The east India company trapped the Indian weavers. This was done in the following steps:
1GIVING ADVANCES: The east India Company's started offering advances to the weavers.
And the weavers in hope of getting it started working for them.


2 INTRODUCING THE GOMASTHAS: To establish a more direct control over the weavers.
The east India company appointed a middleman or a gomastha who would assist the weavers, supervise them and will collect the supply.

Procurement of Cotton and Silk Textiles by the East India Company from Indian Weavers

Introduction
The East India Company, a British trading company, played a significant role in the procurement of cotton and silk textiles from Indian weavers during the colonial period. The company established a robust network and employed various strategies to ensure a regular supply of these textiles.

Establishment of Trading Posts
The East India Company set up several trading posts along the Indian coastline, such as Surat, Madras, Calicut, and Bombay. These posts allowed the company to establish direct contact with Indian weavers and facilitate trade.

Building Relationships with Local Weavers
To procure textiles, the company forged relationships with local weavers. They appointed agents who would act as intermediaries between the company and the weavers. These agents were responsible for establishing trust, negotiating prices, and ensuring a steady supply of textiles.

Providing Advances to Weavers
The East India Company often provided advances to weavers to encourage them to produce textiles exclusively for the company. These advances served as an incentive for the weavers to prioritize the company's orders over other potential buyers.

Controlling the Supply Chain
To maintain control over the supply chain, the East India Company employed various tactics. They established warehouses to store the raw materials and finished textiles, ensuring a ready stock for export. The company also invested in transportation infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to facilitate the movement of goods.

Regulating Production
The company regulated the production of textiles by imposing strict quality control measures. They appointed supervisors who inspected the quality of the fabrics produced by the weavers. This ensured that the textiles met the desired standards set by the company.

Imposing Monopoly and Restrictive Policies
To secure a dominant position in the textile trade, the East India Company implemented policies to create a monopoly. They restricted the export of raw materials like cotton and imposed high tariffs on imported textiles, thereby discouraging competition.

Conclusion
Through the establishment of trading posts, building relationships with weavers, providing advances, controlling the supply chain, regulating production, and implementing restrictive policies, the East India Company successfully procured regular supplies of cotton and silk textiles from Indian weavers. These strategies allowed the company to maintain its dominance in the textile trade and significantly impact the Indian textile industry during the colonial period.