Q.13. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? [UPSC 2024 GS P-1]

The Industrial Revolution in England played a significant role in the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India, though it was not the sole factor. The industrial and economic changes brought by the revolution, combined with British colonial policies, severely impacted India’s traditional artisanal economy. This decline can be traced through several key developments:

1. Industrialization and Mass Production:

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, enabled England to produce goods on a large scale using mechanized processes. Factories in England, especially in the textile sector, began producing goods far more efficiently and cheaply than the Indian cottage industries, which relied on manual labor. For example, British textiles flooded the Indian market, and Indian handloom weavers could not compete with the lower prices and larger output of British manufactured cloth.

2. British Colonial Policies:

The East India Company, and later the British colonial administration, implemented policies that facilitated the export of raw materials from India to England while importing finished British goods back into India. These policies were designed to benefit British industries at the expense of Indian handicrafts:

• Tariffs and Restrictions: Heavy duties were imposed on Indian finished products in Britain, making Indian goods less competitive in the British market. Conversely, low tariffs were placed on British goods entering India, making them more affordable than Indian products. For example, British textiles entered India at a cheaper rate, undermining local producers.
• Destruction of Indian Industries: The British discouraged local production by taxing or regulating Indian manufacturers. Indian artisans, particularly weavers, were pushed into unemployment as they could neither sell their goods domestically nor export them profitably due to the British-imposed restrictions. The once-thriving textile centers of India, like Dacca (Dhaka), known for its muslin, saw a sharp decline.

3. Raw Material Drain and Deindustrialization:

India was forced into becoming a supplier of raw materials like cotton, indigo, and jute for British factories. Instead of fostering local industries, the colonial economy was structured to benefit British industries, turning India into a raw material exporter and a market for British goods. This process of deindustrialization led to a sharp decline in India’s traditional industries:

• Textiles: India’s textile industry, which was world-renowned before the British period, was the worst hit. Indian artisans found it difficult to compete with the mechanized textile mills of England. Indian cotton was exported to Britain, processed there, and sold back to India, displacing local weavers.
• Other Cottage Industries: Apart from textiles, other handicrafts, such as metalwork, pottery, and leather goods, also faced a similar fate. The British preference for industrial goods and the lack of investment in local industries further hastened their decline.

4. Loss of Patronage and Market:

The traditional Indian handicraft industries thrived under local and royal patronage, as well as domestic markets. The British dismantled the Indian royal courts and nobility, leading to the withdrawal of patronage for Indian artisans. In addition, the entry of British goods in large quantities shrank the local market for Indian products, resulting in loss of livelihood for millions of artisans.

5. Impact on Indian Society and Economy:

The decline of handicrafts and cottage industries had a devastating social and economic impact. Millions of artisans, craftsmen, and weavers lost their traditional occupations and were forced into agrarian labor or migrated to cities. This created widespread unemployment, poverty, and underdevelopment in large parts of India. The rural economy was severely impacted, as many traditional industries that sustained village life collapsed.

6. Partial Survival of Handicrafts:

While the Industrial Revolution and British policies led to the widespread decline of India’s handicraft industries, some traditional crafts survived. In certain regions, handicrafts like carpets, jewelry, and brassware persisted, albeit on a much smaller scale. These industries were often supported by local markets or sustained by continued demand in particular regions.

Conclusion:

The Industrial Revolution in England was a major cause of the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India, but it was reinforced by exploitative British colonial policies that systematically dismantled India’s traditional economy. The combination of mass-produced British goods, tariffs, restrictions, and the restructuring of India’s economy for the benefit of British industry ensured that India’s once-thriving artisanal sectors could not survive. Thus, the Industrial Revolution, coupled with British imperialism, transformed India from a manufacturing hub to a mere supplier of raw materials and a market for British goods, leading to the deindustrialization of Indian society.