C. Colonialism – Developing Economy (i) Name one developing economy which has been colonised - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2017

Colonialism has had profound impacts on the economy of India, including:

1. Economic Exploitation: The British colonial rule led to the extraction of resources from India, benefitting the British economy while leaving India impoverished.

2. Infrastructure Development: Although colonial rule facilitated some infrastructure development, such as railways and roads, these were primarily aimed at resource extraction rather than benefiting local economies.

3. Disruption of Local Industries: The British policies favored British goods over local handicrafts, leading to the decline of traditional industries and significant unemployment.

4. Land Revenue Systems: Colonial land revenue policies often resulted in severe debt among farmers, contributing to widespread poverty and farmer suicides.

5. Social Changes: Colonialism introduced new social structures that disrupted traditional practices and led to social stratification and tension within local communities.

6. Education System: The British established an education system that prioritized English and Western values, leading to a loss of traditional knowledge and languages.

7. Cultural Impact: The imposition of British culture over indigenous cultures resulted in cultural homogenization and loss of heritage.

8. Economic Dependency: The economy became heavily dependent on the British market, stifling indigenous entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.

9. Post-Colonial Challenges: The legacies of colonialism, including economic disparity and political instability, continue to affect India's development trajectory even after gaining independence.