In which of the following regions did the share of the workforce in agriculture increase during the colonial period?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Punjab
Regional variation grew. In Orissa, Rajasthan and Punjab the share of workforce in agriculture rose. In parts of Madras Presidency, Bombay and Bengal it fell, as manufacturing and services grew there.
NCERT (2026-27): “1.7 Occupational Structure … Another striking aspect was the growing regional variation. Parts of the then Madras Presidency (comprising areas of the present-day states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka), Bombay and Bengal witnessed a decline in the dependence of the workforce on the agricultural sector with a commensurate increase in the manufacturing and the services sectors. However, there had been an increase in the share of workforce in agriculture during the same time in states such as Orissa, Rajasthan and Punjab.” |