RC

Ritika Chitlangia

Question 19GS3GS1

How did British economic policies favour the Western capitalist class at the expense of India's economic interests? What were the factors which facilitated modest Indian industrial development in the starting decades of the 20th century, despite an obstructing colonial presence? (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks

Open scan (p.49)

Introduction

One of the major reasons for the colonialist intention of Britain, was pillared on capitalism and growing industrialization in Britain.

20 words

Main Body

British Economic Policies.

1Drain of Wealth → after the Battle of Buxar, British gained enormous rights → massive drain of wealth from India to Britain → favoured the foreign capitalist class.
2One-way free trade policy → after industrialization in Britain, import of cheap machine goods stated → de-industrialization of India and heavy custom duty in Indian exports to Britain.

industrialisation and heavy custom duty in Indian exports to Britain.

3Financial capitalism ⇒ most of the development of infrastructure in India like railways, accelerated de-industrialization of India and favoured the weaker capitalist class ⇒ deeper penetration of British goods. Factors facilitating modest Indian industrial development (Early 20th C)
1World War 1 ⇒ British imports were directed towards war supplies, gave the window for Indian industries to capture domestic and world markets.
2Protective tariff in R24 ⇒ accelerated development of Iron & Steel Industries at Jamshedpur, Bhodanath and Kulti.
152 words6 paragraphs
  • Clear identification of colonial economic strategies
  • Reference to specific historical event (Battle of Buxar)

Topper

Ritika Chitlangia

Subject & Paper

GS3GS1

Topic

Modern Indian History

British Economic Policies

Colonial Economic Exploitation

Writing Stats

172

Total words

6

Paragraphs

formal analytical

Tone