Consider the following statements regarding the textile industry in Bengal: 1. Daccai Muslin was a coarse cotton textile with no international demand. 2. The finest variety was known as 'malmal'. 3. It was exclusively used by the British royalty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only. Explanation Prior to British rule, India was one of the world’s leading producers of cotton textiles. Bengal was particularly renowned for its fine quality cotton fabrics, which were exported globally. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Daccai Muslin was not a coarse textile; it was legendary for its exquisite fineness and delicate texture. It had high international demand and was a major export item to Southeast Asia, West and Central Asia, and Europe. - Statement 2 is Correct: The finest variety of muslin was referred to as 'malmal'. Sometimes, foreign travelers and traders also used this term to describe the high-quality muslin produced in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh). - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The fabric was not exclusively used by British royalty. It was widely patronized by the Mughal emperors, Indian nobility, and wealthy classes in Europe and other parts of the world. Varieties like 'Malmal Khas' were specifically meant for the royalty of the time, which primarily included the Mughals and local rulers. Key Takeaway: Daccai Muslin was a globally renowned, ultra-fine cotton fabric from Bengal, often referred to as 'malmal', and was a significant export commodity before the decline of Indian handicrafts under British rule.

NCERT Class 11 Economics — Chapter 1: Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the textile industry in Bengal:

Daccai Muslin was a coarse cotton textile with no international demand.
The finest variety was known as 'malmal'.
It was exclusively used by the British royalty.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

Prior to British rule, India was one of the world’s leading producers of cotton textiles. Bengal was particularly renowned for its fine quality cotton fabrics, which were exported globally.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Daccai Muslin was not a coarse textile; it was legendary for its exquisite fineness and delicate texture. It had high international demand and was a major export item to Southeast Asia, West and Central Asia, and Europe.
Statement 2 is Correct: The finest variety of muslin was referred to as 'malmal'. Sometimes, foreign travelers and traders also used this term to describe the high-quality muslin produced in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The fabric was not exclusively used by British royalty. It was widely patronized by the Mughal emperors, Indian nobility, and wealthy classes in Europe and other parts of the world. Varieties like 'Malmal Khas' were specifically meant for the royalty of the time, which primarily included the Mughals and local rulers.

Key Takeaway:

Daccai Muslin was a globally renowned, ultra-fine cotton fabric from Bengal, often referred to as 'malmal', and was a significant export commodity before the decline of Indian handicrafts under British rule.

Your note

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The two-fold motive behind the systematic de-industrialisation of India was to: 1. Make India a supplier of raw materials. 2. Make India a net exporter of finished industrial products. 3. Prevent India from becoming a competitor in the industrial sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following statements accurately describes the "drain of wealth" mechanism?

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Which of the following were consequences of the decline of the indigenous handicraft industries? 1. Massive unemployment in India. 2. It led to an oversupply of locally made goods in the domestic market. 3. Increased demand for British manufactured goods.

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The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

Prior to British rule, India was one of the world’s leading producers of cotton textiles. Bengal was particularly renowned for its fine quality cotton fabrics, which were exported globally.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Daccai Muslin was not a coarse textile; it was legendary for its exquisite fineness and delicate texture. It had high international demand and was a major export item to Southeast Asia, West and Central Asia, and Europe.
Statement 2 is Correct: The finest variety of muslin was referred to as 'malmal'. Sometimes, foreign travelers and traders also used this term to describe the high-quality muslin produced in Dhaka (now in Bangladesh).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The fabric was not exclusively used by British royalty. It was widely patronized by the Mughal emperors, Indian nobility, and wealthy classes in Europe and other parts of the world. Varieties like 'Malmal Khas' were specifically meant for the royalty of the time, which primarily included the Mughals and local rulers.

Key Takeaway: