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.