Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The advance system trapped weavers rather than helping them. Once weavers accepted loans to buy raw materials, they were bound to supply cloth only to the Company at miserably low prices fixed by it. They could not sell to other buyers. Additionally, gomasthas — outsiders with no village ties — acted arrogantly, beating weavers for delays, leaving them with no bargaining power whatsoever.

Source: Chapter 4, Section 3.2 — What Happened to Weavers?

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• Examiners expect two clear points: (1) loss of freedom to sell elsewhere due to loans, and (2) oppressive behaviour of gomasthas.
• Avoid vague statements like "it was bad for weavers" — be specific about how the system trapped them.
• The contrast with earlier supply merchants (who had social bonds with weavers) strengthens the answer but is optional at 2 marks.
• Key terms to use: advances/loans, gomastha, monopoly, bargaining power.