What Happened to Weavers?

4.3.2 What Happened to Weavers?

Description

Quick Overview

This section discusses the impact of the East India Company's consolidation of power on Indian weavers and how their position changed amid increasing British textile imports.

Standard

The section delves into the transition from a thriving weaving industry in India, where artisans had good bargaining power, to a system dominated by the East India Company. This resulted in devastating practices like forcing weavers into debt and suppressing competition, ultimately leading to their decline due to British imports and mining of raw materials.

Detailed

What Happened to Weavers?

The East India Company played a critical role in transforming the landscape of textile production in India following its rise to political power in the 1760s. Initially, Indian textiles were in high demand in Europe, and the Company sought to boost exports. However, after establishing control, the Company aimed to systematically eliminate competition, taking several steps to consolidate its monopolistic hold over textile production.

Transition in Control

Upon asserting political dominance, the Company appointed gomasthas—paid agents—to oversee weavers and ensure a steady supply of goods while preventing them from selling to independent buyers. This shift severely restricted the bargaining power of weavers and local traders, who had previously established relationships and could negotiate prices effectively.

Economic Challenges and Decline

Weavers increasingly found themselves bound to the Company and its harsh terms, leading to hunger and revolt as conditions worsened. As local markets began to dwindle, external pressures mounted from the rise of cotton industries in England, creating a flood of cheap imports that devastated traditional weaving practices. This decline in domestic textile exports was stark: piece-goods made up 33% of India's exports in 1811-12, dramatically plummeting to 3% by 1850-51.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Indian weavers faced overwhelming challenges, culminating in their migration, revolts, and eventual transition to agricultural labor. By understanding what happened to weavers, we gain insight into the broader implications of colonial economic policies and their detrimental effects on traditional industries.

Key Concepts

  • Colonial Power: Refers to the East India Company's control over Indian trade, drastically changing the landscape of weaving.

  • Weavers' Resistance: The series of actions taken by weavers in response to exploitation, including revolts and migration.

  • Economic Decline: The detrimental impact of British imports and Company practices on the weaving industry.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Gomasthas, Gomasthas, knitting up trouble, taking away the weaver's bubble.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Once, there was a vibrant village of weavers who thrived until the gomasthas arrived, taking control and leaving them deprived.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • D.E.C.L.I.N.E: Diminished Exports Causing Loss in Income for Weavers.

🎯 Super Acronyms

R.O.W

  • Revolt
  • Opportunity to leave
  • Work abandoned.

Examples

  • The establishment of gomasthas illustrates how the East India Company directly controlled the weaver's production and pricing.

  • The decline of textile exports from 33% to 3% highlights the drastic effect of British competition on Indian weavers.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Gomastha

    Definition:

    Agents appointed by the East India Company to supervise weavers and control the textile supply chain.

  • Term: Monopoly

    Definition:

    Exclusive control over a commodity or service in a market, restricting competition.

  • Term: Export

    Definition:

    Goods sold and shipped to foreign countries.

  • Term: Revolt

    Definition:

    A rise in rebellion against authority; in this context, refers to weavers resisting Company control.

  • Term: Decline

    Definition:

    A gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance; referring to the fall in the textile industry.