Question

How did the East India Company procure regular supplies of cotton and silk textiles from Indian weavers?

Answer 1

The East India Company adopted various steps to ensure regular supplies of cotton and silk textiles.

1. They established political power to assert their monopoly on trade.
2. The corporation attempted to eliminate the existing textile traders and brokers while establishing more direct control over the weavers. It appointed hired servants, known as Gomasthas, to monitor weavers, collect supplies, and inspect cloth quality.
3. It prevented the company's weavers from working with other buyers. Once an order was placed, the weavers were granted loans to buy raw materials. Those who received loans were merely required to send over the cloth they produced to the Gomasthas. They couldn't take it to another trader.
4. They developed a management and control system that would minimise competition, reduce costs, and maintain a steady supply of cotton and silk items.
5. The weavers had to sell at a price set by the company. By giving the weavers a loan, the company bound them to it.