The East India Company adopted various steps to ensure regular supplies of cotton and silk textiles.

(i) They established political power to assert monopoly their right to trade.

(ii) The company tried to eliminate the existing traders and brokers connected with the cloth trade, and establish a more direct control over the weavers.It appointed paid servants called the Gomasthas, to supervise weavers, collect supplies and examine the quality of cloth.

(iii) It prevented the company weavers from dealing with other buyers. Once an order was placed, the weavers were given loans to purchase the raw material. Those who took loans had to hand over the cloth they produced to the Gomasthas only. They could not take it to any other trader.

(iv) They developed a system of management and control that would eliminate competition, control cost and ensure regular supply of cotton and silk goods.

(v) The weavers had to sell at a price dictated by the company. By giving the weavers a loan, the company tied the weavers with them.

Introduction:
The East India Company, a British trading company, played a significant role in the procurement of cotton and silk textiles from Indian weavers during the colonial era. The company established a complex system to ensure a regular supply of these textiles, which were highly sought after in Europe. Let's delve into the details of how the East India Company managed to procure these supplies.

The Factory System:
- The East India Company established several factories or trading posts in key locations across India, such as Surat, Madras, and Calcutta. These factories served as centers for trade and helped in procuring textiles directly from the weavers.
- The company appointed its own staff, known as "factors," who were responsible for overseeing the production and procurement of textiles. These factors would interact directly with the weavers and negotiate prices and quantities.

Patronizing Weavers:
- The East India Company recognized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the Indian weavers. They understood that the weavers held the key to the regular supply of high-quality textiles.
- The company provided financial assistance, loans, and advances to the weavers to ensure a steady production of textiles. This helped in establishing a sense of loyalty and dependence among the weavers towards the company.

Controlling the Weavers:
- The East India Company employed various methods to exert control over the weavers. They often monopolized the purchase of raw materials, such as cotton and silk, by offering higher prices, thus limiting the options for weavers to sell their goods elsewhere.
- The company also imposed strict regulations on the weavers, controlling the quality, design, and pricing of the textiles. This ensured that the textiles produced were tailored to the European market's tastes and preferences.

Transportation and Warehousing:
- The East India Company invested heavily in transportation and warehousing facilities to facilitate the procurement and storage of textiles. They established warehouses near the factories where the textiles were stored before being shipped to Europe.
- The company utilized ships for transportation, and they had a monopoly on the sea routes. This allowed them to control the entire supply chain, from procurement to export.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the East India Company procured regular supplies of cotton and silk textiles from Indian weavers through a well-established system. By patronizing and controlling the weavers, along with investing in transportation and warehousing, the company ensured a steady flow of these textiles, which played a crucial role in their trade with Europe.