How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (250 words)
The Industrial Revolution in England (1760-1840) brought mechanized production and mass manufacturing, fundamentally altering global trade. It drastically affected India’s handicrafts and cottage industries, which were previously significant contributors to the economy and global exports .
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Decline of Indian Handicrafts and Cottage Industries:
- Technological Advancement: The Industrial Revolution introduced advanced machinery, like power looms, enabling mass production in England, which made Indian handmade goods less competitive due to their slower production rates .
- Increased British Imports: Cheap, machine-made textiles from England flooded the Indian market, making it impossible for Indian artisans to compete, resulting in a sharp decline in demand for Indian handicrafts .
- Exploitation through Colonial Policies: The British imposed high tariffs on Indian exports to England while allowing duty-free import of British goods into India. This led to a loss of foreign markets for Indian products .
- Deindustrialization: By forcing India to export raw materials (cotton, jute) at low prices and import finished goods, Britain deindustrialized India, which weakened its traditional industries and artisans .
- Loss of Patronage: The shift from local royal patronage to British administrative control reduced the demand for Indian handicrafts, leading to unemployment among artisans.
- Inadequate Support Infrastructure: The absence of technological and financial support for Indian artisans further crippled the cottage industries as they couldn’t adapt to technological changes.
Survival of Certain Sectors: While sectors like embroidery and weaving in regions like Gujarat survived, they were significantly diminished in scale compared to the pre-industrial era.
Conclusion:
The Industrial Revolution in England played a pivotal role in dismantling India’s handicrafts and cottage industries, aided by exploitative colonial policies. Reviving traditional crafts requires integrating technology and ensuring market access.
