Article Written By EIH Researcher And Writer
Trupti Gehlot
The Indian handicraft industry has a rich history dating back centuries, representing the vibrant culture and artistic heritage of the subcontinent. The British Raj, established in India during the early 19th century, sought to exploit the country’s resources and wealth. Trade between India and the world increased dramatically, and modern industry in Britain began to compete with traditional industry in India. From 1810 to 1860, India lost much of its domestic textile market to Britain. This result is explained by the combined influence of relatively rapid factory-based productivity advances in Britain and increased world market integration, the latter driven by declining transport costs between the two trading partners, and the free trade policy imposed on India by her colonial ruler.
The destruction of traditional Indian handicraft industries was one of the earliest noticed manifestations of British economic control over India. Pre-British rural India consisted of self-sustaining egalitarian “village communities”, producing their own subsistence. Britishers, by their revenue policy, forced production for the market and, thus, broke up these communities. The British authorities implemented a series of oppressive policies to enrich themselves while stifling the indigenous artisans. One of the main hurdles faced by the Indian handicraft industry was the exorbitant taxes imposed by the British. The Britishers levied heavy duties on raw materials, imposing a financial burden on artisans who relied on affordable supplies. Furthermore, finished handicraft products faced steep export duties, making it difficult for artisans to compete in international markets and secure fair prices for their creations. The change in the fortunes of Bengal artisanal production was most dramatic. From a region, which supplied the British East India Company with the largest quantity of its textile products for sale in the European markets during the century before the battle of Plassey (1757), it was subjected to colonial exploitation after the British acquired the Diwani of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. This region became the worst victim of British manufactured imports into the country during the 19th century.
The British Raj fostered an exploitative economic system which severely impacted the Indian artisans. They established monopolies through institutions like the British East India Company, which controlled the trade of raw materials and handicraft products. This system allowed the Britishers to dictate prices, exploit local craftsmen, and manipulate market dynamics in their favour. Additionally, the Britishers discouraged the growth of indigenous industries that could compete with their own industrial products. By favouring mass-produced British goods and discouraging local craftsmanship, the British effectively undermined the viability of the Indian handicraft industry, pushing many skilled artisans towards poverty and despair.
- C. Dutt held that the tariff policy pursued by the British Government was the leading cause or “the first among equals” towards the decay of handicrafts. This tariff policy came to be known as the “one-way free trade” policy meaning what was good for England was considered good for India.
The revolt of 1857, also known as the Indian Rebellion or the First War of Independence, profoundly affected various aspects of Indian society, including the handicraft industry. The uprising was fueled by deep-rooted grievances among Indian sepoys (soldiers) and civilians alike, who had suffered under British rule.
During the revolt, several handicraft centres became battlegrounds, for example, Kanpur, which was well known for its metallurgy, textiles, and leather products, developed into a key battleground during the uprising. Sepoys (Indian soldiers) who had rebelled against their British masters attacked the British garrison at Kanpur. The following events, such as the slaughter at the Bibighar, had a lasting effect on the city resulting in the destruction of workshops, the looting of artisans’ homes, and the loss of irreplaceable artistic treasures. Another example is the magnificent handicrafts produced at Lucknow, the capital of the Awadh province (modern-day Uttar Pradesh), including jewellery, pottery, and embroidery. During the rebellion, there was a lot of fighting in the city. Rebel armies commanded by Indian leaders like Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Begum Hazrat Mahal assaulted the British Residency in Lucknow, a symbol of British supremacy. The turmoil in the areas of major industries disrupted the supply chains and trade networks that sustained the industry, leading to widespread economic devastation.
Moreover, the brutal British suppression of the revolt further exacerbated the plight of the artisans. As punishment for their alleged involvement in the rebellion, artisans were subject to harsh penalties, including imprisonment, torture, and even execution. The loss of skilled craftsmen due to these brutal reprisals further crippled the already weakened industry. A study by Michael Twomey on employment suggests that employment in this period declined in Bengal by 244,000 FTJE and for the rest of the country by 56,000 FTJE(Full-Time Job Equivalents- FTJE was determined by combining data on weavers and part-time spinners). It is also mentioned that the significant decline in employment occurred after the year 1850 when Indian production fell to less than 40% of domestic consumption.
However, in the aftermath of the revolt, efforts were made to revive traditional handicrafts and promote indigenous industries. Nationalist leaders and organizations like the Indian National Congress played a vital role in advocating for fair trade practices, reducing taxes, and creating avenues for artisans to showcase and sell their crafts. These initiatives combined with the artisans’ dedication to preserving their heritage allowed the industry to slowly regain its footing.
Today, the Indian handicraft industry stands as a testament to the artistic prowess and cultural richness of the nation. Artisans across the country continue to create masterpieces, showcasing their exceptional skills and keeping traditions alive. The industry has also witnessed a resurgence in international recognition and demand, allowing artisans to secure fair prices and sustainable livelihoods. However, it is important to acknowledge the lasting impact of the revolt of 1857 on the handicraft industry. The scars of that tumultuous period still resonate, serving as a reminder of the injustices endured and the struggles overcome.
References
- Deindustrialization in 18th and 19th century India: Mughal decline, climate shocks and British Industrial ascent David Clingingsmith Jeffrey G. Williamson
- De-industrialisation: Alternative View TIRTHANKAR ROY
- MODERN INDIA 1885-1947 SUMIT SARKAR
