Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
The state of Indias economy just before independence in 1947 covering agriculture, industry, foreign trade, demographics and infrastructure.
Topics(6)
Introduction & Colonial Context
Pre-British Indian economy, the onset of colonial rule, meaning of colonialism, and the low level of economic development under British rule.
Agricultural Sector
State of Indian agriculture under British rule — zamindari system, commercialisation of agriculture, famines, low productivity, and partition impact.
Industrial Sector & Foreign Trade
De-industrialisation under British rule — decline of handicrafts, discriminatory tariff policy, foreign trade structure, and drain of wealth.
Demographic & Occupational Structure
Demographic conditions during British rule — birth/death rates, literacy, infant mortality, life expectancy, 1921 Great Divide, and occupational structure.
Infrastructure & Positive Contributions
Infrastructure during British rule — roads, railways, telegraph — and the limited positive contributions of British rule.
State of Indian Economy at Independence
The six defining characteristics of the Indian economy on the eve of independence.