Introduction Chettiars and Marwaris were influential business communities in India during the colonial period. They played a major role in trade, finance, and investment across different parts of India and Southeast Asia. In this post, we discuss who they were, their economic roles, and their contributions to Indian business history. Who Were the Chettiars? The […]
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Introduction Commercialisation refers to the process where the economy becomes more focused on trade and markets rather than self-sufficiency. In modern India, this process grew rapidly during the British colonial period. Spatial patterns of modern commercialisation refer to how trade, markets, and production were distributed across different regions. In this post, we explore these patterns
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Introduction Deindustrialization refers to the decline of traditional industries and handicrafts in India during British colonial rule. Before British arrival, India had a strong industrial base, including textile production, metalwork, and artisan crafts. However, colonial policies led to the gradual destruction of these industries, resulting in widespread unemployment and poverty. In this post, we will
Write a note on the Deindustrialization of Indian economy during Colonial Period. Read More »
Introduction The colonial period in India had a deep and lasting impact on its economy. British rule introduced new systems, destroyed some traditional economic structures, and created a colonial economy that mainly served British interests. To understand this complex period, historians and economists have adopted various approaches. These approaches help us study how colonialism affected
Discuss the major approaches to study the economy during colonial period in India. Read More »
Introduction The rise of European private trade in India during the 17th and 18th centuries marked a shift from state-controlled commercial enterprises to more individualized, profit-driven ventures. This transformation played a crucial role in changing the dynamics of India’s maritime trade and laid the groundwork for deeper colonial intervention. Background Initially, European trade with India
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Introduction The commercialisation of agriculture and economic life in colonial India was a significant transformation that reshaped traditional structures. Driven largely by British colonial policies, this shift had deep impacts on rural society, agrarian relations, and economic stability. What is Commercialisation? Commercialisation refers to the process by which agricultural produce and other goods were increasingly
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Introduction Morris D. Morris, an American economic historian, presented a controversial argument that challenged the nationalist view of India’s industrial decline during British colonial rule. According to Morris, there was “not much direct evidence of the decline of India’s traditional industries.” This statement sparked extensive debate among historians and economists. In this post, we critically
Introduction The Herschell Committee, formed in 1892, was a significant step in the financial reforms introduced by the British colonial administration in India. Its primary purpose was to examine the question of currency standard and recommend measures to stabilize the Indian monetary system, especially in the context of the fluctuating value of the silver rupee.
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Introduction The concept of the “drain of wealth” from India to Britain during colonial rule has been a critical subject in the study of India’s economic history. Originally advanced by thinkers like Dadabhai Naoroji, R.C. Dutt, and later supported by nationalist economists, the theory highlighted how colonial policies led to the systematic transfer of Indian
Critically examine recent arguments pertaining to drain of wealth. Read More »
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