After 1757, how did the Company exploit the weavers of Bengal?a)The we...
The correct answer is E as all the options are the reasons for how the Company exploit the weavers of Bengal.
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After 1757, how did the Company exploit the weavers of Bengal?a)The we...
Exploitation of Weavers in Bengal by the East India Company
After the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the East India Company gained control over Bengal and started exploiting its resources, including the local weavers. Here are some ways in which the Company exploited the weavers of Bengal:
Forced Selling at a Cheaper Price
The East India Company had a monopoly on the trade of Indian textiles, which were in high demand in Europe. To increase their profits, the Company forced the weavers to sell their products at a dictated price, which was much lower than the actual value of the goods. This led to a decrease in the income of the weavers and made it difficult for them to sustain their livelihood.
Introduction of Forced Labour
Before the British arrived in India, the weavers used to work in their own homes and produced textiles at their own pace. However, after the Company gained control, they introduced the system of forced labour, where the weavers were made to work in factories and produce textiles at a faster rate. This led to a decline in the quality of the textiles, as the weavers were no longer able to pay attention to the intricate designs and patterns.
Monopolisation of Raw Materials
The East India Company also monopolised the sale of raw cotton, which was the primary material used by the weavers to produce textiles. The Company's servants would purchase the raw cotton at a low price and then sell it to the weavers at an exorbitant price, which further reduced the profits of the weavers.
Conclusion
The exploitation of the weavers in Bengal by the East India Company had a devastating impact on their livelihoods and the local economy. It led to a decline in the quality of textiles, reduced the income of the weavers, and disrupted the traditional way of life. The Company's greed for profits led to the exploitation of the local population and contributed to the impoverishment of the region.
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