1.2. Deindustrialisation of India

Before British rule, India was a major exporter of handicrafts and textiles.

Before the arrival of British colonial rule, India's economy thrived on its rich tradition of handicrafts and textiles. Skilled artisans created exquisite handmade goods that were in high demand not just locally, but also in international markets. This export capability was a source of pride for the country and played a crucial role in its economic prosperity.

Imagine India as a vibrant market filled with artisans selling beautifully crafted products, similar to how farmers bring fresh produce to a local farmer's market. Just as the market attracts buyers from various places, India's textile and handicraft exports attracted merchants and traders from around the world.

The British followed a policy of destroying Indian industries to promote British-made goods.

Under British rule, economic policies were designed to benefit Britain at the expense of Indian industries. The British introduced tariffs and taxes that heavily favored British goods and made it almost impossible for the local manufacturing sectors to compete. This fundamentally aimed at eradicating Indian craftsmanship and promoting British products, fundamentally altering the structure of India's economy.

Think of it like a game where the rules are set to ensure one team always wins. The British established rules (policies) that allowed their products to come into India without any cost, while Indian products were taxed heavily, making it hard for Indian craftsmen (the losing team) to sell their goods.

Heavy duties were imposed on Indian goods, while British goods were imported into India tax-free.

The imposition of heavy duties on Indian goods took away their competitive edge in the market. While Indian craftsmen struggled under these financial burdens, British goods flooded the Indian market without any taxes, pushing local industries into decline. As a consequence, artisans lost their means of livelihood as their products became less attractive to consumers.

Imagine a local bakery that is forced to pay a high fee to sell its bread, whereas a large national chain can sell its products without any fees. Over time, customers would prefer to buy from the chain due to cheaper prices, leading the local bakery to eventually close down.

Indian craftsmen lost jobs and industries like textiles, metal work, and pottery declined.

The aggressive policies of the British led to severe deindustrialisation, particularly affecting traditional crafts like textiles, pottery, and metalwork. Many skilled artisans found themselves unemployed, leading to widespread poverty and social unrest. The collapse of these industries not only harmed the economy but also led to a loss of cultural heritage associated with these crafts.

It's like a once-bustling artisan neighborhood where everyone had a craft-bazaar, but due to new restrictions and competition from a larger store, all the local shops had to shut down. With no jobs, the community would struggle to keep its identity and culture alive, as fewer people engage in those traditional crafts.

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