Practice MCQs | Chapter 1 Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

MCQ Page Ref: Page 3

The Indian economy under British rule was mainly:

A. Industrial economy

B. Agricultural economy

C. Service economy

D. Mixed economy

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 3

MCQ Page Ref: Page 4

The main objective of British colonial rule in India was:

A. Welfare of Indians

B. Industrialisation of India

C. Economic exploitation

D. Agricultural reforms only

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: C

Reference: Found on Page Page 4

MCQ Page Ref: Page 5

Which sector employed the majority of Indian population before independence?

A. Industry

B. Agriculture

C. Banking

D. Transport

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 5

MCQ Page Ref: Page 6

India’s traditional handicraft industries declined mainly due to:

A. Industrial competition from Britain

B. Technological advancement in India

C. Agricultural prosperity

D. Banking reforms

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: A

Reference: Found on Page Page 6

MCQ Page Ref: Page 7

The British policies transformed India into:

A. Exporter of finished goods

B. Supplier of raw materials

C. Industrial power

D. Socialist economy

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 7

MCQ Page Ref: Page 5

Which among the following was a major cash crop during British rule?

A. Cotton

B. Jute

C. Indigo

D. All of these

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: D

Reference: Found on Page Page 5

MCQ Page Ref: Page 5

The zamindari system mainly benefited:

A. Peasants

B. British government and zamindars

C. Industrial workers

D. Small traders

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 5

MCQ Page Ref: Page 7

India’s foreign trade during colonial rule primarily served:

A. Indian economic interests

B. British economic interests

C. Welfare of farmers

D. Village industries

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 7

MCQ Page Ref: Page 6

Which industry developed significantly during British rule?

A. Iron and steel industry

B. Cotton textile industry

C. Jute industry

D. Both B and C

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: D

Reference: Found on Page Page 6

MCQ Page Ref: Page 6

The Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) was established in:

A. 1857

B. 1907

C. 1947

D. 1935

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 6

MCQ Page Ref: Page 5

The occupational structure of India before independence was dominated by:

A. Manufacturing

B. Agriculture

C. Banking

D. Trade

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 5

MCQ Page Ref: Page 8

The literacy rate during British rule was:

A. Very high

B. Moderate

C. Very low

D. Equal to developed countries

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: C

Reference: Found on Page Page 8

MCQ Page Ref: Page 8

The life expectancy at birth during colonial rule was approximately:

A. 70 years

B. 63 years

C. 32 years

D. 80 years

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: C

Reference: Found on Page Page 8

MCQ Page Ref: Page 8

Which among the following indicates poor economic condition during colonial period?

A. High mortality rate

B. Low literacy rate

C. Poor healthcare

D. All of these

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: D

Reference: Found on Page Page 8

MCQ Page Ref: Page 9

The partition of India in 1947 adversely affected:

A. Agriculture and industry

B. Only education

C. Only transport

D. Only banking

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: A

Reference: Found on Page Page 9

MCQ Page Ref: Page 7

The British introduced railways mainly to:

A. Promote Indian welfare

B. Facilitate colonial trade and administration

C. Develop villages

D. Promote equality

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 7

MCQ Page Ref: Page 4

India’s economy on the eve of independence was characterized by:

A. Industrial development

B. Poverty and stagnation

C. Technological advancement

D. Economic equality

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 4

MCQ Page Ref: Page 5

Commercialisation of agriculture means:

A. Farming only for self-consumption

B. Production for market sale

C. Ban on exports

D. Industrial production

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 5

MCQ Page Ref: Page 6

Which among the following suffered major decline during colonial rule?

A. Cottage industries

B. Handicrafts

C. Village industries

D. All of these

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: D

Reference: Found on Page Page 6

MCQ Page Ref: Page 7

The British policy of free trade mainly benefited:

A. Indian artisans

B. British manufacturers

C. Indian farmers

D. Indian workers

Correct Answer / Reference:

Option: B

Reference: Found on Page Page 7