With reference to the occupational structure during the colonial period, consider the following statements: 1. The agricultural sector accounted for less than 50 % of the workforce. 2. The manufacturing sector accounted for a very small portion of the workforce, around 10 %. 3. There was a growing regional variation where states like Madras and Bombay witnessed a decline in the dependence of the workforce on agriculture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to the occupational… - NCERT Class 11 Economics MCQ

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the occupational structure during the colonial period, consider the following statements:

The agricultural sector accounted for less than 50 % of the workforce.
The manufacturing sector accounted for a very small portion of the workforce, around 10 %.
There was a growing regional variation where states like Madras and Bombay witnessed a decline in the dependence of the workforce on agriculture.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Indian Economic Development · Page 11

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 and 2 only
D2 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The occupational structure of an economy refers to the distribution of its workforce across various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. During the colonial period in India, this structure remained largely static and underdeveloped, reflecting the stagnant nature of the economy.

Statement 1 is Incorrect:

During the colonial period, the agricultural sector accounted for the largest share of the workforce, estimated to be between 70 to 75 %. It was not less than 50 %. This indicates a heavy reliance on the primary sector for employment.

Statement 2 is Correct:

The manufacturing and service sectors accounted for a relatively small portion of the total workforce. The manufacturing sector employed approximately 10 % of the workforce, while the service sector accounted for about 15 to 20 %.

Statement 3 is Correct:

There was a distinct regional variation in the occupational structure. Parts of the then Madras Presidency (covering present-day Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka), Bombay, and Bengal witnessed a decline in the dependence of the workforce on the agricultural sector, with a corresponding increase in the manufacturing and service sectors. Conversely, states such as Orissa, Rajasthan, and Punjab saw an increase in the share of the workforce engaged in agriculture during the same period.

Key Takeaway:

The colonial Indian economy was characterized by a predominantly agrarian workforce (70-75%) with significant regional disparities, where some presidencies moved towards industrialization while others saw increased agricultural dependence.

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