What was the primary occupation of the Indian population on the eve of independence?

The correct answer is Agriculture.

Key Points

• On the eve of India's independence in 1947, agriculture was the primary occupation of the Indian population, with around 70-75% of the population engaged in it.
• The Indian economy was predominantly agrarian, with low levels of industrialization and urbanization.
• Most of the agricultural activities were subsistence-based, with farmers producing crops for their own consumption and small-scale local trade.
• The agricultural sector was characterized by poor infrastructure, outdated techniques, and low productivity, largely due to colonial exploitation.
• Land ownership was skewed, with a zamindari system in place, leading to widespread poverty and inequality among farmers.

Additional Information

• Subsistence Agriculture:
  • It refers to farming practices where farmers grow crops primarily for their own consumption rather than for sale in the market.
  • This was the dominant form of agriculture in India before independence.
• Zamindari System:
  • An oppressive land revenue system introduced during British rule.
  • Landlords (zamindars) collected rent from tenant farmers and often exploited them, leaving farmers in perpetual debt and poverty.
• Low Agricultural Productivity:
  • Outdated tools, lack of irrigation facilities, and minimal use of fertilizers led to poor crop yields.
  • The agricultural sector was unable to support the growing population adequately.
• Colonial Exploitation:
  • The British focused on producing cash crops (like cotton and indigo) for export, neglecting food crops, which worsened famines.
  • India faced devastating famines, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943, due to neglect of agricultural development.
• Post-Independence Reforms:
  • After independence, India introduced land reforms, the Green Revolution, and irrigation projects to modernize agriculture and reduce dependency on imports.