Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of
(a) peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
(c) national leaders’ opposition to the cultivation if indigo
(d) Government control over the planters
Correct Answer – (b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Decline of Indigo Cultivation in India
The primary reason for the decline of indigo cultivation in India was indeed its unprofitability in the world market, largely due to the advent of synthetic dyes. In 1856, William Henry Perkin, a British chemist, accidentally discovered the first synthetic dye, known as mauveine, while attempting to synthesize quinine for the treatment of malaria. This discovery marked the beginning of the synthetic dye industry, which rapidly expanded and led to the development of a wide range of synthetic dyes that were cheaper and more reliable than natural indigo. As these synthetic dyes became more popular, the demand for natural indigo, which was more expensive and labor-intensive to produce, declined sharply. This made the cultivation of indigo unprofitable for farmers in India, leading to a significant reduction in its production.
