(i) Explain any two social development indicators prevailing during the colonial period. (ii) Define Tariffs. "In the post-independence era, India adopted a protective tariff policy." Do you agree with the given statement ? Justify your answer with any two valid arguments.

Question

Accepted Answer

(i) **Two social development indicators during colonial period:**

1. **Low Life Expectancy:** Life expectancy was very low due to poor healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.

2. **High Infant Mortality Rate:** High infant mortality due to lack of medical facilities and poor living conditions.

3. **Low Literacy Rate:** Very low literacy rate due to lack of educational infrastructure.

(ii) **Tariffs:**
- Taxes imposed on imports to protect domestic producers
- Make foreign goods costlier in domestic market
- Promote domestic industries

**India's Protective Tariff Policy:**
I **agree** that India adopted protective tariff policy in post-independence era because:
- To protect domestic industries from foreign competition
- To promote import substitution industrialization
- To develop self-reliant economy
- Import duties were imposed on foreign goods