Question

Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
1. Indian handicrafts were ruined.
2. Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
3. Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country.
4. Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures. 

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Indian handicrafts were ruined.

The Correct Answer is Indian handicrafts were ruined.

 

• The Industrial Revolution in England affected India in many ways.
  • Indian textiles now had to face stiff competition from English textiles in the European and American markets.
  • Heavy duties were imposed on imported Indian textiles in Britain.
  • Farmers were forced to grow cash crops.
  • After the Industrial Revolution, Britain started producing machine-made goods and textiles that were much cheaper than Indian goods.
  • They were also often better in quality. Indian handicrafts slowly died because they could not compete against the cheaper products from Britain that were flooding the Indian markets. Hence, Option 1 is correct.