CBSE Class 10 | History Chapter: The Age of Industrialisation
Introduction
The modern world was shaped by industrialisation. It transformed economies, societies, and politics on a global scale. Before the Industrial Revolution, most people lived in rural areas and depended on agriculture. With the rise of industries, cities grew, technologies evolved, and production processes changed. This chapter examines the journey of industrialisation—from proto-industrial systems to large factories, from Britain to India, and from hand production to machine manufacture.Age of Industrialisation CBSE Class 10
By understanding this historical transformation, students can better appreciate how industries impacted not only economic structures but also workers, traders, and colonial subjects. Let us now explore how the Age of Industrialisation unfolded.
I. Before the Industrial Revolution: Proto-Industrialisation
Proto-Industrialisation in Europe
Before factory-based industries became dominant, Europe experienced a phase of proto-industrialisation. This was a decentralised system where goods were produced in rural households.
- Merchants supplied raw materials to peasants, who worked from home.
- Production was spread across villages to avoid urban guild restrictions.
- Finished goods were collected and sold in distant markets.
Global Demand for Handmade Goods
European companies met growing global demands through rural production. For example, woollen textiles from the English countryside were exported across the world. Thus, rural industries were part of early global trade networks.
Why Not Factories Initially?
- Urban guilds restricted industrial growth.
- Labour and land were cheaper in villages.
- Merchants preferred flexible rural workers over regulated urban guilds.
Hence, the industrial age did not begin with machines but with the expansion of handmade goods from rural Europe.
II. The Coming of the Factory System
Early Developments in Britain
The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century. Machines started replacing hand labour. Factories brought together workers and machines under one roof.
Key Features of Factories
- Centralised production
- Mass production through machinery
- Supervised labour with fixed working hours
First Factories
- Cotton and textile factories led the way.
- Richard Arkwright developed the water frame, improving textile production.
- The factory system soon spread to other sectors like iron and coal.
Impact on Workers
- Long working hours (14-16 hours/day)
- Poor working conditions and low wages
- Child labour and frequent accidents
Despite harsh conditions, factories marked a new phase in global economic history. They increased productivity and contributed to urbanisation.
III. The Peculiarities of Industrial Growth in Britain
Slow Growth of Machinery
Contrary to popular belief, machines did not immediately replace hand labour. Several industries continued to rely on manual work.
- Many goods, like delicate textiles or pottery, required skilled hands.
- Seasonal demand meant hand labour was more flexible.
- Labour was cheap, so mechanisation wasn’t always necessary.
Role of Customised Goods
Goods for the aristocracy and export markets were often handcrafted. Therefore, industries like metalwork, glassware, and embroidery continued using traditional techniques.
Employment Structure
- Even in 1900, a significant proportion of the British workforce was employed in small workshops or home-based industries.
- Large factories employed only a small share of the total workforce.
This shows that industrialisation did not follow a linear path of total mechanisation.
🇮🇳 IV. Industrialisation in Colonial India
India Before British Rule
India had a thriving artisanal and craft industry, especially in textiles. Indian cotton and silk were famous worldwide. Cities like Surat, Dhaka, and Masulipatnam were bustling trade centres.
Decline Under Colonial Rule
- The British imposed tariffs on Indian goods and allowed duty-free imports of British machine-made textiles.
- Indian weavers and artisans lost their markets and jobs.
- Traditional industries declined rapidly.
Early Industrial Entrepreneurs in India
Despite colonial restrictions, Indian entrepreneurs like Dwarkanath Tagore, Jamsetjee Tata, and Dinshaw Petit started modern industries:
- Textiles in Bombay and Ahmedabad
- Jute mills in Bengal
- Iron and steel in Jamshedpur
Role of Indian Merchants
Indian financiers, merchants, and bankers often funded industrial ventures. However, British colonial policies heavily favoured British capital and discouraged Indian competition.
V. The Growth of Factories in India
First Cotton Mill (1854)
- Set up in Bombay, a city with good access to ports, raw cotton, and labour.
- This marked the beginning of India’s modern industrial sector.
Indian Industrial Workforce
Workers came from villages and often lacked industrial skills. As a result:
- Factory owners employed jobbers to recruit and control workers.
- Migrants faced tough working conditions and job insecurity.
Spread of Industry
- Mills were established in Madras, Kanpur, and Calcutta.
- Jute, cotton, and mining became key sectors.
- World War I boosted Indian industry due to disrupted British imports.
VI. Market for Goods: Advertising and Labels
Need for Branding
As competition increased, manufacturers used advertisements and labels to market their products:
- Gave products a distinct identity
- Created brand loyalty
- Targeted both Indian and foreign markets
Symbols of Quality
Labels often featured:
- Images of Indian gods to attract local buyers
- Royal seals or flags to indicate quality for export markets
Role of Print Media
Posters, calendars, and newspapers became tools for promoting products. For example, companies advertised textiles and soaps using patriotic imagery to link products with Indian identity.
VII. Life of Workers
Harsh Working Conditions
- Factories had poor ventilation, long hours, and frequent accidents.
- Workers had few rights or protections.
Urbanisation and Overcrowding
Industrial growth led to migration to cities. However:
- Cities lacked proper housing and sanitation.
- Slums emerged near industrial zones.
Workers’ Resistance
Despite challenges, workers organised strikes and protests. Over time, trade unions emerged to fight for better wages and conditions.
Conclusion
The Age of Industrialisation was a turning point in global history. It changed how goods were produced, where people lived, and how societies functioned. While it brought progress and innovation, it also caused displacement, exploitation, and inequality.
In Britain, industrialisation evolved gradually from rural handcrafts to mechanised factories. In India, colonial policies disrupted traditional industries but also gave rise to new forms of industrial growth under difficult conditions.
By understanding this transformation, students gain insight into how industrialisation shaped the modern world and its lasting impact on labour, trade, and economic systems.