The classification of individuals facing poverty can be broadly categorized into three groups:
1. Persistent Poverty
2. Temporary Poverty
3. Non-Poverty (or consistently not in poverty)
Categories of Poor
The primary objectives of the British Raj in India were as follows:
(a) To establish a market for British exports.
(b) To divert India’s debt payments to Britain.
(c) To supply manpower for the British imperial armies.
The British rule had a considerable detrimental effect on the Indian economy, evident in the following ways:
1. Significant de-industrialization occurred in India, as imports of manufactured cotton cloth from England displaced local producers. India shifted from being a producer to an exporter of cotton and yarn while becoming an importer of cloth.
2. Indian industries were compelled to generate raw materials for the British at low prices, and they were obligated to import manufactured goods at high prices.
3. Indian farmers were coerced into cultivating more cash crops and exporting food grains to generate revenue for the British authorities.
4. British policies led to a substantial increase in rural taxes, resulting in merchants and moneylenders transforming into large landowners. This allowed them to exploit the population by offering low wages and charging high interest on loans, among other practices.
During the British Raj in India, over 70 percent of the population was engaged in the agricultural sector. The adverse impact of British policies was most keenly felt in this sector.
Objective Type Questions
1. What are the three broad categories used to classify individuals experiencing poverty?
A. Persistent Poverty, Transitional Poverty, Stable Poverty
B. Enduring Poverty, Temporary Poverty, Non-Poverty
C. Chronic Poverty, Transient Poverty, Non-Poor
D. Long-term Poverty, Short-term Poverty, Poverty-Free
Answer: C. Chronic Poverty, Transient Poverty, Non-Poor
2. What was one of the primary objectives of the British Raj in India regarding the Indian economy?
A. Promoting industrialization in India
B. Fostering economic self-sufficiency for India
C. Establishing a market for British exports
D. Encouraging local industries to flourish
Answer: C. Establishing a market for British exports
3. What impact did British policies have on Indian industries during the British Raj?
A. Empowering local industries
B. Encouraging self-sufficiency
C. Forcing industries to import raw materials at high prices
D. Reducing rural taxes on industries
Answer: C. Forcing industries to import raw materials at high prices
4. Why were Indian farmers compelled to cultivate more cash crops during the British rule?
A. To promote local food production
B. To enhance agricultural diversity
C. To generate revenue for the British authorities
D. To support local farmers’ income
Answer: C. To generate revenue for the British authorities
5. During the British Raj, which sector of the population in India felt the most adverse impact of British policies?
A. Urban merchants
B. Industrial workers
C. Agricultural sector
D. British imperial armies
Answer: C. Agricultural sector