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Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers on “The Economic Impact of British Rule on India – Indian History”

1. What was one of the primary economic policies of the British East India Company in India?

  • A) Industrialization
  • B) Agricultural development
  • C) Commercial exploitation
  • D) Land reforms
  • Answer: C) Commercial exploitation

2. Which economic sector suffered the most under British rule in India?

  • A) Textile industry
  • B) Agricultural sector
  • C) Mining industry
  • D) Information technology
  • Answer: B) Agricultural sector

3. The British introduced which type of land revenue system in India that led to the exploitation of Indian farmers?

  • A) Zamindari system
  • B) Ryotwari system
  • C) Mahalwari system
  • D) All of the above
  • Answer: D) All of the above

4. Which act was introduced by the British in 1858 to consolidate their control over Indian administration and economy?

  • A) Government of India Act
  • B) Indian Councils Act
  • C) Regulating Act
  • D) Charter Act
  • Answer: A) Government of India Act

5. What was the main effect of the British railways on India’s economy?

  • A) Boosted local industries
  • B) Facilitated the export of raw materials and goods to Britain
  • C) Promoted agricultural development
  • D) Reduced economic disparity
  • Answer: B) Facilitated the export of raw materials and goods to Britain

6. The decline of which industry in India was largely attributed to British economic policies?

  • A) Steel industry
  • B) Textile industry
  • C) Shipbuilding industry
  • D) Pharmaceutical industry
  • Answer: B) Textile industry

7. Which economic policy was used by the British to drain wealth from India?

  • A) Import substitution
  • B) Free trade
  • C) Exchange controls
  • D) Colonial trade policies
  • Answer: D) Colonial trade policies

8. What was the main focus of British economic policies in India during the 19th century?

  • A) Industrial development
  • B) Infrastructure development
  • C) Exploitation of resources and profit maximization
  • D) Social welfare
  • Answer: C) Exploitation of resources and profit maximization

9. Which major famine occurred in India during British rule that resulted in widespread suffering and death?

  • A) Bengal Famine of 1770
  • B) Deccan Famine of 1876-77
  • C) Orissa Famine of 1866
  • D) All of the above
  • Answer: D) All of the above

10. What was the impact of the British revenue policies on Indian agriculture?

  • A) Improved productivity and income
  • B) Increased land ownership among farmers
  • C) Land alienation and impoverishment of farmers
  • D) Introduction of modern farming techniques
  • Answer: C) Land alienation and impoverishment of farmers

11. Which act passed by the British government aimed to consolidate administrative control over India and regulate trade?

  • A) The Charter Act of 1813
  • B) The Regulating Act of 1773
  • C) The Indian Councils Act of 1909
  • D) The Government of India Act of 1919
  • Answer: B) The Regulating Act of 1773

12. What was the primary reason for the rise of zamindari land revenue system under British rule?

  • A) To promote agricultural production
  • B) To consolidate revenue collection and control over land
  • C) To reduce tax burdens on farmers
  • D) To facilitate land reforms
  • Answer: B) To consolidate revenue collection and control over land

13. How did the British economic policies impact Indian handicraft industries?

  • A) Encouraged growth of handicrafts
  • B) Provided technological advancements
  • C) Led to the decline and collapse of traditional industries
  • D) Facilitated international trade for handicrafts
  • Answer: C) Led to the decline and collapse of traditional industries

14. What was the primary objective of the British land revenue system in India?

  • A) To support agricultural development
  • B) To maximize revenue for the British government
  • C) To reduce land disputes
  • D) To promote land ownership among Indians
  • Answer: B) To maximize revenue for the British government

15. The British East India Company established monopolies in which major industry during their rule?

  • A) Cotton textiles
  • B) Salt
  • C) Tea
  • D) All of the above
  • Answer: D) All of the above

16. Which British policy led to the introduction of a new taxation system in India, affecting the agricultural sector?

  • A) The Permanent Settlement
  • B) The Ryotwari System
  • C) The Mahalwari System
  • D) The Deccan Agriculture System
  • Answer: A) The Permanent Settlement

17. The establishment of which institution was aimed at regulating Indian trade and maintaining British economic interests?

  • A) The Reserve Bank of India
  • B) The East India Company
  • C) The Indian National Congress
  • D) The Royal Agricultural Society
  • Answer: B) The East India Company

18. What was the primary cause of the economic drain from India during British rule?

  • A) Investment in local infrastructure
  • B) Transfer of wealth to Britain through trade surpluses and revenues
  • C) Provision of aid and development projects
  • D) Support for Indian industries
  • Answer: B) Transfer of wealth to Britain through trade surpluses and revenues

19. Which policy led to the increase of British control over Indian agriculture and rural economy?

  • A) Land Acquisition Act
  • B) Agricultural Reforms Act
  • C) Revenue Assessment Act
  • D) The Permanent Settlement Act
  • Answer: D) The Permanent Settlement Act

20. Which economic change was brought about by the British rule that had a negative impact on Indian small-scale industries?

  • A) Introduction of modern technology
  • B) Decrease in import duties on foreign goods
  • C) Increase in local production incentives
  • D) Establishment of industrial infrastructure
  • Answer: B) Decrease in import duties on foreign goods

21. The British practice of exporting raw materials from India primarily benefited which industry in Britain?

  • A) Textile industry
  • B) Mining industry
  • C) Automotive industry
  • D) Pharmaceutical industry
  • Answer: A) Textile industry

22. Which British policy adversely affected the traditional crafts and industries of India?

  • A) Protectionist tariffs
  • B) Free trade policy
  • C) Industrialization incentives
  • D) Agricultural subsidies
  • Answer: B) Free trade policy

23. What was the impact of British economic policies on Indian urbanization?

  • A) Rapid growth of Indian cities
  • B) Development of new industrial centers
  • C) Slow urbanization due to focus on rural exploitation
  • D) Introduction of modern urban infrastructure
  • Answer: C) Slow urbanization due to focus on rural exploitation

24. How did the British colonial economic policies affect Indian artisans and weavers?

  • A) Encouraged their growth and expansion
  • B) Provided them with advanced tools and techniques
  • C) Led to their economic decline and unemployment
  • D) Integrated them into the global market
  • Answer: C) Led to their economic decline and unemployment

25. What was the British policy regarding Indian trade during the colonial period?

  • A) Promotion of Indian exports
  • B) Restriction and regulation of Indian trade for British benefit
  • C) Equal trade policies with all countries
  • D) Encouragement of local trade industries
  • Answer: B) Restriction and regulation of Indian trade for British benefit

26. Which British legislation aimed to control and regulate the Indian economy through taxation?

  • A) The Indian Income Tax Act
  • B) The Salt Tax Act
  • C) The Land Revenue Act
  • D) The Import and Export Act
  • Answer: B) The Salt Tax Act

27. What was the effect of the British introduction of railways on Indian economic conditions?

  • A) Enhanced local trade and commerce
  • B) Facilitated the extraction and export of resources
  • C) Improved agricultural productivity
  • D) Promoted regional development
  • Answer: B) Facilitated the extraction and export of resources

28. Which sector experienced limited development due to British economic policies focusing on exploitation?

  • A) Education
  • B) Health
  • C) Infrastructure
  • D) Local industry
  • Answer: D) Local industry

29. The British policy of land revenue extraction led to the widespread displacement of which group in rural areas?

  • A) Landlords
  • B) Zamindars
  • C) Peasants and farmers
  • D) Industrial workers
  • Answer: C) Peasants and farmers

30. What was the primary impact of British economic policies on Indian agriculture in terms of production and income?

  • A) Increased agricultural productivity and income
  • B) Decreased productivity and income, leading to economic hardships
  • C) Balanced growth and development
  • D) No significant impact
  • Answer: B) Decreased productivity and income, leading to economic hardships

These questions cover a range of topics related to the economic impact of British rule on India, providing a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of economic exploitation and its consequences.

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