Why did India lag behind Europe in 18th-19th centuries?1) Indian indus...
1. During Mughal times, Indian industry was quite advance by contemporary world standards. But unlike Europe at this time, Indian industry did not make any new advances in science and technology.
2. Growth of trade was hampered by self-sufficient village economies.
3. Land was considered source of wealth and power, and so trade and navy were neglected.
4. Indians never lacked talent and focus on science, as proved by glorious history of India, which is full of scientific innovations.
Why did India lag behind Europe in 18th-19th centuries?1) Indian indus...
Introduction:
During the 18th and 19th centuries, India lagged behind Europe in terms of progress and development. This can be attributed to several factors, including the lack of advancements in Indian industry, the self-sufficient nature of the village economy, the neglect of overseas trade and navy, and the focus of Indians on spiritualism rather than science.
Factors contributing to India lagging behind Europe:
1) Lack of advancements in Indian industry:
- Indian industry did not make any significant new advances during this period.
- The traditional industries in India, such as textiles, handicrafts, and metalwork, relied on age-old techniques and technologies, without incorporating new methods or machinery.
- On the other hand, Europe witnessed the Industrial Revolution during this time, which led to significant advancements in manufacturing, machinery, and production techniques.
- This technological gap between India and Europe contributed to the lag in development.
2) Self-sufficient nature of the village economy:
- The Indian economy was primarily agrarian, with a focus on self-sufficiency at the village level.
- The village communities were largely self-sustaining, producing their own food, clothing, and other basic necessities.
- This self-sufficient nature of the Indian economy hindered the growth of industries and trade, as there was limited need for external goods or markets.
- In contrast, Europe experienced a shift towards a market-oriented economy, with a greater emphasis on trade, commerce, and specialization.
3) Neglect of overseas trade and navy:
- India, once a global economic powerhouse, saw a decline in its overseas trade during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The decline of the Mughal Empire and the subsequent colonization by European powers disrupted India's trade networks and diminished its maritime capabilities.
- The neglect of overseas trade and the weakening of the Indian navy limited India's participation in global trade and hampered its economic growth.
- Meanwhile, European powers, particularly Britain, actively engaged in overseas trade and established colonial empires, which gave them a significant advantage in terms of wealth and resources.
4) Lack of talent in Indians:
- The notion that Indians lacked talent is an oversimplification, but there were certain factors that hindered the development of talent in India.
- The British colonial rule introduced policies that undermined Indian education and intellectual development.
- The emphasis on Western education and the lack of investment in indigenous institutions limited the opportunities for Indians to pursue higher education and acquire advanced skills.
- This, in turn, restricted the growth of a skilled workforce and hindered the overall progress of India.
5) Focus on spiritualism rather than science:
- India has a rich cultural and spiritual heritage, and during the 18th and 19th centuries, there was a greater emphasis on spiritual pursuits rather than scientific and technological advancements.
- The dominance of traditional knowledge systems, such as Ayurveda and Yoga, meant that scientific pursuits were not given equal importance.
- In contrast, Europe experienced the Age of Enlightenment, which emphasized reason, scientific inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge.
- This intellectual shift towards science and rationality played a crucial role in Europe's progress and development.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, India lagged behind Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries due to a combination of