The main items of export by the East India Company from the Deccan were :

The correct answer is - Cotton and sugar

Key Points

• Cotton and sugar were the primary items exported by the East India Company from the Deccan region.
  • The Deccan region had fertile lands suitable for the cultivation of cotton, which was in high demand in European markets.
  • Sugar was produced in significant quantities and exported to meet the growing consumption needs in Europe.
  • The East India Company's trade policies prioritized cash crops like cotton and sugar over subsistence crops to maximize profits.
• The export of these commodities played a crucial role in the development of colonial trade networks.

Additional Information

• East India Company's focus on cash crops
  • The East India Company emphasized the cultivation of export-oriented crops such as cotton, sugar, indigo, and spices.
  • This focus led to a decline in the production of food crops, contributing to famines in certain regions.
• Impact of exports on the economy
  • The export of cotton and sugar provided significant revenue for the British Empire, enhancing its global trade dominance.
  • However, the local economy suffered as farmers were forced to grow cash crops instead of food crops, leading to adverse socio-economic effects.
• Trade routes and destinations
  • The exported goods were primarily sent to England and other European countries, where industrialization created a demand for raw materials like cotton.
  • Major ports like Bombay and Madras were crucial hubs for the export of these commodities.