During the 19th century, India was under British rule, and this period had a significant impact on the country's economy. One of the results of British rule was the commercialization of Indian agriculture. This answer will explore how this occurred and the consequences it had on India's economy.


1. Land Revenue System:
- The British introduced a new land revenue system known as the Zamindari system.
- Under this system, the British collected land revenue directly from the peasants, who were considered as tenants or cultivators.
- This system created a commercial relationship between the British government and the Indian peasants, as they were now required to pay cash for the land they cultivated.

2. Cash Crops:
- The British encouraged the cultivation of cash crops, such as indigo, opium, and cotton.
- These crops were in high demand in the international market and provided a significant source of revenue for the British.
- Indian farmers, under the pressure of the Zamindari system, started growing cash crops instead of food crops, leading to a decline in food production.

3. Infrastructure Development:
- The British invested in infrastructure development, such as railways and canals, to facilitate the transportation of cash crops from the interior regions to ports for export.
- This improved connectivity and made it easier for the British to exploit India's resources.

Consequences:
1. Deindustrialization:
- The focus on cash crops led to the neglect of traditional industries and handicrafts, causing a decline in their production.
- The British flooded the Indian market with cheaper mass-produced goods, which further weakened the indigenous industries.

2. Dependence on Agriculture:
- The commercialization of agriculture resulted in a shift towards a more agrarian economy, with a heavy reliance on cash crops.
- This made India vulnerable to fluctuations in international market prices and exposed the country to economic instability.

3. Poverty and Famines:
- The emphasis on cash crops and the decline in food production led to food shortages and famines.
- The British policies and taxation further exacerbated poverty and contributed to the suffering of the Indian population.


The commercialization of Indian agriculture under British rule had significant economic consequences. It led to the neglect of traditional industries, increased dependence on cash crops, and contributed to poverty and famines. This period marked a shift towards an agrarian economy and left a lasting impact on India's economic development.