Textile industry held a pre-dominant position in the economic history of India. The industrial revolution had an over-whelming impact on domestic industries leading to far-reaching repercussions in the economic sphere. B.R Tomlinson in his work, Economy of Modern India, 1860-1970 points out that at the beginning of the English rule the Indian handicraft and textile industries used to supply about a quarter of all manufactured goods produced in the world. The domestic industries contributed to the majority of chief export items of the European trade. With the start of the Industrial revolution in the west, India’s status as the chief supplier of textiles to the world relegated to the background. India became the dumping ground of raw materials for the rising English Industries. At the same time the country was a potential market for the influx of British manufactures. There is a considerable quantitative data from south, Central and Eastern India hinting at the general decline in textile production. The English industrialization had a subversive effect on spinning and home spun commodities. The Lancashire produced fine quality yarn had somehow wrecked the possibilities of yarn spinning in India. Tirthankar Roy points out that cotton textile is the most important example of craft threatened by steam-power technology, or of pre-modern industry threatened by industrializing Britain .
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Commercialization and Foreign Trade
- The Condition of Artisans in Western and Central India
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the impact of British rule on the Indian textile industry, specifically examining the challenges faced by artisans in both western and eastern India. It explores whether the industry's decline was solely due to unequal competition with British manufacturers or if other factors played a role. The paper also analyzes how artisans adapted to market changes and the resulting transformations within the industry.
- The impact of British industrialization on the Indian textile industry.
- The adaptation strategies of Indian artisans in response to competition.
- The role of commercialization and foreign trade in shaping the Indian textile market.
- Regional variations in the impact of British rule on textile production.
- The socio-economic consequences for Indian textile artisans.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by highlighting the pre-eminent position of the Indian textile industry before British rule and the significant repercussions of the Industrial Revolution. It introduces key scholars like Tomlinson, Roy, and Landes, whose works provide context on the decline of Indian textile production and the rise of Lancashire's dominance. The introduction establishes the central research questions: did the unequal nature of competition solely cause the decline, and how did artisans adapt?
Commercialization and Foreign Trade: This chapter discusses the transformation of the Indian textile industry under British rule, focusing on the effects of commercialization and exposure to foreign trade. It notes the decline of hand-spinning due to competition from British and Indian machine-spun yarn, yet also highlights the expansion of cotton cloth production between 1900 and 1939 and the adoption of new technologies like the flying shuttle and beam warping. The chapter emphasizes the lack of organization within the Indian cotton trade, contrasting it with the well-organized industries of America and England, and notes shifts in cotton production towards longer-staple varieties.
The Condition of Artisans in Western and Central India: This section delves into the specific conditions of cotton textile manufacturing centers in western and central India. It describes the decline of older centers and the subsequent growth of new urban textile towns, focusing on the migration of weavers to Bombay Presidency. The chapter explores the role of mercantile actors in controlling production and marketing, the consolidation of small-town capitalism, and the emergence of "mono-industrial" weaving towns. It highlights the regional variations in the industry's growth, contrasting the thriving centers in Marathi-speaking districts with the decline of others like Ahmadabad (except Surat). The chapter also underscores the high percentage of weavers in the population of certain towns, indicating the significance of textile production in their economies.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Indian textile industry, British rule, de-industrialization, artisans, commercialization, foreign trade, handloom weaving, power loom, Lancashire, Bombay, regional variations, socio-economic consequences, adaptation, competition.
FAQ: Impact of British Rule on the Indian Textile Industry
What is the main topic of this academic preview?
This preview summarizes a paper investigating the impact of British rule on the Indian textile industry, focusing on the challenges faced by Indian artisans and the industry's transformation.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the impact of British industrialization, the adaptation strategies of Indian artisans, the role of commercialization and foreign trade, regional variations in the impact of British rule, and the socio-economic consequences for Indian textile artisans.
What is the scope of the paper's analysis?
The analysis specifically examines the challenges faced by artisans in western and central India, comparing and contrasting their experiences. It investigates whether the decline of the industry was solely due to competition with British manufacturers or if other factors were involved.
What are the main chapters covered in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of an Introduction, a chapter on Commercialization and Foreign Trade, and a chapter on The Condition of Artisans in Western and Central India.
What does the Introduction chapter cover?
The introduction sets the historical context, highlighting the pre-eminence of the Indian textile industry before British rule and the impact of the Industrial Revolution. It introduces key scholars and establishes the central research questions regarding the industry's decline and the artisans' adaptation strategies.
What are the key takeaways from the "Commercialization and Foreign Trade" chapter?
This chapter discusses the transformation of the Indian textile industry under British rule, focusing on the effects of commercialization and foreign trade. It notes both the decline of hand-spinning due to competition and the expansion of cotton cloth production in certain periods, highlighting the adoption of new technologies and the lack of organization within the Indian cotton trade compared to its counterparts in America and England.
What does the chapter on "The Condition of Artisans in Western and Central India" discuss?
This chapter delves into the specific conditions of cotton textile manufacturing centers in western and central India. It describes the decline of older centers and the rise of new urban textile towns, focusing on migration, the role of mercantile actors, and regional variations in the industry's growth. The chapter also emphasizes the high percentage of weavers in the population of certain towns.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Indian textile industry, British rule, de-industrialization, artisans, commercialization, foreign trade, handloom weaving, power loom, Lancashire, Bombay, regional variations, socio-economic consequences, adaptation, competition.
What scholars are referenced in this preview?
The preview mentions Tomlinson, Roy, and Landes as key scholars whose works provide context on the decline of Indian textile production and the rise of Lancashire's dominance.
What is the intended audience for this preview?
This preview is intended for academic use, allowing for the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Anusua Chowdhury (Author), 2013, Commercialization of the textile industry under British Rule, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/265739
