India has a rich tradition of handicrafts, with a history of blending agriculture and artisanal production. Handicrafts were integral to the village economy, supporting livelihoods and local culture. However, this balance was disrupted during British colonial rule.
Definition of De-industrialisation
De-industrialisation refers to the reduction or destruction of a nation’s industrial capacity. In India, it describes the decline of traditional handicraft industries due to competition from British manufactured goods. The term gained prominence in the 1940s, denoting the negative impact of colonial policies on local industries.
Historical Context
In 1800, India contributed approximately 19% to global manufacturing output. By 1913, this share plummeted to just 1.4%. This decline was not merely a statistical anomaly; it represented loss of industrial capacity and artisanal skills.
Factors Leading to Decline
Several factors contributed to the decline of Indian handicrafts:
- Decline of Indian Courts: The disintegration of native states diminished the demand for traditional crafts, as ceremonial patronage waned.
- Establishment of British Rule: British governance led to peace and order but also reduced the need for traditional crafts, such as weaponry.
- Western Education: Newly educated Indians often adopted European tastes, leading to a decline in demand for indigenous products.
- Introduction of New Patterns: Indian artisans struggled to adapt to European styles, often producing inferior imitations.
- Competition from Machine-made Goods: British industrial techniques outperformed traditional methods, flooding the market with cheaper products.
Impact of British Policies
British economic policies aimed to integrate India into the British economy as a supplier of raw materials. This included:
- Taxation and Trade Barriers: High duties on Indian textiles made them less competitive in both domestic and international markets.
- Exploitation of Artisans: Artisans were often forced into contracts that favoured British interests, reducing their autonomy and income.
- Market Manipulation: The East India Company controlled prices and distribution, undermining local crafts.
Role of Intermediaries
Intermediaries, such as dealers and financiers, played important role in the decline of handicrafts. They often exploited artisans, reducing them to mere labourers. The East India Company advanced cash and materials to artisans, binding them to unfavourable contracts.
Economic Consequences
The decline of handicrafts led to several economic consequences:
- Loss of Livelihoods: Many artisans lost their traditional jobs, leading to increased poverty.
- Ruralisation of India: Artisans migrated to rural areas, exacerbating agricultural pressures.
- Shift to Agriculture: With industrial jobs disappearing, many turned to farming, straining land resources.
Nationalist Critique of De-industrialisation
Nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji and R.C. Dutt critiqued British policies, linking them to the decline of Indian industry. They brought into light the increasing imports of British goods and the corresponding fall in Indian exports.
Counterarguments to Nationalist Views
Some historians, like David Morris, questioned the extent of de-industrialisation. They argued that population growth and rising purchasing power could have sustained Indian industries despite British competition. However, this view is contested by evidence of widespread artisan poverty and declining industrial output.
Statistical Evidence of Decline
Recent research has provided statistical support for de-industrialisation claims. Studies by Amiya Kumar Bagchi revealed drop in the percentage of the population engaged in industries from 1809 to 1901.
Gender and De-industrialisation
The impact of de-industrialisation on women has been largely overlooked. Women in artisan families often shifted to domestic roles, contributing to the decline in industrial participation. This oversight skews the understanding of occupational changes during this period.
Regional Variations in Impact
The effects of British industrialisation were not uniform across India. Regions like eastern India experienced more severe impacts than others, such as the Madras Presidency. This regional disparity marks the complex nature of colonial economic policies.
The Industrial Revolution’s Role
The Industrial Revolution in Britain influenced global trade dynamics. British demand for raw materials and markets led to the systematic dismantling of Indian handicrafts and cottage industries.
Flood of Machine-made Goods
British factories produced goods at lower costs, flooding the Indian market and displacing local artisans. Traditional crafts, especially textiles, struggled to compete with cheaper imports.
Destruction of Local Markets
Policies like the Charter Act of 1813 facilitated the entry of British goods into Indian markets, undermining local crafts. High taxes on Indian exports further limited artisans’ ability to compete.
Loss of Traditional Skills
The influx of British goods diminished the incentive for artisanal production. Many skilled workers were forced to abandon their crafts, leading to a decline in traditional skills.
Disruption of Export Markets
Before colonial rule, Indian handicrafts had a robust export market. British monopolisation of trade severely restricted Indian exports, leading to the collapse of several industries.
Economic Shift from Industry to Agriculture
British policies transformed India from a manufacturing hub to an agricultural economy. This shift resulted in urban decline and increased rural poverty.
The Legacy of De-industrialisation
The decline of handicrafts under British rule had long-lasting effects on India’s economy. It set the stage for economic stagnation and dependency on foreign goods.
Post-Independence Efforts to Revive Handicrafts
After independence, initiatives like the Khadi and Village Industries Commission aimed to revive traditional crafts. These efforts sought to restore the economic and cultural significance of handicrafts in India.
