Consider the following statements regarding the state of the Indian economy prior to British rule: 1. The economy was primarily agrarian with a large majority of the population engaged in agriculture. 2. India had no significant tradition of handicraft industries prior to British rule. 3. Indian products enjoyed a worldwide market due to their high standards of craftsmanship. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The structure of the Indian economy prior to British colonial rule was characterized as an independent, self-reliant economy. While fundamentally agrarian, it possessed a highly developed and globally recognized manufacturing sector, particularly in handicrafts. - Statement 1 is Correct: The pre-colonial Indian economy was primarily agrarian. A vast majority of the population, estimated at around 85 %, lived in villages and derived their livelihood directly or indirectly from agriculture. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: India had a rich and extensive tradition of handicraft industries before British rule. The country was well-known for its excellence in the manufacturing of cotton and silk textiles, as well as metal and precious stone works. It was not merely an agrarian economy but a manufacturing hub for specific high-value goods. - Statement 3 is Correct: Indian products enjoyed a worldwide market and a high reputation. This global demand was driven by the fine quality of materials used and the high standards of craftsmanship evident in Indian manufactures, particularly textiles (such as Muslin of Dhaka). Key Takeaway: Pre-British India was characterized by a dual economic structure: a dominant agrarian base complemented by a flourishing, export-oriented handicraft industry known for its quality and craftsmanship.

Consider the following statements regarding the state of… - NCERT Class 11 Economics MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Economics — Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the state of the Indian economy prior to British rule:

The economy was primarily agrarian with a large majority of the population engaged in agriculture.
India had no significant tradition of handicraft industries prior to British rule.
Indian products enjoyed a worldwide market due to their high standards of craftsmanship.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Indian Economic Development · Page 4

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The structure of the Indian economy prior to British colonial rule was characterized as an independent, self-reliant economy. While fundamentally agrarian, it possessed a highly developed and globally recognized manufacturing sector, particularly in handicrafts.

Statement 1 is Correct: The pre-colonial Indian economy was primarily agrarian. A vast majority of the population, estimated at around 85 %, lived in villages and derived their livelihood directly or indirectly from agriculture.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: India had a rich and extensive tradition of handicraft industries before British rule. The country was well-known for its excellence in the manufacturing of cotton and silk textiles, as well as metal and precious stone works. It was not merely an agrarian economy but a manufacturing hub for specific high-value goods.
Statement 3 is Correct: Indian products enjoyed a worldwide market and a high reputation. This global demand was driven by the fine quality of materials used and the high standards of craftsmanship evident in Indian manufactures, particularly textiles (such as Muslin of Dhaka).

Key Takeaway: Pre-British India was characterized by a dual economic structure: a dominant agrarian base complemented by a flourishing, export-oriented handicraft industry known for its quality and craftsmanship.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

The "invisible items" in the context of India's balance of payments during the colonial period referred to:

medium

With reference to the industrial sector during the colonial period, consider the following statements: 1. The decline of indigenous handicraft industries created massive unemployment in India. 2. The cotton textile mills were mainly dominated by foreigners and located in Bengal. 3. The jute mills were mainly dominated by Indians and located in western India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the agricultural sector under British rule, consider the following statements: 1. The agricultural sector experienced absolute stagnation with no growth in the aggregate area under cultivation. 2. The stagnation was caused mainly by the land settlement systems introduced by the colonial government. 3. Low levels of technology and negligible use of fertilisers contributed to low productivity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The primary motive of the colonial government’s policy of systematically de-industrialising India was:

easy

With reference to the railways, consider the following statements: 1. It restricted people from undertaking long-distance travel. 2. It adversely affected the self-sufficiency of village economies. 3. It fostered the commercialisation of Indian agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Economics chapters