The East India Company was a powerful force in India, influencing its culture and economy during the 18th century. As part of their operations, the company employed a number of intermediaries known as ‘Gomasthas’ to supervise the work of weavers in India. This article looks at the role of Gomasthas and the impact they had on the weaving industry in India.
Gomasthas Appointed by East India Company
The East India Company appointed Gomasthas to act as intermediaries between them and the weavers. Gomasthas were independent contractors who were responsible for collecting raw materials for the weavers, as well as ensuring the quality of the finished products. They also acted as mediators, helping to resolve disputes between the company and the weavers. Gomasthas were also responsible for keeping records of the weavers’ production and ensuring that the weavers met their production targets.
Supervising Weavers in India
Gomasthas were responsible for supervising the work of weavers in India. They would visit the weavers’ villages to inspect the quality of the fabrics they produced and to ensure that the weavers were meeting their production targets. They also acted as mediators between the East India Company and the weavers, helping to resolve disputes and ensuring that the weavers received fair payment for their work. The Gomasthas also collected raw materials from the weavers and distributed them to the company’s agents.
The role of Gomasthas was important in ensuring the quality of the fabrics produced by weavers in India. They provided an important link between the company and the weavers, ensuring that the company received quality fabrics on time and that the weavers received fair payment for their work.
The role of Gomasthas was important in the 18th century India. They acted as intermediaries between the East India Company and the weavers, ensuring that the company received quality fabrics on time and that the weavers received fair payment for their work. The Gomasthas also helped to resolve disputes between the company and the weavers and acted as mediators in the weaving industry.
