The Age of Industrialisation
The Age of Industrialisation marks a critical transition in global economic development, particularly affecting Britain and India. This section begins in 1900 with imagery reflecting a glorification of industrial progress, featuring innovations in machinery and production methods that promised societal advancement. The narrative unfolds with a portrayal of 'proto-industrialisation,' a pre-factory era where production for international markets took place in rural settings. Merchants funded rural artisans to create goods, paving the way for industrial aesthetics and economies.
Key developments include the emergence of factories in the 18th century, particularly surrounding cotton production. With innovations like the spinning wheel and the establishment of the mechanized cotton mill, productivity surged, leading to increased demand for labor in urban centers. However, this transition was not without contest; labor remained predominantly manual despite technological advancements, with seasonal work and varying craftsmanship persisting alongside factory systems.
As the section transitions to India, it discusses the integral role of textiles in pre-colonial and colonial economies. The decline of Indian textile dominance due to colonial pressures and the rise of British industries reflects a complex intertwining of local and global economic forces. The text illustrates the challenges faced by weavers due to new systems imposed by the East India Company, emphasizing social disruptions and resistance movements that arose within the workforce. Ultimately, the Age of Industrialisation illustrates profound transformations through a dual lens of progress and turmoil, shaping today's socio-economic landscapes.