Question

‘‘In India, the impact of the very same British industrialisation led to deindustrialisation in some sectors.’’

Identify the impacts on the basis of the above statement.

Answer 1

British industrialisation had serious consequences for India’s economy. While it helped Britain grow wealthier, it led to the decline of India’s traditional industries. Indian handicrafts were badly affected as British machine-made goods flooded the market, weakening local industries. Many skilled artisans lost their livelihoods and unemployment in traditional occupations increased.

India’s position in trade also changed significantly. Instead of producing finished goods, India was turned into a supplier of raw materials for British industries. This reduced India’s economic independence and made it heavily dependent on British manufactured products. Imported goods dominated the Indian market, making it difficult for local businesses to survive, and many were forced to shut down. These changes resulted in long-lasting economic problems for India.