Q4. Name some modern industries which were in operation in our country at the time of independence.
At the time of India’s independence in 1947, the country had developed only a limited and uneven base of modern industries under British colonial rule. Industrial development was slow and largely shaped by colonial interests rather than national needs. Nevertheless, a few modern industries were in operation.
The cotton textile industry was one of the earliest and most important modern industries. It was mainly located in the western regions of India, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, and was largely dominated by Indian entrepreneurs. The jute industry was another significant sector, concentrated mainly in Bengal, and was largely controlled by European interests. These two industries formed the backbone of India’s factory-based manufacturing at the time.
The iron and steel industry marked a major step toward industrialisation. The establishment of the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) in 1907 at Jamshedpur was a landmark development. It supplied steel required for railways, construction and basic industrial needs, although its scale remained limited. Apart from this, a few other industries such as sugar, cement, and paper developed slowly, especially during the inter-war period and after the Second World War.
However, India lacked capital goods and heavy industries, particularly those producing machinery and equipment essential for further industrial growth. The public sector’s role was minimal and was confined mostly to railways, power, ports and communications. Most industrial units were small in size and geographically concentrated in a few regions, creating regional imbalances.
In conclusion, while India did possess some modern industries at the time of independence, the industrial base was narrow, weak and unbalanced. This limited industrial development posed a major challenge for the newly independent nation and strongly influenced India’s post-independence industrial and planning strategy.