Why did European cloth manufacturers in the 13th-17th centuries depend on 'woad' instead of 'indigo' for making blue dyes? 1. Indigo was not known to Europe at that time. 2. Woad was more easily available in Europe as it grew in temperate zones. 3. Indigo prices were very high and supplies were small. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation During the medieval and early modern periods (13th–17th centuries), the European textile industry required dyes for coloring cloth. While Indian indigo produced a rich blue color, European manufacturers largely relied on a locally grown plant called woad due to geographical and economic constraints associated with importing goods from the East. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Indigo was not unknown to Europe during this period. It had been imported from India since ancient times (Greco-Roman era). However, it was primarily considered a luxury item and was available only in very limited quantities. - Statement 2 is Correct: Woad is a plant suited to temperate zones, making it easily cultivable across Europe. Major cultivation centers included northern Italy, southern France, and parts of Germany and Britain. Its local availability made it the primary source of blue dye for European manufacturers. - Statement 3 is Correct: Before the establishment of direct sea routes by the Portuguese, indigo reached Europe through complex trade networks involving Arab merchants. Consequently, supplies were small and prices were extremely high. Furthermore, European woad producers pressured their governments to restrict indigo imports, claiming it was a competitor, which further limited its use. Key Takeaway Woad was the dominant blue dye in medieval Europe because it was locally grown in temperate climates, whereas Indigo was a superior but expensive import from India, restricted by high costs and protectionist policies until the expansion of colonial trade.

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 2: Ruling the Countryside

mcqmedium

Why did European cloth manufacturers in the 13th-17th centuries depend on 'woad' instead of 'indigo' for making blue dyes?

Indigo was not known to Europe at that time.
Woad was more easily available in Europe as it grew in temperate zones.
Indigo prices were very high and supplies were small.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

During the medieval and early modern periods (13th–17th centuries), the European textile industry required dyes for coloring cloth. While Indian indigo produced a rich blue color, European manufacturers largely relied on a locally grown plant called woad due to geographical and economic constraints associated with importing goods from the East.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Indigo was not unknown to Europe during this period. It had been imported from India since ancient times (Greco-Roman era). However, it was primarily considered a luxury item and was available only in very limited quantities.
Statement 2 is Correct: Woad is a plant suited to temperate zones, making it easily cultivable across Europe. Major cultivation centers included northern Italy, southern France, and parts of Germany and Britain. Its local availability made it the primary source of blue dye for European manufacturers.
Statement 3 is Correct: Before the establishment of direct sea routes by the Portuguese, indigo reached Europe through complex trade networks involving Arab merchants. Consequently, supplies were small and prices were extremely high. Furthermore, European woad producers pressured their governments to restrict indigo imports, claiming it was a competitor, which further limited its use.

Key Takeaway

Woad was the dominant blue dye in medieval Europe because it was locally grown in temperate climates, whereas Indigo was a superior but expensive import from India, restricted by high costs and protectionist policies until the expansion of colonial trade.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Ruling the Countryside

With reference to the Permanent Settlement introduced in 1793, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced by Governor-General Warren Hastings. 2. The rajas and taluqdars were recognised as zamindars. 3. The revenue demand was fixed permanently and could not be increased in the future. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Mahalwari Settlement", consider the following statements: 1. It was devised by Holt Mackenzie and came into effect in 1822. 2. It was primarily introduced in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies. 3. The charge of collecting revenue was given to the zamindar rather than the village headman. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Ryotwari system, consider the following statements: 1. It was developed by Thomas Munro and extended all over south India. 2. It was based on the argument that powerful traditional zamindars existed in the south. 3. The settlement was made directly with the cultivators (ryots). Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the global indigo market in the late 18th century: 1. The French completely banned the cultivation of indigo in St Domingue. 2. The production of indigo in the world fell by half between 1783 and 1789. 3. The collapse of West Indies supplies forced Britain to stop importing indigo altogether. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Indigo was not unknown to Europe during this period. It had been imported from India since ancient times (Greco-Roman era). However, it was primarily considered a luxury item and was available only in very limited quantities.
Statement 2 is Correct: Woad is a plant suited to temperate zones, making it easily cultivable across Europe. Major cultivation centers included northern Italy, southern France, and parts of Germany and Britain. Its local availability made it the primary source of blue dye for European manufacturers.
Statement 3 is Correct: Before the establishment of direct sea routes by the Portuguese, indigo reached Europe through complex trade networks involving Arab merchants. Consequently, supplies were small and prices were extremely high. Furthermore, European woad producers pressured their governments to restrict indigo imports, claiming it was a competitor, which further limited its use.