Why did the Indian iron smelting industries declined in 19th century?

The craft of iron smelting has been famous in India since ancient times. At that time, Agarias were considered the main caste, who works as the iron smelters. They were famously known as the ‘Lohara’, whose work was to produce goods made of iron.

However, during the 19th century, European iron comes into play and was made with cheap materials. It affected the business of Indian iron smelters badly. And soon, most of the smelters left the business. And those, who were still working in this field, had to face many problems. In this article, we will be discussing the Iron smelting industry, its early years, the effects the British government had on it, and the reasons behind its downfalls.

Iron Smelting Industry in its Early Years

According to the researchers, the iron industry has a long history in India. Iron crafting was always been a part of the Indian industry. It is said that the production of practical metal first began in India. According to some researchers, the working of iron may be as old as 1800 BCE. according to some studies, iron smelting was commonly practiced in several places in India in the early 13th century BCE. It covers swords, blades, armor, and a variety of other everyday items. 

Even, the world’s first iron Pillar was also made in India, which was famously known as The Iron Pillar of Delhi. Apart from that, many types of research prove that the work of sword manufacturing was widely famous in India at that time. even, during the Mughal empire, small firearms were famous for their excellent work.

Effect of the British on Indian Iron Smelting Industry in the 19th Century

Well, during the 19th century, there were many reasons, which affected the field of the iron smelting industry. It includes political as well as economical reasons. The British government was aware of the role of the iron industry in assisting indigenous powers by producing weaponry and ammunition.  as a result, by the year 1878, the British government passed the Arms Act, which restricted access to firearms. Behind this action, their main intention was to hinder India’s ability to extract and process metals, so that there cannot be any conflicts or rebellions in the future. Whether we talk about the era of Akbar, the Marathas, or even the Sikh wars, India’s skill in producing brass cannon and iron craft has been unmatchable. Which made it a threat to the British empire. 

During the 19th century, the British government made many policies, which made it difficult for the iron smelters and many other craftsmen to run their businesses smoothly. As a result, the swords and armor industry collapsed, whereas the iron and steel started to import from England, which was cheaply wand was an easy option. But it failed the Indian iron smelting industry. And the people, who were related to this field were forced to work as a labor. 

Reasons for Decline of Iron Smelting Industry in 19th Century

Well, various reasons affected the iron smelting industry during the 19th century.  But there are some prominent reasons, which played the main role in the downfall of iron smelters in India. Some of the reasons are given down below:

1. New Forest law: During the 19th century, the British government imposed some new laws.  Forest law was one of those laws. According to this law, Indians were not allowed to cut woods from the reserved forest. Which made it difficult for iron smelters to collect woods for the charcoal and iron ore. Which resulted in many smelters leaving the field and finding something else for living.
2. High Tax Rates: The second, most important reason for the declination of the iron smelting industry was the high rate of taxes. Because of the laws made by the British government, the smelters were forced to pay high taxes to the forest authorities which was very difficult for the small business holders. 
3.  The Importation of iron and steel: During the late nineteenth century, the British government took the benefit of the condition of the iron business in India, and started to import the steel and iron made from Britain. This not only increased the business of Britain but also became the greatest reason for the downfall of the Indian iron smelting business. 
4. The Establishment of Iron and Steel Industries in India: At the beginning of the 20th century, the iron smelting industry in India was already facing many problems. On top of that, the smelters had to face competition from some new steel and iron industries, which were settled in India under the control of the British government.
5. Many smelters left the field: Because of the problems faced by the smelters, many small businessmen left the field as they were unable to coop with the situation. The smelters had to pay a high rate of tax for every furnace they use. Which was way difficult for the small craftsmen, and as a result, they left the field.
6. The demand for local iron was reduced: Due to the cheap iron imported from Britain, the local smelters had to face a loss, as people started to use the imported iron as it was a lot cheaper than the local iron. As a result, the demand for local iron decreased drastically.

Sample Questions

Question 1: Why were iron and steel imported to India in the late nineteenth century?

Answer:

During the late nineteenth century, the iron and steel produced by Britain were being imported into India. The main reason for its increasing demand was that it was cheaper than the local iron and steel. So, the iron Smelters in India started to use imported iron, which was an easy and money-saving option for them.

Question 2: What happened to the smelters in the 19th century?

Answer: 

Because of the laws made by the British government, the smelters had to face many difficulties to keep up with the field. They were not allowed to get woods from the restricted areas and even if they get permission, they still had to pay a high amount of tax for it. With these conditions, it was difficult for them to stay in the field. As a result, many smelters left the field.

Question 3: Why did the British import iron and steel to India?

Answer: 

The importation of iron and steel was beneficial for the iron smelters as well as for Britain. Although it affected the iron smelting craft badly in India. but at that time, it was an easy option for the people, who were already facing trouble for being in the field. It was a lot cheaper than the local iron. Which increased its demand in the market. And as a result, the smelters started to use imported iron and steel.

Question 4: Who was Agarias?

Answer: 

Agarias was famously known as the ‘Loharas’, which was the caste famous for iron crafting. They were known for producing goods made of iron such as swords, armors, coins, knives, and so on.