Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?

• (a) Indian handicrafts were ruined — Correct. British machine-made goods flooded Indian markets, and traditional artisans could not compete; this led to deindustrialization of Indian handicrafts in the first half of the 19th century.
• (b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers — Incorrect. Large-scale modern textile mills in India developed mainly from the second half of the 19th century, not the first half.
• (c) Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country — Incorrect. Railways began in India only in 1853, so they were not a major feature of the first half of the 19th century.
• (d) Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures — Incorrect. The colonial policy favored British imports into India; duties generally protected British industry, not Indian producers.

Therefore, the correct answer is (a).