Textile (3): Colonialism of Indian Textile Industry

Question 1

Why did the UK ban the sale of Indian textiles?

Answer 1

Demand for cotton was high in Britain and they needed a steady supply of raw cotton from India to maintain it. Banning Indian sales safeguarded British manufacturing.

Question 2

What was the ban on Indian textiles rooted in?

Answer 2

Protectionist policies - tariffs, taxes, import duties to protect domestic companies from Indian competition.

Question 3

How was India negatively affected the UK’s ban and also the taking of raw cotton?

Answer 3

Wealth from Indian textiles went to UK through trade imbalances and taxes. Made India dependent on UK

Question 3

What cultural affects did the UK’s ban on Indian textiles have?

Answer 3

UK undermined handloom weaving and eroded India’s cultural identity

Question 4

Overall, what are the main takeaways from the ban on India’s textiles?

Answer 4

1. Subjugated India’s economy, culture, and society
2. Made India a supplier of raw cotton to Britain, who manufactured and sold back to India