Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
(c) Railways lines were laid in many parts of the country.
(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- The Industrial Revolution in England had a significant impact on India.
- Indian textiles faced tough competition from English textiles in the global market, and heavy duties were imposed on imported Indian textiles in Britain. Farmers were compelled to cultivate cash crops.
- British machine-made goods and textiles were cheaper and of better quality than Indian goods, causing Indian handicrafts to decline as they could not compete with the cheaper British products in the Indian market.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
