UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies
Question 42: History and Culture
There was no independent development of industries in India during British rule because of the
AnswerThe answer is (a).
Under British rule India's industries grew mainly as processing industries (jute, cotton textiles, tea, mining) tied to British trade and capital. India lacked heavy and capital goods industries, such as iron and steel, machine making and engineering, so machinery had to be imported and industry could not grow on its own. Early efforts like Tata Iron and Steel (1907) were exceptions. Remember: without a heavy-industry base, industrial growth stayed dependent.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right. The absence of heavy industries meant no independent industrial base.
- (b) Wrong. Foreign capital was in fact available, mainly British, in jute, tea and railways.
- (c) Wrong. India has plenty of natural resources such as coal and iron ore.
- (d) Wrong. Investment in land was a feature, but not the main reason given.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.