Examine the impact of colonialism on an economy in the developing world that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C. - 2015

One major impact of colonialism on the Indian economy was the shift of agricultural practices. Through the British colonial rule, traditional farming methods were replaced by cash crops like cotton and indigo, which disrupted local food production. This shift led to food scarcity and affected the livelihood of millions of farmers.

Colonialism had deep-seated effects on India's economic structure that persist to this day. The focus on cash crops under British rule significantly altered agricultural practices. Instead of growing food for local consumption, farmers were compelled to cultivate crops for export, leading to a decline in local food production.

Additionally, this shift resulted in devastating famines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, exacerbating poverty levels among rural populations. The economy became heavily reliant on exports, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. This reliance continues to have ramifications on agricultural policies in modern India, as the historical context of colonial exploitation shapes contemporary economic conditions.

Moreover, the infrastructure developed during colonial times was primarily aimed at resource extraction rather than benefiting local communities. Railways and roads were built to transport raw materials to ports for export, leading to systemic economic disadvantages that still affect India's economic landscape today.