Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners - Summary and Question Answer of NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 7
Summary and Question Answer of NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 7, Titled “Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners"
Summary
In this chapter, we delve into the economic changes that
took place in India during the 18th and 19th centuries. This period saw the
transformation of traditional industries and the emergence of modern factories.
The chapter focuses on the impact of British colonial rule on various sectors
of the Indian economy.
- Traditional
Industries: The chapter begins by highlighting the significance of
traditional industries in India, such as weaving and iron smelting. We
learn about the skilled weavers and artisans who produced a wide range of
textiles and iron products.
- Impact
of British Rule: British colonialism had a profound impact on Indian
industries. The British established control over India's economy and
started imposing policies that favored their own industries while
exploiting Indian resources.
- Decline
of Weavers: The chapter discusses the decline of the handloom weaving
industry due to the import of British machine-made textiles. This led to
the loss of livelihood for many Indian weavers.
- Iron
Smelting: Iron smelting was another important traditional industry.
However, the British introduced changes that affected the smelting process
and the people involved in it.
- Emergence
of Factories: The chapter also covers the emergence of modern
factories in India during the 19th century. The British introduced new
technologies and machinery, which transformed the production process.
- Role
of Factory Owners: We learn about the factory owners, both Indian and
British, who played a pivotal role in the growth of the textile industry.
They invested in machinery and employed laborers.
- Impact
on Workers: The chapter highlights the conditions of factory workers,
including men, women, and children. It discusses the challenges they
faced, such as long working hours and poor wages.
- Resistance
and Protests: As Indian industries suffered under British policies,
there were instances of resistance and protests by various groups,
including weavers and workers.
- Changes
in Patterns of Production: The chapter also explains how patterns of
production and trade underwent significant changes during this period.
- Conclusion:
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the major shifts in the Indian
economy due to British colonialism, the decline of traditional industries,
and the emergence of modern factories.
This chapter provides valuable insights into the economic
impact of British colonial rule on India and the changes that occurred in
traditional industries and the workforce during this period. It helps students
understand the complex economic history of India during the 18th and 19th
centuries.
Question 1:
What kinds of cloth had a large market in Europe?
Answer 1: The kinds of cloth that had a large market
in Europe were Indian cotton textiles. These textiles were highly sought after
in European markets due to their quality, unique designs, and vibrant colors.
They became extremely popular and had a significant influence on European
fashion and textile industries. In Europe, they really liked three types of
cloth from India: Chintz, Cossaes, and Bandanna. The word "Bandanna"
comes from "bandhan," which means tying and dyeing. Bandanna cloth
was colorful and made by tying and dyeing it in a special way.
Question 2:
What is jamdani?
Answer 2: Jamdani refers to a type of fine muslin
textile that was historically woven in India, particularly in regions like
Bengal. Jamdani fabric is known for its intricate patterns and delicate workmanship.
It was highly prized for its quality and was often woven with patterns of
flowers, geometric shapes, and other intricate designs.
During the medieval period, Indian textiles, including
Jamdani, were in high demand in international trade, especially in regions like
the Middle East and Europe. They were considered luxurious and were coveted by
traders and consumers alike.
Jamdani weaving was a skilled craft, and weavers created
these fabrics on handlooms. The art of Jamdani weaving has a rich history in
India and was an important part of the textile industry during ancient and
medieval times.
.
Question 3:
What is bandanna?
Answer 3 "bandanna" refers to a brightly colored, patterned square piece
of cloth that is typically worn as a headband, scarf, or around the neck.
Bandannas are often associated with cowboys and western attire, and they serve
both practical and decorative purposes. They can be used to protect the head
and neck from the sun, dust, or wind while also adding a distinctive and fashionable
element to one's clothing.
Question 4:
Who are the Agarias?
Answer 4: the Agarias are a community of people
involved in the extraction and production of iron. They traditionally live in
the forested regions of central India, particularly in the states of
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The Agarias are known for their unique and
labor-intensive method of making iron through the use of iron ore.
Their iron-making process involves collecting iron ore from
the forest, heating it in furnaces made of clay, and then hammering it to
produce iron pieces. This traditional method has been passed down through
generations, and it is a vital part of their livelihood.
The Agarias are often considered a part of India's Adivasi
or indigenous communities. Their way of life and occupation reflect the rich
diversity of cultures and traditions found in India.
- The
word chintz comes from the word ________
- Tipu’s
sword was made of _____ steel.
- India’s
textile exports declined in the _____ century.
Answer
- The
word chintz comes from the word Chhint.
- Tipu’s
sword was made of Wootz steel.
- India’s
textile exports declined in the 19th century.
The names of different textiles can provide us with valuable
insights into their history in several ways:
- Origin
and Geography: Textile names often reflect the region or place where
they were originally produced. For example, "Muslin" derives its
name from Mosul, a city in Iraq known for its fine cotton fabric.
"Calico" has its roots in Calicut, a coastal city in India
famous for its printed cotton textiles. These names indicate the
geographical origins of these textiles.
- Cultural
Significance: Textiles are deeply intertwined with the culture and
traditions of a region. Names like "Kente" or "Kantha"
textiles in Africa and South Asia respectively, not only denote the fabric
but also carry cultural significance. They often feature unique patterns,
colors, and techniques passed down through generations.
- Historical
Trade Routes: Textiles played a significant role in ancient trade
routes. Names like "Silk" or "Damask" are indicative
of the historical trade connections between regions. Silk, for example,
has a rich history associated with the Silk Road, connecting China to the
Mediterranean.
- Raw
Materials: Some textile names reveal the primary raw material used in
their production. "Linen" refers to fabric made from flax
fibers, while "Wool" signifies textiles made from the fleece of
sheep. These names provide insights into the materials available in a
particular region.
- Craftsmanship:
Certain textiles bear names that reflect the craftsmanship involved in
their creation. "Brocade" and "Tapestry" are examples
of textiles that involve intricate weaving techniques, often associated
with luxury and artistry.
- Historical
Events: Textiles have been influenced by historical events. For
instance, "Khaki" is a fabric name that emerged during the
British colonial period in India when earthy-colored uniforms were
introduced for soldiers. It became synonymous with military attire.
- Evolution
of Techniques: Textile names can also indicate the techniques used in
their production. "Batik" and "Tie-dye" are examples
of textiles that involve distinctive dyeing methods. These names hint at
the creative processes employed by artisans.
In summary, the names of different textiles serve as a
linguistic and historical record, reflecting the geographical, cultural, and
economic factors that have shaped their development and significance over time.
Studying these names can provide valuable insights into the history of textiles
and their role in societies around the world.
Question
7.
In the early eighteenth century, wool and silk producers in
England protested against the import of Indian textiles for several reasons:
- Competition:
Indian textiles, especially those made of cotton and silk, were known for
their superior quality and intricate designs. They were in high demand not
only in England but also in other European markets. This led to increased
competition for the English woolen and silk industries.
- Lower
Prices: Indian textiles were often more affordable than their English
counterparts. The cost of production in India was much lower due to
factors such as cheap labor and favorable climatic conditions for cotton
cultivation. This made Indian textiles more attractive to consumers.
- Loss
of Market Share: The popularity of Indian textiles meant that they
were capturing a significant share of the textile market in England and
Europe. This resulted in a decline in demand for English woolen and silk
products.
- Impact
on Local Industries: The import of Indian textiles was having a
negative impact on the livelihoods of English textile workers and
producers. Many workers were losing their jobs, and traditional industries
were suffering.
- Protests
from Local Producers: Wool and silk producers, along with their
workers, protested against what they saw as unfair competition. They
argued that the import of Indian textiles was harming the domestic textile
industry and the livelihoods of many English citizens.
- Calls
for Protectionist Policies: In response to these protests, there were
calls for protectionist policies such as tariffs and restrictions on the
import of Indian textiles. These measures were aimed at safeguarding the
interests of the English textile industry.
- Shift
in Production: Over time, some English textile producers adapted to
the changing market conditions by shifting from traditional wool and silk
production to cotton-based textiles, which were becoming increasingly
popular due to their affordability.
In summary, the protests against the import of Indian
textiles by wool and silk producers in England were primarily driven by economic
concerns related to competition, pricing, and the impact on local industries.
These protests reflected the challenges faced by traditional English textile
sectors during a period of increasing globalization and trade.
Question
8.
The development of cotton industries in Britain had a
significant negative impact on textile producers in India during the period of
British colonial rule. This impact can be understood through the following
points:
- Market
Competition: British cotton textiles, produced using advanced
machinery during the Industrial Revolution, flooded the Indian market with
cheaper and mass-produced textiles. Indian handloom weavers and
traditional textile producers couldn't compete with the low prices and
quantity of British textiles.
- Deindustrialization:
The large-scale import of British textiles led to the decline of India's
indigenous textile industry. Many weavers and artisans lost their
livelihoods as demand for their products decreased.
- Loss
of Livelihoods: The traditional textile production in India was
labor-intensive and involved numerous artisans. The British textiles,
being machine-made, required fewer workers and thus contributed to
unemployment and poverty in India.
- Economic
Drain: The drain of wealth from India to Britain increased as Indians
were forced to buy British textiles instead of supporting their own local
industries. This led to economic exploitation of India by the British
colonial rulers.
- Social
Impact: The decline of traditional textile production had profound
social consequences. Weavers and artisans, who were an integral part of
the Indian society, faced economic distress, which often translated into
social unrest and unrest in various parts of India.
- Dependency:
India became increasingly dependent on British-manufactured textiles,
which were of lower quality than the handwoven Indian textiles. This
affected the quality of clothing for the common people.
In summary, the development of the cotton industry in
Britain underpinned by the Industrial Revolution had a detrimental impact on
textile producers in India. It led to economic exploitation, unemployment, and
the decline of indigenous industries, significantly altering the socio-economic
fabric of Indian society during the colonial period.
The Indian iron smelting industry faced a decline in the
nineteenth century due to several reasons:
- Introduction
of Modern Technology: The British colonial rulers introduced modern
technology in the form of blast furnaces and steam engines, which made
iron production more efficient and cost-effective. This gave a competitive
advantage to British iron over traditional Indian iron smelting methods.
- Access
to Forests: Traditional iron smelting in India was dependent on
charcoal, which was produced from wood. The increasing demand for wood,
both for iron smelting and other purposes, led to deforestation. This
shortage of wood for charcoal affected the iron smelting industry as it
could not procure enough fuel.
- Competition
from Imported Iron: British-made iron began flooding the Indian
market, and it was often cheaper than locally produced iron due to
economies of scale and efficient production methods. This competition made
it challenging for Indian iron producers to compete.
- Transportation:
The development of an extensive railway network by the British facilitated
the movement of iron and steel products across India. This allowed iron
produced in distant regions to reach markets more easily, making it harder
for local iron producers to sell their products.
- Lack
of Capital and Investment: Traditional iron smelting was largely a
cottage industry with limited capital and investment. In contrast, the
British iron industry had access to significant capital and technology for
expansion and modernization.
- Changes
in Demand: With industrialization, the demand for iron shifted from
traditional implements and tools to machine-made products, which the
cottage industry could not produce in large quantities.
- Policy
Measures: British policies often favored British-made goods over
Indian products, which further hindered the growth of the indigenous iron
smelting industry.
- Environmental
Factors: The process of iron smelting using traditional methods was
often harmful to the environment, leading to pollution and deforestation.
As environmental awareness grew, there were calls for more sustainable and
eco-friendly methods of production.
These combined factors led to the decline of the Indian iron
smelting industry in the nineteenth century, making it increasingly difficult
for traditional iron producers to compete with the modern British iron
industry.
In the early years of its development, the Indian textile
industry faced several significant problems:
- Competition
from British Textiles: The most prominent challenge was the
competition from British textiles. British textiles were often cheaper and
of better quality due to advancements in machinery and production
techniques in Britain.
- Decline
in Traditional Handloom Weaving: The Indian textile industry had
traditionally relied on handloom weaving, which was labor-intensive. With
the introduction of British machine-made textiles, many weavers lost their
livelihoods, leading to economic distress.
- Lack
of Modern Machinery: Indian textile mills lacked modern machinery and
technology that could have improved efficiency and quality. This made it
difficult for the Indian textile industry to compete with British
manufacturers.
- Colonial
Policies: British colonial policies were often geared toward
protecting and promoting British industries. High tariffs were imposed on
Indian textiles, making it challenging for Indian textile producers to
access markets.
- Raw
Material Shortages: At times, there were shortages of raw materials
like cotton. This affected the production capacity of Indian textile
mills.
- Transportation
Infrastructure: Limited and inefficient transportation infrastructure
hindered the distribution of textiles to different markets. This affected
the growth and reach of the industry.
- Economic
Drain: The drain of wealth from India to Britain during the colonial
period had a detrimental impact on the growth and development of Indian
industries, including textiles.
- Decline
in Traditional Skills: The mechanization of the industry led to a
decline in traditional weaving skills. As weavers lost their jobs, the knowledge
and skills associated with handloom weaving started to disappear.
These problems collectively had a substantial negative
impact on the early development of the Indian textile industry. The industry
faced tough competition from British textiles and struggled to modernize and
adapt to the changing economic and technological landscape during the colonial
period.
During the First World War, several factors helped Tata Iron
and Steel Company (TISCO) expand its steel production:
- Increased
Demand: The outbreak of World War I led to a significant increase in
the demand for steel, primarily due to the production of war-related
materials such as armaments, machinery, railways, and ships. This
increased demand provided TISCO with a substantial market for its
products.
- Government
Contracts: TISCO secured several contracts from the British government
to supply steel for war efforts. These contracts included orders for
various types of steel products required for the war, further boosting the
company's production.
- Technological
Advancements: TISCO invested in upgrading its technology and
infrastructure. The company adopted more efficient methods of production
and improved the quality of steel, enabling it to meet the stringent
requirements of the war industry.
- Access
to Raw Materials: TISCO had access to essential raw materials like
iron ore and coal in the Chotanagpur plateau and Jharia coalfields,
respectively. This ensured a steady supply of inputs for steel production
during the war.
- Transportation
Facilities: The company improved its transportation infrastructure by
laying railway lines to connect its plant in Jamshedpur with the main
railway network. This facilitated the movement of raw materials and
finished products.
- Skilled
Workforce: TISCO had a skilled workforce, and during the war, it hired
more laborers to meet the increased production requirements.
- Supportive
Policies: The British colonial government introduced policies that
favored industrialization during the war. This included relaxation of
regulations and support for industries involved in the war effort, which
benefited TISCO.
- Financial
Resources: TISCO had the financial resources to invest in expanding
its production capacity. The company was able to raise capital both
locally and from abroad.
All these factors combined to help TISCO significantly
expand its steel production during the First World War. This period marked a
significant phase in the growth of the company and its importance in India's
industrial landscape
ou can choose a specific craft, such as pottery, textiles,
or metalwork, and provide information about its history, the community of
craftsmen involved, changes in techniques, and the evolving market over the
past 50 years. Here's an example using pottery:
Craft: Pottery
History of Pottery: Pottery is one of the oldest
crafts known to humanity, dating back thousands of years. In our region,
pottery has been a traditional craft practiced by various communities for
generations. Initially, it was a skill passed down within families and
communities, with each generation building upon the techniques of their
predecessors.
Community of Craftsmen: The pottery community in our
region has been predominantly made up of skilled artisans who have a deep
connection with the craft. Families and communities specialized in specific
types of pottery, such as earthenware or stoneware, and passed down their
knowledge and skills from one generation to the next.
Changes in Techniques: Over the past 50 years, we
have witnessed significant changes in pottery techniques. Traditionally,
pottery was created using hand-building techniques and fired in traditional
kilns. However, with advancements in technology, many potters have adopted
electric or gas kilns for more precise firing. Additionally, the use of pottery
wheels has become more common, enabling faster and more efficient production.
Market Evolution: The market for pottery has evolved
considerably. In the past, pottery was primarily crafted for local use and
trade within nearby communities. However, in recent decades, there has been an
increased demand for pottery as art pieces and decorative items. Pottery is now
not only sold locally but also exported to international markets through
various channels, including e-commerce platforms.
Case Scenario: Let's take the example of a
traditional pottery workshop in our region. Fifty years ago, this workshop was
a small, family-run operation that catered to the needs of the local community.
They primarily created functional pottery like pots, jars, and utensils using
age-old techniques and clay sourced from nearby areas.
Today, the same pottery workshop has evolved. While they still
produce traditional pottery for local use, they have adapted to changing
trends. They now create intricate, hand-painted pottery pieces that are sought
after by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. They use modern kilns and
wheels to increase production efficiency.
In conclusion, the history of pottery in our region reflects
the broader changes in craft traditions across the country. The community of
potters has embraced technological advancements while preserving their
traditional skills. The market for pottery has expanded, allowing artisans to
reach a global audience. These changes highlight the resilience and
adaptability of our local craftsmen in the face of evolving times.
Feel free to adapt this example to the specific craft you
choose, and provide additional details and insights as needed.
Question 13.
On a map of India,
locate the centres of different crafts today. Find out when these centres came
up.
Answer:
- Varanasi
(Benares) - Silk Weaving: Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is renowned for
its silk weaving industry. This craft has been practiced in Varanasi for
centuries, dating back to ancient times. The city has a rich tradition of
weaving silk sarees, brocades, and other textiles.
- Jaipur
- Block Printing: Jaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, is famous for its
traditional block printing industry. The craft of block printing has been
a part of Jaipur's culture for many years, and it continues to thrive
today.
- Kanchipuram
- Silk Sarees: Kanchipuram, located in Tamil Nadu, is known for its
silk sarees. The art of weaving Kanchipuram silk sarees has a long
history, and it remains a prominent craft center in India.
- Moradabad
- Brassware: Moradabad, in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its
brassware industry. This craft has been practiced in Moradabad for generations
and is a significant part of the city's heritage.
- Bhagalpur
- Silk Production: Bhagalpur, in Bihar, is famous for silk production.
Silk farming and silk weaving have been a part of Bhagalpur's culture for
centuries.
- Kutch
- Embroidery: Kutch, in Gujarat, is known for its intricate embroidery
work. This traditional craft has been practiced in the region for a long
time and continues to be a center for skilled embroidery.
- Agra
- Marble Inlay: Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its marble
inlay work. This craft is closely associated with the Mughal era and has
been practiced for centuries.
- Mysore
- Sandalwood Carving: Mysore, in Karnataka, is famous for sandalwood
carving. Sandalwood carving has a deep-rooted history in Mysore and remains
a significant craft.
Please note that the specific origins of these crafts may
vary, but they have been practiced for generations in these regions. The craft
centers mentioned above continue to thrive, preserving India's rich artistic
heritage.
Answers
(i) One of the most
important Indian ports of the 17th century. Answer: (c) Surat
(ii) Bandana patterns were mostly produced in Answer: (a)
Rajasthan and Gujarat
(iii) The job of a rangrez was to Answer: (b) Dye thread
(iv) The first cotton mill in India was established in
Answer: (b) Bombay
(v) Wootz steel was produced all over Answer: (a) South
India
1. The cotton textiles
which the Portuguese took back to Europe, along with the spices came to be
known as …………..
2. The …………….. was
invented by John Kaye which increased the of the traditional spindles.
3. Weavers often
belonged to communities that specialized in ……………..
4. ………….. and ……………….
emerged as important new centres of weaving in the late 19th century.
5. Indian Wootz steel
fascinated ………………. scientists.
6. The Tata Iron and
Steel factory is situated on the banks of the river …………..
7. TISCO had to expand
its capacity and extend the size of its factory to meet the demands of the
Answer
- The
cotton textiles which the Portuguese took back to Europe, along with the
spices came to be known as "Calico."
- The
"Spinning Jenny" was invented by John Kaye which
increased the speed of the traditional spindles.
- Weavers
often belonged to communities that specialized in handloom weaving.
- Sholapur
and Madurai emerged as important new centres of weaving in the late
19th century.
- Indian
Wootz steel fascinated European scientists.
- The
Tata Iron and Steel factory is situated on the banks of the river Subarnarekha.
- TISCO
had to expand its capacity and extend the size of its factory to meet the
demands of the First World War.
1. From the 1850s,
Britain came to be known as the ‘workshop of the world’.
2. The invention of
the spinning jenny and steam engine revolutionized cotton textile weaving in
England.
3. European trading
companies such as the Dutch, the French, and the English purchased cotton and
silk textiles in India by importing diamonds.
4. Men were usually
involved in the work of spinning.
5. Iron smelting in
India was extremely common until the end of the 19th century.
6. The Tata Iron and
Steel Company began to produce steel after the First World War.
Answer
- From
the 1850s, Britain came to be known as the ‘workshop of the world’. (True)
- The
invention of the spinning jenny and steam engine revolutionized cotton
textile weaving in England. (True)
- European
trading companies such as the Dutch, the French, and the English purchased
cotton and silk textiles in India by importing diamonds. (False)
- Men
were usually involved in the work of spinning. (False)
- Iron
smelting in India was extremely common until the end of the 19th century.
(True)
- The
Tata Iron and Steel Company began to produce steel after the First World
War. (False)
Class 8
History Chapter 7 Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners Short Answer Type
Questions
Question 1.
How were Indian
textiles viewed in the world market?
Indian textiles were highly regarded in the world market.
They were known for their quality and fine craftsmanship. European traders were
impressed by the fine cotton cloth from India, referred to as
"muslin," which was considered of superior quality. The popularity of
Indian textiles led to the development of words like "calico,"
"chintz," and "bandanna" in European
Question 2.
How did the
inventions of the Spinning Jenny and Steam Engine revolutionise cotton textile
weaving in England?
The inventions of the Spinning Jenny and Steam Engine
revolutionized cotton textile weaving in England by significantly increasing
production efficiency. The Spinning Jenny allowed multiple spindles to be
operated by a single worker, increasing the speed of spinning. The Steam Engine
replaced manual labor with machinery, allowing factories to run on steam power,
which led to mass production and increased productivity in cotton textile
manufacturing.
Question 3.
Give a description of
the four regions where textile production was concen¬trated in the early 19th
century.
In the early 19th century, textile production was
concentrated in four regions:
- The
Hinterlands of Chennai and Madurai in South India were known for
their handloom weaving of silk and cotton textiles.
- Bengal,
particularly around Calcutta (Kolkata), was famous for its cotton and silk
textiles.
- The
Mumbai (Bombay) region in Western India was known for its cotton
textile production.
- The
Ahmedabad region in Gujarat was renowned for its fine cotton
textiles and the production of bandannas.
Question 4.
Who were the weavers?
Name some communities famous for weaving
Weavers were skilled artisans responsible for producing
textiles. Some communities famous for weaving in India include the Julahas,
Ansaris, and Devangs.
Question 5.
Describe the process
of cloth making.
The process of cloth making involved several steps, including:
- Spinning:
The process of converting raw cotton or silk into thread.
- Weaving:
Interlacing threads to create fabric on a loom.
- Dyeing:
Coloring the fabric using natural or synthetic dyes.
- Printing:
Adding decorative patterns to the fabric using wooden blocks.
- Finishing:
The final touches to the fabric, which might include ironing, folding, or
embellishing.
Question 6.
Handloom production
did not completely die in India. Why?
Handloom production did not completely die in India because
handloom textiles still had a market for their unique, handcrafted quality.
They were favored for their artistic designs and cultural significance.
Additionally, there was a revival of interest in handwoven textiles during the
national movement for independence, where khadi became a symbol of
self-reliance and non-violence.
Question 7.
Give a brief
description of the growth of cotton mills in India.
The growth of cotton mills in India began in the early 20th
century, mainly in regions like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kanpur. The cotton mills
were set up during the First World War to meet the increased demand for cotton
textiles due to the war. Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) also expanded its
steel production to meet the needs of the railways during the war.
Question 8.
Who are the Agarias?
Why did they leave their village?
The Agarias were groups of men and women who carried
basket-loads of iron. They left their villages due to the decline of the Indian
iron smelting industry in the 19th century. Several factors, including the new
forest laws, lack of access to wood and iron ore, and the import of iron and
steel from Britain, contributed to the decline of the iron smelting industry.
This led to the Agarias seeking alternative livelihoods.
Question 1: Write a few lines on each of the following:
(a) Patola weave: Patola is a highly prized and
intricate form of double ikat woven silk textile that comes from Patan, a town
in Gujarat, India. It's known for its rich colors, geometric patterns, and
exceptional craftsmanship. Patola sarees, in particular, are famous for their
traditional designs and are considered luxurious and rare. Creating a Patola
saree is a labor-intensive process that involves dyeing both the warp and weft
threads before weaving, aligning them precisely to create intricate patterns.
Due to the complexity of making Patola textiles, they are quite expensive and
are often associated with royalty and special occasions.
(b) Jamdani weave: Jamdani is a traditional handwoven
technique used to create delicate and ornate patterns on cotton or silk fabric.
This technique is believed to have originated in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and it is
known for its intricate and artistic designs. In Jamdani weaving, small
decorative motifs are woven directly onto the fabric, typically in grey and
white. The process requires exceptional skill and precision as weavers work on
the intricate patterns without the aid of sketches or templates. Jamdani
textiles are cherished for their exquisite craftsmanship and are often used to
create elegant sarees and garments.
(c) Chintz: Chintz is a type of printed cotton fabric
that was originally produced in India and later became popular in Europe. The
word "chintz" is derived from the Hindi word "chhint," which
means spotted or variegated. Chintz fabrics are characterized by their vibrant
colors and intricate floral patterns. The production of chintz involves a
method of printing or hand-painting colorful designs onto plain cotton fabric.
These textiles were highly sought after in Europe in the 17th and 18th
centuries and were used for clothing, upholstery, and drapery. Chintz played a
significant role in the global textile trade during the colonial era.
Question 2: How did Iron and Steel factories come up in
India?
The establishment of iron and steel factories in India can
be attributed to various factors and historical developments:
- Early
Iron and Steel Production: Iron and steel production in India has a
long history dating back to ancient times. India had skilled blacksmiths
and metallurgists who produced high-quality iron and steel for various
purposes, including tools, weapons, and architecture.
- British
Colonial Rule: The British colonial government played a pivotal role
in the development of iron and steel industries in India. During the 19th
century, the British were keen on promoting industrialization in India to
serve their interests. They realized the potential of India as a source of
raw materials and a market for finished goods.
- Raw
Materials: India possessed abundant reserves of iron ore and coal,
which are essential raw materials for iron and steel production. This made
India an attractive location for establishing iron and steel factories.
- Demand
for Rails: The construction of railways in India, primarily for the
British colonial administration, created a significant demand for iron and
steel, particularly for railway tracks and rolling stock.
- TISCO
(Tata Iron and Steel Company): One of the pioneering steel companies
in India was TISCO, established by Jamsetji Tata in 1907. TISCO played a
crucial role in the development of the Indian steel industry. It was the
first integrated steel plant in Asia and played a significant role in
supplying steel during World War I.
- World
Wars: The outbreak of World War I and World War II increased the
demand for steel for various war-related purposes. Indian steel factories,
including TISCO, played a crucial role in meeting these demands.
- Government
Initiatives: Post-independence, the Indian government took several
initiatives to promote the iron and steel industry. The Second Five-Year
Plan (1956-61) focused on the expansion of the steel industry. The Bhilai
Steel Plant and Bokaro Steel Plant were established during this period.
- Public
Sector Enterprises: The Indian government established public sector
steel companies like Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to meet the
growing demand for steel in various sectors of the economy.
In summary, the growth of iron and steel factories in India
was influenced by a combination of historical factors, the availability of
natural resources, and government initiatives. These industries played a
crucial role in India's industrialization and infrastructure development.