Economically one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) increase in the export of Indian handicrafts
(b) growth in the number of Indian owned factories
(c) commercialization of Indian agriculture
(d) rapid increase in the urban population
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- During British rule in India in the 19th century, commercial crops were introduced with the aim of supplying raw materials for industries in Britain, leading to economic growth.
- The crops included tea, coffee, indigo, opium, cotton, jute, sugarcane, and oilseeds, each with its own specific purpose.
- However, this colonial rule had a negative impact on Indian industries and handicrafts.
- The import of mass-produced goods from England, sold at a lower price, posed a significant threat to the handicraft industries.
- Despite this economic growth, the urban population did not experience significant growth.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
