A History of Agriculture in India v2.c84.s5.1

v2.c84.s5.1

The chief industry of India was handloom textiles, and its aggregate production was impressive. Its magnitude certainly impressed the Portuguese, as may be seen from the statement quoted by Pyrard, that ‘every one from the Cape of Good Hope to China, man and woman, is clothed from head to foot’ in the products of Indian looms. Fine muslins were manufactured in royal karkhanas. These muslins were used for turbans, and also for drawers worn by females, so delicately fine as frequently to wear out in one night. ‘This article of dress, which lasts only a few hours,’ says Bernier, ‘may cost ten or twelve crowns, and even more, when beautifully embroidered with needle-work.’