UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 13

This question tests indigo cultivation and colonial agriculture. The key concept is: Indigo cultivation declined in India by the early twentieth century because synthetic indigo, developed commercially in Europe, undermined the profitability of natural indigo in world markets. Peasant resistance was important to the history of indigo, but it does not by itself explain the long-term commercial decline. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option B. Option A — Peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Indigo cultivation declined in India by the early twentieth century because synthetic indigo, developed commercially in Europe, undermined the profitability of natural indigo in world markets. Peasant resistance was important to the history of indigo, but it does not by itself explain the long-term commercial decline. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — Its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Indigo cultivation declined in India by the early twentieth century because synthetic indigo, developed commercially in Europe, undermined the profitability of natural indigo in world markets. Peasant resistance was important to the history of indigo, but it does not by itself explain the long-term commercial decline. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option C — National leaders opposition to the cultivation of indigo: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Indigo cultivation declined in India by the early twentieth century because synthetic indigo, developed commercially in Europe, undermined the profitability of natural indigo in world markets. Peasant resistance was important to the history of indigo, but it does not by itself explain the long-term commercial decline. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — Government control over the planters: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Indigo cultivation declined in India by the early twentieth century because synthetic indigo, developed commercially in Europe, undermined the profitability of natural indigo in world markets. Peasant resistance was important to the history of indigo, but it does not by itself explain the long-term commercial decline. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option B is the verified answer.