1. INDIAN ECONOMY ON THE EVE OF INDEPENDENCE
This chapter explores the economic condition of India on the eve of its independence in 1947, focusing on the colonial legacies that stunted agricultural and industrial development. It discusses the underdevelopment caused by British policies, which prioritized raw material extraction and created significant disparities in wealth and productivity across different sectors. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the social challenges and infrastructural deficits that India faced as it transitioned to independence.
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What we have learnt
- India's economy was deeply affected by colonial policies that prioritized British interests over local development.
- The agricultural sector experienced stagnation while the country's traditional handicraft industries declined under British rule.
- Infrastructure developments, though present, served primarily to benefit colonial aims rather than the Indian populace.
Key Concepts
- -- Colonial Rule
- The period of British control over India which significantly shaped its economic framework and development processes.
- -- Stagnation
- A condition in which the agricultural and industrial productivity remained low and unchanging, despite population dependency on these sectors.
- -- Infrastructure
- The basic physical systems essential for the functioning of a society, including transport and telecommunications, which were developed primarily for colonial exploitation rather than local benefit.
- -- Drain of Wealth
- The outflow of resources and wealth from India to Britain without corresponding benefits to the local economy.
Additional Learning Materials
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