Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The East India Company introduced a system of advances to control weavers. Once an order was placed, weavers were given loans to purchase raw materials. In return, they had to hand over the finished cloth only to the Company's agent, the gomastha. They were prevented from selling to any other buyer.

Consequences for weavers who tried to sell elsewhere: They lost the freedom to bargain or approach rival traders. The price paid by the Company was miserably low, and since they had already accepted loans, they were completely tied to the Company. Many weavers were beaten or flogged by gomasthas for delays. Over time, weavers deserted villages, revolted, or abandoned weaving altogether.

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

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• Examiners expect two clear parts: how the system worked (loans → raw material → cloth surrendered to gomastha) and consequences (loss of bargaining power, low prices, tied by debt, punishment).
• Use key terms: advances, gomastha, monopoly. These signal textbook knowledge and earn marks.
• At 3 marks, keep it to ~3 crisp points — don't overwrite. Each point should be distinct.