In addition to being a scientific breakthrough, the industrial revolution also altered socioeconomic conditions and altered how people lived. Remark. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2021]
Effects of the British Industrial Revolution on India's Economic Life 1. Deindustrialization: The British Industrial Revolution led to the deindustrialization of India's traditional industries. British policies favored British manufactured goods, resulting in the decline of Indian textiles and handiRead more
Effects of the British Industrial Revolution on India’s Economic Life
1. Deindustrialization: The British Industrial Revolution led to the deindustrialization of India’s traditional industries. British policies favored British manufactured goods, resulting in the decline of Indian textiles and handicrafts. For example, the textile industry in Bengal suffered as British cotton textiles flooded the Indian market.
2. Economic Exploitation: India was used as a raw material supplier and market for British industries. Railways and infrastructure were developed primarily to facilitate resource extraction and transportation of goods to Britain. This led to economic drain and exploitation of Indian resources.
3. Agricultural Impact: The focus on cash crops for export, such as jute and tea, altered traditional agriculture. This led to land degradation and food shortages, impacting the livelihoods of farmers. Recent examples of such exploitation are seen in Punjab’s green revolution where intensive farming led to soil depletion.
Conclusion: The British Industrial Revolution had a profound negative impact on India’s economy by deindustrializing local industries, exploiting resources, and altering agricultural practices, leading to long-term economic challenges.
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Industrial Revolution: A Technological and Socio-Economic Transformation The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the late 18th century, was indeed a technological revolution with the advent of mechanized production, steam engines, and innovations such as the spinning jenny. These advancements drastiRead more
Industrial Revolution: A Technological and Socio-Economic Transformation
The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the late 18th century, was indeed a technological revolution with the advent of mechanized production, steam engines, and innovations such as the spinning jenny. These advancements drastically increased productivity and altered industrial processes.
However, it was equally a socio-economic revolution. For instance, the rise of factories led to urbanization as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work, fundamentally changing living conditions. This shift is mirrored in recent times with technological advancements like the digital revolution and automation, which have similarly transformed labor markets and living standards.
The 20th-century rise of gig economy platforms like Uber and freelancing services exemplifies this ongoing socio-economic shift, affecting job security and income distribution. Thus, the Industrial Revolution’s impact extends beyond technology, reshaping societal structures and lifestyles fundamentally.
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