Introduction:
- The Industrial Revolution in England (18th-19th centuries) played a significant role in the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India. British economic policies, shaped by the needs of their industrial economy, directly impacted India’s traditional industries.
Body:
De-industrialization of India:
- Machine-made goods from England: The Industrial Revolution allowed England to produce textiles and other goods at a much lower cost using machines. These machine-made goods flooded the Indian market, outcompeting the handmade goods produced by Indian artisans.
- Unfavorable trade policies: The British imposed high tariffs on Indian exports, especially textiles, while allowing British goods to enter India with little or no duty. This created an uneven playing field, making it difficult for Indian cottage industries to survive.
- Destruction of Indian textiles: The Indian textile industry, especially in Bengal and southern regions, had been a global leader. However, the availability of cheaper British textiles drastically reduced the demand for Indian handmade cloth, leading to the collapse of the weaving industry.
Shift in Raw Material Focus:
- British industrial interests forced India to focus on the export of raw materials like cotton and jute to feed British factories, rather than finished goods. This shift crippled India’s indigenous production capabilities.
Impact on Indian Economy:
- Millions of artisans, weavers, and craftsmen were left unemployed, leading to widespread poverty. The traditional artisanal economy that had sustained India’s prosperity was replaced by colonial economic dependency.
Conclusion:
- The Industrial Revolution in England, combined with exploitative British colonial policies, was a major factor in the decline of India’s handicrafts and cottage industries, leading to long-lasting economic and social consequences.
