UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2020

Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

  1. peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
  2. its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
  3. national leaders' opposition to the cultivation of indigo
  4. Government control over the planters

Answer

Correct Answer

its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

Explanation

German chemists developed synthetic indigo (BASF began production in 1897), which made natural indigo unprofitable in the world market and caused its decline by the early 20th century.

Topics: colonial economy - commercialisation of agriculture, decline of indigo cultivation - synthetic dye, history, modern india