Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India were primarily driven by the objective of protecting and promoting the economic interests of Britain. This led to the systematic de-industrialisation of India, particularly the decline of the indigenous handicraft sector, altering the country's economic structure.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The primary motive of the colonial policy was to reduce India to the status of a mere supplier of raw materials (such as cotton, jute, and indigo) to feed the rapidly expanding modern industries in Britain.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The policy aimed to turn India into a consumer market for British finished goods, making India a net importer of manufactured products, not an exporter. The destruction of local industry ensured a captive market for British goods.
- Statement 3 is Correct: By dismantling the traditional handicraft base and restricting the growth of modern industry, the colonial administration intended to prevent India from becoming a competitor to British industries. This ensured that British goods faced no effective competition within the Indian market.
Key Takeaway
Colonial De-industrialisation was characterized by a two-fold motive: converting India into a source of cheap raw materials for Britain and a sprawling market for British finished industrial products.