Question

"Despite stiff competition from machine-made thread, the Indian handloom production not only survived, but also saw a steady growth in the 20th century." Explain reasons in favour of your answer.

Answer 1

Reasons for growth of handloom production are :
(i) Adopting technological changes by the weavers to increase production without raising the costs.
(ii) Those who catered to the rich always had a demand for their goods. Examples: Banarasi and Baluchari sarees.
(iii) Mills could not imitate specialized weavers. Example: sarees with intricate borders, lungis, handkerchief.