Question

The first successful textile mill was established in Mumbai in the year _________.
A) 1824
B) 1854
C) 1864
D) 1884

Answer 1

Hint: The company was named “Bombay Spinning and Weaving Company” and was founded by “Cowasjee Nanabhoy Davarthe”. The mill began its production on February 7, 1856.

Complete answer:
The cotton textile industry is known to be one of the oldest industries in the world. Till the industrial revolution in the eighteenth century, cotton cloth was produced by means of spinning techniques and looms. In the 18th century power looms enabled the development of the cotton textile industry, initially in Britain and later in other parts of the world. Today India, China, Japan and the USA are important manufacturers of cotton textiles.

India’s first successful mechanized textile mill was instituted in the city of Mumbai, then known as Bombay, in the year 1854. There were several factors that led to the rapid expansion of the industry in the region, which are as follows:
- The region had a warm, moist climate that was suitable for the industry.
- Presence of a port for the import of machinery.
- Availability of raw materials.
- Availability of skilled labour.

It was one of the first steam-powered cotton textile mills in the region. The company was named “Bombay Spinning and Weaving Company” and was founded by “Cowasjee Nanabhoy Davarthe”, who was a Parsi businessman and banker. On February 7, 1856, the mill began production under the supervision of British engineers and skilled cotton operatives. It developed as an essential port for the export of raw cotton from India to England and China.

However, in India, the real expansion of the cotton textile industry took place in the 1870s. The number of mills during this period rose to 47, out of which over 60 per cent were present in Mumbai.

Thus, the correct answer is Option ‘B’. The first successful textile mill was established in Mumbai in the year 1854.

Note: The First Textile Mill of India was instituted at “Fort Gloster” near Kolkata in the year 1818. Unfortunately it was a big commercial failure and hence was closed down after some time.
Nearly two – thirds of India’s cotton production comes from the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which are collectively referred to as the “Cotton Basket of India”.