Who were the Weavers?
Weavers hailed from specialized communities with a deep-rooted tradition of weaving skills passed down through generations. Among the renowned weaving communities were the tanti weavers of Bengal, the Julahas or momin weavers of northern India, and the sale and Kaikollar and Devangs of southern India.
The initial stage of production involved spinning, where tools like the charkha and the Takli were utilized. The charkha was used for spinning the thread, which was then wound onto the Takli. Subsequently, the weaver transformed the spun thread into cloth.
For colored textiles, the thread underwent dyeing by a specialist known as the Rangrez. In the case of printed cloth, weavers collaborated with expert block printers referred to as Chhipigars.
CBSE Class 8 History Notes- Weavers, Iron Smelters and Factory Owners
This chapter delves into the narrative of India’s crafts and industries during the era of British dominance, specifically highlighting two key sectors: textiles and iron and steel. These industries played pivotal roles in driving the industrial revolution globally. Britain’s mechanized production of cotton textiles propelled it to become the leading industrial power in the nineteenth century.
Moreover, with the growth of its iron and steel industry from the 1850s onwards, Britain earned the moniker “workshop of the world.” The industrialization of Britain was intricately linked to its conquest and colonization of India. The themes discussed in this chapter are comprehensively covered in our CBSE Class 8 History notes Chapter 6 – Weavers, Iron Smelters, and Factory Owners.