Before India gained independence, the British colonial rulers developed some basic infrastructure, such as railways, water transport, ports, post, telegraph, and more. However, their main goal was to serve their own interests.
- Railways:
- British introduced railways in India in the 1850s, which began operating in 1853.
- Positive impacts:
- Enabled fast travel and promoted national unity.
- Boosted commercialization of agriculture but didn’t benefit Indians much.
- Expanded India’s export trade and contributed to industrial development.
- British motives:
- To control and administer India effectively.
- To make profits from foreign trade and investments.
- Roads:
- Roads were mainly built for military purposes and transporting raw materials to railways or ports for export. Villages lacked proper roads, causing hardship during disasters.
- Water and Air Transport:
- British developed water and air transport, but it didn’t fully meet India’s needs. Indian shipping companies faced tough competition from foreign ones, and these developments primarily served British interests.
- Communication:
- Modern postal service started in 1837, and telecommunication services began in 1857. These developments were aimed at improving communication but were driven by British colonial interests.
Objective Type Questions
1.When did the British introduce railways in India?
a) 1750 b) 1850 c) 1950 d) 1853
Answer: b) 1850
2.What was the primary purpose of building roads in colonial India?
a) Promoting tourism
b) Supporting agriculture
c) Facilitating trade with neighboring countries
d) Military use and transporting raw materials for export
Answer: d) Military use and transporting raw materials for export
3.How did railways impact India before independence?
a) Hindered national unity
b) Slowed down agricultural activities
c) Facilitated fast travel and promoted national unity
d) Led to a decrease in export trade
Answer: c) Facilitated fast travel and promoted national unity
4.What was the main goal of the British in developing water and air transport in India?
a) To provide better transportation for Indian citizens
b) To compete with Indian shipping companies
c) To primarily serve British colonial interests
d) To encourage international tourism
Answer: c) To primarily serve British colonial interests
5.When did modern postal service start in India?
a) 1750 b) 1837 c) 1850 d) 1957
Answer: b) 1837