Question

Why Bombay developed as an important center for raw cotton trade?

Answer 1

1) The first cotton mill in India was set up as a spinning mill in Bombay in 1854. From the early 19^th century, Bombay had grown as an important port for the export of raw cotton from India to England and China

2) This was mainly due to closeness of vast black soil tract of western India where cotton was grown. When the cotton textile mills came up they could get raw material supplies with ease

3) By 1900, over 84 mills started operating in Bombay and many of these were established by Parsi and Gujarati businessman who had made their money through trade with China