Consider the following statements : 1. The Indian cities like Dacca,

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. The Indian cities like Dacca, Murshidabad and Surat were known all over the world as centers of trade and industry in the pre-colonial period.
  • 2. Such centers of trade and industry went down in the face of foreign competition in the colonial period.
  • 3. Indian artisans, manufacturers and weavers were provided alternative employment by the British Indian government after the decline of these centers of trade.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct ?

1 and 2
2 and 3
3 only
1 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2009
The question asks for the *not correct* statement(s). Statement 1 is correct as cities like Dacca (textiles, especially muslin), Murshidabad (silk), and Surat (port trade) were indeed major centers of trade and industry globally in the pre-colonial period. Statement 2 is correct; these centers and traditional Indian industries faced decline due to British policies like discriminatory tariffs, competition from machine-made British goods, and loss of court patronage. Statement 3 is incorrect; the British Indian government did not provide alternative employment to the displaced artisans and weavers. The decline of traditional industries led to mass de-industrialization, forcing people back to agriculture, which was already under immense pressure.
– Pre-colonial India had flourishing urban centers and export-oriented industries.
– Colonial policies led to the decline of these traditional industries and urban centers.
– The British administration did not facilitate the transition of the displaced workforce to new industries or provide significant alternative employment, resulting in de-industrialization and ruralization.
The decline of Indian handicrafts and industries is a key aspect of the economic impact of British rule, often referred to as “de-industrialization.” This process contributed to the impoverishment of India and the strain on its agricultural sector.
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