What was the main occupation of the majority of the Indian population during the period immediately after independence (around 1947)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: Agriculture
Explanation: Immediately after independence in India (around 1947), the economy was predominantly agrarian.
Around 70–75% of the population depended on agriculture for livelihood.
Industrial and service sectors were very small compared to today.
Agriculture was the backbone of employment and rural economy.
This reflects India’s classification as a developing agrarian economy at that time.
Additional Key Facts
Post-1947 India focused on industrialization through Five-Year Plans
First Five-Year Plan (1951–56) emphasized agriculture and irrigation
Major challenges included: Food shortages, Low industrial output and Poverty and unemployment
Potential Exam Questions and Answers
Q. Which sector was least developed in India at independence?
Ans: Industrial sector
Q. India was mainly which type of economy in 1947?
Ans: Agrarian economy