The structure of an economy reveals fundamental insights about its organization,
operational dynamics, and developmental trajectory. In the case of India, the economic
structure has undergone profound transformations shaped by historical forces, policy
decisions, and global economic currents. This chapter examines the evolutionary journey
of the Indian economy, beginning with its colonial characteristics and progressing through
the significant structural shifts that occurred following independence in 1947.
Understanding this transformation is essential to comprehending the contemporary
economic landscape of India and the challenges and opportunities it presents today. The
analysis encompasses the changing sectoral composition, institutional frameworks, and
policy paradigms that have characterized different phases of India's economic history. By
tracing this evolution, we gain valuable insights into the forces that have shaped India's
economic destiny and the pathways that lie ahead for one of the world's largest and most
dynamic economies.