Industrialisation in Colonial India

Core concept

Colonial policies encouraged India to export raw materials (like cotton and jute) to Britain, while importing British manufactured goods, limiting India's own industrial growth.

How it works

Despite these constraints, Indian entrepreneurs established textile mills in cities like Bombay and Ahmedabad, and jute mills in Bengal, marking early industrial development.

Why it matters

Indian industrialists, like Jamsetji Tata, also invested in heavy industries like steel, laying important foundations despite facing competition from established British industries.

Key detail

Colonial industrial policy often neglected Indian workers' welfare, with poor wages and working conditions in factories, similar to challenges seen during Britain's own industrialisation.