Q. Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century because of

• peasant resistance to the oppressive conduct of planters
• its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
• national leaders’ opposition to the cultivation if indigo
• Government control over the planters

Answer: (b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions

Notes:

• Indigo cultivation in India declined by the beginning of the 20th century primarily due to the unprofitability of natural indigo in the world market, stemming from the invention and widespread production of cheaper synthetic dyes.
• The late 19th century saw the development and mass production of synthetic dyes, like aniline dyes, which were cheaper and easier to produce than natural indigo.
• The availability of synthetic alternatives significantly reduced the global demand for natural indigo, leading to a decline in its price and profitability.