Question

As an weaver in the Indian subcontinent under Company Rule, which of the following measures do not impact your livelihood?

• A. High customs charged on Indian handicrafts in British markets
• B. The introduction of the Inam Commission
• C. The introduction of new systems of revenue collection
• D. Destruction of handlooms and other textile machines

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The introduction of new systems of revenue collection

The Company systematically destroyed local industries in order to maximise profits for Britain. The measures they undertook included the duty-free import of British goods into the Indian market, and in turn, charging high customs duty for Indian goods being exported to Britain. They also physically mutilated weavers and artisans, and destroyed their machines. This eventually led to a severe decline of textile and handicraft industries across the subcontinent.