Tarikh Episode 750
Tarikh is a daily program in which we present you with incidents and stories of noteworthy persons of Indian History in Hindi. In this edition of Tarikh, Nikhil talks about a book that destroyed the Indian economy. John Forbes Watson's "The Textile Manufacturers of India," published in 1866, wasn't just a book; it was a weapon. This 18-volume set meticulously documented 700 types of Indian textiles, detailing their creation process, materials, and cost.
While seemingly informative, the book's true purpose was to empower British colonialism. It served as a blueprint for replicating India's exquisite fabrics in British factories using mass production. This undercut the Indian handloom industry, a vital part of the nation's economy and cultural identity.
The book's impact was devastating. British mills churned out cheap copies, flooding the Indian market and driving countless skilled weavers out of business. An estimated 250,000 weavers in Bengal alone lost their livelihoods.
Watson's work transcended mere economic disruption. It symbolised the systematic dismantling of India's traditional way of life. Exquisite craftsmanship, passed down through generations, was deemed inferior to machine-made products.
While India eventually gained independence, the textile industry never fully recovered. Many craft traditions vanished, and the cultural significance of textiles was diminished.
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Edited By: Alok Sahu