Question

Critically appraise infrastructural development in India during the British rule.

Hint:

British infrastructure was export-oriented and militaristic—not meant for India’s development. Don’t confuse infrastructure quantity with national progress.

Answer 1

The infrastructural development that occurred during British rule in India was neither holistic nor aimed at national development. While railways, roads, ports, and communication systems were introduced, their main purpose was to serve British colonial interests.
Railways: Built primarily for transporting raw materials from rural areas to ports for export, not for the benefit of Indian people.
Roads: Constructed mainly for moving British troops and goods, with little concern for improving rural connectivity.
Telegraph and Postal Services: Introduced for faster British administrative control and military communication.
Neglect of Social Infrastructure: Education, health, and sanitation were ignored, showing the lack of genuine development intent.
Unequal Reach: Infrastructure was concentrated in commercial and strategic areas, leaving rural India underdeveloped.
Thus, while physical infrastructure did grow, its colonial bias limited its positive impact on India’s overall development.