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What was the primary occupation of the Indian population on the eve of independence?
Question

What was the primary occupation of the Indian population on the eve of independence?

A.

Services

B.

Industry

C.

Agriculture

D.

Trade

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: (c) Agriculture
Explanation:
On the eve of India's independence in 1947, the primary occupation of the majority of the population was agriculture. Approximately 70-75% of India's population was engaged in agriculture, either as farmers or laborers. The country’s economy was largely agrarian, with most people depending on subsistence farming, which involved growing food for personal consumption rather than for commercial purposes. Despite this large agricultural base, the sector faced numerous challenges like low productivity, poor irrigation facilities, outdated farming techniques, and limited access to modern equipment.
Information Booster:
  • Underdeveloped Agriculture: The agricultural sector was not fully mechanized, and farming relied heavily on traditional tools and methods, contributing to low agricultural yields.

  • Impact of Colonial Rule: British colonial policies had focused more on exploiting India’s agricultural output for export, with little attention given to improving agricultural techniques or infrastructure for the welfare of the local population.

  • Rural Economy: The majority of India’s rural population, especially in the villages, was dependent on land ownership or working as tenant farmers or landless laborers.

Additional Information:

  • Services: While the service sector existed, it was relatively small compared to agriculture. The sector included government jobs, administrative roles, and teaching professions.

  • Industry: Industry was underdeveloped, and only a small portion of the population was engaged in industrial activities, mainly in sectors like textiles, mining, and small-scale manufacturing.

  • Trade: India had a long history of trade, but its focus during British rule was primarily on raw material export, leaving the trade sector largely dominated by foreign entities.

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