The first jute mill was established at Rishra, on the River Hooghly near Calcutta in West bangal 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.

Before independence, India's jute industry was primarily concentrated in the eastern part of the country, specifically in Bengal (now divided into West Bengal and Bangladesh). This region was known for its favorable geographical and climatic conditions, which made it ideal for jute cultivation and production.

Geographical and Climatic Factors:
- Bengal's fertile soil and abundant water resources provided an excellent environment for growing jute plants. The Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, with its rich alluvial soil, was particularly suitable for jute cultivation.
- The region's proximity to the Bay of Bengal ensured a humid climate, which is essential for the growth of jute plants. Jute requires high humidity and rainfall to thrive, and Bengal's climate met these requirements perfectly.

Infrastructure and Transportation:
- The region had a well-developed network of rivers and canals, which facilitated the transportation of raw jute from the fields to the mills. The Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges, played a crucial role in transporting jute and other goods.
- The presence of Kolkata (then Calcutta) as a major port city further enhanced the transportation of jute and jute products. Kolkata served as a gateway for exporting jute to various international markets.

Skilled Labor:
- Bengal had a skilled labor force that was well-versed in jute processing and weaving techniques. The local population had been involved in the jute industry for generations, passing down their expertise from one generation to another.
- The abundance of skilled laborers ensured the smooth functioning of jute mills and contributed to the overall growth of the industry.

Government Support:
- The British colonial government recognized the economic potential of the jute industry and provided support in terms of infrastructure development, trade policies, and financial assistance. This further encouraged the growth of the industry in Bengal.

Market Access:
- Bengal had easy access to international markets due to its strategic location. Jute and jute products could be easily exported to countries like the United Kingdom and other European nations through Kolkata's port.
- The demand for jute was high in the international market, especially for packaging materials. This created a lucrative market for Bengal's jute industry.

Overall, the convergence of favorable geographical and climatic conditions, a well-established transportation network, availability of skilled labor, government support, and access to international markets made Bengal the hub of India's jute industry before independence.

Before independence the india jute industries located in which parts