Which one among the following statements about industries in colonial

Which one among the following statements about industries in colonial India is not correct?

The jute industry was almost entirely owned by Europeans
The cotton textile industry was almost wholly owned by Indians
The cotton textile industry was small in size
The growth of cotton industry was the result of government support
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2013
The correct answer is D. The statement that the growth of the cotton industry was the result of government support is incorrect. The growth of the cotton textile industry in colonial India was largely achieved through Indian entrepreneurship and capital, often despite facing unfavorable policies from the colonial government which prioritized British interests.
– The jute industry, located primarily in Bengal, was indeed dominated by European ownership.
– The cotton textile industry, based mainly in Western India (Bombay, Ahmedabad), was predominantly owned and managed by Indian businessmen.
– The cotton industry grew significantly from the late 19th century onwards, becoming one of the largest modern industries in India. It was by no means “small in size” relative to the overall industrial landscape of colonial India.
– The colonial government’s policies, such as imposing excise duties on Indian textiles while allowing free entry for British goods, were generally not supportive of indigenous industries competing with British manufacturers.
The growth of the Indian-owned cotton textile industry is often cited as an example of successful Indian enterprise in the face of colonial economic policies that favoured the interests of the British manufacturing sector.
Exit mobile version