Question
Download Solution PDFWitnessing the devastation of the Indian textile industries, William Bentinck remarked, ‘‘The bones of the _______ are bleaching the plains of India’’.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is - Cotton Weavers
Key Points
- Cotton Weavers
- During British rule, the Indian textile industry faced severe setbacks due to colonial policies.
- William Bentinck’s remark, “The bones of the cotton weavers are bleaching the plains of India,” highlights the devastating impact on traditional weavers.
- The influx of cheap British manufactured textiles destroyed the livelihood of Indian weavers who could not compete with British mills.
- This led to widespread poverty and the decline of India’s once-flourishing textile industry.
Additional Information
- Impact of British Policies on Indian Textiles
- The British imposed high duties on Indian textiles exported to England while allowing British goods into India at minimal tariffs.
- The introduction of machine-made textiles from Britain led to the displacement of Indian artisans who relied on manual weaving techniques.
- British policies prioritized their industrial growth over the survival of traditional Indian industries.
- William Bentinck’s Era
- William Bentinck served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835.
- He was known for his reforms, including the abolition of Sati, but his era also witnessed the economic exploitation of India.
- His observation regarding the plight of Indian weavers reflects the broader impact of colonial policies on Indian society.
- Decline of Indian Textile Industry
- By the 19th century, India, once a global leader in textiles, had become a market for British goods.
- The decline of the textile industry was a key factor in the economic impoverishment of India under British rule.
- Traditional weavers and artisans suffered immensely, leading to widespread unemployment and famine-like conditions.
Last updated on Jun 26, 2025
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