How did white rulers cripple Indian industries?

Question

Answer

They destroyed Indian cottage industries in order to sell goods manufactured in England. They exempted all goods imported from England from duties. In this way, their business flourished while the Indian industries died.

Answer

The white rulers were chiefly traders. Their chief aim was to make profits at all cost. Hence, they began to ruin the Indian industries. They imposed heavy taxes on farmers. They destroyed Indian cottage industries in order to sell goods manufactured in England. They exempted all goods imported from England from duties. In this way, their business flourished while the Indian industries died. The British made the Indians weak as well as the poor.

Answer

Introduction:
During the colonial period, the white rulers, primarily the British, implemented various policies and practices that significantly crippled Indian industries. These actions were aimed at benefiting the British economy and ensuring their dominance over the Indian economy. Here, we will discuss in detail how the white rulers undermined Indian industries.

1. Drain of Wealth:
The British implemented policies that resulted in the draining of wealth from India to Britain. They imposed heavy taxes on Indian industries and imposed tariffs on Indian goods, making them uncompetitive in the global market. This drain of wealth severely affected the growth and development of Indian industries.

2. Destruction of Traditional Industries:
The British deliberately destroyed traditional Indian industries to ensure that Indian goods could not compete with British manufactured goods. They flooded the Indian market with cheap British goods, which led to the decline and eventual extinction of many Indian industries. Handloom textiles, for example, suffered a significant blow as British textiles flooded the market.

3. Imposition of British Goods:
The white rulers imposed British goods on the Indian market, making it difficult for Indian industries to survive. They discouraged the use of Indian goods and promoted the consumption of British goods among the Indian population. This further weakened the Indian industries and led to a loss of indigenous skills and craftsmanship.

4. Exploitation of Natural Resources:
The British exploited India's abundant natural resources for their own benefit. They extracted raw materials such as cotton, jute, and minerals from India and transported them to Britain. These resources were then used to fuel the growth of British industries, while Indian industries were deprived of their own raw materials.

5. Undermining Artisanal Skills:
The British actively undermined the artisanal skills of Indian craftsmen and artisans. They imported British machinery and technology, which led to the displacement of local artisans. The introduction of mechanized production methods made Indian industries obsolete, as they could not keep up with the efficiency and productivity of British industries.

Conclusion:
The white rulers systematically crippled Indian industries through various means such as draining wealth, destruction of traditional industries, imposition of British goods, exploitation of natural resources, and undermining artisanal skills. These actions not only hindered the growth and development of Indian industries but also led to the overall economic decline of India during the colonial period. The effects of these policies are still felt in the Indian economy today.

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