At the time of Independence, what was the major characteristic of India's economy?

The correct answer is Predominantly agrarian.

Key Points

• At the time of Independence in 1947, India had an agriculture-based economy, with a majority of the population engaged in agricultural activities.
• Agriculture contributed to more than 50% of the GDP during this period.
• Approximately 70-75% of the Indian workforce was employed in the agriculture sector.
• Industrial and urban development was minimal, with limited infrastructure and industrial output.

Additional Information

• Land Reforms
  • Post-Independence, India implemented various land reforms to redistribute land to the landless and marginal farmers.
  • Key measures included the abolition of the zamindari system, tenancy reforms, and ceiling on landholdings.
• Green Revolution
  • Introduced in the 1960s, the Green Revolution aimed to increase agricultural productivity through high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation.
  • It significantly boosted food grain production, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Five-Year Plans
  • The Government of India adopted a series of Five-Year Plans to strategize and implement economic development goals.
  • The First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) focused heavily on agricultural development and land reforms.
• Rural Economy
  • India's rural economy was characterized by small and fragmented landholdings, subsistence farming, and low productivity.
  • Rural infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and irrigation, was underdeveloped.