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Step-by-step explanation:
Introduction to Indian Economy during Pre-British Period:
During the pre-British period, i.e. during the mid-eighteenth century, the condition of Indian economy was not at all satisfactory. Just after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the central power at Delhi was so weak that the situation had led to disintegration and gradual downfall of deep rooted Mughal Empire.
During 1750, the Indian economy was passing through recurrence of crisis and disorders because by this time the central power at Delhi was either weakened or disappeared.
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The writings of Dr. Francis Bukanon, Charles Metacalfe and Prof. Gadgil made available sufficient information about the conditions of Indian economy during the pre-British period.
Indian economy, during the pre-British period, consisted of backward, isolated and self sustaining villages on the one hand and on the other hand, there were number of towns which were the seats of administration, pilgrimage, commerce and handicrafts.
During this period, the mode of transport and communication of India were totally backward, underdeveloped and insufficient. Under such a situation, the size of market was also very small.
Condition of Indian Villages and Village Communities during Pre-British Period:
During the pre-British period, the village community was composed of different groups based on simple division of labour. There were farmers who cultivated land and tended cattle. Other groups of people were weavers, goldsmith, potters, washermen, carpenters, cobblers, oil pressers, barber-surgeons etc.
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All the above mentioned occupations were hereditary. These various groups of people were getting their remuneration in terms of crops during the harvesting period against the services rendered by them.
These Indian villages were functioning independently as most of food articles and raw materials produced within the villages were either consumed or purchased by the village communities itself. Agricultural and handicraft industry were interdependent and thus the village republics were able to function independently.
Indian villages were almost self-sufficient in respect of daily necessities excepting commodities like salt, spices, fine cloth, luxury and semi-luxury goods.
In this connection, Sir Charles Metacalfe wrote, “The village communities are little republics having nearly everything they want within themselves, and almost independent of foreign relations. They seem to last where nothing lasts. This union of the village communities each one forming a separate little state by itself…………………… is in a high degree conducive to their happiness, and to the enjoyment of a great portion of freedom and independence”.
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Thus during the pre-British period, Indian villages were mostly consisting of three distinct classes:
(a) the agriculturists,
(b) the village artisans and menials and
(c) the village officials.
There were again two types of agriculturists—the land owning and the tenants.
The village community had enjoyed a simple form of self government. The headman, the watchman, the accountant, the preacher, the school teacher etc. were all village officers. Thus Indian villages during those days were working as a complete administrative and economic unit.
Condition of Agriculture during the Pre-British Period:
During the pre-British period, i.e., during the mid-eighteenth