Indian silk and cotton textiles still held their sway in foreign marke...
C. From 1750
The decline of Indian silk and cotton textiles in foreign markets and the rise of the English textile industry can be attributed to several factors that took place from 1750 onwards.
1. Industrial Revolution in England: The Industrial Revolution, which began in the mid-18th century in England, brought about significant advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. This led to the development of the English textile industry on the basis of new machinery and techniques.
2. Technological advancements: During this period, the English textile industry experienced significant technological advancements. Key innovations included the invention of the spinning jenny, water frame, and power loom, which greatly increased the efficiency and productivity of textile production. These innovations allowed England to produce textiles more rapidly and at a lower cost compared to Indian silk and cotton textiles.
3. British colonial rule in India: From the late 18th century, the British East India Company and later the British Crown established control over various parts of India. This colonial rule had a profound impact on the Indian textile industry. British policies such as heavy taxation, destruction of local industries, and imposition of tariffs on Indian textiles led to the decline of Indian silk and cotton textiles in foreign markets. The British also implemented policies that favored the growth of the English textile industry, such as providing subsidies and protectionist measures.
4. Market dominance of English textiles: The combination of technological advancements and favorable policies allowed the English textile industry to gain a competitive edge in foreign markets. English textiles, which were now produced using advanced machinery and at a lower cost, began to dominate global trade. The decline of Indian silk and cotton textiles in foreign markets can be attributed to the superior quality, affordability, and mass production capabilities of English textiles.
In conclusion, the English textile industry began to develop on the basis of new and advanced technology from 1750 onwards, leading to the decline of Indian silk and cotton textiles in foreign markets. The Industrial Revolution, technological advancements, British colonial rule in India, and market dominance of English textiles were the key factors that contributed to this shift.