During British colonial rule, the Indian economy heavily relied on agriculture. Around 85% of the population lived in villages and depended on farming for their livelihoods. However, despite its significance, the agriculture sector experienced stagnation and decline under British rule. Here’s a simplified version of the state of Indian agriculture on the eve of independence:
Limited Growth: The means of production in agriculture were inadequate, with problems like poor use of fertilizers and defective machinery. This resulted in limited growth in productivity.
Unemployment and Underemployment: Insufficient investment in agriculture led to increased unemployment and underemployment in rural areas.
Low Production and Productivity: The productivity of agriculture was very low due to various factors. Land productivity depended on soil quality, climate, and irrigation facilities, while labor productivity was influenced by literacy rates, technical skills, access to tools, income levels, and basic amenities. Farmers lacked resources, were malnourished, and lacked incentives to work, leading to low labor productivity. As a result, agricultural production fell short of the country’s demand. It produced only 508 lakh tonnes of food grains in 1947-48. At that time, just 13 crore hectares of land was under cultivation.
Fragmentation of Landholdings: Landholdings were divided and fragmented, resulting in small and scattered plots of land. This made it difficult for farmers to maximize their agricultural potential.
There were several causes behind the stagnation of Indian agriculture during this period:
Land Tenure System: The British introduced three forms of land tenure systems in India: Zamindari, Mahalwari, and Ryotwari. Under the Zamindari system, landlords owned the land, and they often exploited peasants through excessive collections. This system created intermediaries between cultivators and the government, leading to exploitation and conflicts.
Commercialization of Agriculture: Farmers were forced to cultivate cash crops like indigo, which were in demand by the British textile industry. This focus on commercial crops reduced food production, leading to frequent famines and a reliance on importing food from England.It has been explained in Amartya Sen’s book, “Poverty and Famines”.
Partition of the Country: The partition of India in 1947 had a negative impact on agricultural production. The fertile regions of West Punjab and Sindh went to Pakistan, creating a food crisis in India. Additionally, the jute-producing areas went to East Pakistan, severely affecting the jute industry.
As a result of these factors, Indian agriculture remained underdeveloped, stagnant, and lacking vitality throughout the British colonial rule.
Objective Type Questions
1.What percentage of the Indian population was primarily engaged in agriculture on the eve of independence?
A) 20% B) 50% C) 85% D) 95%
Answer: C) 85%
2.What contributed to the limited growth of agriculture in colonial India?
A) Abundant investment in agriculture
B) Advanced machinery
C) Inadequate means of production
D) High literacy rates among farmers
Answer: C) Inadequate means of production
3.Which factor led to increased unemployment and underemployment in rural areas during British rule?
A) Modernization of agriculture
B) Lack of access to education
C) Sufficient job opportunities in cities
D) Generous government subsidies
Answer: B) Lack of access to education
4.Why was agricultural productivity in India often low during British colonial rule?
A) Abundance of resources for farmers
B) High levels of mechanization
C) Lack of access to tools and resources
D) High labor productivity
Answer: C) Lack of access to tools and resources
5.Which land tenure system introduced by the British involved landlords owning the land and often exploiting peasants?
A) Mahalwari B) Ryotwari C) Zamindari D) Feudalism
Answer: C) Zamindari
6.What was the impact of the commercialization of agriculture under British rule?
A) Increased food production
B) Reduced food production and frequent famines
C) Enhanced food security
D) Improved living conditions for farmers
Answer: B) Reduced food production and frequent famines
7.How did the partition of India in 1947 affect agricultural production?
A) It led to increased food production
B) It had no impact on agriculture
C) It created a food crisis in India
D) It boosted the jute industry
Answer: C) It created a food crisis in India
8.What factor contributed to the fragmentation of landholdings in rural India?
A) Large-scale government land reforms
B) Inheritance laws
C) Availability of ample arable land
D) Government support for consolidated holdings
Answer: B) Inheritance laws
9.What was the main reason behind the focus on cash crop cultivation in colonial India? A) High demand for food crops in Britain
B) Increased agricultural productivity
C) Profitability for Indian farmers
D) British textile industry requirements
Answer: D) British textile industry requirements
10.What was the state of Indian agriculture in terms of production of food grains in 1947-48?
A) It produced enough to meet the country’s demand
B) It exceeded the country’s demand
C) It fell short of the country’s demand
D) It had no significant food grain production
Answer: C) It fell short of the country’s demand