Commercial crops were prioritised over food crops during colonial rule. Which of the following is an example of a commercial crop promoted by the British?

Explanation

During the colonial period, the British promoted commercial (cash) crops instead of food crops to serve industrial needs in Britain. One of the most important commercial crops was Indigo.

👉 Indigo (नील) was widely cultivated under the indigo plantation system and was used as a blue dye in the textile industry in Britain.

Farmers were often forced to grow indigo instead of food crops, which led to severe hardship and famines.

औपनिवेशिक काल में ब्रिटिश शासन ने खाद्य फसलों की बजाय नकदी (वाणिज्यिक) फसलों को बढ़ावा दिया ताकि ब्रिटेन के उद्योगों की जरूरतें पूरी हो सकें।

👉 नील (Indigo) एक प्रमुख वाणिज्यिक फसल थी, जिसका उपयोग ब्रिटेन में कपड़ा उद्योग के लिए नीले रंग के डाई के रूप में किया जाता था।

किसानों को अक्सर खाद्य फसलें छोड़कर नील उगाने के लिए मजबूर किया जाता था, जिससे कई क्षेत्रों में गरीबी और अकाल की स्थिति उत्पन्न हुई।

⭐ Extra Facts / अतिरिक्त तथ्य

• 🌿 Indigo Revolt (1859–60): Bengal के किसानों का नील की जबरन खेती के खिलाफ बड़ा विद्रोह
• 🧑‍🌾 Forced cultivation system known as Tinkathia system (in some regions)
• 🏭 Indigo was crucial for British textile dye industry during Industrial Revolution
• ⚠️ Led to decline in food security in many Indian regions

❌ Why others are incorrect

• Millets (बाजरा): Food crop, drought-resistant staple
• Wheat (गेहूँ): Major food grain, not promoted as cash crop
• Rice (चावल): Staple food crop in India

📝 Final Answer:

👉 Indigo / नील