UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 52: History and Culture
Economically, one of the results of the British rule in India in the 19^th century was the
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
In the 19th century British policy pushed farmers to grow cash crops such as cotton, indigo, jute, opium, tea and sugarcane for sale and export, tying Indian agriculture to the market: this was the commercialisation of agriculture. The other options reverse what happened. Handicraft exports declined as machine-made British goods flowed in, Indian-owned factories were few until late in the century, and urban growth was slow.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: handicraft exports fell.
- (b) Wrong: Indian-owned factories were few until later in the century.
- (c) Right: farmers shifted to cash crops for the market and for export.
- (d) Wrong: urban growth was slow.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.