Question

The first machine made paper was manufactured _ _ _ _ _ _
A. In 1870 near Kolkata
B. In 1903 in Mumbai
C. In 1910 at Delhi
D. After independence

Answer 1

Hint: Paper is typically a thin nonwoven material made of a mixture of milled plant and textile fibers. It is used mostly for writing, artwork, and packaging; it is usually white. Traditionally attributed to the court official Cai Lun, the first papermaking method was recorded in China during the Eastern Han period (25-220 AD).

Complete Answer:
- For decades, the hand-made paper has been made in India. The first machine-made paper mill was built-in 1870 in Bally, near Calcutta. This company went into liquidation in 1905.
- Paper is one of the main industries and is connected to the basic needs of humans. The paper is a prerequisite for education and literacy and its use is an index of success in these two fields as well as society's overall well-being.
- The origin of the modern paper industry dates back to 1816 when a factory near Chennai was set up. This undertaking proved abortive. In 1832, at Serampore, on the bank of Hugli in West Bengal, another paper mill was set up. This venture also failed and with the establishment of the Royal Bengal Paper mills at Ballygunge near Kolkata in 1870, the first successful attempt was made.
- The capabilities of the paper industry were thoroughly illustrated, and more robust successors followed the lead. But processing has never surpassed demand.

The right answer is option A (In 1870 near Kolkata).

Note: Since the tenth century, paper production has been carried out in India is a small cottage industry by traditional artisans called kagzis. They used to make paper with gunny bags, rags, ropes, etc. This industry was unable to survive the onslaught of paper-made machines and deteriorated dramatically. A portion of it, however, has managed to survive and a significant number of small units are producing handmade paper even today.