Question

Who tried to calculate national income before independence?

• A. M. S. Swaminathan
• B. K. C. Pant
• C. Dadabhai Naoroji
• D. Prof. Keynes

Hint:

Dadabhai Naoroji estimated the per capita income of India to be ₹20 per year in his 1867–68 study.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Before India gained independence in 1947, several intellectuals and economists attempted to estimate the national income of the country. Among these pioneers was Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent Indian political leader and economist.

1. Dadabhai Naoroji: He is widely known for his pioneering work in estimating the national income of India. He is often referred to as the "Grand Old Man of India" and was one of the first to highlight the economic drain theory, which argued that wealth was flowing from India to Britain. In his book, "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," he offered early estimates of India’s per capita income.
2. Other Options:
   • M. S. Swaminathan: He is renowned for his work in agricultural science and is considered a leading figure in India's Green Revolution. His work does not pertain to national income estimation.
   • K. C. Pant: Known for his political contributions, especially as a member of the Planning Commission of India, his work was mainly post-independence.
   • Prof. Keynes: A British economist best known for his theories on macroeconomics, his work was influential globally but did not specifically focus on calculating India's national income before independence.

Thus, the correct answer is Dadabhai Naoroji, as he was instrumental in attempting to systematically calculate and analyze India's national income before independence.