The traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under the British rule. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.
Yes, I agree with the view that the traditional handicrafts industries were ruined under British rule. The following reasons support this view:
Before British rule, India was well known for its handicraft industries in fields such as cotton and silk textiles, metal and precious stone works. These products enjoyed a worldwide market based on the reputation of fine quality of material and high standards of craftsmanship.
The colonial government followed a policy of systematic de-industrialisation of India. The motive behind this policy was two-fold — first, to reduce India to the status of a mere exporter of raw materials for modern industries in Britain, and second, to turn India into a sprawling market for finished products from Britain.
As the handicraft industries declined, no corresponding modern industrial base was allowed to develop to replace them. This led to the collapse of India's world famous handicraft industries.
The decline of indigenous handicraft industries created massive unemployment in India. It also generated a new demand in the Indian consumer market, which was deprived of locally made goods. This demand was met by imports of cheap manufactured goods from Britain, further ruining the domestic handicraft sector.
Explanation
This answer addresses the question comprehensively by explaining the pre-British status of handicrafts, the colonial motives behind de-industrialisation, and the consequences of this policy. The answer uses key terms from the textbook like 'systematic de-industrialisation', 'two-fold motive', 'massive unemployment', and 'modern industrial base' which are essential for scoring full marks in board exams.