Which of the following was a feature of the Indian economy before the British rule?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Self-reliant economy.
The correct answer is Self-reliant economy. Before British rule, India had a self-sufficient and flourishing economy based on agriculture, handicrafts, and trade. Villages functioned as independent economic units, producing most of their own needs with limited dependence on external sources. India was known for its textile, metal, and spice industries, and it contributed nearly 24% of the world’s GDP in the early 18th century.
The other options are incorrect:
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Dependent economy: This became true only after British rule, when India relied on Britain for finished goods.
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Independent economy: India was not politically independent, though economically self-reliant.
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Prosperous economy: While India was prosperous, the defining feature was self-reliance, not mere prosperity.