Fill in the blank: The decline of India's handicraft industries during British rule was primarily due to ___ and the lack of a ___ industrial base.

Exploitation; modern

True or False: The British colonial rule significantly improved agricultural productivity in India.

False. Agricultural productivity remained low and stagnant under British rule.

What were the main factors contributing to the stagnation of the agricultural sector during British rule?

Factors caused agricultural stagnation.

• Zamindari System hurt farmers' rights.

• Fixed revenue settlements stifled growth.

• Lack of investment limited modern techniques.

Fill in the blank: By the time of independence, India's economy was characterized by low productivity and a heavy reliance on ___ for livelihood.

Agriculture

Explain the impact of British policies on India's foreign trade composition during colonial rule.

India primarily exported raw materials while importing finished goods from Britain, creating a trade imbalance that drained Indian wealth.

What role did the introduction of cash crops play in the agricultural sector under British rule?

Cash crops increased financial instability.

• Shifted focus from food.

• Higher prices attracted farmers.

• Led to economic vulnerability.

True or False: The British colonial government invested heavily in modernizing India's agricultural techniques.

False. There was minimal investment in modernizing agricultural techniques or infrastructure.

What was the 'Year of Great Divide' in Indian demographic transition, and why is it significant?

1921 marked demographic shift in India.

• Shift to lower birth rates.

• Significant population growth change.

• Impacts socio-economic developments.

Discuss the significance of the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) established in 1907.

TISCO marked the beginning of modern industrialization in India, focusing on iron and steel production, which was crucial for economic development.

Fill in the blank: The agricultural sector employed approximately ___% of India's population during British rule.

85

How did the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 affect India's foreign trade?

It facilitated British control over India's trade by reducing transportation costs and increasing access to the Indian market.