Question 1:The growth rate of India in the decade 1911-21, exhibited a diverse pattern. State two reasons.
The correct answer is – There were two primary reasons why the growth rate of India in the decade 1911-21 exhibited a diverse pattern:
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Impact of World War I: The outbreak of World War I in 1914 had a significant impact on the Indian economy. The war disrupted the trade and transportation systems, causing a decline in agricultural output, industrial production, and exports. The war also resulted in a shortage of essential commodities such as food grains, fuel, and clothing, leading to inflation and rising prices. This situation persisted until the end of the war, affecting India’s economic growth rate during the period.
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Repercussions of the Swadeshi Movement: The Swadeshi Movement, which started in 1905, aimed to promote Indian-made goods and boycott British goods. This movement gained momentum during the decade 1911-21, and its impact was felt in the Indian economy. The movement led to a decline in imports of foreign goods, which, in turn, affected the Indian economy’s growth rate. Additionally, the movement encouraged the growth of the Indian small-scale industry, which had a positive impact on employment and income levels in the country. However, this growth was not enough to offset the negative impact of the World War I, leading to a diverse pattern in India’s growth rate during the period.
