Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Economics

Chapter

Indian Economic Development: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

Question:
What was the impact of the restrictive policies of the colonial government on India's foreign trade?
Options:
Increased volume and diversity of exports
Expansion of India's trading partnerships
Adverse effects on the structure and volume of India's foreign trade
Promotion of domestic industries
Correct Answer:
Adverse effects on the structure and volume of India's foreign trade
Explanation:
Since ancient times, India has held significant importance as a trading nation. However, the colonial government's policies regarding commodity production, trade, and tariffs had a detrimental impact on the structure, composition, and volume of India's foreign trade. As a consequence, India became primarily an exporter of primary products such as raw silk, cotton, wool, sugar, indigo, and jute, while relying on imports for finished consumer goods like cotton, silk, woollen clothes, and capital goods like light machinery produced in British factories.