Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 1

Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19th century was the

increase in the export of Indian handicrafts

growth in the number of Indian owned factories

commercialization of Indian agriculture

rapid increase in the urban population

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2018

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The correct answer is C) commercialization of Indian agriculture.

British rule in the 19th century significantly restructured the Indian economy, shifting it towards serving British industrial and commercial interests.

One of the most pronounced economic results was the forced commercialization of Indian agriculture. Peasants were increasingly compelled to grow cash crops (like cotton, jute, indigo, tea, opium) for the market, particularly for export to Britain and other parts of the world, rather than primarily growing food grains for local consumption. This policy often led to increased dependence on markets, price fluctuations, vulnerability to famines (as food crop area reduced), and indebtedness among peasants. The export of Indian handicrafts declined due to competition from British machine-made goods and discriminatory policies. Growth in Indian-owned factories was slow and limited compared to the decline of traditional industries. While some urban centers linked to trade grew, a rapid, widespread increase in urban population driven by industrialization was not a defining feature of 19th-century British rule in India.

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