Question

Describe the occupational structure of India in the colonial period.

Answer 1

During the colonial period, the occupational structure of India showed little sign of change.

1. There was a predominance of primary occupation, i.e. agricultural sector.

2. Some states witnessed a decline in dependence of the workforce on the agricultural sector with a commensurate increase in the manufacturing and services sector. However, there had been an increase in the share of the workforce employed in agriculture in some states like Orissa, Punjab and Rajasthan.