Question

Why did France and Britain impose bans on the import of Indian textiles in the 17th and 18th centuries?

• A. To encourage Indian artisans to adopt European styles
• B. To reduce the cost of importing luxury goods
• C. Because Indian textiles were seen as culturally inappropriate
• D. To protect their own struggling textile industries from superior Indian fabrics

Answer 1

Answer:

D. To protect their own struggling textile industries from superior Indian fabrics

Indian Handicrafts Textiles form an integral part of India’s rich artistic and craft heritage. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Indian fabrics were so highly prized that both France and Britain imposed bans on their import to protect their own struggling textile industries. The coarse European cloth simply couldn't compete with the refined quality and elegance of Indian textiles. These textiles are not just commodities but living traditions shaped by India’s diverse social, economic, and cultural landscapes.