Economic Policies of the British: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Economic Policies of the British (Modern History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2020Modern History · Economic Policies of the British
Q1. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: 1. Aurang - In-charge of treasury of the State 2. Banian - Indian agent of the East India Company 3. Mirasidar - Designated revenue payer to the State Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
Explanation
Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Aurang is a Persian term referring to a warehouse where goods are collected before being sold.
Pair 2 is correctly matched: The term Banian (or Banyan) was used during the colonial period to refer to Indian agents or intermediaries who acted as local representatives or agents for European trading companies, including the East India Company. They helped the company in business dealings, acted as middlemen, and facilitated trade.
Pair 3 is correctly matched: A Mirasidar was a landowner or hereditary holder of land in South India under the Ryotwari settlement system. The East India Company recognized mirasdars as the only proprietors of land, dismissing tenants’ rights completely. They acted as a designated revenue payer of the state.
UPSC 2020Modern History · Economic Policies of the British
Q2. Which of the following statements correctly explain the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
Explanation
The Industrial Revolution in Britain led to the mass production of textiles and other goods in Britain, which flooded the Indian market. This caused a decline in demand for Indian handicrafts which could not compete with the cheaper, machine-made British goods. This led to the ruin of traditional handicraft industries and artisans. Machine-based production in Indian textiles became more prominent after the 1850s, with the establishment of British-owned factories like the Bombay Spinning and Weaving Mill (1854). The first railway line in India was opened in 1853 between Bombay and Thane. By the latter half of the 19th century, the railway network expanded rapidly to facilitate the movement of goods (especially raw materials for British industries). British goods were often imported into India without heavy duties. British colonial policy was designed to ensure that India served as a market for British manufactured goods.
Exam tip:
For (b), Why would colonizers industrialize India, when they wanted it as a raw material source + market? Industrialization would make India self-reliant against British interest. For (c), Railways in India began around 1853, this is second half of 19th century, is well known fact. For (d), Britain wouldn’t tax its own exports to India. In fact, they likely removed Indian tariffs to promote free entry of British goods. Hence all b, c and d are Likely false
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2020
(b) 2 and 3 only
2
2020
(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Economic Policies of the British?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Economic Policies of the British (Modern History), asked from 1996 to 2024. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Economic Policies of the British?
Questions on Economic Policies of the British (Modern History) are available for 12 years, from 1996 to 2024. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
