196k views
4 votes
Which of the following was NOT one of the significant negative impacts on India during British imperialism 1. Farmers in India were forced to switch to cash crops

2. Many parts of India lost their self-sufficiency
3. Most traders in India could only trade, buy, and sell goods with the British
4. Britain appointed a dictator to rule over India

User Yorkwar
by
7.4k points

2 Answers

4 votes

Final answer:

The significant negative impacts of British imperialism on India included the transition to cash crop agriculture, the loss of self-sufficiency, and the restriction of trade primarily to Britain. However, Britain did not appoint a dictator to rule over India, which is the incorrect statement in the options provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

Through the period of British imperialism in India, several negative impacts were felt throughout the region. These included the following:

  • Farmers in India were indeed forced to switch to cash crops, such as cotton and tea, which were more profitable for British trade than traditional food crops, disrupting the local economy and contributing to famines.
  • India lost its self-sufficiency in many parts, as it was transformed from a manufacturing nation into an export economy, producing raw materials for British industry at the expense of its local production capabilities.
  • Indian trade was heavily controlled, with restrictions that meant most traders could only buy, and sell goods with the British, limiting India's economic autonomy and the growth of its own industries.

However, one of the statements listed is historically inaccurate:

  • Britain did not appoint a dictator to rule over India. The British rule in India was through a colonial administration under the British Crown after 1858, following the end of the East India Company's rule, and not through a dictatorship.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question of which was NOT one of the significant negative impacts on India during British imperialism is that 'Britain appointed a dictator to rule over India'.

User Jayashree
by
7.5k points
1 vote

Final answer:

The option that was NOT one of the significant negative impacts on India during British imperialism is number 4, "Britain appointed a dictator to rule over India."

Step-by-step explanation:

During British imperialism, India experienced several negative impacts.

1. Farmers in India were indeed forced to switch to cash crops. This was a result of British policies that prioritized the production of cash crops like indigo, jute, and cotton, which were in high demand in Britain. This led to a decline in food crop production and increased dependence on imported food, causing food shortages and famines.

2. Many parts of India did lose their self-sufficiency. The British introduced policies that undermined traditional Indian industries like textiles, iron, and handicrafts. This led to the decline of these industries and increased dependence on British manufactured goods, resulting in the loss of self-sufficiency for many regions in India.

3. It is true that most traders in India could only trade, buy, and sell goods with the British. The British East India Company monopolized trade and established a system that favored British merchants. Indian traders faced restrictions and unfair competition, which limited their economic opportunities and stifled local businesses.

In conclusion, option 4, "Britain appointed a dictator to rule over India," was not one of the significant negative impacts on India during British imperialism.

User Timothy Klim
by
8.0k points