Opposition to the Import of Indian Textiles
The English wool and silk makers were adamantly opposed to the import of Indian textiles, alleging that the Indian fabrics were inferior and manufactured with cheap labour. They also claimed that Indian textiles were sold for less than their English counterparts, resulting in unfair competition. They requested that the government intervene in order to prohibit the entry of Indian textiles and protect their companies.
As a result, the government passed the Calico Act of 1720, which prohibited the importation of printed cotton textiles. Nonetheless, it was ineffective since the demand for Indian textiles remained high and smugglers continued to get them into England.
In the long run, English producers were unable to compete with high-quality, low-cost Indian textiles, resulting in the downfall of the wool and silk industries. The late-nineteenth-century Industrial Revolution brought significant technological breakthroughs that aided in the revival of the English textile industry. Yet, the early 18th-century demonstrations against the import of Indian textiles underscore the challenges that traditional sectors face as a result of technological improvements and globalisation.
Protest Against Import of Indian Textiles in England
The import of high-quality and inexpensive cotton fabrics from India threatened England’s textile industries, particularly wool and silk, in the early 18th century. For ages, the Indian textile industry has been well-established, with advanced weaving processes. Even when the spinning wheel was introduced in Europe in the 17th century, the Indian industry thrived. As a result, English producers lost market share, revenues, and possibly their jobs.
Protest Against Import of Indian Textiles
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