Which observation would most strongly suggest that industrialisation in colonial India did not follow the British pattern?

Traditional manufacturing declined, causing many artisans to shift towards agriculture.

The correct answer is Option 2: Traditional manufacturing declined, causing many artisans to shift towards agriculture.

Industrial employment expanded while dependence on agriculture steadily declined — Incorrect. This describes the British experience of industrialisation, where factory employment expanded and fewer people depended on agriculture. It does not describe the colonial Indian experience.

Traditional manufacturing declined, causing many artisans to shift towards agriculture — Correct. In colonial India, competition from British manufactured goods weakened traditional industries. As village crafts declined, many artisans abandoned their hereditary occupations and turned to agriculture, making India's experience different from Britain's.

Urban centres grew mainly because factory employment absorbed surplus rural labour — Incorrect. This reflects the British pattern, where industrialisation and urbanisation progressed together as factories created large-scale urban employment. It does not represent the initial impact of industrialisation in colonial India.

Industrialisation reduced the importance of agriculture in the economy — Incorrect. This was characteristic of Britain's industrialisation. In colonial India, the decline of traditional industries increased dependence on agriculture instead of reducing it.