Analyse the factors that led to the decline of Indian handicrafts, which were once a source of national pride, during the colonial period.

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

2. Analyse the factors that led to the decline of Indian handicrafts, which were once a source of national pride, during the colonial period. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Indian art and culture – Nitin Singhania.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the reasons for decline of Indian handicrafts under British rule.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context about flourishing Indian handicrafts before arrival of British.

Body:

Write the reasons for collapse of handicrafts under colonial rule – introduction of British made goods and ignorance of Indian Handicrafts Industries, policy of De-industrialization, transformed India to a mere exporter of raw materials for the upcoming modern industries in Britain etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising long term impact of ruining of Indian handicraft.