Why did industrial production in India increased during the First World War? Give any three reasons.
THE First World War proved to be a boon to Indian industries.
- The war created a dramatically new situation with British mills busy with war production to meet the need of the army. Manchester import in India declined.
- Suddenly, Indian mills had a vast home market to supply to.
- As the war prolonged, Indian factories were called upon to supply war needs, jute bags, cloths for army uniforms, tents and leather boots, horse and mule saddles and host of other items.
- New factories were set up and old ones ran multiple shifts.
- Many new workers were employed and everyone was made to work longer hours. Over the war years industrial production boomed, local industrialists consolidated their position, substituting foreign manufacturers and capturing home market