Question Q19GS1GS1
How did British economic policies favour the Western capitalist class at the expense of India's economic interest? What were the factors which facilitated (Modern) Indian industrial development in the starting decades of 19th Century despite an obstructing Colonial presence?
Introduction
British Economic policies systematically destroyed Indian industries.
7 words
Main Body
British Economic policies systematically destroyed Indian industries. But there were some growth in Indian industry too.
Favouring Western Capitalists:
1Tariff policy: Imposing huge duty on Indian made Goods exports & Zero duty on British made goods imported in India.
2Supply of Raw Material:
India became dumping ground for final British goods & Supplier of raw materials like Cotton to Manchester.
3Transportation: System of Railways, Roads developed to transport goods to nook & corner of country.
4Revenue policies: Extraction of maximum rent → Impoverishment of peasantry → Shift towards Plantation crops which benefited Company & its Shareholders.
5Using moneylenders, Bankers & Traders as instrument of exploitation & profit maximization.
6No steps in modernization of Agriculture.
for final British goods. & Supplier of raw materials like Cotton to Manchester.
3Transportation: System of Railways, Roads developed to transport goods to nook & corner of country.
4Revenue policies: Extraction of maximum rent → Impoverishment of peasantry → Shift towards Plantation crops which benefited Company & its Shareholders.
5Using moneylenders, Bankers & Traders as instrument of exploitation & profit maximization.
6No steps in modernization of Agriculture.
Modest Indian Industrial development
1Cotton mill in Bombay was set up due to high demand of goods.
2Jute mill at Rishra (Bengal). Made to grow at low level.
3Mostly efforts by arch individuals like Tatas Association like ASSOCHAM formed.
4Steel Factory forced to make high grade steel for Britishers. Unlike Indian market demanded low good steel.
5Opposition form Nationalists of British economic policies. For eg: Drain theory by Narojj.
6Rise of Socialism due to Russian Revolution also helped in it. British policies suited India over the years through its policy of 'Loot & aid not let Indian industry grow'.
296 words19 paragraphs
- Clear categorization of British policies and their mechanisms
- Specific examples of economic exploitation
- Comprehensive coverage of tariff and revenue policies
- Explanation of infrastructure used for colonial extraction
- Logical flow from exploitation mechanisms to outcomes
Topper
ABHISHEK SINGH
2023
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Modern Indian History
British Economic Policies and Colonial Impact
British economic exploitation and early industrial development in India
Writing Stats
303
Total words
19
Paragraphs