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What are the economic impacts of British economic policies during colonial rule?
  1. Commercialisation of agriculture
  2. Emergence of the managing agency system
  3. Flourishing of urban handicraft production
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1 only 
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What are the economic impacts of British economic policies during colo...
The correct answer is option A: 1 and 2 only. Let's discuss each of the economic impacts of British economic policies during colonial rule:

1. Commercialisation of agriculture:
Under British rule, the agricultural sector in India underwent significant changes. The British implemented policies that aimed to commercialize agriculture and maximize their profits. They introduced cash crops like indigo, opium, and cotton, which were grown primarily for export. This led to a shift from subsistence farming to cash crop cultivation, as Indian farmers were encouraged to grow these crops for the British markets.

- This policy had both positive and negative impacts. On one hand, it led to the expansion of agricultural production and increased income for some farmers. The introduction of new cropping patterns and improved irrigation systems also led to increased productivity. However, on the other hand, the emphasis on cash crops led to the neglect of food crops, resulting in famines and food shortages in certain regions. Additionally, the British imposed high taxes and rent on farmers, leading to increased indebtedness and poverty.

2. Emergence of the managing agency system:
The managing agency system was a unique feature of British colonial rule in India. It involved the appointment of European managing agencies to oversee and manage various industries and businesses in India, particularly in the areas of mining, railways, and banking. These agencies acted as intermediaries between the British government and Indian industries.

- The managing agency system had both positive and negative impacts on the Indian economy. On the positive side, it brought in capital investment, modern technology, and managerial expertise, which contributed to the growth of industries and infrastructure in India. The railways, for example, expanded rapidly under this system and facilitated the transportation of goods and people across the country. However, the system also resulted in the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few European managing agencies, leading to the exploitation of Indian resources and labor.

3. Flourishing of urban handicraft production:
The British economic policies during colonial rule had a detrimental impact on the traditional Indian handicraft industry. The British implemented policies that favored the importation of cheap British manufactured goods and discouraged the production of Indian handicrafts. This led to a decline in the traditional handicraft industry, particularly in rural areas.

- However, in urban areas, certain crafts like textile weaving and metalwork experienced a resurgence due to the demands of the British market. The British encouraged the production of luxury goods and crafts that catered to their tastes and preferences. This resulted in the growth of urban centers like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, where artisans and craftsmen thrived.

In conclusion, the economic impacts of British economic policies during colonial rule in India included the commercialization of agriculture, the emergence of the managing agency system, and the flourishing of urban handicraft production. While these policies brought some benefits such as increased agricultural production and industrial growth, they also had negative consequences such as famines, exploitation, and the decline of traditional handicrafts. Overall, the economic policies of British colonial rule had a profound and complex impact on the Indian economy.
Community Answer
What are the economic impacts of British economic policies during colo...
Between 1793 and 1813, these British manufacturers launched a campaign against the company, its trade monopoly, and the privileges it enjoyed. Ultimately, they succeeded in abolishing the East India Company‟s monopoly of Indian trade. With this India became an economic colony of Industrial England.
The decline of Urban Handicrafts: The consequence of these changes in the composition of India‘s exports and imports, was a rapid decline in the demand for products of various urban handicrafts which at one time were so famous and in a flourishing condition. Now, these urban handicrafts in India were unable to successfully face the challenge posed by free imports into India of cheap manufactured goods produced on a large scale in factories in England. This resulted in the decline of urban handicrafts in India.
Commercialization of Agriculture: A large number of commercial crops such as tea, coffee, indigo, opium, cotton, jute, sugarcane, and oilseed were introduced. subsistence farming began gradually to give place to what is known as ' commercialization of agriculture '. Instead of growing all types of crops for home consumption as was the traditional practice, farmers began to produce one or two crops suitable to the region and which could be sold for the highest profit.
The emergence of the Managing Agency System: The most important among the institutions that came into existence during the second half of the 19th century were the European Managing Agency Houses. Managing Agency House‘ was the peculiar product of the Indo-British relations during the 19th century. The Managing Agency Houses raised funds in England and India and took responsibility on behalf of the clients (who had retired from service in India after making a lot of money and generally resided in England) to run industries or trading establishments in India.  
Increasing Pressure on Agriculture: Gradually several handicrafts in urban areas declined or in some cases vanished for all practical purposes. The unfortunate men who were traditionally engaged in those handicrafts took mostly to agriculture, claiming a share in the family land, to which they were entitled according to the Hindu and Muslim laws of succession and inheritance. This sudden swelling in the number of agriculturists resulted in sub-division and fragmentation of agricultural land.  Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
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What are the economic impacts of British economic policies during colonial rule? Commercialisation of agriculture Emergence of the managing agency system Flourishing of urban handicraft productionSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1 onlyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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What are the economic impacts of British economic policies during colonial rule? Commercialisation of agriculture Emergence of the managing agency system Flourishing of urban handicraft productionSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1 onlyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What are the economic impacts of British economic policies during colonial rule? Commercialisation of agriculture Emergence of the managing agency system Flourishing of urban handicraft productionSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1 onlyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What are the economic impacts of British economic policies during colonial rule? Commercialisation of agriculture Emergence of the managing agency system Flourishing of urban handicraft productionSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1 onlyCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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