During the British period, India's occupational structure underwent significant changes. Some of the salient features of India's occupational structure during the British period are:
Dominance of Agriculture: Agriculture was the main occupation of the Indian population during the British period. Around 70% of the population was involved in agriculture and related activities. India was primarily an agrarian economy, and the Britishers imposed policies that favored large landowners and commercial agriculture.
Decline of Traditional Industries: India was known for its traditional industries like textiles, handicrafts, and metalwork, which employed a significant portion of the population. However, the Britishers destroyed these industries by imposing heavy tariffs on Indian products, leading to their decline.
Growth of Modern Industries: The Britishers introduced modern industries like jute, cotton, and steel, which provided employment to a small section of the population. However, these industries were mostly concentrated in urban areas, and the majority of the population was left out.
Emergence of Service Sector: With the establishment of British rule, new opportunities in the service sector emerged. The Britishers created administrative jobs, and a new class of educated Indians emerged who found employment in the civil services, railways, and other service sectors.
Social Stratification: The Britishers imposed a rigid social hierarchy that limited opportunities for social mobility. Caste, religion, and gender played a significant role in determining one's occupation, with people from lower castes and women having limited options.
Overall, the British period witnessed a significant transformation in India's occupational structure, with the dominance of agriculture, the decline of traditional industries, the emergence of modern industries, and the growth of the service sector.
Eañji _ 1 year, 7 months ago
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