Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The system of advances was a method used by the East India Company to control Indian weavers. Once an order was placed, weavers were given loans to purchase raw materials for production. However, those who accepted these loans were compelled to hand over the finished cloth only to the Company's gomastha and could not sell it to any other buyer.

This severely restricted weavers' freedom because:

• They lost the right to bargain or sell to the best buyer.
• The price paid by the Company was miserably low.
• The loans tied them permanently to the Company.
• Many had to lease out their land and devote all their time to weaving for the Company.

Source: What Happened to Weavers?, Chapter 4

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Examiners look for: (1) a clear definition of the system of advances — loans given against future supply, (2) at least two ways it restricted freedom — no other buyers, low prices, debt bondage. Three marks = definition + two restrictions. Avoid writing long paragraphs; bullet points for restrictions save time and earn full credit.