Cotton Textile Industry of Ahmedabad: Its Socio-economic Aspects till 1947

Abstract

Although the cotton textile began in Bombay, it faced handicaps there and spread to other cities notably Ahmedabad which had a tradition of cotton weaving. In 1850 Ranchhodlal Chhotalal formed Ahmedabad Spinning and Weaving Company and other mills followed. Weavers migrated to Ahmedabad from other talukas and the mills increased the productive capacity of the handloom industry. Conversely, it enabled the mills to expand by providing market for the yarn. Other industrial activities followed. Small leather, carpet, ice, metal, safety match and glass factories emerged. The industry made an impact on the society and economy of the city in other ways too. For instance, Ahmedabad Share and Stock Brokers’ Association was established in 1894. It was the second stock exchange in India after Bombay Stock Exchange. There was growth of industrial labour and workers faced problems. Their health was impaired by night work. Diseases of eye and digestive organs afflicted them. Civic life was affected too. There were shortages of tenements, rents were high and amenities inadequate. At the same time trade, education, health facilities, infrastructure, etc., grew.