De-Industrialization in Colonial Assam: An Analysis from Historical Perspective

Economic historians of India have forwarded their views regarding industrialization in colonial India. In Pre Colonial times, various small-scale industries developed in India like textiles (specially cotton and silk), paper, perfumery industries, metalwork, ship building etc. But colonial rule greatly affected the economy of India. Industrial revolution started in Europe during the period 18th -19th centuries. The rapid development of industries in Europe specially in Great Britain created demand for markets to sell their finished goods. The demand led to race for monopoly and control of market everywhere. England established its colony in India. As a part of India, Assam’s economic development was also influenced by colonial regime. This paper tries to analyse how far British rule affected deindustrialization process as well as drain of wealth in colonial Assam.