In which regions of India did the workforce show a decline in dependence on the agricultural sector during colonial times?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Madras Presidency, Bombay, and Bengal
Regional variation grew under colonial rule. Parts of Madras Presidency, Bombay and Bengal saw a decline in the workforce’s dependence on agriculture, as manufacturing and services grew there.
In Orissa, Rajasthan and Punjab the share in agriculture rose instead.
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.” |