Economy of Colonial India — DU B.A. (Hons.) Economics Previous Year Question Papers

1. Write short notes on the following : (9x2) (a) Global trade in Indian cottons. (b) Externalist vs internalist debates on early 19h century Indian economy. 2. Discuss the regional variations in agrarian relations and their impact on agricultural productivity between 1857 and 1947. (18) 3. Why Indian industries failed to take off during the colonial period? What were the reasons for British dis-interest in developing Indian Industry? (18) 4. Examine the problems of rural credit and indebtedness in colonial India. What role did moneylenders and credit markets play in the agrarian economy? (18) Discuss the emergence of an industrial labour force in colonial India. What were the major characteristics of labour relations and working conditions during this period? (18) 6. Evaluate the evolution of colonial public finance in India. How did revenue collection and government expenditure affect the economy and society? (18) 7. Examine the role of the colonial state in managing famine and relief in British India. How effective were these policies in addressing crises of starvation and mortal'ity? (18) 8. Discuss the growth of the industrial sector in India during the British period, highlighting the role of Indian capital and enterprise in it. (18)