How did the British establish a monopoly in cotton and silk trade?

  • The company eliminated the existing traders and brokers to establish direct control over weavers. It appointed a paid servant called Gomasthas to supervise weavers, collect suppliers and examine the quality of cloth.
  • It prevented company weavers from dealing with other buyers. Once an order was placed, the weavers were given loans to purchase the raw material. Those who took loans had to hand over the cloth they produced to the Gomasthas only. They could not take it to any other trader.