Attributing the Remark on Indian Cotton Weavers

The question asks to identify who made the significant statement: "the bones of the cotton weavers are bleaching the plains of India". This quote powerfully describes the devastating impact of British colonial policies on India's traditional textile industry, particularly the handloom weavers.

Understanding the Quote's Context

During the British colonial era, policies often favored British manufactured goods over Indian ones. This led to:

• The decline of indigenous industries like handloom weaving.
• Increased import of cheaper, machine-made textiles from Britain.
• Displacement and impoverishment of skilled Indian artisans and weavers.

The quote vividly illustrates the suffering and death caused to these weavers as their livelihood disappeared.

Identifying the Speaker

The remark "the bones of the cotton weavers are bleaching the plains of India" is widely attributed to Lord William Bentinck, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1828 to 1835. He observed the severe economic distress faced by the weavers due to the changing economic landscape shaped by British administration and trade policies.

Significance of the Statement

This quote is crucial because it:

• Highlights the negative socio-economic consequences of British deindustrialization policies in India.
• Serves as a poignant critique of the colonial economic system.
• Remains a symbol of the hardship faced by traditional artisans under foreign rule.

While figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy were social reformers active during the period, and Lord Macaulay was influential in education policy, the specific observation about the weavers' plight is linked to Lord William Bentinck's tenure and his acknowledgment of the devastating effects on the Indian textile sector.