Period from 1855

The first jute mill was established at Rishra, on the River Hooghly near Calcutta in 1855 when Mr. George Acland brought jute spinning machinery from Dundee. Four years later, the first power driven weaving factory was set up. By 1869, five mills were operating with 950 looms.

Jute Mill in India

The first jute mill in India was set up in Rishra, near Kolkata in West Bengal. It was established by George Acland and John C. McTaggart in 1855. The jute mill played a significant role in the industrialization of India and the growth of the jute industry in the country.

Background
- Jute is a natural fiber derived from the jute plant, which is mainly grown in the Bengal Delta region, including West Bengal and Bangladesh.
- During the British colonial period, the demand for jute increased due to its versatility and use in various industries such as textiles, packaging, and construction.
- The British realized the potential of jute and started importing it from India. However, they faced difficulties in procuring jute from the farmers directly.

Establishment of the First Jute Mill
- George Acland and John C. McTaggart, two Scottish businessmen, saw the opportunity to set up a jute mill in India to meet the growing demand.
- They established the first jute mill in Rishra, West Bengal, in 1855. Rishra was chosen due to its proximity to Kolkata and the availability of water and transportation facilities.
- The mill was named "Acland Mill" after George Acland and began operations with the help of skilled workers brought from Dundee, Scotland.

Impact on Industrialization
- The establishment of the first jute mill in India marked the beginning of the jute industry in the country.
- The jute mill led to the industrialization of the region as it created job opportunities for a large number of people, both skilled and unskilled.
- The mill also contributed to the economic development of the area by generating revenue through the production and export of jute products.

Expansion of Jute Industry
- The success of the first jute mill in Rishra inspired others to set up similar mills in different parts of Bengal and other jute-growing regions.
- The jute industry experienced rapid growth, and by the early 20th century, India became the leading producer of jute in the world.
- The industry attracted both domestic and foreign investments, leading to the establishment of several jute mills across the country.

Conclusion
The first jute mill in India was set up in Rishra, West Bengal, in 1855. It played a crucial role in the industrialization of India and the growth of the jute industry. The establishment of the mill not only created job opportunities but also contributed to the economic development of the region. The success of the first jute mill led to the expansion of the jute industry, making India the leading producer of jute in the world.