State and explain any two changes which were observed in India's occupational structure during the British Rule. "The British sought to achieve their vested interest through their policies of infrastructural development in India." Do you agree with the given statement ? Justify your answer with valid explanation.

Question

Accepted Answer

**Two changes in India's occupational structure during British Rule:**

1. **Predominance of Primary Sector:** Agricultural sector accounted for largest share of workforce with 70-75%, while manufacturing and service sectors accounted for only 10% and 15-20% respectively.

2. **Regional Variation:** States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and West Bengal witnessed decline in dependence on agriculture with increase in manufacturing and service sectors.

**British Vested Interest through Infrastructure:**
- Roads built to mobilize army and extract raw materials
- Railways introduced for effective control and foreign trade
- Telegraph introduced to maintain law and order
- All infrastructure served colonial interests, not Indian development