At the time of India`s independence, the country predominantly practised subsistence agriculture. Subsistence agriculture refers to the practice of producing food and other agricultural products primarily for the farmer`s own consumption and to meet the needs of their immediate community. In this form of agriculture, farmers focus on growing crops and raising livestock to sustain themselves and their families rather than for commercial purposes or large-scale production.

Option 2, mixed farming, involves the cultivation of both crops and livestock. However, this was not the predominant agricultural practice in India at the time of independence.

Option 3, plantation agriculture, is characterized by the large-scale cultivation of a single cash crop for profit, typically on large estates. This type of agriculture was not widespread in India during that period.

Option 4, shifting agriculture, involves clearing land, farming it for a few years, and then moving on to another plot. This practice was more common in tribal and forested regions, but it was not the predominant agricultural practice in India at the time of independence.

Therefore, option 1, subsistence agriculture, is the correct answer.