Q6. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from the mid-eighteenth century till independence.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The economic policies of British rule in India, spanning from the mid-eighteenth century to 1947, fundamentally reshaped the Indian economy. These policies, driven by colonial interests, prioritized British economic gains at the expense of Indian industry, agriculture, and societal welfare. 

Body

Economic policies of the British in India 

1. Drain of Wealth: Caused depletion of India's wealth, resulting in a stagnant economy and poverty in Indian society. Notably advocated by Dadabhai Naoroji and later nationalist leaders. 
2. Land Revenue Policies: Cultivators were pushed toward cash crops (e.g., indigo, cotton) for export, leading to food scarcity, dependency on imports, and increased vulnerability to famine. 
3. Deindustrialization and Decline of Handicrafts: some text
   • India became an exporter of raw materials and an importer of finished goods, making the economy highly dependent on British interests. 
   • British policies neglected the development of indigenous industries and stunted technological progress, leading to unemployment and poverty among artisans. 
4. Railways and Infrastructure Development: While infrastructure like railways and telegraph systems was introduced, these primarily served British strategic interests, especially military mobilization and exploitation of resources. 
5. Industrial Policies and Impact on Manufacturing: The British government failed to invest in local industries, leading to deindustrialization. The once-thriving textile industry, for instance, suffered due to the influx of cheap British textiles.

‍Conclusion

‍British economic policies from the mid-eighteenth century to independence systematically dismantled India's economic structure, creating poverty and dependency. The colonial legacy left India economically weakened, necessitating post-independence reforms to rebuild and reclaim economic sovereignty.

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