Question

In what ways was craft production in cities like Calcutta different from that in cities like Thanjavur?

Answer 1

Hint: There was a difference between the craft production in Calcutta and Thanjavur. Calcutta was one of the important trading centres during British Raj, famous for producing textiles. While Thanjavur was a temple town and a pilgrimage centre, famous for producing metal works.

Complete answer: Both Calcutta and Thanjavur have their importance in terms of craft production. Craftspersons in Calcutta were strictly controlled and administered by East India Company. They were not independent and free to produce their own designs. They could not sell their products outside the jurisdiction of the East India Company. They were made to work for Europeans on an advanced basis and were forced to weave their clothes. Craft Persons were also made to live in Black towns that were established by Britishers. Whereas Craftspersons in Thanjavur were free and independent. They were not under the control and restriction of any company. They could produce products of their choice. Since they lived close to temples thus they never face any problem in selling their products. Also Unlike the craft persons of Calcutta they never worked under advanced basis rather made their own designs and sold them according to their will.

Note: As we discussed earlier Calcutta was famous for its textile products such as cotton, jute, silk. While Thanjavur was famous for metal products such as ornaments, bells, metal lamps, bronze idols etc.