Agricultural Sector Pre-Independence MCQs
Agricultural Sector Pre‑Independence – MCQs with Answers & Explanations
Class: CBSE Class 11
Subject: Economics
Section: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
Topic: Agricultural Sector Pre‑Independence
Board: CBSE Board Examinations
Subject: Economics
Section: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
Topic: Agricultural Sector Pre‑Independence
Board: CBSE Board Examinations
These Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are designed strictly as per the NCERT syllabus, making them ideal for CBSE Class 11 Board Examination preparation. Each answer includes detailed explanations for concept clarity.
1. Before independence, India’s agriculture was primarily:
Answer: B
Agriculture was mainly subsistence in nature, focused on meeting farmers’ own needs rather than market production.
Agriculture was mainly subsistence in nature, focused on meeting farmers’ own needs rather than market production.
2. The main source of livelihood in pre‑independence India was:
Answer: C
Nearly 70–75% of the population depended on agriculture for employment and income.
Nearly 70–75% of the population depended on agriculture for employment and income.
3. Zamindari system was introduced by the:
Answer: B
The British introduced the Zamindari system to collect land revenue through intermediaries called zamindars.
The British introduced the Zamindari system to collect land revenue through intermediaries called zamindars.
4. Permanent Settlement was introduced in:
Answer: A
Lord Cornwallis introduced Permanent Settlement in 1793 in Bengal Presidency.
Lord Cornwallis introduced Permanent Settlement in 1793 in Bengal Presidency.
5. Ryotwari system recognised ownership of:
Answer: B
Under Ryotwari, cultivators (ryots) were considered landowners responsible for paying revenue.
Under Ryotwari, cultivators (ryots) were considered landowners responsible for paying revenue.
6. Mahalwari system was prevalent in:
Answer: B
Revenue was collected collectively from villages (mahals) in North‑Western provinces.
Revenue was collected collectively from villages (mahals) in North‑Western provinces.
7. Commercialisation of agriculture led to growth of:
Answer: B
Crops like cotton, jute and indigo were grown for British industries.
Crops like cotton, jute and indigo were grown for British industries.
8. Low productivity was due to:
Answer: C
Farmers used traditional tools and methods leading to low yields.
Farmers used traditional tools and methods leading to low yields.
9. Land revenue policies resulted in:
Answer: B
High taxes forced farmers to borrow from moneylenders.
High taxes forced farmers to borrow from moneylenders.
10. Irrigation development was:
Answer: C
British invested little in irrigation, causing dependence on monsoons.
British invested little in irrigation, causing dependence on monsoons.
11. Fragmentation of land caused:
Answer: B
Small scattered holdings reduced productivity.
Small scattered holdings reduced productivity.
12. Indigo cultivation was forced in:
Answer: B
Farmers were compelled to grow indigo for export.
Farmers were compelled to grow indigo for export.
13. Agricultural stagnation means:
Answer: B
Output remained almost stagnant over time.
Output remained almost stagnant over time.
14. Moneylenders charged:
Answer: C
Exploitative lending trapped farmers in debt cycles.
Exploitative lending trapped farmers in debt cycles.
15. Main food crop was:
Answer: B
Rice was a staple crop in many regions.
Rice was a staple crop in many regions.
16. Agricultural exports mainly benefited:
Answer: B
Raw materials supplied British factories.
Raw materials supplied British factories.
17. Lack of credit facilities led to:
Answer: B
Farmers relied on private moneylenders.
Farmers relied on private moneylenders.
18. Agricultural technology was:
Answer: B
Traditional ploughs and manual labour dominated.
Traditional ploughs and manual labour dominated.
19. Famines occurred due to:
Answer: B
Food crop area declined, worsening shortages.
Food crop area declined, worsening shortages.
20. Overall agricultural condition was:
Answer: C
Low productivity, debt and exploitation marked the sector.
Low productivity, debt and exploitation marked the sector.