Consider the following statements regarding socio-economic conditions...
Option c is the correct answer.
- Eighteenth century India failed to make progress economically, socially or culturally, at an adequate pace. India became a land of contrasts because extreme poverty and extreme luxury existed side by side. The common populace remained impoverished, backward and oppressed and lived at the bare subsistence level; the rich and the powerful enjoyed a life of luxury and lavishness. But it is worth noting that the life of the Indian masses was, by and large, better in the 18th century than it was after 100 years of British rule.
- Statement 1 is correct: The old commercial centres of Surat, Masulipatnam and Dhaka degenerated, and colonial port cities like Bombay, Madras and Calcutta took their place. The decline of the Mughal capitals of Delhi and Agra was offset by the rise of regional capitals, including Lucknow, Hyderabad, the various Maratha cities, and Seringapatam.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: The education imparted in 18th-century India was still traditional which could not match with the rapid developments in the West. The knowledge was confined to literature, law, religion, philosophy, and logic and excluded the study of physical and natural sciences, technology and geography. In fact, due to over-reliance placed on ancient learning, any original thought got discouraged. The education system could not change according to the requirements of the time. The curriculum was confined to literature, languages, law, religion, philosophy and logic and excluded the study of physical and natural sciences, technology and geography. There was lack of progressive ideas as theoretical framework dominated.
- Statement 3 is correct: On account of being self-sufficient in handicrafts and agricultural products, India did not import foreign goods on a large scale. On the other hand, its industrial and agricultural products were in good demand in foreign markets. Hence its exports were more than its imports; trade was balanced by import of silver and gold. India was known as a sink of precious metals.
Consider the following statements regarding socio-economic conditions...
Statement 1: Old commercial centres degenerated and regional capitals like Madras arose.
This statement is correct. During the 18th century, there was a decline in the importance of old commercial centers like Surat, Hooghly, and Hugli due to various factors such as the decline of Mughal power, the emergence of regional powers, and the rise of new trading centers. Regional capitals like Madras, Calcutta, and Bombay emerged as important commercial centers during this period.
Statement 2: The education system emphasized upon the study of physical and natural sciences, and ignored religion and philosophy.
This statement is incorrect. The education system in 18th century India did not emphasize the study of physical and natural sciences. Instead, it focused on traditional subjects like religion, philosophy, literature, and grammar. The traditional education system was dominated by religious institutions like madrasas and Sanskrit schools, which provided education in religious and philosophical subjects.
Statement 3: The balance of trade in the 18th century was positive as India’s exports were more than its imports.
This statement is correct. During the 18th century, India had a positive balance of trade, meaning that its exports exceeded its imports. India was a major exporter of goods like textiles, spices, indigo, and opium, which were in high demand in Europe. The British East India Company played a significant role in facilitating this trade and reaping profits from it.
Conclusion:
Based on the above analysis, we can conclude that statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
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