Question

Which is the oldest cotton textile manufacturing area in India? Mention any three reasons for the growth of the cotton textile industry in this area.

Answer 1

The oldest cotton textile manufacturing area in India is Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The first successful modern cotton textile mill in India was established in Mumbai in 1854 by local Parsi entrepreneurs. This marked the beginning of the modern cotton textile industry in India. Three reasons for the growth of the cotton textile industry in Mumbai (the oldest manufacturing area) are:

1. Availability of Raw Cotton: Mumbai is near the black-cotton soil-producing hinterland, which provides the basic raw material, cotton, readily to the mills.
2. Cheap Labour: There is an abundant supply of cheap labour from surrounding areas which supports the labour-intensive textile industry.
3. Good Transportation and Market: Mumbai has good connectivity through roads and railways, facilitating easy transportation of raw cotton and finished goods. It also has a ready market for its products both in India and abroad.