The Company Weavers of Bengal

The decline of Bengal's weaving industry in the eighteenth century has been a subject of much historical debate. While some attribute the collapse to a stagnant production system, others see it as a symptom of colonialism, rooted in the conflict between British investment in Indian textiles and domestic manufacturing interests. This book by Hameeda Hossain brings fresh evidence to the discussion, drawing on newly discovered Bengali manuscripts, including the East India Company's correspondence and agreements with weavers.

Hossain argues that a key reason for the industry's decline was the Company's policy of enforcing low wages and strict controls. While this kept production costs profitably low for the Company, it led to widespread attempts by weavers to abscond or default, resulting in a dramatic drop in both the quality and quantity of cloth. By focusing on these organizational changes and the lives of the artisans, the book provides a broad-based study of textile production in Bengal during this pivotal period.