Primary Objective of British Colonial Rule
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Question (English)
What was the primary objective of British colonial rule in India from an economic perspective?
- To modernise the Indian economy
- To reduce India to a raw material supplier for Britain ✓ Correct
- To promote industrialisation in India
- To develop India's agricultural sector
Explanation:
Correct Answer Explanation
The sole purpose of the British colonial rule in India was to reduce the country to being a raw material supplier for Great Britain's own rapidly expanding modern industrial base.
Key Points:
- India was transformed from a self-sufficient economy into a supplier of raw materials and a consumer of finished British goods.
- Economic policies were designed to protect and promote British economic interests, not Indian development.
- This exploitative relationship lasted for almost two centuries before India's independence on 15 August 1947.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- A. Modernise Indian economy: The British had no interest in modernising India — they de-industrialised it.
- C. Promote industrialisation: India was systematically de-industrialised under British rule.
- D. Develop agriculture: Agriculture was neglected and stagnated under colonial rule.
📚 About this Topic — CH-1: INDIAN ECONOMY ON THE EVE OF INDEPENDENCE
This multiple choice question is from CH-1: INDIAN ECONOMY ON THE EVE OF INDEPENDENCE, Indian Economic Development, NCERT Books. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from CH-1: INDIAN ECONOMY ON THE EVE OF INDEPENDENCE to strengthen your preparation.
