Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
UPSC Mains Exam Schedule 2025 Bihar Sakshamta Pariksha Admit Card 2025 UP LT Grade Teacher Notification 2025 in Hindi UP LT Grade Teacher 2025 Notification UPSC CMS Admit Card 2025 Out HTET New Exam Date 2025 OTET Admit Card 2025 RRB Railway Teacher Application Status 2025 CSIR NET Exam Date 2025 UPSC DAF 1 2025 UPSC Prelims Result 2025 UPSC IFS Result 2025 8th Pay Commission Salary Hike News UPSC 2024 Prelims Answer Key UPSC 2026 Calendar UPSC Admit Card 2025 UPSC Prelims Result Date 2025 UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 UPSC Prelims 2025 Expected Cut Off UPSC Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 UPSC Final Result 2025 UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey UPSC Application Rejected List 2025 UPSC Application Date Re-Extended UPSC Notification 2025 UPSC Admit Card 2025 for Prelims UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC IFS Notification 2025
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
ISRO Space Missions
NVS-02 ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-A ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-B ISRO Space Mission Proba-3 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-N2 ISRO Space Mission EOS-08 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DS ISRO Space Mission XPoSat ISRO Space Mission Aditya-L1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Space Mission NVS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-07 ISRO Space Mission INS-2B ISRO Space Mission EOS-06 ISRO Space Mission EOS-02 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-24 ISRO Space Mission INS-2TD ISRO Space Mission EOS-04 ISRO Space Mission EOS-03 ISRO Space Mission CMS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-01 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-30 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2BR1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan 2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2B ISRO Space Mission EMISAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-31 ISRO Space Mission Microsat-R ISRO Space Mission GSAT-7A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-11 ISRO Space Mission HysIS ISRO Space Mission GSAT-29 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1I ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6A ISRO Space Mission INS-1C ISRO Space Mission Microsat ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1H ISRO Space Mission GSAT-17 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-19 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-9 ISRO Space Mission Cartosat-2 Series Satellite INS-1A ISRO Space Mission INS-1B ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-18 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DR ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1G ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1F ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-15 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1D ISRO Space Mission Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) ISRO Space Mission GSAT-16 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1C ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1B ISRO Space Mission GSAT-14 ISRO Space Mission Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft GSAT-7 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3D ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1A ISRO Space Mission SARAL ISRO Space Mission GSAT-10 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-1 ISRO Space Mission Megha-Tropiques ISRO Space Mission GSAT-12 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-8 ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2 ISRO Space Mission YOUTHSAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-5P ISRO Space Mission GSAT-4 ISRO Space Mission Oceansat-2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-1 ISRO Space Mission IMS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4CR ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4B ISRO Space Mission SRE-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4A ISRO Space Mission HAMSAT ISRO Space Mission EDUSAT ISRO Space Mission IRS-P6 / RESOURCESAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3A ISRO Space Mission KALPANA-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3C ISRO Space Mission GSAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3B ISRO Space Mission Oceansat(IRS-P4) ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2E ISRO Space Mission IRS-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2D ISRO Space Mission IRS-P3 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2C ISRO Space Mission IRS-P2 ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1E ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C ISRO Space Mission IRS-1B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1C ISRO Space Mission SROSS-2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1B ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-D2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1A ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-II ISRO Space Mission Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) ISRO Rohini Satellite RS-D1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-I ISRO Space Mission Aryabhata ISRO Space Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Major Modern Industries In British India

Major Modern Industries In British India: Industrial Development In India Before Independence!

Last Updated on May 13, 2025
Also Read Major Modern Industries In British India in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Medieval History UPSC Notes
Medieval Literature UPSC Sur Dynasty Chand Bibi Tarabai Balban Muhammad bin Tughlaq Amuktamalyada Firoz Shah Tughlaq Hyder Ali Deccan Sultanates Decline of Mughal Empire UPSC Advent of Europeans in India UPSC Tuluva Dynasty History of South India UPSC Vijayanagar Empire UPSC Babur UPSC Iltutmish UPSC Tughlaq Dynasty UPSC Lachit Borphukan UPSC Delhi Sultanate Administration Pallava Dynasty UPSC Third Battle of Panipat UPSC Rajputs UPSC Bhakti and Sufi Movement UPSC Slave Dynasty UPSC Humayun UPSC India Under the Mughals Battle of Palkhed Battle of Colachel UPSC Pala Dynasty UPSC Battle of Talikota Battle of Chausa and Kannauj Battle of Khanwa UPSC Battle of Ghagra UPSC Battle of Chanderi UPSC Battle of Pratapgarh Decline of Delhi Sultanate Mughal Administration Administration of Vijayanagara Empire Maratha Administration Sulh-i-Kul Jagirdari System Iqta System Bijapur Kingdom Gahadavala Dynasty Ahmadnagar Sultanate Agrarian Expansion in Early Medieval India Irrigation System in Medieval India Urbanization in Medieval India Demographic Structure in Medieval India Memorial Stones Corps of Forty UPSC Economic History of Medieval India Golkonda Kingdom Saints of Medieval India Guru Nanak UPSC Religion in Medieval India Sikh Movement Zenana System Social Classification in Medieval India Development of Music in Medieval India Foreign Policies under Delhi Sultanate Education in Medieval India Regional Styles of Architecture in Medieval India Aurangzeb UPSC Jahangir UPSC Shah Jahan UPSC Nur Jahan UPSC Maratha Confederacy Rani Chennamma UPSC Major Modern Industries in British India Sources of Modern Indian History Police under British India Army under British India
Ancient History UPSC Notes Modern History UPSC Notes World History UPSC Notes Art and Culture UPSC Notes Indian polity and Governance UPSC Notes Science and Technology UPSC Notes Indian Geography UPSC Notes Indian Economy UPSC Notes Government Schemes UPSC Notes Reports and Indices UPSC Notes International Relations UPSC Notes Internal Security UPSC Notes
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

Major Modern Industries in British India began to emerge rapidly during the late nineteenth century under the British. The British initiated policies to industrialize various sectors for exploiting India's resources and expanding their market for British goods. They initiated the development of Major Modern Industries in British India like railways, telecom, iron and steel, heavy machinery, chemicals, sugar, cement etc. to strengthen their economic and political control. 

Aspirants attempting UPSC IAS exam - specifically the UPSC History Optional paper - along with UGC NET History Exam will benefit from studying modern industry in India during British rule in depth. Since questions on this appear regularly, candidates must be well-versed with this topic to perform their best during exams.

Indian Industries During British Rule - The Cotton Textile Industry

The cotton textile industry grew quickly in British India. It became one of the major modern industries during British rule. The first cotton mills started in India in the 1800s.

  • Before that time, India had many traditional cotton and textile businesses. But they were small. They used old ways of making cloth.
  • The British textile industry changed a lot with new machines. The British wanted to sell more cloth in India's large market. They also wanted to make cloth cheaply in India. This helped the Major Modern Industry in British India grow - the cotton textile industry.
  • At first, British companies built cotton mills to export cloth. Later, they made cloth for India's big market too. India's cotton textile industry is now one of the biggest in the world.
  • The first cotton mills started in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The very first cotton mill in India opened in Mumbai in 1854. Later, mills opened in other places like Madras, Ahmedabad and North India too.
  • The cotton textile industry gave many jobs to people in India. This was especially true for women. Many workers came to cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad to work in the mills. The cotton textile industry made cities grow around the mills.
  • But the Major Modern Industries in British India also affected India's traditional handloom industry. It became hard for handloom workers to compete with machine-made cloth. Many handloom workers lost their jobs and money.
  • The cotton textile industry also had many worker problems. Workers had to work for long hours in bad conditions for little money. This led to many strikes and fights from the late 1800s. Workers wanted better pay and conditions.

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

Modern Industry In India During British Rule: Jute

During British rule, jute emerged as a major industry in India. The British found that jute was a useful raw material to make affordable gunny bags, Hessian cloth and rope. They promoted its cultivation and production in eastern India. By the late 19th century, the jute industry became one of the most important industries in British India.

  • Bengal is the main state where jute grows best. British merchants established jute mills in several districts of Bengal. 
  • The epicentre of the jute industry was the city of Kolkata. Several indigenous jute traders set up jute mills and factories during this time. By the early 20th century, the jute industry employed thousands of workers and generated large revenues.
  • Jute cultivation starts in Bengal as early as March. Farmers sow the jute seeds in fertile land beside rivers. The plants grow to around 4 to 5 feet tall. 
  • Farmers harvest jute plants in June and July when the stems turn yellow. The jute fibres are extracted from the stems. The fibres are baled and sold to jute mills.
  • Big jute mills in Kolkata purchased the raw jute from farmers. The mills washed, dried and processed the jute fibres to remove impurities. The processed fibres were combed using huge machinery to arrange them in the same direction. 
  • The fibres were then spun into yarn and woven into fabrics and twine using looms and spinning machines.
  • Jute mills in Bengal mostly made gunny bags, Hessian cloth and rope. Gunny bags are used for packing and transporting grains, rice, flour, sugar and chemicals. Hessian is a coarse fabric made from jute fibres. 
  • It is used for making sacks, bags and mattress covers. Jute rope found widespread use in rigging, shipping, construction and mining. Some jute factories also branched into making jute carpets.
  • The jute industry grew rapidly during the First World War as demand for packaging materials and ropes increased. The British government placed large orders for jute products with mills in Bengal. 
  • However, during the Great Depression, the industry faced a downturn due to low demand. It recovered again during World War Two due to heavy demand from the British and American armies.
  • Working and living conditions of jute mill workers were difficult during British rule. The workers mostly came from very poor families in rural Bengal. Mill owners paid low wages as there was an excess supply of labour. 
  • The work involved operating heavy machinery and carrying heavy loads of jute. The work environment was very dusty and hot. Child labour was common in jute mills.

The Tea Industry In British India

Tea became one of the major industries in British India during the 19th century. It provided substantial economic benefits for the British Empire and employment for many Indians.

  • The British discovered tea in India in the early 19th century. Before that, China was the world's largest tea producer. 
  • The British East India Company started importing tea from China, which led to a vast outflow of silver from Britain.
  • The East India Company wanted to grow tea in India to reduce its dependence on Chinese tea. In 1823, a British officer discovered wild tea plants growing in Assam. That began the tea industry in India.
  • The British realized that Assam had ideal conditions for growing tea on a large scale. They started tea plantations in Assam in the 1830s.
  • Thousands of workers, mainly from eastern India, were brought to Assam to work in the tea gardens. The workers faced poor living and working conditions.
  • Tea gardens multiplied in upper Assam in the mid-19th century. By the 1860s, large commercial plantations produced high-quality tea. The industry expanded to other areas like Darjeeling and Kangra.
  • The opening of railways helped move tea leaves quickly from Assam to ports like Calcutta. This made exporting Indian tea to Britain easier. Tea gradually replaced opium as Assam's main export crop.
  • By the early 20th century, India emerged as the largest tea producer in the world, supplying half of Britain's tea demand.
  • The tea industry was very beneficial for Britain. It helped fulfil the significant demand for cheap tea in Britain. It reduced Britain's trade deficit with China. British companies earned enormous profits by exporting Indian tea.
  • The industry provided employment for millions of Indians, but primarily low-paid work. Workers faced poor living conditions in crowded labour lines. Wages were low, and there were few benefits.
  • Workers often protested against low wages, poor housing and working hours as long as 15 hours a day. However, workers did not get many benefits from the profitable industry.
  • Tea contributed significantly to India's export earnings during British rule. But the profits mainly went to British companies. Local traders and businessmen did not benefit much.
  • The industry led to social and economic changes in Assam and other tea-growing regions. But locals got limited benefits as British companies controlled the industry.
  • After India's Independence in 1947, many Indian companies took over the tea industry. The government nationalized some major tea estates in the 1960s.

The Railway Industry In British India

The railway industry was one of the most important modern industries built in India during British rule. The British started constructing railways in India in the mid-1800s, and within the next century, India had one of the largest railway networks in the world.

Initial Phase

The British government in India started building railways to move troops and resources within India during wars. The first train service in India started in 1853 between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Thane, covering a distance of 34 kilometres. This was the first operational railway in India. Construction of new lines started slowly in key cities and towns.

Expansion Phase

In the 1870s, the railway industry expanded rapidly, with multiple new lines built every year. The government allowed private railway companies to build additional tracks. By 1900, India had over 29,000 kilometres of railway tracks. Many new railway stations were constructed in different cities. Train services between key cities became faster and more efficient.

More Lines and Tracks

The railway network continued expanding in the early 20th century. New tracks and lines were built in different parts of India, connecting smaller towns. By the 1930s, India had over 54,000 kilometres of railway network covering most major cities and towns. This made travelling across long distances in India faster and easier for people.

Trains for Common People

With more railway lines and stations, train travel became affordable for common people also. Earlier, only higher-class people could afford train journeys. The availability of 3rd class compartments in trains made train travel economical for lower-income passengers also. Many poor people used trains to travel to towns or to see relatives.

Major Projects

The British government undertook some large railway expansion projects in India. The 'Montague-Chelmsford Reforms' of 1919 made the railway industry a central subject of the Government of India. Huge funds were sanctioned for new projects. The 'Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) Project' and the 'Railway Electrification Project' were started.

Revenue and Job Creation

The railway network became a huge revenue source for the British administration in India. The network generated high revenues from ticket sales and freight transport. It created massive employment opportunities for Indian people as railway employees. By 1905, the railways employed over 200,000 people in India, out of which 95% were Indians.

Improved Transport Business

The railway network helped transform the transportation business in India. Both passenger and goods transport within India increased manifold. More businesses started using trains to transport goods across long distances. Agricultural products, coal, and raw materials were transported in large quantities using trains.

Conclusion

Major Modern Industries in British India formed during the British period laid the important base for India's post-independence industrial growth and development. Though initiated primarily for economic exploitation of India, these sectors like railways, textiles, iron and steel, sugar, chemicals etc played a crucial role in India's industrialization after 1947. The Indian government used these sectors as a base to expand modern industries, manufacturing and public infrastructure. 

If you want to ace UGC NET or UPSC, use Testbook's high-yield study material of notes, test series, video lessons and other resources. Its app brings immense value with must-have features for exam prep like live tests, mock exams, GK and current affairs videos, regular updates and more. Download the Testbook App now for the ultimate study experience.

More Articles for IAS Preparation

Major Modern Industries In British India FAQs

The British developed Major Modern Industries in British India mainly for economic exploitation of India's resources and to expand their market for British goods.

Major Modern Industries in British India formed the base for India's post-independence industrial growth. The Indian government expanded these sectors after 1947 to develop modern industries and infrastructure.

Many of the old Major Modern Industries in British India like railways, textiles, iron and steel sector continue to operate and grow in modern India, contributing to the country's economic development.

Major Modern Industries in British India continue to provide benefits like jobs, revenue, technology, infrastructure and public services to modern India.

Major Modern Industries in British India started by the British included railways, textiles, iron and steel, sugar, telecommunication, chemicals and cement.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice