What was the main occupation of the majority of the Indian population during the period immediately after independence (around 1947)?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Agriculture
Explanation:

• Around 1947, nearly 70–75% of India's population was engaged in agriculture.

• India was primarily a rural and agrarian economy post-independence.

• Industrial and service sectors were underdeveloped and contributed less to GDP and employment.

• Food production was a major concern; India was dependent on imports and aid (e.g., PL-480 from the US).

• Land reforms and community development programs were early post-independence rural initiatives.
Information Booster:

• First Five-Year Plan (1951–56) focused heavily on agricultural development.

• Green Revolution (1960s–70s) was launched later to boost food grain production.

• Agriculture contributed over 50% to GDP in the early years of independence.

• Most Indian states were feudal in landholding patterns before reforms.

• Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized agrarian reforms and rural upliftment.
Additional Knowledge:

• Information Technology (Option b) – Emerged prominently in the 1990s,post-liberalization
• Manufacturing (Option c) – Accounted for a small share of employment in 1947 Services
• (Option d) – Was a minor sector in terms of employment, dominated by administrative roles