Decline of traditional industries and exploitation of artisans and weavers

Question 1

Effects of the decline

Answer 1

1. Conquest of Bengal made the situation worse. British good were not charged whereas, high duties were levied on Indian goods coming to England.
2. India became a supplier of raw materials and consumer of British goods.
3. Indian handicrafts led to desertion of towns as it suffered a major setback. Towns which were once prosperous like Murshidabad and Deccan were depopulated and deurbanised.

Question 2

Exploitation fo Artisans and Weavers.

Answer 2

1. After the battle of Plassey the craftsmen were forced to sell British Goods under the market price.
2. The textile industry fo Bengal closed down making thousands of weavers jobless.
3. Indian handicrafts suffered a major blow as the Mughal were declining thus, they were deprived of their royal patronage.
4. Middle class Indians were fascinated and bought British goods which led to the ruin of several Indian Industries.