Introduction – India’s Rich Handicraft and Metal Industry

• Before British rule, India was famous for handwoven textiles, iron smelting, and metal crafts.
• Indian cotton, silk, and iron goods were highly valued in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• The British Industrial Revolution (18th–19th century) changed this, as machine-made goods replaced handmade products.

Why Were Indian Handicrafts Famous?

• High-quality cotton textiles (Muslin from Dhaka, Chintz from Masulipatnam).
• Excellent iron and steel (used for swords and tools).
• Skilled artisans and weavers who produced unique designs.

Indian Textiles and the World Market

• Indian textiles were highly valued in Europe for their beauty and durability.
• European traders like the Dutch, Portuguese, and British competed to buy Indian cloth.
• Indian fabrics were given special names like:
  • Muslin – A fine cotton fabric from Dhaka (Bengal).
  • Calico – Printed cotton cloth from Calicut (Kerala).
  • Chintz – Brightly colored cloth, popular in Britain and France.
  • Bandanna – A bright-colored scarf, originally from Gujarat.

Decline of Indian Textile Industry Under British Rule

The British government introduced laws and policies that ruined Indian weaving.

Imposition of British Machine-Made Cloth

• British textiles flooded Indian markets after the Industrial Revolution.
• Indian weavers could not compete with cheap British cloth.
• Imports of British cloth increased, while exports of Indian cloth declined.

High Taxes on Indian Textiles

• The British imposed heavy taxes on Indian handwoven cloth.
• Indian weavers could not afford to pay these taxes and had to stop production.

Restrictions on Indian Weavers

• Weavers were forced to sell raw cotton at cheap prices to the British.
• Many weavers lost their jobs and became laborers in British factories.

The Condition of Weavers After British Policies

• Weavers were forced to work for British companies under unfair contracts.
• Many weavers migrated to villages and became farmers.
• Famous weaving centers like Dhaka (Bengal) declined rapidly.
• Some weavers started making cheaper cloth to survive.

The Development of Cotton Mills in India

• By the late 19th century, Indian entrepreneurs started setting up textile mills.
• The first cotton mill in India was established in Bombay in 1854.
• Other mills were started in Ahmedabad, Kanpur, and Calcutta.
• These mills provided jobs but could not compete with British factories due to high costs.

Iron and Steel Industry Before British Rule

• India was famous for high-quality iron and steel production.
• Wootz steel from India was used to make legendary swords and weapons in Europe and the Middle East.
• Iron smelters produced tools, weapons, and utensils for local use.

The Decline of the Indian Iron Industry

The British deliberately suppressed Indian iron smelting for their benefit.

British Restrictions on Iron Production

• The British government banned local smelting in forests to control iron resources.
• They started importing cheap British iron, making Indian iron industries collapse.

Heavy Taxation on Indian Iron Smelters

• Iron smelters had to pay high taxes, making their business unprofitable.
• Many smelters were forced to shut down or work for British companies.

The Rise of Modern Indian Iron and Steel Factories

Despite British control, some Indian entrepreneurs took steps to revive iron production.

Jamshedpur and Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO)

• J.N. Tata established India’s first major steel factory in Jamshedpur (1907).
• It became India’s leading steel producer, supplying materials for railways, buildings, and bridges.
• TISCO was the first Indian industry to compete with British companies.

Impact of British Policies on Indian Artisans and Factory Owners

The Legacy of Indian Artisans and Entrepreneurs

• Despite British policies, Indian weavers, smelters, and businessmen showed resilience.
• Today, India is one of the largest producers of textiles and steel.
• Traditional crafts are still valued and protected through government initiatives.

Conclusion

• Before British rule, India had a strong textile and metal industry.
• British economic policies destroyed Indian weaving and iron smelting industries.
• Indian weavers lost their jobs due to British machine-made cloth.
• TISCO (1907) marked the revival of India’s steel industry.
• Despite hardships, Indian entrepreneurs played an important role in reviving industries.