Q. Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. (250 words, 15 Marks)
Why the Question?
UPSC PYQ – CSE Mains – 2017
Keywords of the Question
- Decline of traditional artisanal industry
- Colonial India
- Crippled the rural economy
Directive Word
Examine –Explore both positive and negative aspects without necessarily criticizing. Consider evaluating the pros and cons, providing examples, and discussing relevant points. Remember that “examine” doesn’t imply only criticism; it also involves support and praise.
How to approach this Question?
- Introduction:
- Begin with a brief overview of the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India and its impact on the rural economy.
- Mention factors contributing to this decline, such as British economic policies, the influx of cheap imported goods, and the loss of patronage from local elites.
- Body:
- Divide the body into subsections, each addressing specific aspects: Loss of livelihoods, Deindustrialization, Agricultural dependency, Erosion of self-sufficiency, Loss of skills and knowledge, Drain of wealth, Social consequences etc.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the devastating impact of the decline of traditional artisanal industry on the rural economy.
Answer Key
Introduction
During British colonial rule in India, the decline of traditional artisanal industries—such as Benarasi silk, Kashmiri shawls, and handloom textiles—had profound effects on the rural economy. Imported goods replaced local products, taxes burdened artisans, and instability disrupted production. Consequently, millions of artisans faced impoverishment, and the agrarian economy suffered significantly.
Body
- Loss of Livelihoods:
- As traditional artisanal industries declined, many artisans and craftsmen lost their primary source of income.
- This resulted in widespread unemployment, impoverishment, and forced migration to urban areas.
- Deindustrialization:
- The decline of traditional industries and the influx of cheap imported goods from Britain led to deindustrialization in rural India.
- Local industries couldn’t compete with the superior technology and cheaper prices of British goods, resulting in the closure of many small-scale industries.
- Agricultural Dependency:
- With the decline of artisanal industries, the rural population became increasingly dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods.
- This led to a surplus labor force in the agricultural sector and contributed to the fragmentation of landholdings and declining agricultural productivity.
- Increased dependency on agriculture made the rural economy more vulnerable to climatic fluctuations, famines, and other natural disasters.
- Erosion of Self-Sufficiency:
- The decline of traditional artisanal industries forced rural communities to rely on imported goods, eroding their self-sufficiency.
- Dependence on external markets increased, affecting local resilience and economic stability.
- Loss of Skills and Knowledge:
- As traditional artisanal industries declined, the valuable skills and knowledge of artisans and craftsmen were lost.
- These skills were essential for local production and self-reliance.
- Drain of Wealth:
- As more money was spent on imported goods, less was available to invest in local industries and infrastructure.
- This further impeded the growth of the rural economy.
- Social Consequences:
- Artisans, once highly respected members of society, faced a decline in their social status as their industries dwindled.
- This led to the disintegration of traditional social structures and increased social tensions within rural communities.
Conclusion
The decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy by disrupting livelihoods, eroding self-sufficiency, and causing a drain of wealth. The loss of skills and knowledge compounded the challenges faced by rural communities. It was a multifaceted crisis that left lasting scars on India’s economic landscape.