[Commerce Class Notes] on British Colonial Rule Pdf for Exam

India is a country that has its beauty being described through the well-known industries of handicrafts and textiles. However, all of these industries were slowly destroyed hence making it hard for India to develop any further. This period is called the British Colonial Rule where there were a lot of Sectors that were Affected during the British Rule which led to the downfall of a flourishing country.

This however led to Indian citizens learning more and more about the western ways and hence the urbanization of the country took place. To this day it is quite visible how the changes have occurred and how the lives have developed.

India before British rule was economically stable, self-sufficient and prosperous. Colonisation aimed at profiting from cheap labour and surplus raw materials easily accessible in India. The country known as the golden eagle was rich in handicraft skills in areas like silk, metal, cotton, etc.

 

The colonial period in India saw significant changes in the aggregate output, which was less than 2% in the first half of the 20th century. This figure coupled with ½ % growth in per capita output yearly shows the major exploitation India suffered. 

 

The British Government never bothered to estimate India’s per capita and national income. Yet individuals like Dadabhai Naoroji, Findlay Shirras, R.C. Desai, William Digby and V.K.R.V. Rao tried figuring out India’s economic strength.

 

In the following segment, students will learn about the changes in the six factors of the Indian economy. This will further help in strengthening the all-around growth of young learners in the field of economics. 

 

Sectors That were affected During the British Rule

India before British rule flourished with wealth, agriculture and resources which were incurred by the British Government to manage their administrative expenses and wars. British transformed India into a supplier of raw materials and finished goods for cheap for 200 years. The sectors which suffered a massive blow in terms of the economy are explained below. 

 

1. Agriculture Sector during Colonial Rule in India 

Indian economy before British rule was primarily based on agriculture and trade based on it. Nearly 85% of the country’s population was dependent on the output from agriculture directly or indirectly. Yet this sector started facing stagnation and deterioration as the production per hector was deficient. 

 

Again the vulnerability to climates like unpredictable rainfall or low rainfall caused the output to lower down further. British Government did not attempt to help the poor in the revival of the economy or irrigation facilities.

 

Furthermore, the land revenue system, the Lagaan system and commercialisation of agriculture pushed the agriculture sector to deteriorate. 

 

2. Industrial Sector during the British Colonisation of India 

India before British rule was prosperous in the handicraft sector, textile, production of metal and precious stone works, etc. These finished goods had a demand in the foreign market due to their fine quality and high craftsmanship. However, the British infiltrated the Industrial sector with the introduction of systematic de-industrialisation. This reduced India into an exporter of raw materials and importer of finished goods as colonisers focused on promoting the British market. 

 

3. Foreign Trade  during Colonisation of India 

India was known to trade quality raw materials and finished goods since ancient times. However, the restrictive policies by the British Government like tariffs affected foreign trade. This caused a downfall in composition, structure, production and volume of export. Reasons like the generation of large surplus, monopoly control and reduction of India’s handicraft value caused this tension.

 

4. Demographic Conditions British Policies in India

Demographic conditions during colonisation exhibited features of stagnation and backwardness in terms of economy. The birth rate and death rate as per data showed a major increase of nearly 40% and 48% per thousand respectively.

 

5. Occupational Conditions during the Advent of the British in India

India before British rule and after depended on agriculture which caused an issue of land availability. This caused a barrier in the economy as a majority focused on farming as a means of survival rather than an occupation for income.

 

6. Infrastructure during Colonisation

To understand what the colonial period was, students need to understand the condition of infrastructure in India. Under colonisation, basic amenities like railways, roads, telegram developed gradually. However, the motive behind this change was to promote British goods and exploit Indian labour.

 

To understand these topics in-depth, check today which offers multiple notes on the topic impact of British colonial rule on the Indian economy. These notes are prepared under expert guidance and written lucidly to promote quality education. Download the app today!