, for the Short Answer Questions, Long Answer Questions and Projects/Assignments Questions in this page. So is the case if you are looking for NCERT class 11 Economics related topic Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence question and answers.
EXERCISES
1. What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
Focus of Economic Policies pursued by the cononial government in India:
The economic policies of the colonial government in India were primarily designed to serve the economic interests of Britain. The colonial rulers aimed to transform India into a supplier of raw materials for Britain’s rapidly expanding industrial base and a consumer of finished industrial products from Britain. This strategic approach brought about a significant change in the structure of the Indian economy, aligning it more with the economic interests of the colonial power than with the developmental needs of India.
Impacts of These Policies:
1.
Agricultural Sector: The sector was characterized by surplus labor and extremely low productivity. The policies led to the commercialization of agriculture, which adversely affected the self-sufficiency of village economies and resulted in a dependency on cash crops.
2.
Industrial Sector: The sector was crying out for modernization, diversification, and increased public investment. The colonial policies systematically deindustrialized India, leading to the decline of traditional handicraft industries and a lack of development in modern industries.
3.
Foreign Trade: The trade policies were oriented to feed the Industrial Revolution in Britain, leading to a scenario where India became an exporter of primary products and an importer of finished goods from Britain. This resulted in a significant export surplus, but it came at a huge cost to the Indian economy.
4.
Infrastructure: While there was some development in infrastructure, such as railways, ports, and telegraphs, it was primarily aimed at serving colonial interests, such as mobilizing the army and transporting raw materials to ports for export. The needs of the Indian people were largely ignored.
5.
Social and Economic Challenges: The policies led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic amenities. The Indian economy was left with enormous social and economic challenges that required immediate attention and welfare-oriented public economic policies.
2. Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period.
During the colonial period in India, several economists made attempts to estimate the country’s per capita income. Some of the notable economists involved in this task were:
1.
Dadabhai Naoroji: He was one of the earliest economists to initiate the discourse on India’s economic condition under British rule.
2.
William Digby: He contributed to the economic discussions and estimations of India’s financial state during the colonial era.
3.
Findlay Shirras: His work also played a role in understanding and estimating India’s economic conditions.
4.
V.K.R.V. Rao: He was particularly significant in this context, as his estimates during the colonial period were considered very important and impactful.
5.
R.C. Desai: He also made contributions to the economic estimations of India’s per capita income during this time.
These economists played a crucial role in providing a quantitative assessment of India’s economic situation, helping to shed light on the impacts of colonial policies.
3. What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
The agricultural sector in India during the colonial period experienced stagnation and occasional deterioration due to various reasons:
1.
Land Settlement Systems: The introduction of various systems of land settlement, particularly the zamindari system in the Bengal Presidency, was a major cause. In this system, the profits from agriculture went to the zamindars (landlords) instead of the cultivators. The zamindars were more interested in collecting rent regardless of the cultivators’ economic conditions, leading to immense misery and social tension.
2.
Lack of Investment: There was a lack of investment in agriculture. The sector was starved of investment in essential areas such as terracing, flood control, drainage, and soil desalinisation.
3.
Low Levels of Technology: The agriculture sector suffered due to low levels of technology, lack of irrigation facilities, and negligible use of fertilisers, all of which contributed to low agricultural productivity.
4.
Commercialisation of Agriculture: The commercialisation of agriculture, driven by colonial interests, led to a shift in cropping patterns. Farmers were encouraged to grow cash crops for export instead of food crops for local consumption. This shift did not improve the economic condition of farmers and left them vulnerable.
5.
Neglect of Food Crops: The focus on cash crops for export led to the neglect of food crops, which was detrimental to the self-sufficiency of village economies and the well-being of the local population.
4. Name some modern industries which were in operation in our country at the time of independence.
At the time of independence, India had begun to develop a base in modern industry. Some of the modern industries that were in operation included:
1.
Cotton Textile Mills: These were primarily dominated by Indians and were mainly located in the western parts of the country, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
2.
Jute Mills: These were mainly dominated by foreigners and were concentrated in Bengal.
3.
Iron and Steel Industries: The Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) was incorporated in 1907, marking the beginning of the iron and steel industry in India.
4.
Sugar, Cement, and Paper Industries: A few industries in these fields also came up after the Second World War.
However, it is important to note that the growth of these industries was very limited, and there was a lack of a capital goods industry to promote further industrialization in India.
5. What was the two-fold motive behind the systematic deindustrialisation effected by the British in pre-independent India?
The British colonial government had a two-fold motive behind the systematic deindustrialisation of India:
1.
To Reduce India to a Raw Material Supplier: The first motive was to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of important raw materials required for the modern industries in Britain.
2.
To Transform India into a Market for British Goods: The second motive was to turn India into a sprawling market for the finished products of British industries. This was aimed at ensuring the continued expansion of British industries and securing the maximum advantage for Britain.
This deindustrialisation policy led to the decline of indigenous handicraft industries in India, resulting in massive unemployment and creating a new demand in the Indian consumer market for British goods.
6. The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Yes, I agree with the view that the traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule.
The reasons in support of this view are:
1.
Systematic Deindustrialisation: The colonial government systematically deindustrialised India with the primary motive of reducing the country to a supplier of raw materials for British industries and transforming it into a market for British finished goods. This policy led to the decline of India’s world-famous handicraft industries.
2.
Loss of Employment: The decline of the indigenous handicraft industries resulted in massive unemployment in India.
3.
Creation of New Demand: The deindustrialisation created a new demand in the Indian consumer market, which was now deprived of locally made goods. This demand was met by the imports of cheap manufactured goods from Britain.
4.
Slow Progress of Modern Industry: Although modern industry began to take root in India during the second half of the 19th century, its progress was very slow. The initial development was confined to setting up cotton and jute textile mills, and it did not compensate for the loss of the handicraft industries.
7. What objectives did the British intend to achieve through their policies of infrastructure development in India?
The British colonial government had specific objectives in mind with their policies of infrastructure development in India:
1.
Mobilization of Military: The development of roads and railways primarily served the purpose of mobilizing the army within India, ensuring a strong military presence and control over the vast territory.
2.
Transportation of Raw Materials: The infrastructure was developed to facilitate the movement of raw materials from the countryside to the nearest railway station or port. This was done to efficiently transport these materials to England or other lucrative foreign destinations.
3.
Commercialization of Agriculture: The introduction of railways fostered the commercialization of Indian agriculture, which had adverse effects on the self-sufficiency of village economies in India.
4.
Subserving Colonial Interests: The real motive behind the development of basic infrastructure such as railways, ports, water transport, posts, and telegraphs was not to provide basic amenities to the Indian people, but to subserv various colonial interests.
8. Critically appraise some of the shortfalls of the industrial policy pursued by the British colonial administration.
The industrial policy pursued by the British colonial administration in India had several significant shortfalls:
1.
Lack of Industrial Development: India could not develop a sound industrial base under colonial rule. The decline of traditional handicraft industries was not compensated with the development of modern industries.
2.
Systematic Deindustrialisation: The British systematically deindustrialised India with a two-fold motive: reducing India to a mere exporter of raw materials for British industries and transforming it into a market for British finished goods. This led to the decline of indigenous handicraft industries and created massive unemployment.
3.
Slow Progress of Modern Industry: Although modern industry began to take root in the second half of the 19th century, its progress was very slow and confined to setting up cotton and jute textile mills. This did not make up for the loss of the handicraft industries.
4.
Exploitative Nature of Industrial Development: The industrial development that did occur was not aimed at the holistic development of the Indian economy, but rather at serving the economic interests of Britain.
5.
Neglect of Capital Goods Industry: There was a lack of development in the capital goods industry, which is essential for promoting industrialization.
9. What do you understand by the drain of Indian wealth during the colonial period?
The drain of Indian wealth during the colonial period refers to the systematic transfer of resources and wealth from India to Britain, which significantly impoverished the Indian economy. This drain was not used for any developmental activities or investments in India. Instead, it was utilized for various purposes that served British interests, such as:
1.
Covering Expenses in Britain: A significant portion of India’s wealth was used to cover the expenses incurred by the colonial office set up by the British government in Britain.
2.
Funding Wars: The drained wealth was also used to fund wars fought by the British government, further depleting India’s resources.
3.
Importing Invisible Items: The wealth was used to import invisible items, which did not contribute to the economic development of India.
This continuous drain of wealth left the Indian economy impoverished, with widespread poverty and underdevelopment.
10. 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 to mark the demographic transition from its first to the second decisive stage in India. Before 1921, India was in the first stage of demographic transition, characterized by a high birth rate and high death rate, resulting in slow population growth. After 1921, India entered the second stage of demographic transition, where the death rate began to decline, leading to an increase in population growth.
11. Give a quantitative appraisal of India’s demographic profile during the colonial period.
India’s demographic profile during the colonial period was characterized by several key features:
1.
Population Growth: Before 1921, India was in the first stage of demographic transition, characterized by a low rate of population growth. The second stage of transition began after 1921, but neither the total population of India nor the rate of population growth was very high at this stage.
2.
Literacy Level: The overall literacy level was less than 16%, with female literacy at a negligible low of about 7%.
3.
Public Health Facilities: Public health facilities were either unavailable to large sections of the population or were highly inadequate. This led to the prevalence of water and air-borne diseases, which took a significant toll on life.
4.
Mortality Rate: The overall mortality rate was very high, and the infant mortality rate was particularly alarming at about 218 per thousand, in contrast to the present rate of 33 per thousand.
5.
Life Expectancy: Life expectancy was very low at 32 years, compared to the present expectancy of 69 years.
12. Highlight the salient features of India’s pre-independence occupational structure.
India’s occupational structure during the colonial period had several salient features:
1.
Dominance of Agriculture: The agricultural sector accounted for the largest share of the workforce, usually remaining at a high of 70-75%. This indicates a heavy dependence on agriculture for livelihood.
2.
Limited Industrial Workforce: The manufacturing sector accounted for only about 10% of the workforce, reflecting the underdeveloped state of industrialization in the country.
3.
Services Sector: The services sector accounted for 15-20% of the workforce.
4.
Regional Variations: There were growing regional variations in the occupational structure. While parts of the Madras Presidency, Bombay, and Bengal saw a decline in agricultural dependence and a commensurate increase in manufacturing and services sectors, states like Orissa, Rajasthan, and Punjab witnessed an increase in the share of the workforce in agriculture.
5.
Stagnancy: Overall, the occupational structure showed little sign of change during the colonial period, indicating stagnancy in the economy and a lack of diversification in employment opportunities.
13. Underscore some of India’s most crucial economic challenges at the time of independence.
At the time of independence, India faced numerous economic challenges that were critical and needed immediate attention:
1.
Agricultural Sector: The agricultural sector was burdened with surplus labor and extremely low productivity. There was a need for agricultural reforms to enhance productivity and ensure food security.
2.
Industrial Sector: The industrial sector required modernization, diversification, and increased public investment. The challenge was to build a robust industrial base for self-sustained growth.
3.
Foreign Trade: The orientation of foreign trade primarily served the interests of the British, and there was a need to reorient trade policies to serve the developmental needs of independent India.
4.
Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure, including the railway network, required upgradation, expansion, and a shift towards serving public interests rather than colonial interests.
5.
Poverty and Unemployment: The prevalence of rampant poverty and unemployment necessitated the adoption of welfare-oriented public economic policies.
6.
Economic Policy: There was a need for comprehensive economic planning and policy formulation to address the various challenges and guide the country towards sustainable development.
14. When was India’s first official census operation undertaken?
India’s first official census operation was undertaken in the year 1881. This census revealed the unevenness in India’s population growth and served as a crucial source of demographic data.
15. Indicate the volume and direction of trade at the time of independence.
At the time of independence, the volume and direction of India’s foreign trade were heavily influenced by colonial policies. The main characteristics were:
1.
Volume of Trade: The policies pursued by the colonial government adversely affected the volume of India’s foreign trade.
2.
Export of Primary Products: India became a major exporter of primary products such as raw silk, cotton, wool, sugar, indigo, and jute.
3.
Import of Finished Goods: India was a significant importer of finished consumer goods like cotton, silk, and woollen clothes, as well as capital goods like light machinery produced in British factories.
4.
Monopoly Control: Britain maintained a monopoly control over India’s exports and imports. More than half of India’s foreign trade was restricted to Britain, with the rest allowed with a few other countries like China, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and Persia (Iran).
5.
Export Surplus: India generated a large export surplus during this period. However, this surplus did not benefit the Indian economy. Instead, it was used to cover expenses incurred by the colonial government in Britain, to fund wars fought by the British government, and to import invisible items, leading to a significant drain of Indian wealth.
16. Were there any positive contributions made by the British in India? Discuss.
While the British colonial period in India is often criticized for its exploitative nature and negative impact on the Indian economy and society, there were also some positive contributions made during this time. It is important to note that the intention behind these contributions was not always altruistic, and they often served the interests of the British colonial administration. Here are some of the contributions to consider:
1.
Infrastructure Development: The British introduced and expanded railways, roads, ports, and telegraphs, which helped in connecting different parts of the country and facilitated trade and communication.
2.
Introduction of Railways: The railways played a significant role in breaking geographical and cultural barriers, fostering commercialization of agriculture, and facilitating long-distance travel.
3.
Legal and Administrative Reforms: The British introduced a codified legal system and a bureaucratic administrative structure, which laid the foundation for modern governance in India.
4.
Education: There was an introduction of formal education and establishment of educational institutions, which led to increased literacy and awareness.
5.
Social Reforms: The British played a role in driving away certain social evils through legal interventions, such as the abolition of Sati and the introduction of the Widow Remarriage Act.
6.
Economic Diversification: Although the primary motive was to serve British interests, the introduction of new industries and the expansion of trade led to economic diversification.
7.
Healthcare: Some efforts were made to improve public health facilities, although these were often inadequate and unevenly distributed.
SUGGESTED ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. Prepare a list of goods and services that were available to people in pre-independence India in rural and urban areas. Compare it with the consumption pattern of such goods and services by the people today. Highlight the perceptible difference in the people’s standard of living.
Objective: To understand the evolution of consumption patterns in India from the pre-independence era to the present day, and analyze the changes in people’s standard of living.
Activity Description:
1.
Research and Documentation:
–
Conduct thorough research to create a comprehensive list of goods and services that were available to people in rural and urban areas of pre-independence India. Utilize historical texts, academic articles, and other reliable sources for this purpose.
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Similarly, compile a list of goods and services commonly consumed by people in rural and urban areas in present-day India.
2.
Comparison: Compare the two lists to identify the changes in consumption patterns over the years. Pay attention to the variety, quality, and accessibility of goods and services.
3.
Analysis of Standard of Living: Analyze how these changes in consumption patterns reflect the changes in people’s standard of living. Consider factors such as income levels, access to education and healthcare, employment opportunities, and technological advancements.
4.
Highlight Perceptible Differences: Highlight the most noticeable differences in the standard of living, drawing connections between the changes in consumption patterns and overall economic and social development.
5.
Presentation: Present your findings in a well-structured report, using charts, graphs, and tables to illustrate the changes over time. Ensure that your report includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
6.
Reflection: Reflect on the implications of these changes for India’s development trajectory, considering both the positive and negative aspects.
7.
Discussion: Organize a discussion session to share your findings and insights with peers, teachers, or community members. Encourage participation and debate to gain diverse perspectives on the topic.
Expected Outcomes:
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A comprehensive understanding of the evolution of consumption patterns in India from the pre-independence era to the present day.
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Insights into the changes in the standard of living of the Indian population over time.
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Enhanced research, analytical, and presentation skills.
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A well-documented report that can serve as a resource for future reference and discussion.
Note: Ensure that your research is thorough and your sources are reliable. The comparison should be fair and take into account the socio-economic context of both time periods.
2. Find pictures of towns/villages, in your vicinity, of the preindependence period and compare these with their present scenario. What changes can you mark? Are such changes for better or for worse? Discuss.
Objective: To visually compare and analyze the transformation of towns/villages in your vicinity from the pre-independence period to the present day, and evaluate whether these changes have been beneficial or detrimental.
Activity Description:
1.
Collection of Historical Pictures: Gather historical pictures of towns/villages in your vicinity from the pre-independence period. You can source these from local archives, libraries, museums, or online databases.
2.
Current Scenario Photography: Visit the same towns/villages and take photographs from similar angles to capture the present scenario.
3.
Comparison: Create a side-by-side comparison of the historical and current photographs. Pay attention to details such as infrastructure, housing, transportation, green spaces, and public places.
4.
Identification of Changes: Identify and list down the noticeable changes in the towns/villages over the years.
5.
Evaluation of Changes: Evaluate whether these changes have been for the better or for the worse. Consider factors such as quality of life, environmental sustainability, preservation of cultural heritage, and economic development.
6.
Discussion and Analysis: Write a detailed analysis discussing the changes, their impacts, and whether they have been beneficial or detrimental to the community and the environment.
7.
Presentation: Present your findings in a report or a presentation, using the photographs and your analysis to illustrate the transformation and its impacts.
8.
Community Feedback: If possible, share your findings with members of the community, especially older generations who have witnessed the transformation, and gather their feedback and perspectives.
9.
Reflection: Reflect on what can be learned from this transformation and how it can inform future development and preservation efforts in towns/villages.
Expected Outcomes:
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A visual and analytical documentation of the transformation of towns/villages in your vicinity over the years.
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A deeper understanding of the impacts of urbanization, development, and modernization on local communities and environments.
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Enhanced research, analytical, and presentation skills.
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Valuable insights from community members, especially older generations.
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A well-documented report or presentation that can serve as a resource for future reference and community discussions.
Note: Ensure that you respect privacy and property rights while taking photographs and gathering information. The analysis should be objective, taking into account the socio-economic context and the perspectives of the local community.
3. Rally around your teacher and organise a group discussion on ‘Has the zamindari system really been abolished in India’? If the consensus is negative, then what measures would you think should be taken to banish it and why?
Objective: To engage in a critical and informed group discussion to assess the current status of the zamindari system in India and propose measures for its complete abolition, if necessary.
Activity Description:
1.
Background Research: Before the discussion, participants should conduct thorough research on the zamindari system, its historical context, the measures taken for its abolition, and its current status in various parts of India.
2.
Organizing the Group Discussion: Rally around your teacher to organize a group discussion. Ensure that the group is diverse and includes participants from different backgrounds to bring in varied perspectives.
3.
Setting the Agenda: Clearly define the agenda for the discussion, focusing on assessing whether the zamindari system has truly been abolished in India and identifying measures for its complete eradication, if necessary.
4.
Facilitation: Appoint a facilitator (it could be a teacher or a student) to guide the discussion, ensure that all participants get a chance to speak, and keep the discussion focused on the agenda.
5.
Presentation of Views: Encourage participants to present their views, supported by facts and examples. Ensure that the discussion is respectful and inclusive.
6.
Consensus Building: Work towards building a consensus on whether the zamindari system has truly been abolished in India. If the consensus is negative, brainstorm and discuss measures that should be taken to banish it completely.
7.
Documentation: Assign a participant or a group of participants to document the key points, arguments, and consensus reached during the discussion.
8.
Proposal of Measures: If the consensus is that the zamindari system has not been completely abolished, propose concrete measures to eradicate it. Clearly articulate the reasons behind each proposed measure.
9.
Presentation and Feedback: Present the findings, consensus, and proposed measures to a wider audience (it could be other students, teachers, or community members) and gather feedback.
0.
Reflection and Action Plan: Reflect on the discussion and feedback received. Based on this, create an action plan on how you can contribute to raising awareness or advocating for the complete abolition of the zamindari system.
Expected Outcomes:
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A well-informed and critical assessment of the current status of the zamindari system in India.
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A set of concrete measures proposed for the complete abolition of the zamindari system, supported by well-articulated reasons.
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Enhanced research, critical thinking, and discussion skills among participants.
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A documented report of the discussion, consensus, and proposed measures, which can be used as a resource for future advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Note: Ensure that the discussion is conducted in a respectful and inclusive manner, and that all participants have the opportunity to express their views. The proposed measures should be practical, achievable, and grounded in a deep understanding of the socio-economic context.
4. Identify the major occupations followed by the people of our country at the time of independence. What major occupations do the people follow today? In the light of reform policies, how would you visualise the occupational scenario in India 15 years from now—say, 2035?
Objective: To identify and analyze the major occupations prevalent in India at the time of independence, compare them with the current occupational trends, and visualize the future occupational scenario in light of ongoing reform policies.
Activity Description:
1.
Historical Research: Conduct research to identify the major occupations followed by the people of India at the time of independence. Utilize historical texts, academic articles, and government reports for accurate information.
2.
Current Occupational Analysis: Analyze the current occupational trends in India. Use government labor and employment reports, surveys, and academic studies to gather data on the major occupations followed by the people today.
3.
Comparison: Compare the occupational trends from the time of independence to the present, highlighting the shifts and changes in major occupations.
4.
Influence of Reform Policies: Study the ongoing economic and labor reform policies in India to understand their impact on occupational trends.
5.
Future Visualization: Based on the current trends and the influence of reform policies, visualize and describe the potential occupational scenario in India 15 years from now, around the year 2035.
6.
Presentation: Compile your findings and analysis into a comprehensive report or presentation. Use graphs, charts, and tables to illustrate the changes in occupational trends over time.
7.
Discussion and Feedback: Organize a discussion session to present your findings to peers, teachers, or community members. Gather feedback and engage in a dialogue to gain diverse perspectives on the future occupational scenario in India.
8.
Reflection: Reflect on the implications of the projected occupational trends for India’s economy, society, and individual livelihoods.
Expected Outcomes:
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A clear understanding of the major occupations followed by the people of India at the time of independence and today.
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An analysis of the shifts and changes in occupational trends over time.
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A visualization of the potential future occupational scenario in India, considering ongoing reform policies.
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Enhanced research, analytical, and presentation skills.
–
A well-documented report or presentation that can serve as a resource for future reference and discussions.
Note: Ensure that your research is thorough and your sources are reliable. The comparison and future visualization should be grounded in data and take into account the socio-economic context and potential future developments.
