What were the main causes of India's agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
The main cause of agricultural stagnation was the introduction of various systems of land settlement by the colonial government. Particularly under the zamindari system, profits went to zamindars instead of cultivators. Zamindars were interested only in collecting rent and did nothing to improve agricultural conditions, causing misery and social tension.
Furthermore, the sector was starved of investment in areas like terracing, flood-control, and drainage. Farmers shifted to cash crops for British industries rather than food crops. A large section of tenants and small farmers lacked the resources, technology, and incentive to invest in agriculture, leading to low productivity.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the textbook sections discussing the agricultural sector under colonial rule. It highlights the structural issues imposed by the British (land settlements), the economic exploitation (zamindars taking profits), and the lack of developmental support (investment in infrastructure and technology).