Question

Under British rule, Indian agricultural output witnessed stagnation due to:

• A. Drain of Indian wealth
• B. Land tenure system
• C. Introduction of telecommunications
• D. Decline in handicrafts

Hint:

Remember: \[ \text{British Agricultural Policies} \rightarrow \text{Heavy Revenue + Exploitation} \] The Zamindari system is one of the most commonly asked causes of agricultural stagnation in colonial India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: During British rule, Indian agriculture suffered from low productivity and stagnation due to exploitative land revenue systems and lack of investment in agricultural development. The British introduced systems mainly to maximize revenue collection rather than improve farming conditions.

Step 1: Understanding the land tenure system.}
The British introduced various land tenure systems such as:
• Zamindari System
• Ryotwari System
• Mahalwari System These systems imposed heavy land revenue demands on farmers and intermediaries.

Step 2: Effects on agriculture.}
Due to excessive taxation and exploitation:
• Farmers remained poor and indebted.
• Investment in irrigation and technology was neglected.
• Agricultural productivity remained very low.
• Food shortages and famines became common. Thus, agricultural output showed stagnation during British rule.

Step 3: Checking the options.}

• Drain of Indian wealth : Indirectly affected the economy but not the main direct reason for agricultural stagnation.
• Land tenure system : Correct; exploitative land systems caused stagnation in agriculture.
• Introduction of telecommunications : Not related to agricultural stagnation.
• Decline in handicrafts : Affected industries more than agricultural output. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Land tenure system}} \]