Learning Objectives
- Understand the process of industrialisation in Britain and India
- Learn about the conditions of workers during early industrialisation
- Study the peculiarities of Indian industrialisation under colonial rule
- Understand the impact of industrialisation on handicrafts and traditional industries
Key Concepts
Before the Industrial Revolution
Before factories, production was organised through the proto-industrial system. Merchants supplied raw materials to peasant households who manufactured goods at home. The finished products were collected and sold in markets. This system was common in the English countryside before the rise of factories.
The Coming of Factories in England
The first factories in England appeared in the 1730s. The earliest symbol was the cotton textile industry. Key inventions: Richard Arkwright's cotton mill (1781). However, the pace of industrialisation was not rapid — new technology was expensive and unreliable, and hand labour remained cheaper for many goods. Even in the mid-19th century, less than 20% of the workforce was in technologically advanced industrial sectors.
Conditions of Workers: Workers faced low wages, long hours (12-16 hours), overcrowded housing, and dangerous working conditions. Seasonal unemployment was common. The introduction of Spinning Jenny and other machines reduced demand for hand spinners, leading to unemployment and social unrest.
Industrialisation in the Colonies: India
Decline of Indian Textiles: Before colonialism, India was a major exporter of cotton and silk textiles. The decline began with: imposition of import duties on Indian textiles in Britain, machine-made British goods flooding the Indian market, and loss of traditional export markets. By the 1850s, India had shifted from exporter to importer of textiles.
Rise of Indian Factories: The first Indian cotton mill was set up in Bombay in 1854. The first jute mill was established in Bengal in 1855. Dwarkanath Tagore was among the earliest Indian industrialists. Later, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata established the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) at Jamshedpur in 1907. Seth Hukumchand set up the first Indian jute mill in Calcutta.
Swadeshi Movement: During the nationalist movement, Indians were encouraged to use swadeshi (Indian-made) goods and boycott foreign products. This boosted Indian industries, particularly textiles. Industrialists like the Tatas, Birlas, and Thakurdas supported the national movement.
Small-Scale Industries
Despite the growth of large factories, a significant share of production continued in small-scale and household industries. Handloom weavers adapted by producing coarser cloth, saris with woven borders, and specialised designs that machines could not replicate. In the 20th century, handloom cloth production actually expanded.
Market for Goods
Manufacturers used advertisements to create demand. Labels on cloth bundles depicted Indian gods, important figures, or symbols to make products attractive. "Made in Manchester" labels competed with "Made in India" labels. Advertising played a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences.
Summary
Industrialisation began in England with proto-industrialisation and evolved with factory production. Workers faced harsh conditions. In colonial India, traditional textile industries declined as British machine-made goods dominated. Indian factories emerged in the mid-19th century, led by entrepreneurs like Tata and Tagore. The Swadeshi movement boosted Indian industry. Small-scale and handloom industries survived by adapting to market needs. Advertising played a key role in creating markets for goods.
Important Terms
- Proto-industrialisation
- Early phase of industrialisation before factories, with production in rural households
- Spinning Jenny
- Multi-spindle spinning frame that reduced the need for hand spinners
- Deindustrialisation
- Decline of traditional industries under colonial rule
- Swadeshi
- Movement promoting Indian-made goods and boycotting foreign products
- Fly Shuttle
- Mechanical device that speeded up weaving and increased productivity
- Jobber
- Person employed by industrialists to recruit workers from villages
Quick Revision
- Proto-industrialisation = production in rural homes before factory system
- Arkwright's cotton mill: 1781 — early factory system in England
- Indian textiles declined due to British import duties and machine-made competition
- First Indian cotton mill: Bombay, 1854; First jute mill: Bengal, 1855
- TISCO at Jamshedpur: 1907 by Jamsetji Tata
- Swadeshi movement boosted Indian manufacturing
- Handloom weavers survived by producing specialised designs
Practice Tips
- Compare industrialisation in Britain and India — causes, pace, and impact
- Explain the decline of Indian textile industry with specific causes
- Know the role of advertisements in selling goods (source-based questions)