Question

Explain the reason for the decline of the handicraft industry in India.

Answer 1

The main reason for decline of India's handicraft industry was the introduction of "discriminatory tariff policy" by the colonial government. This policy allowed free export of raw materials from India and free import of final goods of the British industry to India. But, heavy duty was imposed on export of Indian handicrafts.

As a result, Indian markets were full of British final goods that were priced low. It led to the gradual decline of handicrafts, both in the domestic and export markets.