Subhash Dey's IED Textbook 2024-25 Sample PDF
Subhash Dey's IED Textbook 2024-25 Sample PDF
Subhash Dey's IED Textbook 2024-25 Sample PDF
DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE
(1947-90) &
ECONOMIC REFORMS
SINCE 1991
SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications)
“India is the pivot of our Empire... If the Empire loses any other part of its Dominion we can survive, but if we lose India, the sun
of our Empire will have set.” —Victor Alexander Vruce, the Viceroy of British India in 1894
The central objective of Planning in India... is to initiate a process of development which will raise the living standards and open
out to the people new opportunities for a richer and more varied life. —First Five Year Plan
There is a consensus in the world today that economic development is not all and the GDP is not necessarily a measure of
progress of a society. —K.R. Narayanan, Former President of India
Chapter 1
Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
Topics Introduction
A. Low Level of Economic Development The structure of India’s present day economy has its
Under the Colonial Rule roots steeped in the period when India was under
B. Agricultural Sector British rule, which lasted for almost two centuries
before India finally won its independence on 15th
C. Industrial Sector August, 1947.
D. Foreign Trade The sole purpose of the British colonial rule in
E. Demographic Condition India was to reduce the country to being a raw
material supplier for Great Britain’s own rapidly
F. Occupational Structure
expanding modern industrial base.
G. Infrastructure
An understanding of the Indian economy before
independence is necessary to know and appreciate
Learning Outcomes the level of economic development achieved during
the post-independence period, i.e. over the last
seven and half decades.
After studying this chapter, the learners
India had an independent economy before the
will:
advent of the British rule. Agriculture was the
• become familiar with the state of the main source of livelihood for most people, yet the
Indian economy in 1947, the year of country’s economy was also characterised by various
India’s Independence kinds of manufacturing activities.
• understand the factors that led to the
underdevelopment and stagnation of the
Indian economy.
1.8 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
It was V.K.R.V. Rao, whose estimates during the colonial period was considered very significant.
However, most studies revealed that during the first half of the 20th century, the country’s growth rate of
aggregate real GDP was only less than 2% per year and per capita real GDP was close to 0.5% per year.
DEFINITION OF
KEY TERMS
National Income It refers to money value of all the final goods and services produced by the normal residents
residing within/outside a country, during an accounting year.
Per Capita Income Total national income of a country divided by its population in a specific period.
Q.1 The notable economist whose estimates India’s per capita income during the colonial period was considered very
significant:
(a) Dadabhai Naoroji (b) William Digby
(c) V.K.R.V Rao (d) R.C Desai
Q.2 The colonial government made no sincere attempts to estimate India’s national and per capita income, but most
studies found that India’s national income growth in the pre-independence era was _______ and per capita income
growth was _______.
(a) close to 5 per cent, more than 2 per cent
(b) less than 3 per cent, more than 1 per cent
(c) close to half per cent, almost 0 per cent
(d) less than 2 per cent, close to half per cent
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.9
Q.3 Assertion: (A): India was more of a consumer than a supplier of materials for finished goods
Reason: British policies were more directed towards their own economic interests.
(a) A is true but R is false.
(b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A.
(d) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
Q.4 Assertion (A): The economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India were concerned more with
the protection and promotion of the economic interests of their home country than with the development of the
Indian economy.
Reason (R): Such policies brought about a fundamental change in the structure of the Indian economy —
transforming the country into supplier of raw materials and consumer of finished industrial products from Britain.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.5 Statement 1: The colonial government made many sincere attempt to estimate India’s national and per capita
income.
Statement 2: During the British colonial period, most studies did find that the country’s growth of aggregate real
output during the first half of the twentieth century was less than two per cent coupled with a meagre half per cent
growth in per capita output per year.
(a) Both the statements are true.
(b) Both the statements are false.
(c) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
(d) Statement 2 is true, but statement 1 is false.
Q.6 The economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India were concerned with the protection and
promotion of the economic interests of their home country. How did these policies affect the Indian Economy?
(i) Higher rate of growth of industries, especially Handicraft Industries.
(ii) It transformed the country into supplier of raw materials.
(iii) The country became consumer of finished products from Britain.
(a) Only (i) (b) Only (i) and (ii)
(c) Only (ii) and (iii) (d) All of these
Q.7 Most of the studies disclosed that India’s growth of aggregate real output during the first half of the twentieth
century was less than ________.
(a) 0.5% (b) 5%
(c) 2% (d) 1.5%
Subjective Questions
Q.8 What was the sole purpose of the British colonial rule in India? (1)
Q.9 Why is an understanding of the Indian economy before independence necessary? (1)
Q.10 What was the main source of livelihood for most people during the British colonial rule? (1)
Q.11 Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period. (NCERT) (1)
1.10 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Top Tip
Though agricultural productivity became low, however, in absolute terms, the agricultural sector experienced some
growth due to the expansion of the aggregate area under cultivation.
02 03 05
01 Low levels Lack of
04 Lack of resources
Various of irrigation Negligible and
systems of land technology facilities use of incentives
settlement fertilisers
1. Various systems of land settlement that were introduced by the colonial government, particularly, the
Zamindari system
The stagnation in the agricultural sector was caused mainly because of the various systems of land settlement
that were introduced by the colonial government, particularly, the Zamindari system which was implemented
in the then Bengal Presidency comprising parts of India’s present-day eastern states.
The profit accruing out of the agriculture sector went to the zamindars instead of the cultivators.
However, nothing was done to improve the condition of agriculture.
The main interest of the zamindars was only to collect rent regardless of the economic condition of
the cultivators. This caused immense misery and social tension among the cultivators.
To a very large extent, the terms of the revenue settlement were also responsible for the zamindars
adopting such an attitude,e.g. dates for depositing specified sums of revenue were fixed, failing which
the zamindars were to lose their rights.
2. Low levels of technology, lack of irrigation facilities and negligible use of fertilisers
Low levels of technology, lack of irrigation facilities and negligible use of fertilisers were responsible for the
plight of the farmers and contributed to the dismal level of agricultural productivity.
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.11
DEFINITION OF
KEY TERMS
Productivity Output per unit of input employed. Increase in the efficiency on the part of capital or labour
leads to increase in productivity. This term is generally used to refer to productivity increase
in labour inputs.
Land Settlement/Revenue With the British acquiring territorial rights in different parts of India, administration of
Settlement territories was formulated on the basis of survey of land. It was decided in the interests
of government in terms of revenues to be collected from each parcel of land in possession
of either a ryot (means peasant) or a mahal (revenue village) or a zamindar (a proprietary
land holder). Decision in each of these cases was meant for the rights of the latter over land
for the purposes of either ownership of land or rights to cultivation. This system is known
as land/revenue settlement. There were different land settlements formulated in India.
They are (i) system of permanent settlement, which is also known as the zamindari system
(ii) ryotwari system (a system of revenue settlement entered into by the government with
individual tenants) (iii) mahalwari system (a system of revenue settlement entered into by
the government with a mahal).
Cash crops An agricultural crop which is grown to sell for profit, e.g. coffee, cocoa, tea, sugarcane, cotton,
spices etc. These are also called commercial crops.
Commercialisation of Change in the cropping pattern from food crops to cash crops (like indigo, jute, cotton etc.) is
agriculture called commercialisation of agriculture. It implies production of crops for the market rather than
for self-consumption i.e. family consumption. During the British rule, the commercialisation
of agriculture acquired a different meaning—it became basically commercialisation of crops.
The British started offering higher price to farmers for producing cash crops rather than for
food crops. They used these cash crops as raw materials for industries in Britain.
1.12 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Q.1 Under the British rule, Indian agricultural output witnessed stagnation due to _________.
(a) drain of Indian wealth (b) land tenure system
(c) introduction of telecommunications (d) decline in handicrafts
Q.2 Under the British Rule, commercialisation of agriculture resulted in shifting of agricultural production from ______
crops to ________ crops.
(a) Cash, Food (b) Cotton, Jute
(c) Food, Cash (d) Jute, Food
Q.3 During the British rule in India, Indian agricultural output witnessed stagnation due to____________.
(a) Decline in handicrafts (b) Drain of Indian wealth
(c) Land settlement (d) Introduction of railways
Q.4 The stagnation in the agricultural sector during the colonial rule was caused mainly because of __________ .
(a) Lack of irrigation facilities (b) land settlement systems
(c) Low levels of technology (d) Lack of resources
Q.5 Under the zamindari system, the main interest of the zamindars was only to collect rent regardless of the economic
condition of the cultivators. To a very great extent, the terms of ___________ were responsible for the zamindars
adopting such an attitude.
(a) Rent (b) Revenue settlement
(c) Cropping pattern (d) None of these
Q.6 During the British colonial rule, though agricultural productivity became low, there was some evidence of a
relatively higher yield of cash crops in certain areas of the country due to __________ .
(a) Commercialisation of agriculture (b) Government support
(c) Irrigation facilities (d) Increased resources
Q.7 Under the British system of land settlement, the Zamindar’s dues to the state were fixed. What did this mean for
the cultivators?
(a) They received investment support to increase production.
(b) They were exploited and forced to pay rent regardless of the produce.
(c) They had the support of the landlords against the oppressive policies of the British.
(d) They were forced to shift from food crops to commercial crops, leading to food scarcity.
Q.8 Prior to India’s independence, the stagnation in the agricultural sector was mainly caused by ___________.
(a) investment in technology (b) investment in agriculture facilities
(c) advanced infrastructural facilities (d) land settlement system
Q.9 Statement-I: Agriculture productivity was very low during the British Rule.
Statement-II: In absolute terms, there was growth in agriculture sector due to expansion of aggregate area under
cultivation.
(a) Both the statements are true.
(b) Both the statements are false.
(c) Statement-I is true, Statement-II is false.
(d) Statement-II is true, Statement-I is false.
Q.10 Assertion (A): Under the British colonial rule, the agricultural production decreased.
Reason (R): In absolute terms, the agricultural sector experienced some growth due to the expansion of the
aggregate area under cultivation.
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.13
Subjective Questions
Q.23 “India’s economy under the British colonial rule remained fundamentally agrarian.” How do you say so? (1)
Q.24 What was the main cause of the stagnation in the agricultural sector in India under the British colonial rule? (1)
Q.25 In which part of the country was the zamindari system of revenue settlement introduced by the colonial
government? (1)
Q.26 How did the zamindari system of revenue settlement introduced by the colonial government cause immense misery
and social tension among the cultivators? (1)
Q.27 The main interest of the zamindars was only to collect rent regardless of the economic condition of the cultivators,
which caused immense misery and social tension among the cultivators. Why did the zamindars adopt such an
attitude? (1)
Q.28 Discuss any two causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the Colonial period. (3)
Q.29 State and explain the condition of Indian agriculture on the eve of independence. (4)
Q.30 “During the British colonial rule, despite being the occupation of about 85% of India’s population, the agriculture
sector continued to experience stagnation and, not infrequently, unusual deterioration. Agricultural productivity
became low.” Do you agree with the above statement? Give valid reasons in support of your answer. (6)
The rule of the British government led to the collapse of India’s world famous handicraft industries. The
establishment of a few manufacturing units was no substitute to the near wholesale displacement of the country’s
traditional handicraft industries.
1.16 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
The decline of the indigenous handicraft industries created not only massive unemployment in India but also a
new demand in the Indian consumer market, which was now deprived of the supply of locally made goods. This
demand was profitably met by the increasing imports of cheap manufactured goods from Britain.
The two-fold motive behind the systematic de-industrialisation effected by the British:
The primary motive of the colonial government behind this policy of systematically de-stabilising India was two-
fold.
1. To get raw materials from India at cheaper rates
The first motive was to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of important raw materials for the
upcoming modern industries in Britain and,
2. To sell finished products produced by the Britain industries in Indian market at higher prices
The second motive was to turn India into a sprawling market for the finished products of those industries
so that their continued expansion could be ensured to the maximum advantage of their home country —
Britain.
India could not develop a sound industrial base under the colonial rule.
The modern industry began to take root in India during the second half of the nineteenth century, but its
progress remained very slow.
Initially, the industrial development was confined to the setting up of cotton and jute textile mills.
The cotton textile mills, mainly dominated by Indians, were located in the western parts of the country,
namely, Maharashtra and Gujarat, while the jute mills dominated by the foreigners were mainly concentrated
in Bengal.
Subsequently, the iron and steel industries began coming up in the beginning of the twentieth century. The
Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) was incorporated in 1907.
A few other industries in the fields of sugar, cement, paper etc. came up after the Second World War.
Other shortfalls of the industrial policy pursued by the British colonial administration:
1. Lack of capital goods industry
There was hardly any capital goods industry to help promote industrialisation in India.
Meaning
Capital goods industry means industries which can produce machine tools which are, in turn, used for producing articles for
current consumption.
DEFINITION OF
KEY TERMS
Gross Domestic Product It is the market value of all final goods and services produced by all the firms in the economy
(GDP) within the domestic territory during a fiscal year.
Gross Value Added (GVA) The sum of a country’s GDP and net of indirect taxes and subsidies in the economy during a
fiscal year. (GVA = GDP – Indirect Taxes + Subsidies)
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.17
Q.1 Which of the following industries were in operation in our country at the time of independence?
(i) Cotton and Jute textile industries
(ii) Iron and steel industries
(iii) Sugar, cement and paper industries
(a) Only (i) (b) Only (i) and (ii)
(c) Only (ii) and (iii) (d) All of these
Q.2 Dring the second half on the 19th century, the cotton textile mills mainly dominated by Indian entrepreneurs were
located mainly in ___________.
(a) Bengal (b) Maharashtra
(c) Calcutta (d) Madhya Pradesh
Q.3 During the British rule, the iron and steel industries began coming up in the beginning of the twentieth century.
___________ was incorporated in 1907.
(a) Cotton and Jute Textile Mills Ltd.
(b) Tata Iron and Steel Company
(c) AN Steels India Ltd.
(d) Sharan Iron Steel Industries Ltd.
Q.4 The Tata Iron and Steel Company was incorporated in ________.
(a) 1907 (b) 1910
(c) 1921 (d) 1850
1.18 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Q.5 Assertion (A): India could not develop a sound industrial base during the British rule.
Reason (R): Britishers followed restrictive trade policies, which led to the rise of Indian handicraft industries.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.6 Assertion (A): Britishers destroyed indigenous handicraft market in India.
Reason (R): India was made market for British manufactured products.
(a) A is true but R is false.
(b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A.
(d) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
Q.7 Assertion (A): India developed a sound industrial base under the colonial rule.
Reason (R): The country’s world famous handicraft industries declined.
(a) A is true but R is false.
(b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A.
(d) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
Q.8 Assertion (A): During the second half of the 19th century, modern industry began to take root in India.
Reason (R): Initially, this development was confined to the setting up of cotton and jute textile mills. Subsequently,
the iron and steel industries began coming up in the beginning of the 20th century. A few other industries in the
fields of sugar, cement, paper, etc. came up after the Second World War.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.9 Assertion (A): India could not develop a sound industrial base under the colonial rule
Reason (R): Because the intention of colonial rule was to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of important
raw materials for the upcoming modern industries in Britain.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.10 Assertion (A): India had an independent economy before the advent of British rule. Though agriculture was the
main source of livelihood for most people, yet, the economy of the country was characterised by various kinds of
manufacturing activities.
Reason (R): There was lack of capital goods industries in India.
(a) A is true but R is false.
(b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A.
(d) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
Q.11 Assertion (A): Before the advent of the British rule, India was particularly well known for its handicraft industries
in the fields of cotton and silk textiles, metal and precious stone works etc.
Reason (R): These products enjoyed a worldwide market based on the reputation of the fine quality of material
used and the high standards of craftsmanship seen in all imports from India.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.19
Subjective Questions
Q.15 Name some modern industries which were in operation in our country at the time of independence. (NCERT) (1)
Q.16 Define Capital goods industry. (1)
Q.17 Name the area of operation of the public sector under the British colonial rule. (1)
Q.18 Explain any two shortfalls of the industrial policy under the British rule. (3)
Q.19 For which industries was India particularly well-known during the British colonial rule and why? (3)
Q.20 What was the two-fold motive behind the systematic deindustrialisation effected by the British in pre-independent
India? (NCERT) (3)
Q.21 The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in
support of your answer. (NCERT) (4)
1.20 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
DEFINITION OF
KEY TERMS
Tariff A tax on imports, which can be levied either on physical units, e.g. per tonne (specific) or
on value. Tariffs may be imposed for a variety of reasons including: to raise government
revenue, to protect domestic industry from subsidised or low-wage imports, to boost domestic
employment, etc. Apart from the revenue that they raise tariffs achieve little good—they
reduce the volume of trade and increase the price of the imported commodity to consumers.
Export Surplus Export surplus is the excess of exports over imports.
Q.1 Identify the result of the large export surplus during the colonial period.
(a) domestic markets flooded with raw materials
(b) an increase in gold and silver reserves
(c) scarcity of essential commodities
(d) cheap imported consumer goods
1.22 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Q.2 Statement 1: Commercialization of agriculture under the British rule was responsible for frequent famines between
1875 and 1900.
Statement 2: During British rule, India began to export food grains.
(a) Statement 1 is true and Statement 2 is false.
(b) Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true.
(c) Both Statements 1 and 2 are true.
(d) Both Statements 1 and 2 are false.
Q.3 Which of the following is NOT true about foreign trade during the colonial rule?
(a) India suffered from large trade deficit.
(b) Restrictive policies of commodity production, were followed.
(c) Britain maintained a monopoly control over India’s exports and imports.
(d) India became an exporter of primary products and an importer of finished consumer goods.
Q.4 Read the following statements relating to foreign trade during British rule and choose the correct sequence of these
statements.
(i) India was exporter of products like raw silk, cotton etc.
(ii) Britain maintained monopoly control over India’s foreign trade.
(iii) India generated large export surplus
(iv) Exports did not result in any flow of wealth into the country.
(a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) (b) (iv), (iii), (ii), (i)
(c) (ii), (i), (iii), (iv) (d) (iv), (i), (ii), (iii)
Q.5 Identify the false statement in context of India’s foreign trade.
(a) Exporter of raw material. (b) Surplus in foreign trade account.
(c) Importer of finished goods. (d) Import of gems and pearls from Britain.
Q.6 In the 20th century, under British rule, India had an export surplus. Where was this surplus used?
(a) To invest in capital goods industries in India
(b) To invest in capital goods industries in Britain
(c) To meet the official and war expenses of the British
(d) To pay the salaries of Indian government employees
Q.7 Identify the correct statement from the following:
(a) Restrictive policies of commodity production, trade and tariff pursued by the colonial government adversely
affected the structure, composition and volume of India’s foreign trade.
(b) Effective trade policies of commodity production, trade and tariff pursued by the colonial government
favorably affected the structure, composition and volume of India’s foreign trade.
(c) Liberal policies of commodity production, trade and tariff pursued by the colonial government adversely
affected the structure, composition and volume of India’s foreign trade.
(d) Restrictive policies of commodity production, trade and tariff pursued by the colonial government favorably
affected the structure, composition and volume of India’s foreign trade.
Q.8 Assertion (A): The establishment of the Suez Canal intensified Britain’s control over India’s foreign trade.
Reason (R): The Europeans no longer had to travel around Africa to reach India.
(a) A is true but R is false. (b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A. (d) Both A and R are true and R does not explain A.
Q.9 Assertion (A): India became an exporter of primary products and an importer of finished consumer and capital
goods produced in Britain.
Reason (R): Restrictive policies of commodity production, trade and tariff pursued by the colonial government
adversely affected the structure, composition and volume of India’s foreign trade.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.23
Q.16 Read the following statements relating to foreign trade during British rule and state the correct sequence of these
statements.
(i) India was exporter of products like raw silk, cotton etc.
(ii) Britain maintained monopoly control over India’s foreign trade.
(iii) India generated large export surplus
(iv) Exports did not result in any flow of wealth into the country.
(a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) (b) (ii), (i), (iii), (iv)
(c) (ii), (i), (iv), (iii) (d) (iv), (iii), (i), (ii)
Subjective Questions
Q.17 Which restrictive policies pursued by the colonial government adversely affected the structure, composition and
volume of India’s foreign trade? (1)
Q.18 Indicate the direction of trade during the British rule. (1)
Q.19 Indicate the structure and composition of India’s foreign trade during the colonial period. (2)
Q.20 Comment upon any two salient features of foreign trade policy of India, on the eve of Independence. (3)
Q.21 “The most important characteristic of India’s foreign trade through out the colonial period was the generation of a
large export surplus. But this surplus came of a huge cost to the country’s economy.”
Do you agree with the above statement? Give valid reasons in support of your answer. (3)
Q.22 Indicate the volume and direction of foreign trade of India at the time of Independence. (NCERT) (4)
Q.23 How did the restrictive policies of commodity production, trade and tariff pursued by the British colonial government
affect the structure, composition and volume of foreign trade? (4)
Lack of adequate public health facilities, occurrence of frequent natural calamities and famines
pauperised the hapless Indian people and resulted in engendering high mortality rates.
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.25
DEFINITION OF
KEY TERMS
Demographic transition Demographic transition refers to the historical shift from high birth rates and high death rates
(in societies with minimal technology, education and economic development) to low birth
rates and low death rates (in societies with advanced technology, education and economic
development). It is a concept developed by demographer Frank Notestein in 1945 to describe
the typical pattern of falling death and birth rates in response to better living conditions
associated with economic development. Notestein identified three phases of demographic
transition, pre-industrial, developing and modern industrialised societies. Later another phase,
post-industrial was also included.
Literacy Rate Literacy rate measures the proportion of literate population in the age group of 7 years or
above.
Mortality rate The word ‘mortality’ comes from ‘mortal’ which originates from the Latin word mors
(meaning death).Mortality Rate is defined as the number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year.
Infant Mortality Rate It is the number of deaths of infants before reaching the age of one, in a particular year, per
1,000 live births during that year. It indicates the number of children that survive first year of
their life.
Life Expectancy Life Expectancy is defined as number of years, on an average ,an individual is expected to
live.
Life Expectancy at Birth The number of years a newborn infant would live if prevailing patterns of age-specific
(years) mortality rates at the time of birth were to stay the same throughout the child’s life.
Morbidity rate Morbidity rate means propensity to fall ill, It may affect productivity of workers. Activities like
Air pollution and safety hazards connected to transportation also affect morbidity, particularly in
densely populated areas.
1.26 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Q.1 The multifaceted process of demographic transition within the context of India pertains to:
(a) a sudden decline in the population growth rate due to migration
(b) a change in the population density across different states in India
(c) a significant increase in the birth rate and death rate simultaneously
(d) a shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates over time
Q.2 India entered the ____________ stage of Demographic Transition after the year 1921.
(a) fourth (b) second
(c) third (d) first
Q.3 Read the following statements relating to demographic condition of India during British Rule and choose the
correct sequence of these statements.
(i) Overall mortality rate was very high
(ii) Water and airborne diseases were rampant
(iii) Public health services were either unavailable or were inadequate
(iv) Infant mortality was at alarming level
(a) (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) (b) (iii), (ii), (i), (iv)
(c) (ii), (i), (iii), (iv) (d) (iv), (i), (ii), (iii)
Q.4 When was India’s first official census operation undertaken? (NCERT)
(a) 1850 (b) 1869
(c) 1881 (d) 1921
Q.5 Which is regarded as the defining year to mark the demographic transition from its first to the second decisive
stage? (NCERT)
(a) 1850 (b) 1869
(c) 1881 (d) 1921
Q.6 During the British colonial rule, the various social development indicators were not quite encouraging. The overall
literacy level was ___________ .
(a) Less than 16% (b) About 7%
(c) About 1% (d) Less than 5%
Q.7 During the British colonial rule, the overall mortality rate was very high and in that, particularly, the infant mortality
rate was quite alarming about __________ per thousand in contrast to the present rate of 40 per thousand.
(a) 118 (b) 218
(c) 40 (d) 68
Q.8 During the British colonial rule,Life expectancy was also very low _________ in contrast to the present 69 years.
(a) 33 years (b) 32 years
(c) 55 years (d) 66 year
Q.9 The second stage of demographic transition began after ________.
(a) 1907 (b) 1921
(c) 1930 (d) 1850
Q.10 Which of the following statements does not characterise demographic condition of India on the eve of
independence?
(a) Literacy level was less than 16%. (b) Water and air borne diseases were rampant.
(c) Mortality rate was low. (d) Life expectancy was 32 years.
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.27
Q.11 Which one of the following was high during British rules in India?
(a) Literacy Rate (b) Female literacy
(c) Infant Mortality Rate (d) Life Expectancy
Q.12 Which of the following statements is not true about the demographic condition of India during the Colonial
period ?
(a) Infant mortality rate was very high.
(b) After 1921, India entered the second stage of demographic transition.
(c) Life expectancy was too high.
(d) Female literacy rate was just 7%.
Q.13 On the eve of Independence, India’s demographic condition was characterised by which of the following statement?
(a) Low level of literacy, low mortality rates and high life expectancy.
(b) High level of literacy, high mortality rates and low life expectancy.
(c) Low level of literacy, high mortality rates and high life expectancy.
(d) Low level of literacy, high mortality rates and low life expectancy.
Q.14 ‘Since independence, India has witnessed a considerable fall in the Infant Mortality Rate in India’ Identify which of
the following may not be one of the reasons for the fall in the Infant Mortality Rate?
(a) Improvement in health facilities over the years
(b) Improvement in educational standards over the years
(c) Fall in standard of living of the population of the nation over the years
(d) Technological expansion over the years
Q.15 Statement 1: Various details about the population of British India were first collected through a census in 1921,
which revealed the unevenness in India’s population growth.
Statement 2: The second stage of demographic transition began after 1921. The total population of India and the
rate of population growth at this stage was very high.
(a) Both the statements are true.
(b) Both the statements are false.
(c) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
(d) Statement 2 is true, but statement 1 is false.
Q.16 India’s demographic condition on the eve of independence was characterised by:
(a) High level of literacy, high mortality rates, high life expectancy and high level of poverty.
(b) Low level of literacy, low mortality rates, low life expectancy and Low level of poverty.
(c) Low level of literacy, low mortality rates, high life expectancy and high level of poverty.
(d) Low level of literacy, high mortality rates, low life expectancy and high level of poverty.
Subjective Questions
Q.17 When was India’s first official census operation undertaken? (NCERT) (1)
Q.18 Which is regarded as the defining year to mark the demographic transition from its first to the second decisive
stage? (NCERT) (1)
Q.19 What was the literacy rate in India during the colonial period? (1)
Q.20 How was the overall mortality rate during the British rule quite alarming? (1)
Q.21 State the meaning of Mortality Rate. (1)
Q.22 “During the colonial period, a number of socio-economic indicators were in a dilapidated state.” List any three such
indicators that led to the worsening of India’s demographic profile. (1)
1.28 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Madras Presidency comprises areas of the present-day states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
Kerala and Karnataka.
However, there had been an increase in the share of workforce in agriculture in states such as Orissa,
Rajasthan and Punjab.
Q.1 During the colonial period, there was regional variation in the occupational structure. Parts of the then Madras
Presidency, Bombay and Bengal witnessed a decline in the dependence of the workforce on the agricultural sector
with a commensurate increase in the manufacturing and the services sectors. However, there had been an increase
in the share of workforce in agriculture in states such as _____.
(a) Orissa (b) Rajasthan
(c) Punjab (d) All of these
Q.2 ________ sector played a predominant role in occupational structure during the Colonial period.
(a) Agriculture (b) Manufacturing
(c) Service (d) Infrastructure
Q.3 From the following, identify the incorrect statement in the light of India’s pre-independence occupational structure.
(a) Agricultural sector accounted for the largest share of workforce.
(b) Industrial and Service sectors grew at a faster rate than the agriculture sector.
(c) Agriculture sector was marked with disguised unemployment.
(d) Unbalanced growth was created due to unequal distribution of workforce.
Q.4 Occupational structure refers to__________.
(a) size of labour force in a country
(b) number of people living in a country
(c) distribution of workforce among different sectors of an economy
(d) nature of different occupations
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.29
Q.5 Statement 1: During the colonial period, The agricultural sector accounted for the largest share of workforce,
which usually remained at a high of 70-75 per cent while the manufacturing and the services sectors accounted for
only 10 and 15-20 per cent respectively.
Statement 2: Parts of the then Madras Presidency (comprising areas of the present-day states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka),Bombay and Bengal witnessed a decline in the dependence of the workforce on the
agricultural sector with a commensurate increase in the manufacturing and the services sectors.
(a) Both the statements are true. (b) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
(c) Both the statements are false. (d) Statement 2 is true, but statement 1 is false.
Subjective Questions
Q.6 Which sector of the Indian economy accounted for the largest share of workforce during the colonial period? (1)
Q.7 “The pre-independent India’s occupational structure experienced growing regional variation.” Justify the above
statement with valid explanation. (3)
Q.8 Highlight the salient features of India’s pre-independence occupational structure. (NCERT) (4)
Explain any two main causes behind infrastructural development by British rule.
Q.1 Which of the following statements is not true about India’s economic development during British rule?
(a) Handicraft products were well known worldwide.
(b) Agriculture was the main source of livelihood.
(c) India transformed into supplier and consumer of finished industrial products.
(d) Per capita income grew by half percent in the first half of twentieth century.
Q.2 Identify, which of the following indicates the adverse impact of British rule in India.
(a) Introduction of communication networks in India
(b) Change in composition of India’s foreign trade
(c) Introduction of modern administrative system in India
(d) Introduction of railways in India
Q.3 _________ is one of the main positive contribution made by the British in India.
(a) Construction of all weather roads
(b) Introduction of railways
(c) Development of inland trade and sea lanes
(d) None of these
Q.4 Arrange the following events of India before the independence in chronological order:
(i) The opening of the Suez Canal
(ii) Introduction of the railways
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.31
Q.12 Assertion (A): During the British colonial rule in India, Britishers built roads extensively to cover the nation.
Reason (R): Roads were built by Britishers primarily to mobilise army.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.13 Assertion (A): Under the colonial regime, there was no infrastructure development.
Reason (R): Under the colonial regime, basic infrastructure such as railways, ports, water transport, posts and
telegraphs did develop though these efforts were spiced with selfish motives.
(a) A is true but R is false. (b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A. (d) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
Q.14 Statement 1: Under the colonial regime, the motive behind infrastructure development was to provide basic
amenities to the people.
Statement 2: The real motive behind infrastructure development was to subserve various colonial interests.
(a) Both the statements are true.
(b) Both the statements are false.
(c) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
(d) Statement 2 is true, but statement 1 is false.
Q.15 Assertion (A): During the colonial rule, there always remained an acute shortage of all weather roads.
Reason (R): People mostly living in rural areas suffered grievously during natural calamities and famines.
(a) A is true but R is false. (b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A. (d) Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
Q.16 Assertion (A): The social benefits, which the Indian people gained owing to the introduction of the railways were
out-weighted by the country’s huge economic loss.
Reason (R): It fostered commercialisation of Indian agriculture which adversely affected the self-sufficiency of the
village economies in India. Secondly, the benefits of increase in India’s exports did not accrue to the Indian people.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.17 Assertion (A): The colonial government also took measures for developing the inland trade and sea lanes. However,
these measures were far from satisfactory.
Reason (R): The inland waterways proved uneconomical as in the case of the coast canal on the Orissa coast.
Though the canal was built at a huge cost, yet it failed to compete with the railways, which soon transversed the
region running parallel to the canal, and had to be ultimately abandoned.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.18 Assertion (A): On the eve of independence, the social and economic challenges before the country were enormous.
Reason (R): The agricultural sector suffered from extremely low productivity. The industrial sector was crying for
modernisation, diversification, capacity building and increased public investment. Infrastructure facilities needed
up-gradation and expansion. There was a prevalence of rampant poverty and unemployment.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.33
Q.19 Assertion (A): The sole purpose of the British colonial rule in India was to reduce the country to being a raw
material supplier.
Reason (R): The intention was to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of important raw materials for the
upcoming modern industries in Britain and,to turn India into a sprawling market for the finished products of those
industries so that their continued expansion could be ensured to the maximum advantage of their home country.
(a) A is true but R is false. (b) A is false but R is true.
(c) Both A and R are true and R explains A. (d) Both A and R are true but R does not explain.
Q.20 Statement 1: Under the colonial regime, basic infrastructure such as railways, ports, water transport, posts and
telegraphs did develop.
Statement 2: The real motive of the British behind infrastructure development was to provide basic amenities to
the people.
(a) Both the statements are true.
(b) Both the statements are false.
(c) Statement 1 is true, but statement 2 is false.
(d) Statement 2 is true, but statement 1 is false.
Subjective Questions
Q.21 Which basic infrastructure did develop under the colonial regime? (1)
Q.22 State any one positive contribution made by the British in India. (1)
Q.23 When did the British introduce the railways in India? (1)
Q.24 What was the purpose of the British behind the introduction of the expensive system of electric telegraph in India? (1)
Q.25 What was the real motive of the British behind infrastructure development in India? (1)
Q.26 What were the main purposes of the British behind construction of all weather roads in India? (2)
Q.27 How did the railways affect the structure of the Indian economy? (3)
Q.28 “The introduction of the railways in India was considered as one of the most important contributions of the
British. However, the social benefits, which the Indian people gained owing to the introduction of the railways, were
outweighed by the country’s huge economic loss.” Do you agree with the above statement? Give valid reasons. (4)
Q.29 Were there any positive contributions made by the British in India? Discuss. (NCERT) (4)
Q.30 “The social and economic challenges before India at the time of independence were enormous.” Do you agree with
the statement? Give reasons. (6)
By the time India won its independence, the impact of the two-century long British colonial rule was already
showing on all aspects of the Indian economy.
• The agricultural sector was already saddled with surplus labour and extremely low productivity.
• The industrial sector was crying for modernisation, diversification, capacity building and increased public
investment.
• Foreign trade was oriented to feed the Industrial Revolution in Britain.
• Infrastructure facilities, including the famed railway network, needed upgradation, expansion and public
orientation.
• Prevalence of rampant poverty and unemployment required welfare orientation of public economic policy.
In a nutshell, the social and economic challenges before the country were enormous.
1.34 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Points to Ponder
An understanding of the economy before independence is necessary to know and appreciate the level of
development achieved during the post-independence period.
Under the colonial dispensation, the economic policies of the government were concerned more with the
protection and promotion of British economic interests than with the need to develop the economic condition
of the colonised country and its people.
The agricultural sector continued to experience stagnation and deterioration despite the fact that the largest
section of Indian population depended on it for sustenance.
The rule of the British-India government led to the collapse of India’s world famous handicraft industries
without contributing, in any significant manner, to its replacement by a modern industrial base.
Lack of adequate public health facilities, occurrence of frequent natural calamities and famines pauperised the
hapless Indian people and resulted in engendering high mortality rates.
Some efforts were made by the colonial regime to improve infrastructure facilities but these efforts were
spiced with selfish motives. However, the independent Indian government had to built on this base through
planning.
Full Forms
TISCO Tata Iron and Steel Company GDP Gross Domestic Product
GVA Gross Value Added IMR Infant mortality rate
ECONOMIC DATA
Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
During the first half of the 20th century, the country’s growth rate of aggregate real GDP was only less than 2% per year
and per capita real GDP was close to 0.5% per year.
More than 50% of India’s foreign trade was restricted to Britain.
During the colonial period, overall literacy level was less than 16%. Out of this, the female literacy level was at a negligible
low of about 7%.
Infant Mortality Rate was quite alarming – about 218 per thousand in contrast to the present infant mortality rate of
33 per thousand.
Life expectancy was also very low – 32 years in contrast to the present 69 years.
During the colonial period, the agricultural sector accounted for the largest share of workforce, which usually remained
at a high of 70-75 per cent while the manufacturing and the services sectors accounted for only 10 and 15-20 per cent
respectively.
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.35
Timeline
Q.1 India’s economy under the colonial rule remained fundamentally agrarian. Which of the following justify this?
(a) About 85 per cent of the country’s population lived mostly in villages.
(b) Most of the population derived livelihood directly or indirectly from agriculture.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) The agricultural sector continued to experience stagnation and, not infrequently, unusual deterioration.
Q.2 Which of the following does not characterise the condition of Indian Agricultural condition on independence?
(a) Agricultural sector was experiencing stagnation.
(b) Aggregate area under cultivation was contracting.
(c) Agricultural productivity became low in absolute terms.
(d) Cash crops were more produced.
Q.3 Commercialisation of agriculture during British rule led to _________.
(a) More production of food crops
(b) Improvement in the economic condition of farmers
1.36 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
CASE STUDY 2: Read the following and answer Q. 5-8 on the basis of the same:
India could not develop a sound industrial base under the colonial rule. Even as the country’s world famous handicraft
industries declined, no corresponding modern industrial base was allowed to come up to take pride of place so
long enjoyed by the former. The primary motive of the colonial government behind this policy of systematically
deindustrialising India was two-fold. The intention was, first, to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of
important raw materials for the upcoming modern industries in Britain and, second, to turn India into a sprawling
market for the finished products of those industries so that their continued expansion could be ensured to the
maximum advantage of their home country — Britain.
In the unfolding economic scenario, the decline of the indigenous handicraft industries created not only massive
unemployment in India but also a new demand in the Indian consumer market, which was now deprived of the supply
of locally made goods. This demand was profitably met by the increasing imports of cheap manufactured goods from
Britain. During the second half of the nineteenth century, modern industry began to take root in India but its progress
remained very slow. Initially, this development was confined to the setting up of cotton and jute textile mills. The cotton
textile mills, mainly dominated by Indians, were located in the western parts of the country, namely, Maharashtra and
Gujarat, while the jute mills dominated by the foreigners were mainly concentrated in Bengal. Subsequently, the iron
and steel industries began coming up in the beginning of the twentieth century. The Tata Iron and Steel Company
(TISCO) was incorporated. A few other industries in the fields of sugar, cement, paper etc. came up after the Second
World War. However, there was hardly any capital goods industry to help promote further industrialisation in India.
Capital goods industry means industries which can produce machine tools which are, in turn, used for producing articles
for current consumption. The establishment of a few manufacturing units here and there was no substitute to the near
wholesale displacement of the country’s traditional handicraft industries. Furthermore, the growth rate of the new
industrial sector and its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or Gross Value Added remained very small.
Another significant drawback of the new industrial sector was the very limited area of operation of the public sector. This
sector remained confined only to the railways, power generation, communications, ports and some other departmental
undertakings.
Q.5 The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Which of the following justifies this?
(a) The decline of the indigenous handicraft industries created not only massive unemployment in India but also a
new demand in the Indian consumer market, which was now deprived of the supply of locally made goods.
(b) Even as the country’s world famous handicraft industries declined, no corresponding modern industrial base
was allowed to come up to take pride of place so long enjoyed by the former.
(c) The primary motive of the colonial government behind the policy of systematically deindustrialising India
was to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of important raw materials for the upcoming modern
industries in Britain
(d) None of the above
Q.6 _______ industries help promote further industrialisation in India.
(a) Cotton and Jute Textile
(b) Iron and Steel
(c) Capital goods
(d) Consumer goods
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.37
Q.7 The primary motive of the colonial government behind the policy of systematically deindustrialising India was:
(a) To reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of raw materials for the upcoming modern industries in
Britain.
(b) To turn India into a sprawling market for the finished products of those industries so that their continued
expansion could be ensured to the maximum advantage of their home country — Britain.
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Decline of traditional handicrafts industries in India.
Q.8 The Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) was incorporated in:
(a) 1907
(b) 1910
(c) 1921
(d) 1850
CASE STUDY 3: Read the following and answer Q. 9-12 on the basis of the same:
Various details about the population of British India were first collected through a census in 1881. Though suffering
from certain limitations, it revealed the unevenness in India’s population growth. Subsequently, every ten years such
vcensus operations were carried out. Before 1921, India was in the first stage of demographic transition. The second
stage of transition began after 1921.
However, neither the total population of India nor the rate of population growth at this stage was very high. The various
social development indicators were also not quite encouraging. The overall literacy level was less than 16 per cent. Out
of this, the female literacy level was at a negligible low of about seven per cent. Public health facilities were either
unavailable to large chunks of population or, when available, were highly inadequate. Consequently, water and air-borne
diseases were rampant and took a huge toll on life. No wonder, the overall mortality rate was very high and in that,
particularly, the infant mortality rate was quite alarming—about 218 per thousand in contrast to the present infant
mortality rate of 33 per thousand. Life expectancy was also very low—44 years in contrast to the present 69 years. In
the absence of reliable data, it is difficult to specify the extent of poverty at that time but there is no doubt that extensive
poverty prevailed in India during the colonial period which contributed to the worsening profile of India’s population of
the time.
COMPETENCY
Based Questions
Q.1 Answer the following questions on the basis of the picture given below and your general knowledge:
A large section of India’s population did not have basic needs such as housing.
(i) Identify the profile of India’s population during the colonial period. (1)
(ii) Give a quantitative appraisal of India’s demographic profile during the colonial period. (3
Q.2 Answer the following questions on the basis of the text and picture given below and your general knowledge:
(i) How did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 affect India’s foreign trade? (1)
(ii) What was the most important characteristic of India’s foreign trade throughout the colonial period? How did
this come at a huge cost to the country’s economy? Explain. (3)
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.39
Q.3 Answer the following questions on the basis of the picture given below and your general knowledge:
(i) What was the most important contribution made by the British in India? (1)
(ii) When was the first railway bridge linking Bombay with Thane built? (1)
(iii) “The railways affected the structure of the Indian economy in two important ways.” Explain the statement. (2)
Chapter 1
INDIAN ECONOMY
ON THE EVE OF
INDEPENDENCE
NOTES
Chapter 1
for
Slow
Learners
INDIAN ECONOMY ON THE EVE OF INDEPENDENCE
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Short Answer Questions of 3 marks each to be answered in 60 to 80 words.
2. Short Answer Questions of 4 marks each to be answered in 80 to 100 words.
3. Long Answer Questions of 6 marks each to be answered in 100 to 150 words
To score 100 per cent in your test, the presentation of answers is as much important as their content.
Don’t forget to write Question Number you are answering.
Answer each question from new page (except 1 mark questions)
Give answer in points, as far as possible, rather than in paragraphs.
Leave one line space between two headings
Leave at least 2-3 lines space between two answers of 1 mark questions.
Write the main heading in capital letters. (Use dark and bold pen like Pilot V10)
Underline the headings with pencil.
Explanation/description from next line of heading.
Use bullets while giving explanation.
Attempt all parts of a question together.
Write impersonally. In other words, do not use ‘I’ or ‘We’ in your answers. For example, do not write
— “I don’t agree with the statement.” Rather you should write — “The given statement is not correct.”
Take care with sentences and punctuation. In general, try to write short sentences.
1.44 SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) Indian Economic Development Class XII (CBSE)
Q.8 Answer the following questions on the basis of the text and picture given below and your general knowledge:
(i) Give a contrast on the condition of agriculture in our country in the seventeenth century and the time when
the British left India, around 200 years later. (3)
(ii) State any two causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period. (3)
Chapter-1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence SUBHASH DEY (Shree Radhey Publications) 1.49
Q.4 Read the following statements — Assertion (A) and Reason (R) and choose the correct alternative: (1)
Assertion (A): The construction of railways led to huge economic losses to the Indian economy.
Reason (R): It enhanced commercialization of Indian agriculture, which adversely affected the comparative self-
sufficiency of the village economies in India.
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Q.5 What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period? State any three points. (3)
Q.6 State the two-fold motive for the systematic destabilisation of indigenous Indian industries in the British era. (3)
Q.7 Answer the following questions on the basis of the picture given below and your general knowledge:
Tata Airlines, a division of Tata and Sons, inaugurating the aviation sector in India
(i) When was the Tata Airlines, a division of Tata and Sons, established? (1)
(ii) “Under the colonial regime, basic infrastructure such as railways, ports, water transport, posts and telegraphs
did develop. However, the real motive behind this development was not to provide basic amenities to the
people but to subserve various colonial interests.” Justify the statement by giving two valid reasons. (3)
Q.8 Provide a case study of infrastructure development during British colonial rule in a specific region of India.
Highlight three key infrastructural projects initiated by the British administration and analyze their impact on the
region’s economy, transportation, and communication systems. (6)