Question

imagine you are a weaver who saw the events as they unfolded. Write a report on what you saw

Answer 1

• The consolidation of East India company after the 1760s did not initially lead to a decline in textile exports from India
• Before establishing their power, the East India Company found it difficult to ensure a regular supply of goods for export
• The French, Dutch, Portuguese and the local traders competed in the market to secure woven cloth
• This made the weavers to bargain and sell the produce to the best bidder
• But, once the East India Company established political power it developed a system of management and control that would in turn eliminate competition, control costs, and ensure regulated supply of silk and cotton goods of India
• By these methods, weavers lost the chance of bargaining and they were tied up with the East India Company for less price and loans
• This made the weavers to leave the villages and set up looms in distant villages where their family is located
• In some places, weavers revolted against British officials and stopped buying loans from the Company