In 1720, the British government enacted the Calico Act. What is it re...
- The Calico Act banned the import of most cotton textiles into England, followed by the restriction of the sale of most cotton textiles. It was a form of economic protectionism, largely in response to India (particularly Bengal), which dominated world cotton textile markets at the time.
- The Act was a precursor to the Industrial Revolution when Britain eventually surpassed India as the world’s leading textile manufacturer in the 19th century.
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In 1720, the British government enacted the Calico Act. What is it re...
The Calico Act was enacted by the British government in 1720. It was related to the banning of the use of printed cotton textile imported from India. Here are the details:
Background:
- In the early 18th century, India was a major producer of cotton textiles, which were highly prized in Europe.
- The British East India Company began importing large quantities of Indian cotton textiles, known as calicos, to Britain.
- This led to a decline in the domestic woolen industry in Britain, which was being outcompeted by the cheaper and more colorful Indian textiles.
Enactment of the Calico Act:
- In 1720, the British government passed the Calico Act, which banned the use of printed cotton textiles imported from India.
- The Act was primarily aimed at protecting the domestic woolen industry in Britain.
- It imposed heavy fines on anyone caught using or selling Indian textiles.
- The Act also gave the East India Company a monopoly on the importation of raw cotton from India, which it could then sell to British manufacturers.
Impact of the Calico Act:
- The Calico Act was largely ineffective in stopping the importation of Indian textiles, as they continued to be smuggled into Britain.
- The Act did, however, contribute to the growth of the British cotton industry, as manufacturers began to develop their own printing techniques to imitate the Indian patterns.
- The Act also had negative consequences for India, as it disrupted the Indian cotton industry and led to the loss of jobs and livelihoods for many people.
Conclusion:
- The Calico Act was one of many protectionist measures implemented by the British government to protect domestic industries and maintain its economic dominance.
- It had both positive and negative impacts, but ultimately contributed to the growth of the British cotton industry and the decline of the Indian cotton industry.
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