A country’s physical resources, irrigation, transportation, energy, communication, banking, technological know-how, etc. are included in the basic economic infrastructure.

The structure of basic infrastructure of India before the British Era can be clarified through the following points :

1. The Indian industries were already established before the British rule. Industrial efficiency, technical knowledge, and engineering skills were clearly visible even before the British ruled in India. India had become globally famous as a center for cotton and silk textiles, metal, based and gemstone related handicrafts. Indian products had become prestigious commodities in the global market. India obtained gold, silver and precious stones in exchange of exporting these products. India was considered the richest country in the world in the 17^th century.

2. Before British era, animals were used as a means of transport, but t he roads at that time were not in a good position like today. Roads in the rural regions were not reasonably developed and the life of the villagers became extremely difficult during the rainy season.

3. In British era, the banking sector did not contribute substantially to economic development. Due to the lack of development of banking system, Indian industrialists could not receive the required financial facilities.

4. Before British era, due to the independent economy of India, villages were economically independent and self dependent. There were three classes in the village- farmers, artisans and servants. Among these, the status of farmers was the highest. Farmers used to allot their portion of work to other people and gave them wheat in return. The servants were asked to collect lagaan (land tax) and give it to the government.

5. Indian agriculture was sufficiently developed and farmers were mostly skilled in agricultural activities before the British Era. India exported cotton and silk textiles, rice, jute, sugar, spices etc. and received gold in return.