Which of the following were economic impacts of British capitalist colonialism on India?
- Decline of traditional handicraft industries
- Changes in land ownership laws and cropping patterns
- Alteration of production and distribution systems
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option 4: 1, 2 and 3.
Statement 1: Decline of traditional handicraft industries — Correct. The expansion of British manufacturing affected traditional Indian industries. Indian cotton and silk manufactures declined due to competition from British manufactured goods, especially those produced in Manchester.
Statement 2: Changes in land ownership laws and cropping patterns — Correct. British colonialism directly interfered in agriculture by changing land ownership laws and deciding which crops should be grown and which should not.
Statement 3: Alteration of production and distribution systems — Correct. British colonial policies changed the way goods were produced and distributed by interfering with manufacturing and economic activities to strengthen British capitalism.