Mughal Period Industries - A Brief Study

Abstract

The major industries of India during the Mughal period included cotton textiles, silk, woollen textiles and various types of handicrafts. Textile manufacturing such as cotton and silk cloth, carpets, shawls, woollen rugs etc. were mainly made in different parts of the country. Indian weavers were famous all over the world for their weaving skills and high quality fabrics. The development of these industries in India was largely based on state patronage and hereditary education of artisans, which provided products according to the needs of all sections of the society. Industries of pottery, wood, paper, weapon manufacturing, brass, bronze, copper, salt, saltpetre and other agricultural products were also prominent during the Mughal period. The prosperity of industries was based on the stability of the Mughal Empire and provincial administration. The political instability after the Mughals, the destruction of industries during the British rule, and the expansion of European trade affected the local artisans and industries. Indian industries could not progress much due to foreign competition and the policies of the British gradually paved the way for the colonization and complete destruction of the industries. The aim of this research is to study the diversity of industries in Mughal India, their specialization, and the importance of production methods, as well as to analyze the impact on industries due to the lack of foreign trade and the effects of administrative patronage.