Industrialization has always been recognized as a major tool for economic development of a region. It is the principal component of the secondary sector and its main function is to provide work for the growing population to satisfy the demand for manufactured goods and to raise the standard of living by the per capita income of the region. Industry is responsible for converting raw materials into finished goods, which in turn encourage the development of the tertiary sector, like marketing, transport and servicing etc. The transfer of persons engaged in the primary sector to secondary and tertiary sectors are generally visualized as social changes brought about by industrialization.
Table of Contents
- Existing Industries: Problems and Prospects
- The State of Economy in Pre-Colonial Assam
- British Colonial Rule and De-industrialization
- Industrial Backwardness of North East India
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to analyze the industrial development, or lack thereof, in Assam, India, within a historical and geographical context. It examines the impact of colonial policies and explores the challenges hindering industrial growth in the Northeast region.
- The historical trajectory of industrial development in Assam.
- The impact of British colonial policies on Assamese industries.
- The current state of industrialization in Northeast India.
- The challenges to industrial growth in the region, including infrastructure and investment.
- The role of natural resources and agriculture in the Assamese economy.
Chapter Summaries
Existing Industries: Problems and Prospects: This introductory chapter defines the term "industry" in its broader and narrower senses, encompassing manufacturing, services, and mining. It establishes industrialization as a crucial tool for economic development, highlighting its role in job creation, raising living standards, and fostering the growth of the tertiary sector. The chapter sets the stage for the subsequent analysis by outlining the central theme: understanding the complex factors influencing industrial growth in Assam.
The State of Economy in Pre-Colonial Assam: This section details the prosperous pre-colonial Assamese economy, characterized by sufficient agricultural production, thriving local industries and crafts (weaving, goldsmithing, pottery), and a considerable volume of trade. It contrasts this self-sufficient economy with the later impacts of colonialism, foreshadowing the detrimental effects of British policies on indigenous industries. The description of diverse crafts and robust trade networks paints a picture of a vibrant economy prior to colonial intervention.
British Colonial Rule and De-industrialization: This chapter focuses on the de-industrialization of Assam under British colonial rule. The British policy of extracting raw materials and promoting the market for English goods led to the decline of traditional Indian industries, including those in Assam. The introduction of the tea industry, though significant commercially for Britain, is presented as a case study of how colonial development often benefited the colonizer at the expense of the colonized, impacting local industries and economic autonomy. The chapter highlights the absence of Assamese industrial enterprise and the drain of wealth from the province, setting the stage for the current underdevelopment.
Industrial Backwardness of North East India: This chapter addresses the persistent industrial backwardness of Northeast India, including Assam. It discusses geographical factors, such as isolation and the narrow Siliguri Corridor, which have hindered economic development. The chapter analyzes the challenges the region faces, including the lack of infrastructure, inadequate power supply, and limited private investment. It also explores the existing industrial landscape, noting the presence of some agro-based and mineral-based industries, but highlighting the overall lack of significant manufacturing and the low rate of industrial growth. The chapter underscores the multifaceted nature of the problem, linking geographical limitations with economic and political realities.
Keywords
Industrialization, De-industrialization, Assam, Northeast India, Colonialism, British India, Economic Development, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Infrastructure, Investment, Tea Industry, Geopolitical Factors, Industrial Backwardness.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Industrial Development in Assam
What is the main topic of this text?
This text analyzes the industrial development, or lack thereof, in Assam, India, within a historical and geographical context. It examines the impact of colonial policies and explores the challenges hindering industrial growth in the Northeast region.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the historical trajectory of industrial development in Assam, the impact of British colonial policies on Assamese industries, the current state of industrialization in Northeast India, challenges to industrial growth (infrastructure, investment), the role of natural resources and agriculture in the Assamese economy, and the consequences of de-industrialization.
What is covered in the chapter "Existing Industries: Problems and Prospects"?
This introductory chapter defines "industry," establishing industrialization's importance for economic development. It sets the stage by outlining the central theme: understanding the factors influencing industrial growth in Assam.
What does the chapter "The State of Economy in Pre-Colonial Assam" describe?
This chapter details the prosperous pre-colonial Assamese economy, characterized by sufficient agricultural production, thriving local industries and crafts, and significant trade. It contrasts this with the later impacts of colonialism.
What is the focus of the chapter "British Colonial Rule and De-industrialization"?
This chapter focuses on the de-industrialization of Assam under British rule. It examines how British policies, including the promotion of the tea industry, led to the decline of traditional Assamese industries and economic autonomy.
What does the chapter "Industrial Backwardness of North East India" discuss?
This chapter addresses the persistent industrial backwardness of Northeast India, including Assam. It discusses geographical factors (isolation, Siliguri Corridor), lack of infrastructure, inadequate power supply, limited private investment, and the existing industrial landscape.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include Industrialization, De-industrialization, Assam, Northeast India, Colonialism, British India, Economic Development, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Infrastructure, Investment, Tea Industry, Geopolitical Factors, and Industrial Backwardness.
What is the overall objective of this analysis?
The text aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that have shaped industrial development (or underdevelopment) in Assam, from pre-colonial times to the present day, placing it within a broader context of Northeast India's economic situation.
What specific industries are mentioned in the text?
The text mentions the tea industry as a significant case study of colonial impact, but also refers to broader categories like manufacturing, services, mining, weaving, goldsmithing, and pottery as examples of pre-colonial industries.
What role did geography play in Assam's industrial development?
Geographical factors, such as isolation and the narrow Siliguri Corridor, are highlighted as significant challenges that have hindered economic development and industrial growth in the Northeast region, including Assam.
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- Jyotirmayee Devi (Autor:in), 2008, Existing Industries. Problems and Prospects, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/354758
