Question

What are the reasons why traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under British rule?

विकल्प

• Discriminatory Tariff Policy

• Competition from Machine made Britain Goods

• Emergence of New Class

• All of the above

Answer 1

All of the above

Explanation:

The following are the arguments in support of the assertion.

1. Discriminatory Tariff Policy:
   India's industrialization coincided with British rule. The British used India as a source of low-cost raw materials as well as a convenient market for their completed goods. They imposed high tariffs (export levies) on India's handicraft exports while allowing unrestricted export of India's raw materials to the United Kingdom and free entry of British products into India. This increased the cost of Indian exports and reduced worldwide demand, causing the handicraft industry to collapse.
2. Competition from Machine made Britain Goods:
   In both the domestic and international markets, demand for handmade products has decreased. This was owing to fierce competition from British machine-made textiles. This was due to the fact that mechanically made goods in Britain were considerably cheaper and of higher quality than Indian handicrafts goods. The market for Indian industries was therefore constricted.
3. Emergence of New Class
   The British rule in India popularised the western way of life. In India, a new segment of the populace (mostly zamindars) developed an interest in British goods. This section used to spend a lot of money on British products, which fueled the development of British industries at the expense of home ones. As a result, the Indian industry gradually faded away.