The industrial sector of India did not progress under British rule. Here’s a simplified version of the state of the Indian industrial sector on the eve of independence:
Decline of Handicraft Industry: The British government deliberately de-industrialized India for their own benefit. They wanted cheap raw materials from India to support British industries and sold their manufactured goods at high prices in the Indian market. This led to the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts. British policies imposed heavy tariffs on Indian handicraft exports while allowing the free flow of British goods into India. As a result, Indian handicrafts lost both domestic and international markets, causing the industry to decline.
Imbalanced Industrial Structure: The structure of Indian industries was lopsided and unbalanced due to British rule. The British rulers did not promote the modernization of industries or encourage the growth of heavy industries in India. The first cotton mills, jute mills, and coal mines were established during this period. Cotton mills were mainly located in Maharashtra and Gujarat, while jute mills were predominantly in Bengal and owned by British capitalists. Some other industries, such as sugar, cement, chemicals, and paper, began to develop after World War II.
Lack of Capital Goods Industries: The British focused on developing industries that wouldn’t compete with their own. They wanted Indians to rely on Britain for capital goods and heavy equipment. Consequently, only a few consumer goods industries emerged during British rule, while heavy industries remained largely absent. This led to an imbalanced growth of industries in India.
Limited Public Sector Operation: The public sector in India was primarily limited to railways, power generation, communication, ports, and some other government-owned enterprises.
Overall, the British rule hindered the development of the Indian industrial sector, leading to an imbalanced structure and limited growth.
Objective Type Questions
1.What was the primary reason for the decline of traditional Indian handicrafts during British rule?
A) Lack of skilled artisans
B) Heavy tariffs on British goods
C) High demand for Indian handicrafts abroad
D) British policies favoring their own industries
Answer: D) British policies favoring their own industries
2.How did British policies impact Indian handicraft exports?
A) Encouraged the growth of the industry
B) Imposed heavy tariffs on Indian exports
C) Promoted domestic consumption of handicrafts
D) Supported international marketing of Indian goods
Answer: B) Imposed heavy tariffs on Indian exports
3.Why was the structure of Indian industries considered unbalanced during British rule?
A) Overemphasis on modernization of industries
B) Promotion of heavy industries in India
C) Concentration of cotton mills in Bengal
D) Lack of emphasis on the growth of heavy industries
Answer: D) Lack of emphasis on the growth of heavy industries
4.Which region of India was known for the concentration of cotton mills during British rule?
A) Maharashtra and Gujarat
B) Bengal and Assam
C) Punjab and Haryana
D) Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Answer: A) Maharashtra and Gujarat
5.What was the primary objective of the British in developing industries in India?
A) To create self-sufficiency in capital goods production
B) To promote balanced industrial growth
C) To compete with Indian industries
D) To supply India with consumer goods
Answer: A) To create self-sufficiency in capital goods production
6.Which sector saw the most significant public sector operation during British rule in India?
A) Textiles B) Railways C) Agriculture D) Handicrafts
Answer: B) Railways
7.What was the overall impact of British rule on the development of the Indian industrial sector?
A) Rapid industrialization and balanced growth
B) Promotion of heavy industries
C) Hindrance to industrial development and imbalanced growth
D) Flourishing of traditional handicrafts
Answer: C) Hindrance to industrial development and imbalanced growth
8.Why did the British focus on industries that wouldn’t compete with their own during their rule in India?
A) To encourage Indian self-sufficiency
B) To promote industrial competition
C) To control the Indian economy
D) To foster economic cooperation with India
Answer: C) To control the Indian economy
9.Which industries began to develop in India after World War II, following British rule?
A) Cotton mills and jute mills
B) Heavy machinery and steel production
C) Handicrafts and textiles
D) Agriculture and mining
Answer: B) Heavy machinery and steel production
10.What did the British government want Indians to rely on Britain for in terms of industrial goods?
A) Consumer goods
B) Raw materials
C) Capital goods and heavy equipment
D) Handicrafts
Answer: C) Capital goods and heavy equipment