Question

What problems did Brazil and India face after Independence?

Hint:

Both Brazil and India had to overcome deep social inequalities and economic dependency after independence, while also tackling political instability and environmental challenges.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Problems Faced by Brazil and India After Independence

Problems Faced by Brazil After Independence (1822):

1. Political Instability: Brazil faced political instability after gaining independence from Por- tugal in 1822. The monarchy system was unstable, and later, the shift to a republican form of government created challenges in governance. There were constant changes in political systems and conflicts regarding leadership.
2. Social Inequalities: Brazil inherited a deeply unequal society, marked by racial discrimination and significant economic disparities. The population faced issues related to class and race, with limited opportunities for the lower classes and Afro-Brazilian communities.
3. Economic Dependence: Brazil’s economy was highly dependent on the export of primary products, especially coffee and sugar. This made Brazil vulnerable to international market fluctuations and limited its economic diversification.
4. Environmental Degradation: Large-scale deforestation for agriculture and cattle ranching led to environmental damage, especially in the Amazon rainforest. This exploitation of natural resources was done without adequate long-term planning for sustainability.
5. Regional Disparities: Brazil faced uneven economic development, with the richer coastal areas receiving more investment, while the interior regions remained underdeveloped and faced poverty.

Synthesis: Nation-building required institution design, social reforms, and diversification be- yond primary commodities.

Problems Faced by India After Independence (1947):

1. Partition and Its Consequences: The partition of India in 1947 led to large-scale migration, communal riots, and the displacement of millions of people. The consequences of partition were long-lasting, creating social and political tensions.
2. Poverty and Unemployment: At the time of independence, India was plagued by widespread poverty, high levels of illiteracy, and unemployment. The country had limited industrialization, and most people were engaged in agriculture, which was not productive enough to support the growing population.
3. Poor Infrastructure: India lacked proper infrastructure, including roads, railways, and factories. This posed a major challenge for industrial growth and economic development. India needed to focus on building its infrastructure to support its growing population and economy.
4. Agricultural Challenges: Despite being an agricultural economy, India faced food scarcity and low agricultural productivity. This was due to outdated farming techniques and a lack of irrigation facilities in many parts of the country.
5. Cultural and Regional Diversity: India faced challenges in uniting its diverse population, which included people from different regions, cultures, languages, and religions. The integration of these diverse groups into a single nation posed a challenge to national unity.

Extra note: Administrative integration of princely states and linguistic reorganization were complex yet stabilizing steps.

\[ \textbf{Both Brazil and India faced political, economic, and social challenges after independence.} \]