Important Questions for Class 10 History

Chapter 4- The Age of Industrialisation

1. What is Jenny Spinning? Describe. Why did a lot of workers object to using the
Spinning Jenny? Talk about it.

Ans: The Spinning Jenny was a machine invented during the Industrial Revolution to spin
yarn faster by allowing one person to handle many threads at once. Many skilled workers
opposed it because it threatened their jobs. The machine meant less need for skilled spinners,
leading to unemployment and lower wages. It also shifted work from homes to factories,
where conditions were tough, and hours were long. So, while it boosted textile production, it
also sparked concerns and resistance among workers.

2. There were 584,000 employees in Indian factories in 1901. The figure exceeded
2,436,000 by 1946. From where did the labourers originate?

Ans:

• Many workers migrated from rural areas to urban industrial centres in search of
employment opportunities and better livelihoods. The promise of regular wages and
steady work drew people from agricultural regions where opportunities were limited.

• Within India, there was significant internal migration from one region to another,
driven by economic factors and the expansion of industries. Workers moved from less
industrialized areas to cities and towns where factories were concentrated.

• The British colonial rule facilitated movement within the British Empire. Workers
from other parts of the empire, such as Burma (present-day Myanmar), Sri Lanka, and
even from British colonies in Africa, came to work in Indian factories.

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 • While less common, there were also immigrants from countries outside India who
came to work in specific industries or under certain contractual agreements, though
this was not as widespread as internal migration.

3. The production of handloom cloth increased gradually throughout the 20th century,
nearly tripling between 1900 and 1940. How did this come about?

Ans:

• Advances in handloom technology made weaving more efficient and faster.

Innovations such as fly shuttles and jacquard looms enabled weavers to produce cloth
more quickly and in greater quantities.

• There was a rising demand for handloom cloth both domestically and internationally.
Handloom textiles were valued for their quality, craftsmanship, and traditional
designs, appealing to a wide market.

• Improved transportation and communication networks facilitated the distribution of

handloom products to wider markets. Railways and roads made it easier to transport
raw materials and finished goods across regions and to urban centres.

• Various governments, both colonial and post-independence, supported the handloom

industry through policies aimed at promoting indigenous crafts and providing
infrastructure and financial assistance to weavers.

• There was a growing interest in preserving and promoting traditional crafts and
textiles, leading to renewed efforts to revive and sustain handloom production.

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4. What is the purpose of a fly shuttle? Describe the purpose.

Ans:

• The primary function of the fly shuttle is to speed up the weaving process.
Traditionally, weaving involved passing a shuttle manually through the warp threads
to weave the weft threads across. The fly shuttle automates this process.

• The fly shuttle consists of a shuttle box mounted on wheels or rollers. It carries the
weft yarn across the loom. Unlike traditional shuttles that require manual intervention,
the fly shuttle is propelled across the loom by a mechanism, usually operated by
pulling cords or using a mechanism triggered by the weaver's feet.

• By automating the shuttle's movement, the fly shuttle enables the weaver to produce
cloth more quickly and with less physical effort. This increase in efficiency allows for
higher production rates and reduced labour intensity in the weaving process.

• Another advantage of the fly shuttle is that it facilitates the weaving of wider fabrics.
Since the shuttle can traverse the loom rapidly and consistently, it supports the
weaving of broader widths of cloth without compromising on quality or speed.

5. Describe how colonial control affected the textile sector in India.

Ans:

• British colonial policies systematically disrupted India's traditional textile production

and trade. India has a rich heritage of handloom textiles, producing a variety of high-
quality fabrics. However, British policies favoured British-manufactured textiles over
Indian goods, imposing tariffs and duties that undermined Indian textile exports.

• The British policies also led to the decline of indigenous industries. They promoted
the export of raw materials from India, such as cotton, while importing British-
manufactured textiles into India. This imbalance favoured British industrial interests
and contributed to the decline of Indian handloom and artisanal production.

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 • Colonial policies exploited Indian textile workers and resources for the benefit of
British industries. Indian weavers faced competition from cheap British machine-
made textiles, leading to widespread impoverishment and loss of livelihoods in the
traditional weaving communities.

• The British discouraged technological advancements in Indian textiles that could

compete with British industries. They prevented the development of modern textile
machinery in India, forcing the country to remain dependent on British imports and
hindering its industrial progress.

• The colonial period also had cultural ramifications. Indian textiles, once renowned
globally, faced a decline in prestige as British textiles dominated international
markets. Traditional Indian designs and craftsmanship suffered, leading to a loss of
cultural heritage and artisanal skills.

• Despite these challenges, Indian artisans and nationalists fought to revive the
indigenous textile industry. Movements like the Swadeshi Movement promoted the
use of Indian-made goods and encouraged the revival of handloom weaving as a
symbol of national pride and economic self-reliance.

6. Give a brief explanation of the idea of the Orient.

Ans:

• Western perceptions of the Orient often involved "othering," where Eastern cultures
were portrayed as exotic, primitive, or irrational compared to the rationality and
progress of the West. This created a dichotomy of "East vs. West" where the Orient
was seen as the opposite or counterpart to the Western world.

• During the era of colonialism and imperialism, the concept of the Orient was
instrumental in justifying Western domination and control over Eastern territories. It
reinforced stereotypes that portrayed Eastern societies as inferior or in need of
Western guidance and intervention.

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 • The Orient was often depicted in literature, art, and media through romanticized or
sensationalized portrayals. This included depictions of Oriental landscapes,
architecture, dress, customs, and religions, often filtered through a Western lens and
often with a lack of nuance or accuracy.

• Scholars and political thinkers have debated the implications of Orientalism, a term
popularized by Edward Said, which critiques Western representations of the Orient as
a means of asserting cultural and intellectual superiority.

7. Describe the movement known as Swadeshi.

Ans:

• The Swadeshi Movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to British
economic policies that favoured British goods over Indian products. It was closely
linked with the larger Indian independence movement and aimed to promote self-
sufficiency and economic independence from British rule.

• A central aspect of the Swadeshi Movement was the boycott of British-made goods
and the promotion of Indian-made products. Indians were encouraged to use locally
produced goods, especially handloom textiles, instead of imported British textiles.

• The movement emphasized the revitalization of indigenous industries, particularly

handloom weaving and cottage industries. It aimed to revive traditional crafts and
promote economic empowerment among Indians by reducing dependence on British
industrial products.

• The Swadeshi Movement became a symbol of national unity and solidarity among
Indians of different regions, religions, and social backgrounds. It promoted a sense of
pride in Indian culture, heritage, and craftsmanship.

• The boycott of British goods during the Swadeshi Movement had significant
economic repercussions for British industries, especially in textiles. It highlighted the
economic strength of Indian consumers and their potential to influence British
policies.

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 • Alongside its economic objectives, the Swadeshi Movement also aimed to revive and
promote Indian culture and traditions. It encouraged the use of Indian languages,
clothing styles, and cultural practices as a means of asserting cultural identity.

8. During the seventeenth century, European town merchants started hiring artisans
and peasants from nearby villages. Describe the following.

Ans:

• The employment of peasants and artisans by town merchants marked a shift towards
economic integration between rural villages and urban centres. Previously, villages
were largely self-sufficient in terms of production and trade, but now they have
become interconnected with urban markets.

• This practice contributed to the commercialisation of agriculture in rural areas.

Peasants were employed to produce cash crops or goods demanded by urban markets
rather than solely subsistence farming. Artisans also began producing goods not just
for local consumption but for trade in wider markets.

• The involvement of town merchants in villages expanded market networks.

Merchants provided access to urban markets where village-produced goods could be
sold at higher prices. This encouraged specialization and increased productivity in
rural areas.

• However, this integration also led to increased dependency of peasants and artisans on
external markets and merchants. They became vulnerable to market fluctuations, price
controls, and exploitative practices by urban merchants who often wielded economic
power.

• The influx of merchant activities into villages brought about social and cultural
changes. Villages became more interconnected with urban lifestyles, leading to the
spread of new ideas, technologies, and cultural practices from towns to rural areas.

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9. Explain the Revolution in Industry. List the three factors that led to the Industrial
Revolution.

Ans: Technological Innovations:

• Steam Engine: The invention of the steam engine by James Watt in the 1770s
revolutionized the industry by providing a reliable source of power. It enabled
factories to operate machinery efficiently and spurred the development of steam-
powered transportation.

• Textile Machinery: Innovations like the spinning jenny, water frame, and power
loom mechanized textile production, leading to increased output and lower costs. This
transformed the textile industry and set the stage for industrial growth.

Economic Factors:

• Capital Accumulation: The accumulation of capital from trade, colonialism, and

agriculture provided the financial resources necessary to invest in new technologies
and industrial ventures.

• Global Trade Networks: The expansion of global trade networks provided access to
raw materials and markets, facilitating industrial growth and the exchange of ideas
and technologies.

Social and Demographic Changes:

• Urbanisation: The Industrial Revolution led to massive urbanisation as people

moved from rural areas to cities in search of work in factories and mills. This shift in
population fuelled the growth of urban centres and created a labour force for
industrial production.

• Social Mobility: The Industrial Revolution created opportunities for social mobility
as skilled workers and entrepreneurs could rise economically through industrial
employment or business ventures.

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10. Gomasthas were sent by the East India Company to oversee weavers in India.
Describe.

Ans:

• During the colonial era in India, the East India Company appointed Gomasthas to
oversee and manage local weavers and artisans.

• Their role included enforcing Company rules, controlling production, and collecting
taxes. Gomasthas often exploited weavers by providing loans at high interest rates,
trapping them in debt bondage.

• This control contributed to the decline of Indian textile industries and increased
dependency on British markets. The harsh practices of gomasthas led to protests and
unrest among weavers, shaping the economic and social landscape of colonial India
significantly.

11. How did the British iron and steel sector surpass the cotton sector in terms of export
value?

Ans:

• The iron and steel industry benefited from significant technological advancements
during the Industrial Revolution. Innovations like the Bessemer process for
steelmaking and improvements in iron smelting techniques led to increased
production efficiency and lowered costs. This made British iron and steel products
more competitive in international markets compared to other countries.

• The expansion of railways, bridges, and machinery during the 19th century created a
substantial demand for iron and steel products. The iron industry, in particular,
supplied the raw materials needed for construction and industrial machinery, thereby
driving its export value.

• British iron and steel products were in high demand globally due to their quality and
reliability. They were used extensively in infrastructure projects and industrial

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 applications across Europe, the Americas, and colonial territories. This global demand
provided a lucrative market for British manufacturers.

• British colonial expansion also played an important role. Colonies provided a ready
source of raw materials for the iron and steel industry, such as iron ore and coal,
which were essential for production. Additionally, colonial markets provided outlets
for British manufactured goods, including iron and steel products.

• As the Industrial Revolution progressed, there was a shift in economic focus from
textiles to heavy industries like iron and steel. This shift was driven by technological
capabilities, market demand, and the need for infrastructure development both
domestically and internationally.

12. By the end of the 1800s, eighty percent of Europe's labour force was working in the
highly developed industrial sector. Is it true or false?

Ans: False. While industrialisation had grown significantly by the end of the nineteenth
century in Europe, most of the workforce was still employed in agriculture and traditional
crafts or services, not in the technologically advanced industrial sector.

13. India's cotton exports decreased as a result of the American Civil War. Is it true or
false?

Ans:

• True. The American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, did result in a
significant reduction of cotton exports from India.

• During this period, the blockade of Southern ports by the Union Navy disrupted
cotton exports from the Southern United States, which was a major supplier of cotton
to Britain and other European countries.

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 • As a result, there was a sharp decline in cotton availability in global markets, leading
to increased demand for cotton from other regions, including India.

14. Describe the concept of "proto industrialisation."

Ans:

• Proto-industrialisation refers to an early phase of economic development before full

industrialisation.

• During this period in Europe from the 16th to early 19th centuries, manufacturing
occurred in rural areas and small workshops rather than urban factories. Workers,
often farmers during off-seasons, produced goods like textiles or pottery using
traditional methods.

• These goods were sold locally or through merchants to distant markets. Proto-
industrialisation laid the groundwork for later industrialisation by demonstrating the
potential for mass production and market integration, marking a significant step
towards modern industrial economies.

15. Why did certain European entrepreneurs of the eighteenth-century favour manual
work over machinery?

Ans:

• Initially, setting up and maintaining machines was expensive. Hand labour seemed
cheaper and more accessible, especially in industries where skilled craftsmanship was
valued.

• Hand labour provided flexibility in production processes. Skilled artisans could adjust
their work according to variations in materials or product specifications more easily
than machines, which were less adaptable to changes.

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 • Craftsmen were often perceived to produce goods of higher quality compared to early
machine-made products. The ability to oversee and refine each step of production
manually was seen as maintaining higher standards.

• The introduction of machines was sometimes met with resistance due to fears of
unemployment among skilled workers and social disruption. Industrialists who relied
on skilled artisans might have been reluctant to adopt machines that could displace
these workers.

• In certain industries, there was still a market preference for handmade goods due to
tradition, craftsmanship, and perceived value. Industrialists catered to this demand by
continuing to use hand labour.

• Early machines were prone to breakdowns, required skilled operators, and often could
not match the precision and dexterity of human hands in certain tasks. This limited
their effectiveness in some industries.

16. How did Indian weavers provide the East India Company with consistent supplies
of cotton and silk textiles?

Ans:

• The East India Company appointed local agents known as gomasthas to supervise and
manage the activities of Indian weavers. These gomasthas acted as intermediaries
between the Company and the weavers, ensuring regular production and procurement
of textiles.

• Gomasthas provided advances or credit to weavers for the purchase of raw materials
and other necessities. This created a system of debt bondage, as weavers became
financially dependent on the gomasthas and were obliged to sell their products
exclusively to them.

• The Company exercised control over the production process by setting quotas and
specifications for the textiles produced. Gomasthas enforced these requirements on

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 behalf of the Company, ensuring that the textiles met the standards and quantities
demanded by British markets.

• The East India Company established monopolies in certain regions, restricting

competition and ensuring that they had a steady supply of textiles from specific areas.
This control allowed the Company to manipulate prices and maintain dominance in
the textile trade.

• Gomasthas also collected taxes and levies from the weavers on behalf of the
Company. These taxes, along with the profits from the sale of textiles, contributed to
the Company's revenue and facilitated its economic exploitation of Indian textile
production.

• The textiles procured through this system were primarily intended for export to
British markets. They catered to the growing demand for Indian textiles in Europe,
where they were highly valued for their quality, craftsmanship, and variety of designs.

17. Assume that you have been requested to write a piece for an encyclopaedia about
cotton history in Britain. Utilising the content from the entire chapter, write your essay.

Ans:

• Cotton played a pivotal role in Britain's history, particularly during the Industrial
Revolution. Innovations like the spinning jenny and water frame propelled the
country's cotton industry, establishing bustling mills in cities such as Manchester and
Lancashire.

• Britain's imperial expansion further fueled its cotton trade, with colonies in the
Americas and India supplying raw materials. This trade, often exploitative, bolstered
Britain's global dominance in cotton production.

• The industry transformed British society through urbanisation, as rural workers

flocked to factory jobs, sparking new social classes and labour movements.
Technological advancements, like Eli Whitney's cotton gin and British textile
machinery, continued to revolutionize production methods globally.

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 • While Britain's influence in cotton has evolved, its legacy persists in shaping modern
economic systems and understanding global industrialization.

18. What was the reason behind India's rise in industrial production during World War
I?

Ans:

• The war created a surge in demand for industrial goods, particularly commodities
essential for war efforts such as textiles, jute, iron, steel, and chemicals. British
authorities redirected Indian industries to produce goods needed for the war, leading
to a rapid expansion of industrial production.

• British colonial policies during the war encouraged and supported industrial growth in
India to meet the increased demand for war materials. The Indian industrial sector
received investments, subsidies, and incentives from the colonial administration to
boost production.

• Due to disruptions in global trade caused by the war, imports of manufactured goods
into India declined sharply. This created opportunities for Indian industries to fill the
gap by producing goods locally that were previously imported, thereby stimulating
domestic industrial production.

• To support wartime production, infrastructure such as railways, ports, and

communication networks were expanded and improved in India. This facilitated the
movement of raw materials and finished goods, enhancing industrial output.

• The increased demand for industrial goods led to the expansion of factories and
manufacturing facilities across India. This provided employment opportunities for a
growing workforce, including rural migrants seeking work in urban industrial centres.

• India's industrial growth during the war also benefited from global market dynamics.
The country supplied essential goods not only to British forces but also to other Allied
nations, thereby increasing its economic significance on the global stage.

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19. How did the East India Company maintain consistent supplies of cotton and silk
items, minimise competition, and keep costs under control? Describe the sequence of
actions.

Ans:

• The Company sought to eliminate competition by establishing monopolies in specific

regions or sectors of the textile industry. This involved gaining exclusive rights to
trade in certain areas, thereby controlling production and distribution channels.

• The Company appointed local agents known as gomasthas to supervise and manage
the activities of Indian weavers. Gomasthas acted as intermediaries, ensuring that
weavers complied with Company regulations and production quotas. They also
enforced the Company's monopoly by restricting weavers' access to alternative buyers
or markets.

• To secure regular supplies, gomasthas provided advance payments or credit to

weavers for purchasing raw materials and meeting daily expenses. This created a
system of debt bondage, whereby weavers became financially dependent on the
gomasthas and compelled them to sell their goods exclusively to them.

• The Company controlled costs by setting fixed prices for raw materials and finished
goods. This allowed the Company to maintain predictable expenses and maximize
profit margins. Gomasthas ensured that weavers adhered to these pricing structures,
thereby stabilizing the Company's supply chain and financial projections.

• To ensure the consistency and quality of goods, the Company imposed strict standards
and specifications on the textiles produced by Indian weavers. Gomasthas monitored
production processes closely to enforce these standards, ensuring that products met
the requirements of British markets and consumers.

• The Company invested in infrastructure such as roads, warehouses, and transportation

networks to facilitate the movement of raw materials and finished goods. This
infrastructure development supported efficient logistics and reduced costs associated
with transportation and storage.

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20. Industrialists were sluggish to adopt even the most potent new technologies that
increased labour productivity manifold. Explain and provide an example.

Ans:

• High Upfront Costs: New technologies often require substantial investments in

machinery, training, and infrastructure. This can be a major hurdle, especially for
smaller companies or those with limited cash flow.

• Disruption and Risk: Implementing new technologies can disrupt existing

workflows and require employee retraining. This can lead to production slowdowns
and potential quality issues in the short term. There's also the risk that the technology
won't deliver on its promises, leaving the company with a sunk cost.

• Labour Concerns: While automation can increase productivity, it can also lead to job
losses. Industrialists may be hesitant to adopt technologies that could put their
workforce at risk, especially if they have good labour relations or operate in regions
with strong worker protections.

Example:

The history of the textile industry provides a good example. During the Industrial
Revolution, inventions like the spinning jenny and the power loom dramatically increased
yarn and cloth production. However, some mill owners were reluctant to adopt these
technologies due to the high cost of the machines and the fear of worker unrest. This
hesitancy sometimes led to violent protests by weavers who feared their jobs would be
eliminated.

21. Why, by the end of the eighteenth century, was the port of Surat declining?

Ans:

• European companies like the British East India Company (EIC) gained significant
power and influence. They secured concessions from local rulers, often establishing

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 fortified factories and even gaining partial control of trade routes. This squeezed out
Indian merchants who previously dominated trade through Surat.

• The Mughal Empire, which provided stability and facilitated trade throughout India,
began to decline in the 17th century. This political instability and weakening central
authority disrupted trade routes and overall economic activity, impacting Surat.

• The rise of Bombay (Mumbai) as a major port further marginalized Surat. Bombay
offered a deeper harbour, and better protection from pirates, and eventually became
the headquarters of the EIC, further diminishing Surat's importance.

• Over time, the Tapti River, which provided access to the Arabian Sea from Surat,
silted up. This made navigation for larger ships increasingly difficult, further
hindering trade activity.

22. In the 19th century, what issues did Indian cotton weavers face? Explain.

Ans:

• The Industrial Revolution in Britain led to the mass production of cotton textiles using
powerful machines. These machine-made fabrics were much cheaper than the
handcrafted Indian ones. This resulted in a surge of British imports into India,
overwhelming the market and undercutting the weavers' prices.

• Previously, India enjoyed a thriving export market for its exquisite cotton textiles.
However, British-made fabrics were now not only cheaper but also more uniform in
quality. This shift in production capabilities made it difficult for Indian weavers to
compete internationally, leading to a decline in exports.

• British industries also demanded a large supply of raw cotton. This increased demand
pushed up the price of raw cotton in India, making it more expensive for domestic
weavers to acquire the materials they needed. In some cases, raw cotton was even
diverted for export, leaving Indian weavers with limited supplies.

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 • The traditional system of patronage, where wealthy individuals and royal courts
commissioned textiles from skilled weavers, began to decline. This further squeezed
the market for high-end, handcrafted Indian fabrics.

23. Who were the Gomasthas?

Ans: Gomasthas were agents employed by the East India Company during British rule in
India. They played a key role in the textile industry but had a tense relationship with the
weavers.

24. For what reason were Gomasthas appointed?

Ans:

• The Company aimed to bypass existing traders and middlemen, directly supervising
weavers and dictating production terms.

• Gomasthas ensured a steady flow of textiles to meet the Company's export demands.

• Gomasthas often set the prices for raw materials and finished products, keeping them
artificially low to maximize the Company's profits.

25. How did Gomasthas treat the weavers?

Ans:

• Gomasthas offered weavers significantly lower prices for their textiles compared to
market rates. This left weavers with minimal profit margins.

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• The Company often provided weavers with advances on future production, essentially
putting them in debt. This limited their bargaining power and forced them to accept
the Company's terms.

• Some Gomasthas were known for being arrogant and abusive. They might use threats
or intimidation to ensure weavers meet deadlines and production quotas.

• Weavers who relied on Company advances were often restricted from selling their
produce to other buyers. This further weakened their position.

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