1. What were the main features of the agrarian economy in pre-independence India?
- Answer: The agrarian economy was characterized by subsistence farming, fragmented landholdings, high dependence on monsoons, and exploitation of tenants by landlords.
2. How did the British colonial policies impact India's balance of trade before independence?
- Answer: British policies led to an unfavorable trade balance for India, with the country exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, resulting in economic exploitation.
3. What were the factors that contributed to the growth of poverty in pre-independence India?
- Answer: Rapid population growth, unequal land distribution, low agricultural productivity, and lack of industrialization were key factors contributing to poverty.
4. Why did the cottage industries play a significant role in the economic discourse of pre-independence India?
- Answer: Cottage industries were seen as a means of economic self-reliance and employment generation, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's vision for rural development.
5. What were the primary objectives of the Indian National Congress (INC) in addressing economic issues before independence?
- Answer: The INC aimed to end British economic exploitation, promote self-reliance, and improve the economic conditions of the common people through land reforms and industrialization.
6. How did the Zamindari system affect landownership and agricultural productivity in pre-independence India?
- Answer: The Zamindari system resulted in the concentration of landownership in the hands of intermediaries, stifling agricultural productivity and causing economic hardships for peasants.
7. What were the key sectors that contributed to India's GDP on the eve of independence, and how did their contributions compare?
- Answer: Agriculture was the largest sector, contributing the most to GDP, followed by industries and services, but there was a significant imbalance in their contributions.
8. How did the economic policies of the British colonial government impact India's industrial development before independence?
- Answer: British policies favored British industries at the expense of Indian industrial growth, resulting in limited technological progress and industrial infrastructure.
9. What role did the Indian diaspora play in trade and commerce on the eve of independence?
- Answer: The Indian diaspora played a significant role in trade, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, contributing to India's external economic ties and trade networks.
10. How did the Quit India Movement of 1942 influence economic developments in pre-independence India?
- Answer: The Quit India Movement disrupted economic activities, and its suppression by the colonial authorities highlighted the need for self-reliance and independence in economic matters.
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