Q. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
c) Railways lines were laid in many parts of the country.
d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.
Correct Answer : a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on India
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, had profound effects on many parts of the world, including India. The impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century can be understood through several key developments:
Indian Handicrafts Were Ruined
This is the correct answer. The influx of cheap, machine-made British goods into the Indian market severely impacted the traditional Indian handicrafts industry. Indian artisans could not compete with the price and volume of goods produced by the mechanized industries of Britain. As a result, many traditional craftspeople lost their livelihoods, leading to the decline of Indian handicrafts. The British policies also favored the import of British goods into India while discouraging or directly hampering the local industries by imposing heavy taxes on Indian-made goods when sold within the country or for export.
