Sponsor Area

Indian Economy On The Eve Of Independence

Question
CBSEENEC11008624

What was the state of agriculture in mid-eighteenth century in India?

Solution

(i) In mid-eighteenth century, agriculture was the main source of livelihood. Land was in abundance and the population was limited. So most of the people were engaged in agriculture. The surplus over the family requirements was exchanged with other commodities of requirements.

(ii) The farmers mainly produced food grains for their survival. The production of cash crops such as Jute, Cotton, Sugarcane etc. was limited.

(iii) Production for the market was not the idea behind farming.

(iv) Methods and techniques of production were old and backward. It involved more physical work for people and animals.

(v) Agricultural society was predominantly feudal in character. The cultivators used to pay land revenue to the rulers. There was heavy rate of land revenuue. Very little was left with the peasants after their hard labour.