Who was a 'jobber' in the context of Indian textile mills during the colonial period, and what functions did…

Question

Who was a 'jobber' in the context of Indian textile mills during the colonial period, and what functions did he perform for factory owners as well as for workers seeking employment?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer A **jobber** was an old and trusted worker employed by industrialists to recruit new workers for the mills. **Functions for factory owners:** - Recruited workers, usually from his own village or region. - Ensured a regular supply of labour for the mills. **Functions for workers:** - Helped new recruits settle in the city. - Provided money in times of crisis. Over time, the jobber gained considerable authority and began demanding money and gifts in exchange for jobs, and controlled workers' lives. *Source: Chapter 4, Section 4.2 — Where Did the Workers Come From?* --- ## Explanation The examiner expects three clear points for 3 marks: (1) who the jobber was, (2) his role for the mill owner, (3) his role for workers. Notice how the jobber's role shifted into exploitation — mentioning this shows thorough reading. Keep functions listed separately for clarity; it reads better in board exams than long prose.

Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question