S.Y.B.A.-Economics Paper - Iii - Indian Economy - Eng
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MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION
INDIAN ECONOMY IN THE PRE-BRITISH PERIOD
UNIT STRUCTURE 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Objectives Introduction Village communities Towns during pre-British period Handicraft Industries Summary Questions
1.0 OBJECTIVES
1. 2. To understand the structure and organization of villages and towns -during pre-British period. To study the various industries and Handicrafts during PreBritish Period.
1.1
INTRODUCTION
In the preceding discussion, we are going to understand the history of Indian economy, i.e. Study of economic activities of men over the period of time in India before the British rule. This study is little complex because India had the rule by Mughals, Marathas, Local kings and Nawabs on different parts of India. We should study the past to obtain the lessons for the present. Similarly, this study will help us in testing the hypothesis of economic theories. In this unit we shall be able to present a general picture of the villages, towns and the economic activities undertaken in India during Pre-British rule.
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1.2 VILLAGE COMMUNITIES
Old Indian villages were isolated and self-sufficient socioeconomic units, covering about ninety percent of the population of India. In 1872, 68.5 percent of male population derived their livelihood from land. Further, people who were engaged in industrial occupation had agriculture as a subsidiary occupation. Villages were self sufficient entities. There was a barter system of exchange. The means of transport and communication were underdeveloped. The old economic order was governed and regulated largely by prevailing customs and status. The joint family and the caste system decided the occupation of the individuals. Under the economic order, rent, wages and prices were determinate and regulated by the prevailing usages and customs. Rents paid by the cultivators to the landlord were customary. Wages were largely regulated by custom which regulated the remuneration of the hired
1
MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION
INDIAN ECONOMY IN THE PRE-BRITISH PERIOD
UNIT STRUCTURE 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Objectives Introduction Village communities Towns during pre-British period Handicraft Industries Summary Questions
1.0 OBJECTIVES
1. 2. To understand the structure and organization of villages and towns -during pre-British period. To study the various industries and Handicrafts during PreBritish Period.
1.1
INTRODUCTION
In the preceding discussion, we are going to understand the history of Indian economy, i.e. Study of economic activities of men over the period of time in India before the British rule. This study is little complex because India had the rule by Mughals, Marathas, Local kings and Nawabs on different parts of India. We should study the past to obtain the lessons for the present. Similarly, this study will help us in testing the hypothesis of economic theories. In this unit we shall be able to present a general picture of the villages, towns and the economic activities undertaken in India during Pre-British rule.
2
1.2 VILLAGE COMMUNITIES
Old Indian villages were isolated and self-sufficient socioeconomic units, covering about ninety percent of the population of India. In 1872, 68.5 percent of male population derived their livelihood from land. Further, people who were engaged in industrial occupation had agriculture as a subsidiary occupation. Villages were self sufficient entities. There was a barter system of exchange. The means of transport and communication were underdeveloped. The old economic order was governed and regulated largely by prevailing customs and status. The joint family and the caste system decided the occupation of the individuals. Under the economic order, rent, wages and prices were determinate and regulated by the prevailing usages and customs. Rents paid by the cultivators to the landlord were customary. Wages were largely regulated by custom which regulated the remuneration of the hired