Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2020 · Modern History and the Freedom Struggle · Question 13

Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

  1. peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
  2. its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
  3. national leaders' opposition to the cultivation of indigo
  4. Government control over the planters

Answer

its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

  • (a) Peasant resistance like the Indigo Revolt (1859-60) exposed planter oppression, but this was not the main reason for the overall decline by the early 20th century. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (b) Indigo cultivation became commercially unviable after the invention and spread of synthetic dyes in Europe, especially German chemical dyes. This sharply reduced demand for natural indigo. Verdict: Correct.
  • (c) National leaders did oppose planter exploitation in some regions, but this was not the principal cause of the crop's decline across India. Verdict: Incorrect.
  • (d) There was no decisive government control over planters that caused the decline of indigo cultivation. Verdict: Incorrect.

Correct Answer: (b)

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