Question

American Civil War that began in 1860 had a huge impact on the ryots of the Deccan region in India. Which of the following events explains how the impact took shape:

1. Britain was the country where large cotton mills were operational. These cotton mills depended on cotton imported from North America.
2. When the USA was reeling under civil war, it was naturally very difficult to import cotton from there.
3. The cotton mills were forced to look for alternative suppliers of cotton apart from the US India made a good option.

Options

• i and ii

• ii and iii

• i, ii, iii

• i and iii

Answer 1

i, ii, iii

Explanation:

The American Civil War, which began in 1860, had a significant impact on the Deccan region of India's ryots. The sequence of events that led to the impact is as follows:

1. The United Kingdom was the only country with significant cotton mills. The cotton used in these mills was imported from North America.
2. When the United States was engulfed in civil war, it was understandably difficult to import cotton from the country.
3. Cotton mills were obliged to hunt for alternate cotton supplies other than the United States. India was a wise choice.
4. Cotton was urged to be grown by Deccan farmers. One method was the ready availability of credit. Moneylenders would provide a credit of Rs 100 for each acre of cotton-growing land.
5. Cotton farmers benefited from the increased demand. The actual winners, however, were the large farmers and dealers.
6. However, as normalcy was restored to the United States, things began to alter. As the demand for cotton in India has decreased, so has the ease with which financing has been available. In many locations, the ryots reverted to their previous state of poverty and rose up in rebellion.