The railways affected the structure of the Indian economy in many imp...
- The British introduced the railways in India in 1850 and it is considered as one of their most important contributions.
- The railways affected the structure of the Indian economy in two important ways. On the one hand it enabled people to undertake long distance travel and thereby break geographical and cultural barriers while, on the other hand, it fostered commercialisation of Indian agriculture which adversely affected the self-sufficiency of the village economies in India.
- The volume of India’s exports undoubtedly expanded but its benefits rarely accrued to the Indian people.
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The railways affected the structure of the Indian economy in many imp...
The Impact of Railways on the Indian Economy
Statement 1: It enabled people to undertake long distance travel and thereby break geographical and cultural barriers.
The first statement is correct. The introduction of railways in India had a significant impact on the movement of people across long distances. Prior to the advent of railways, long-distance travel in India was primarily dependent on bullock carts, horses, and other slow means of transportation. The railways revolutionized travel by providing a faster and more efficient mode of transportation.
Benefits of Long-Distance Travel:
- Improved Connectivity: The railways connected various regions and cities across India, enabling people to travel easily and quickly. This led to improved connectivity between different parts of the country, breaking geographical barriers.
- Cultural Exchange: The railways facilitated the movement of people from different regions, allowing for cultural exchange and integration. People from diverse backgrounds could now travel and experience different cultures, customs, and traditions, thereby breaking cultural barriers.
Statement 2: It fostered commercialization of Indian agriculture, which increased the self-sufficiency of the village economies in India.
The second statement is incorrect. The railways did not directly foster the commercialization of Indian agriculture. However, it indirectly contributed to the growth of agriculture and its integration with the wider economy.
Impact on Indian Agriculture:
- Market Access: The railways provided farmers with improved access to markets located in different parts of the country. This allowed farmers to sell their produce at higher prices and expanded their reach beyond local markets.
- Reduced Spoilage: The faster transportation provided by railways reduced the time taken to transport agricultural produce from rural areas to urban centers. This helped in minimizing post-harvest spoilage and resulted in better profits for farmers.
- Input Supply: The railways facilitated the transportation of fertilizers, seeds, and other agricultural inputs to remote areas, ensuring timely availability to farmers. This contributed to increased agricultural productivity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the railways played a crucial role in breaking geographical and cultural barriers by enabling long-distance travel. While it indirectly contributed to the growth of Indian agriculture by improving market access and reducing spoilage, it did not directly foster its commercialization. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 Only.
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