MS

MONIKA SRIVASTAVAAIR 16· 2025

Question Q.2GS1GS1

How did British colonial policies impact the traditional agrarian economy and lead to widespread peasant resistance in the country? (10 Marks, 150 Words)

Open scan (p.5)

Introduction

The colonial economic policies of British broke the self-sufficiency of traditional agrarian economy which led to active revolts before 1857 as well as early 20th century.

26 words

Main Body

Impact of Policies on Agrarian Economy and Resistance:

1Land Revenue Policies during British like Zamindari -> Rise of Intermediaries
2Unlawful eviction of tenants due to default on Rent eg. Pabna Crisis
3Forced Plantation of crops for international market eg. Tinkathia System in Champaran
4No remission of payments during crisis <-> Indebtedness of peasants eg. Kheda Satyagraha

[Diagram: Fig. Peasant Resistance showing Champaran Satyagraha, Bardoli Satyagraha, Deccan Riots (1860s), Patna Revolt, Indigo Revolt]

5Forced commercialization of agriculture so that India supplies raw materials -> lack of food crops <-> Famines
6Pauperisation of Peasantry due to wide ranging inequalities eg. Zamindar as Built in depressor
7Vicious cycle of Peasant debts as they borrowed at high rates to pay rents (from Informal Credit)
8Coming of Railways <-> Integration with international trade led to wide price fluctuations eg. World War I <-> Crash in agricultural prices
9Policy of Laissez Faire after 1813 Charter Act led to no investment by British
165 words2 paragraphs

Conclusion

Given that 60% of revenue of British came from land policies, British adopted exploitative practices to perpetuate internal drain of wealth.

21 words

Diagram

Map showing locations of peasant movements: Champaran Satyagraha, Bardoli Satyagraha, Deccan Riots (1860s), Patna Revolt, Indigo Revolt

  • Good use of diagram showing geographical spread of movements
  • Specific case studies with historical accuracy

Topper

MONIKA SRIVASTAVA

AIR 162025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Modern Indian History

British Policies

Agrarian economy and peasant resistance

Writing Stats

212

Total words

2

Paragraphs

Structured, point-wise

Tone