India's trade structure under British colonial rule was molded to serve the economic interests of Britain. Which of the following best describes India’s trade structure at the eve of Independence?​

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) Export of raw materials, import of manufactured goods

• During British colonial rule, India was turned into a supplier of raw materials (like cotton, jute, indigo, and opium) and a consumer of British manufactured goods (such as textiles and machinery).

• This trade pattern was deliberately designed to deindustrialize India and promote Britain’s industrial economy, especially during and after the Industrial Revolution.

• By the time of independence in 1947, India had a colonial trade pattern that heavily favored British economic interests, stunting the growth of native industries.

• The British adopted a “Drain of Wealth” policy — as described by Dadabhai Naoroji — where economic surplus was extracted from India and sent to Britain.

• Major exports from India: raw cotton, jute, opium, spices, tea, and indigo.

• Major imports into India: British textiles, iron, steel, and machinery.

• Indian handicraft and textile industries declined due to competition from cheap machine-made British goods.

• The trade structure lacked diversity and made India economically dependent on Britain.