Key Concepts
- 1Why is manufacturing sector important for the Indian economy?
Important Formulas & Facts
Manufacturing importance: (1) Backbone of development — transforms raw materials into finished goods of higher value. (2) Employment — employs millions directly and indirectly. (3) Reduces dependence on agriculture — diversifies economy. (4) Brings foreign exchange through exports. (5) Reduces regional disparities if spread across country. (6) Multiplier effect — one industry supports many others (e.g., auto industry supports steel, rubber, glass, electronics). India's manufacturing share in GDP is ~17% — target is 25%.
Must-Know Questions
Q1Which of the following industries uses limestone as a raw material?
The cement industry uses limestone as its primary raw material, along with silica, alumina, and gypsum. India is the second largest producer of cement in the world after China.
Q2The iron and steel industry belongs to which category?
The iron and steel industry is classified as a basic or key industry because it provides raw material (steel) for many other industries — automobiles, construction, machinery, railways, defence equipment.
Q3Which city is known as the 'Manchester of India'?
Ahmedabad is known as the 'Manchester of India' because of its dominant cotton textile industry. Mumbai was earlier called the 'Manchester of the East', but Ahmedabad surpassed it. The first cotton textile mill in India was set up in Mumbai in 1854.
Q4Bhilai Steel Plant was set up with the help of:
Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh was set up in 1959 with the help of the former Soviet Union (USSR). Similarly, Durgapur was set up with British help, Rourkela with German help, and Bokaro with Soviet help.
Q5Which of the following is an agro-based industry?
The sugar industry is an agro-based industry as it uses sugarcane (an agricultural product) as its raw material. India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world. Other agro-based industries include cotton textiles, jute textiles, and edible oils.
Practice Manufacturing Industries
Reinforce what you just revised with practice questions