Indian Economy in the Pre-Independence Period: A Historical Overview | UPSC Economy
India was a major economic powerhouse before the British colonized the country. The pre-independence period in India was marked by a thriving economy that was based on agriculture, handicrafts, and trade. This period was marked by a steady decline in the economy as the British introduced policies that were detrimental to the Indian economy.
Agriculture:
- Agriculture was the backbone of the Indian economy during the pre-independence period.
- The agricultural sector was dominated by small and marginal farmers who practiced subsistence farming.
- The crops grown during this period included rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and jute.
- The British introduced policies that favored the export of cash crops, which led to the neglect of food crops.
Handicrafts:
- India had a thriving handicraft industry during the pre-independence period.
- The industry was dominated by artisans who produced textiles, pottery, metalware, and jewelry.
- The handicraft industry was decentralized and provided employment to a large number of people.
- The British introduced policies that favored the import of manufactured goods, which led to the decline of the handicraft industry.
Trade:
- India had a vibrant trade network during the pre-independence period.
- The country traded with China, Europe, and the Middle East.
- The trade was dominated by Indian merchants who had established trade links with other countries.
- The British introduced policies that favored British trade, which led to the decline of Indian trade.
Infrastructure:
- India had a well-developed infrastructure during the pre-independence period.
- The country had a network of roads, canals, and railways.
- The British introduced policies that favored the development of infrastructure for their own benefit.
The pre-independence period in India was marked by a thriving economy that was based on agriculture, handicrafts, and trade. The British introduced policies that were detrimental to the Indian economy, leading to a decline in the economy. Despite the challenges, the Indian economy continued to thrive and laid the foundation for the modern Indian economy.
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