Industrial Revolution in England & the decline of handicrafts & cottage industries in India

How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

This question examines the impact of the Industrial Revolution in England on the decline of traditional handicrafts and cottage industries in India, analyzing economic and colonial factors. It belongs to General Studies Paper 1: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

Approach: Introduction: Define the Industrial Revolution and its economic impact, linking it to India's handicrafts. Body: Discuss the impact of British policies, technological advancements, and global trade shifts on Indian handicrafts and cottage industries. Provide examples, data, and relevant Acts. Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the long-term impact on India's economy and workforce, mentioning the subsequent rise of de-industrialization in India.

The Industrial Revolution in England, beginning in the late 18th century, profoundly impacted global trade and economies, including India. As British industries rapidly mechanized, their demand for raw materials and foreign markets intensified, leading to a significant decline in Indian handicrafts and cottage industries.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Indian Handicrafts

Impact on Indian Handicrafts

Introduction of Machine-made Goods

British factories, powered by new machinery, produced textiles and other goods at a much lower cost and higher volume than Indian artisans. These machine- made goods flooded the Indian market, reducing the demand for handcrafted products. For instance, Indian cotton textiles, once globally sought after, were replaced by cheaper British imports.

Destruction of Local Markets

Policies like the Charter Act of 1813 removed trade barriers for British goods, allowing easy entry into Indian markets while heavily taxing Indian exports. This created an uneven playing field, eroding the domestic demand for local crafts. Additionally, the East India Company forced artisans to sell their products at low prices, further stifling competition.

Loss of Traditional Skill Sets

With the influx of British goods and the lack of incentives for artisanal production, many skilled workers in sectors like weaving, pottery, and metalwork found themselves unemployed or forced to shift to agriculture. Reports from the 19th century, such as those by William Bentinck, highlight the growing poverty among artisans, especially in Bengal and other textile hubs.

Disruption of Export Markets

Before the Industrial Revolution, Indian handicrafts, particularly textiles, had a strong export market in Europe and Southeast Asia. However, after the British monopolized global trade, Indian exports were heavily restricted, leading to the collapse of several export-dependent industries.

De-industrialization of India

British economic policies focused on making India a supplier of raw materials for British industries rather than a manufacturer. This process, termed de-industrialization, shifted India's economic base from industry to agriculture, impacting urban centers that had once thrived on handicrafts. It is estimated that there was a decline in India's share of global manufacturing output from 25% in the 18th century to just 2% by the 19th century.

Conclusion

The Industrial Revolution in England, combined with exploitative British colonial policies, was largely responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India. The destruction of these industries led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and the eventual de- industrialization of India, setting the stage for India's economic stagnation during the colonial period. The post-independence industrial policies like Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) aimed at rebuilding and reviving rural industries.

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