History question from Panchayat Secretary (VLW) exam, 2025 by JKSSB
Which one of the following was NOT a result of unfair British economic policies?
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Balance of trade and higher employment in India due to increase in exports
Why (D) is the correct choice:
British economic policies were designed to benefit the British economy at the expense of India. Therefore, India did not experience a favorable balance of trade or higher employment. Instead:
India's traditional handicraft and textile industries were systematically destroyed (de-industrialization), leading to massive unemployment.
While India's exports of raw materials (like cotton, indigo, and opium) did increase, the financial profits went to British merchants and the colonial government, not to Indian workers.
Why the other options were actual results:
(A) Increased poverty and famine: The commercialization of agriculture, high land revenue demands, and lack of government relief led to a series of devastating, man-made famines (such as the Great Bengal Famine) and deep poverty.
(B) Shortage of food grains in India: British policies forced Indian farmers to grow cash crops (like indigo, cotton, and jute) instead of food crops (like rice and wheat) to feed British industries, causing severe food grain shortages.
(C) Rapid industrialisation in England: India was used as a cheap supplier of raw materials and a captive market for British manufactured goods. This wealth and resource extraction directly fueled the Industrial Revolution in England.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
