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What was the primary reason for the colonial government's policy of deindustrialization in India?
  • a)
    To promote indigenous handicraft industries
  • b)
    To turn India into a market for British finished goods
  • c)
    To establish a strong industrial base in India
  • d)
    To increase India's exports of manufactured goods
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What was the primary reason for the colonial governments policy of dei...
The primary motive of the colonial government behind the systematic deindustrialisation of India was two-fold:
  • To reduce India to a mere exporter of raw materials for British industries.
  • To transform India into a market for British finished goods, ensuring the continued expansion of these industries.
This policy led to:
  • A significant decline in indigenous handicraft industries, resulting in widespread unemployment.
  • A shift in demand within the Indian market, now reliant on cheap imports from Britain.
  • Slow progress of modern industry in India during the late 19th century.
Overall, the colonial strategy aimed to maximise benefits for Britain at the expense of India's economic development.
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What was the primary reason for the colonial governments policy of dei...
The Colonial Government's Policy of Deindustrialization in India
The primary reason for the colonial government's policy of deindustrialization in India was to turn India into a market for British finished goods. This strategy had several implications and consequences for India's economy and society.
Economic Exploitation
- The British colonial government aimed to extract wealth from India to fuel Britain's industrial revolution.
- By deindustrializing India, the British dismantled local industries, ensuring that Indian artisans and craftsmen could not compete with British manufactured products.
Market for British Goods
- India was transformed into a captive market for British finished goods, which were cheaper and often of lower quality than local products.
- This shift led to a decline in traditional industries like textiles, pottery, and metalwork, as foreign goods flooded the market.
Impact on Indian Economy
- The deindustrialization resulted in widespread unemployment among artisans and workers, leading to economic distress and poverty.
- The shift in focus from indigenous industries to importation of British goods stifled India's economic self-sufficiency and innovation.
Conclusion
The British colonial policy of deindustrialization was primarily designed to benefit British economic interests by converting India into a market for finished goods. This not only led to the decline of local industries but also had long-term detrimental effects on the Indian economy, perpetuating poverty and dependency on British products.
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