Chapter 6 WEAVERS, IRON SMELTERS AND FACTORY OWNERS

Indian Textiles And The World Market

Before the British conquest, India was a leading global producer of fine cotton textiles, renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. These textiles were widely traded in Southeast Asia, West and Central Asia, and were popular in Europe from the 16th century. Words like "muslin" (from Mosul) and "calico" (from Calicut) reflect the historical significance of Indian textiles in international trade. By the early 18th century, British manufacturers, facing competition from Indian textiles, protested imports and pushed for legislation like the Calico Act (1720) to ban them, while simultaneously imitating Indian designs and developing their own textile industry through technological innovations.

Words Tell Us Histories

The names of various textiles, such as "muslin" (from Mosul), "calico" (from Calicut), "chintz" (from Hindi 'chhint'), and "bandanna" (from Hindi 'bandhna'), reveal the historical popularity and geographical origins of Indian textiles in global markets.

Indian Textiles In European Markets

Indian cotton textiles, particularly printed cottons like chintz, were highly sought after in Europe due to their fine quality, intricate designs, and affordability. The demand increased significantly in the late 18th century with Britain's industrialization and the collapse of indigo production in the Americas, making India a crucial source of dyes.

Where Were The Major Centres Of Weaving In The Late Eighteenth Century?

In the early 19th century, textile production was concentrated in regions like Bengal (especially Dacca for mulmul and jamdani), South India along the Coromandel coast (Madras to Andhra Pradesh), and weaving centers in Gujarat.

Who Were The Weavers?

Weavers typically belonged to specialized communities (like Tantis in Bengal, Julahas in North India, Saliyar and Kaikkolars in South India) with skills passed down through generations. Spinning was primarily done by women using charkhas and taklis, while men typically did the weaving. Dyer (rangrez) and block printer (chhipigar) were specialized occupations associated with textile production. This industry provided a livelihood for millions of Indians.

The Decline Of Indian Textiles

The rise of the British textile industry negatively impacted Indian weavers and spinners. Indian textiles faced competition from cheaper British-made goods in European and American markets. Additionally, high import duties imposed by Britain made exporting Indian textiles difficult. By the 1830s, British cotton cloth flooded Indian markets, leading to job losses for thousands of weavers and spinners. While handloom weaving persisted for specialized products, the industry largely declined due to the overwhelming competition.

Cotton Mills Come Up

The first cotton mill in India was established in Bombay in 1854, followed by mills in other cities like Ahmedabad and Kanpur. This growth was facilitated by factors such as proximity to raw cotton, favorable climate (initially), port facilities for importing machinery and exporting goods, and the availability of labor. The expansion of cotton mills created employment opportunities, attracting people from rural areas, including peasants, artisans, and agricultural laborers. However, the industry faced challenges competing with British imports until World War I, when reduced imports and military demands boosted Indian textile production.

The Sword Of Tipu Sultan And Wootz Steel

Tipu Sultan's swords, renowned for their exceptional hardness and sharp edges, were made from a special high-carbon steel called Wootz. This steel, produced in South India using a complex process involving local iron ore, charcoal, and clay pots, created ingots with a distinctive "watered" pattern due to embedded carbon crystals. Indian Wootz steel was highly valued in India and abroad, even studied by scientists like Michael Faraday. However, the decline of Indian rulers and the influx of cheaper British iron and steel products led to the disappearance of this specialized craft by the mid-19th century.

Abandoned Furnaces In Villages

Iron smelting, using local ore and often involving community participation (women working bellows while men smelted), was a widespread craft in India until the late 19th century. However, it declined due to several factors: new forest laws restricting access to charcoal, increased taxes on furnaces, and competition from cheaper imported iron and steel from Britain. Many iron smelters, like the Agarias of Central India, were forced to abandon their craft due to these pressures and the impact of famines, seeking alternative livelihoods.

Iron And Steel Factories Come Up In India

The establishment of modern iron and steel industries in India began with the vision of Jamsetji Tata. After extensive searches, the Agarias helped locate significant iron ore deposits in the Rajhara Hills. The first major steel plant, TISCO, was established in Jamshedpur in 1912, benefiting from proximity to raw materials, water, labor, and markets. The expansion of railways in India created a demand for rails. During World War I, TISCO's production increased significantly as British imports declined and the government procured steel for military supplies, eventually becoming the largest steel producer within the British Empire.

Exercises

The chapter exercises focus on understanding the historical development of the textile and iron/steel industries in India. Questions require defining terms like 'industry', 'smelting', 'bellows', and differentiating between various types of industries and resources. Students are asked to explain the reasons behind the popularity of Indian textiles, the decline of Indian handloom weaving, the growth of cotton mills, the unique qualities of Wootz steel, and the reasons for the decline of iron smelting. Activities involve tracing the journey of goods through markets, comparing industrial centers like Ahmedabad and Osaka, and locating industrial regions on a map. An exercise also prompts students to analyze the factors affecting industrial location by evaluating potential sites for a steel plant.