Question

Why did the textile exports from India decline in the late eighteenth century? Explain two causes.

Hint:

The British economic policies aimed at extracting resources and controlling trade flows were key factors in the decline of India's textile industry in the late 18th century.

Answer 1

The decline in textile exports from India in the late eighteenth century can be attributed to several factors, two of the most prominent being:

1. Imposition of British Trade Policies and Tariffs:

The British colonial government imposed restrictive trade policies that severely affected India's textile industry. These policies included high import duties and tariffs on Indian textiles entering European markets. This made Indian textiles less competitive and less attractive to international buyers, while the British government actively promoted British-made textiles in the same markets. The East India Company monopolized the trade routes and controlled the export of goods, undermining the potential for Indian textile producers to thrive.

2. Industrialization of British Textile Industry:

The Industrial Revolution in Britain introduced mechanized textile production , which led to mass-produced textiles being exported worldwide. These British-made textiles were produced more cheaply and in larger quantities, making it difficult for India’s traditional handloom industry to compete. Furthermore, the British flooded Indian markets with their own finished goods, replacing local textile products. This resulted in the decline of Indian textile production , contributing to the deindustrialization of the Indian economy.