1. Emergence of the Colonial Economy
The chapter examines the economic transformations in India during British colonial rule, highlighting the integral shift from a self-sufficient agrarian economy to a market-oriented system dominated by British interests. It discusses the impact of colonial policies on agriculture and industry, resulting in deindustrialization and the emergence of new economic classes, reshaping India's trade dynamics in the process.
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What we have learnt
- The British colonial policies significantly restructured the Indian economy.
- Agriculture's transformation was marked by new land revenue systems.
- Traditional handicrafts declined due to competition with British goods.
Key Concepts
- -- Colonial Economy
- Economic framework established during British rule, focusing on the exploitation of Indian resources to benefit Britain.
- -- Zamindari System
- A land revenue system where zamindars (landlords) collected taxes from peasants, impacting land ownership and farming practices.
- -- Deindustrialization
- The decline of traditional handicrafts and industries in India due to competition from British manufactured products.
- -- New Economic Classes
- Emergence of social groups such as landlords and businessmen who adapted to the colonial economic structure.
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