Home / Education / The Age of Industrialisation: Class-10th History Chapter-4 ( Easy NCERT Notes )

Education

The Age of Industrialisation: Class-10th History Chapter-4 ( Easy NCERT Notes )

October 30, 2025

The Age of Industrialisation marks one of the most important turning points in human history. Before industrialisation, most goods were produced by hand in small workshops and homes. But with the coming of industrialisation, machines began to take over the work that was once done by people.

Industrialisation started first in Britain in the late 18th century and soon spread to other parts of Europe and the world. Industrialisation changed everything — the way people worked, lived, and earned their livelihood. New factories, machines, and technologies became symbols of progress and modernity.

However, industrialisation was not just about growth and machines — it also brought new struggles. Many workers faced unemployment, long working hours, and poor conditions in factories. In colonies like India, industrialisation created both opportunities and hardships — traditional industries declined while new forms of production and trade emerged.

Thus, the Age of Industrialisation represents not only the rise of factories and machines but also the complex social and economic changes that reshaped the modern world.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Before the rise of factories and large-scale industries, handmade goods and small-scale production were common in Europe.
Industrialisation did not happen all of a sudden — it was a slow and gradual process that transformed societies and economies.
The Industrialisation began in Britain in the late 18th century and later spread to other parts of the world.
This period marked a major shift from manual labour to machine-based production.
New inventions, steam power, and the factory system changed the way goods were produced and how people worked.
However, industrialisation also brought social changes — it affected workers’ lives, urban living, and even trade patterns.
The chapter explores how:
- Industries developed over time.
- How industrialisation spread across regions.
- What impact it had on workers, traders, and consumers.
The main focus is to understand how this transformation shaped modern industrial society.

Topic-1: Dawn of the century and Two Magicians

The nineteenth century ended and the twentieth century began with great hope and excitement about the future of industrial society.
People believed that the coming years would bring prosperity, progress, and modern inventions that would improve human life.

The Scene – Two Magicians

The chapter opens with a fictional cartoon or imaginary scene called “Two Magicians.”
In this scene, two magicians are shown — one represents the old world (traditional and pre-industrial era) and the other represents the new world (industrial and modern age).
The magicians’ acts symbolize the changes taking place during this period — the shift from old crafts and handmade goods to machines and factory-based production.

Symbolic Meaning

The old magician stands for old industries, handicrafts, and traditional methods of production.
The new magician symbolizes machines, technology, science, and the modern industrial world.
It reflects how industrialisation brought both wonder and uncertainty — people were amazed by new inventions but also fearful of losing traditional jobs and lifestyles.

Overall Message

The “Two Magicians” scene captures the spirit of the new century — full of innovation, transformation, and change.
It marks the dawn of a new era where machines replaced men, factories replaced workshops, and modern industry became the symbol of progress.

Topic-2: Industrial Revolution

Meaning

The Industrial Revolution refers to the period of major industrial change that began in Britain around the 18th century and this industrialisation later spread to other parts of the world.
It marked the shift from manual, hand-made production to machine-based manufacturing in factories.

Time Period

The Industrialisation began in Britain around 1760 and continued till the mid-19th century.
It then spread to countries like France, Germany, the USA, and Japan.

Main Features

Use of Machines – Production shifted from hand tools to machines powered by steam and later electricity.
Rise of Factories – Goods were now produced in factories instead of small workshops or homes.
Urbanisation – People moved from villages to cities in search of jobs in factories.
Growth of New Industries – Textile, iron, coal, and transport industries grew rapidly.
Invention and Innovation – New machines like the spinning jenny, steam engine, and power loom were invented.
Mass Production – Goods were produced in large quantities, leading to lower prices and wider availability.

Impact on People and Society

Many workers lost traditional jobs as machines replaced manual labour.
Working conditions in factories were often harsh and unsafe.
However, it also created new job opportunities and increased overall production.
Led to the growth of a new social class — the industrial working class and the middle class (factory owners, traders, etc.).

Significance

The Industrialisation changed the world’s economy and society permanently.
It laid the foundation for modern industries, technological progress, and global trade.
It also gave rise to new social and political ideas related to labour rights and economic reform.

Topic-3: Before the Industrial Revolution

1. Production Before Factories

Before the rise of factories, production was mostly done by hand.
Goods were made in small workshops or people’s homes — this was known as the cottage industry or domestic system.
The merchant supplied raw materials to the workers, who spun, wove, and finished the goods at home.
The finished products were then collected and sold by merchants in markets across Europe and abroad.

2. The Proto-Industrial System

This early phase of production (before factories) is called Proto-industrialisation.
It was an important stage between the rural economy and the modern industrial economy.
Thousands of rural families were involved in part-time industrial work while still doing farming.
This helped merchants meet the growing demand for goods, especially textiles, in international markets.

3. Role of Merchants

Rich merchants played a big role in this system.
They controlled trade, supplied raw materials, and paid workers for their labour.
But they did not own factories — the work was still done in workers’ homes.
Merchants often avoided towns (where guilds controlled trade and production) and preferred to work in villages for cheaper labour and fewer restrictions.

4. Limitations of Hand Production

Hand production was slow and less efficient compared to machines.
Quality depended on the skill of workers.
Production could be affected by weather, season, or availability of raw materials.
Growing demand for goods led to the need for faster, large-scale production — which finally led to the Industrialisation.

5. Transition to Industrialisation

The success of the proto-industrial system created a base for the factory system.
When new machines like the Spinning Jenny and steam engine were invented, production moved from homes to factories.
This marked the true beginning of industrialisation in Britain and later the world.

Topic-4: Coming up of factory

1. Beginning of the Factory System

The first factories came up in Britain in the 1730s.
Before this, goods were made by hand in homes or small workshops (domestic system).
Factories marked a new phase of production — they brought machines and workers together under one roof.
By the late 18th century, the number of factories increased rapidly, especially in the cotton and textile industries.

2. What Made Factories Different

Factories were large buildings where goods were produced on a large scale.
They used machines powered by water or steam.
Many workers worked together under the supervision of managers.
Factory owners could control production, time, and quality more efficiently than before.

3. Changes in the Lives of Workers

Before factories, workers worked independently and decided their own working hours.
In factories, they had to follow strict rules and schedules.
Factory work was hard, repetitive, and tiring, with long hours and low wages.
Many workers lost their freedom and creativity, becoming part of machine-based routine work.

4. Growth and Spread

The factory system spread quickly across Britain and later to Europe and America.
Industries like textiles, iron, coal, and steel grew rapidly.
Factories became the symbol of modern industrial life and economic progress.

5. Importance of the Factory System

Increased speed and volume of production.
Helped develop new towns and cities around factory areas.
Created a new class structure — the industrial working class and capitalist factory owners.
Laid the foundation of the modern industrial economy.

Topic-5: The Pace of Industrial Change

1. Uneven Growth of Industries

The process of industrialisation did not happen at the same speed everywhere.
Some industries developed rapidly, while others grew slowly.
Even in Britain (the first industrial nation), new industries took a long time to replace old ones.

2. Dominance of Traditional Industries

Cotton and metal industries were the leading sectors of the early Industrialisation.
However, most industries were still traditional and hand-based.
Even by the mid-19th century, a large portion of workers in Britain were employed in small workshops and handicrafts, not in factories.

3. New Technology Took Time to Spread

New inventions like the steam engine and power loom were not adopted quickly by all producers.
Reasons:
- High cost of machines.
- Fear of unemployment among workers.
- Repair and maintenance of machines were difficult.
Many producers preferred hand labour, especially when cheap labour was available.

4. Expansion of Old Industries

Older industries like food processing, building construction, shipbuilding, and furniture making continued to grow steadily.
These industries relied more on manual labour than on machines.
So, even during industrialisation, handmade goods remained important and in demand.

5. Gradual Nature of Industrialisation

Industrialisation was a slow and uneven process, not a sudden change.
The use of machines increased over time, but handicrafts survived for many decades.
The shift from handicraft to machine production took place gradually, depending on the industry and region.

Topic-6: Hand Labour and Steam Power

1. Dependence on Hand Labour in Britain

During the Industrialisation, machines became popular, but hand labour was still widely used in Britain.
Unlike other countries, Britain had a large population and plenty of cheap labour.
So, many industrialists thought it was cheaper to use workers instead of buying and maintaining expensive machines.

2. Employment and Wages

Workers from rural areas came to cities in search of jobs.
Due to low wages, factory owners could easily hire many workers.
Hand labour was used for tasks that required skill, variety, or careful finishing.
- Example: Ornaments, luxury goods, and fine textiles.

3. Machines Were Not Always Suitable

Machines were designed for mass production of identical goods, not for small batches or special orders.
So, for customized products or seasonal demand, hand labour was preferred.
In textile industries producing fashionable or high-quality items, manual work remained important.

4. Steam Power and Its Spread

The steam engine, invented by James Watt in 1781, became a symbol of the Industrialisation.
It was used to run machines, trains, and ships, increasing speed and efficiency.
However, steam power spread slowly because:
- Machines were expensive.
- Fuel (coal) cost was high.
- Many industries still relied on water or hand power.

Topic-7: Life of the Workers

1. Migration and Employment

During the Industrialisation, many rural people migrated to cities in search of jobs.
Factories needed workers, but jobs were not stable.
Employment was seasonal, and workers had to compete for limited work.
Many had to wait outside factories every morning hoping to get hired for the day.

2. Low Wages and Long Hours

Workers were paid very low wages — not enough to meet basic needs.
They often worked for 14–16 hours a day in unsafe and unhealthy conditions.
Women and children were also employed because they could be paid less than men.

3. Living Conditions

Industrial cities became crowded and polluted.
Workers lived in poor-quality houses or slums with no sanitation and unclean water.
Diseases spread quickly due to unhygienic surroundings.

4. Impact of Machinery

The introduction of machines created fear of unemployment among workers.
Skilled artisans lost their traditional jobs as machines replaced manual work.
At times, angry workers destroyed machines.

5. Struggles and Protests

Workers began to form associations and trade unions.
They protested for better wages, shorter working hours, and safe conditions.
Some also supported political movements demanding the right to vote and workers’ rights.

Topic-8: Industrialisation in the colonies

1. Industrialisation Was Not the Same Everywhere

The process of industrialisation was different in colonies like India compared to Europe.
While Britain became industrialised, its colonies were made to supply raw materials and buy British manufactured goods.
This means colonies like India faced de-industrialisation instead of real industrial growth.

2. Britain – The Industrial Power

Britain was the first industrial nation and the leading manufacturer of goods like textiles.
To run its industries, Britain needed:
- Raw materials (like cotton, jute, indigo) from colonies.
- Markets to sell finished goods.
So, the British used their colonies to fulfil both these needs.

3. India – The Supplier and Market

India became a source of raw materials for British industries.
- Example: Raw cotton was sent from India to British mills.
India also became a market for British goods.
- Cheap machine-made textiles from Britain flooded Indian markets.
- This led to the decline of Indian handloom and handicraft industries.

4. Decline of Indian Handicrafts

Before British rule, India was known for its fine handmade textiles (like muslin and silk).
But after industrialisation in Britain:
- Indian weavers lost their markets.
- Heavy import duties were imposed on Indian goods.
- British goods entered India freely at low prices.
As a result, many Indian artisans and weavers became unemployed.

5. Unequal Relationship

Industrialisation created an unequal economic relationship between Britain and its colonies.
Britain became industrial and rich, while colonies like India became sources of raw materials and poor consumers.
This led to colonial exploitation, not industrial development, in India.

Topic-9: What happened to weavers?

1. India’s Fame Before British Rule

Before the British came, Indian handwoven textiles like muslin of Dhaka, chintz of Calicut, and silks of Banaras were famous worldwide.
Indian weavers were highly skilled, and their products were exported to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

2. Arrival of Machine-Made Goods

After the Industrialisation in Britain, machine-made textiles started being produced in large quantities.
These cheap British goods flooded Indian markets.
As a result, demand for Indian handwoven cloth declined sharply.

3. Loss of Foreign Markets

British government policies favored British manufacturers.
High import duties were imposed on Indian textiles entering Britain, making them costly there.
At the same time, British goods were imported into India freely — this destroyed India’s export market.

4. Problems Faced by Weavers

Drop in Demand: Indian cloth couldn’t compete with cheap, machine-made textiles.
Loss of Livelihood: Many weavers became unemployed or turned into agricultural labourers.
Debt and Poverty: Weavers often had to borrow money to survive, leading to heavy debts.
Raw Material Shortage: Raw cotton was being exported to Britain, leaving little for Indian weavers.

5. The Situation by the Mid-19th Century

By the 1850s, the Indian handloom industry had collapsed in many regions.
Weavers protested by cutting their looms or migrating to other jobs.
India turned from being a major textile exporter to a market for British goods.

Topic-10: Manchester comes to India

1. Manchester – The Industrial City

Manchester in Britain became the center of the cotton textile industry after the Industrialisation.
It produced large quantities of cheap, machine-made cloth.
To sell these goods, British manufacturers looked for new markets, especially in colonies like India.

2. India as a Market for British Goods

After Britain colonised India, Indian markets were opened for British goods.
Machine-made cotton cloth from Manchester started flooding Indian markets from the early 19th century.
These goods were cheaper than Indian handwoven cloth, so Indian weavers could not compete.

3. Decline of Indian Industry

The import of Manchester goods led to the collapse of Indian handloom and handicraft industries.
Indian textiles, once famous worldwide, lost both domestic and foreign markets.
Weavers and artisans faced unemployment and poverty.

4. British Policies Favoured Manchester

The East India Company and later the British government framed policies that favoured British manufacturers:
- Heavy taxes were placed on Indian textiles exported to Britain.
- No import duties on British goods entering India.
This made Indian goods costly and British goods cheap, forcing Indian consumers to buy British cloth.

5. The Indian Reaction

Indian weavers and traders suffered huge losses due to Industrialisation in Britain.
Many weavers lost their traditional livelihood and turned to agriculture or became labourers in cities.
The market was now dominated by Manchester goods — a clear sign of colonial control over Indian economy.

Topic-11: Factories come up

1. The Beginning of Factories in India

The first cotton textile mill in India was set up in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1854.
Soon after, jute mills were started in Bengal (Rishra in 1855).
Later, cotton mills came up in Ahmedabad, and jute mills in Calcutta (Kolkata).
By the late 19th century, industrialization had begun in a few Indian cities.

2. Why Factories Developed in Bombay and Calcutta

Bombay (Mumbai) grew because of its harbour, which made it easy to import raw cotton and export cloth.
Calcutta (Kolkata) developed due to jute cultivation in Bengal and easy access to the River Hooghly for transport.

3. Who Set Up These Factories

Indian merchants and industrialists like Dwarkanath Tagore, Dinshaw Petit, and Jamsetjee Nusserwanjee Tata played a key role.
They invested in textiles, jute, iron, and steel industries.
Some European merchants also set up factories in India.

4. Early Industrial Growth

The growth of Indian industries was slow at first due to competition from British goods.
Indian manufacturers mainly produced coarse cloth for the poor, while fine cloth continued to be imported from Britain.
Still, industrial employment and urban centers gradually increased.

5. The Swadeshi Movement’s Impact (1905 onwards)

The Swadeshi movement encouraged Indian-made goods and boycott of foreign goods.
This gave a boost to Indian industries, leading to new factories and mills being set up.

Topic-12: The Early Entrepreneurs

1. Who Were the Early Entrepreneurs in India?

Entrepreneurs are people who start and manage businesses.
In India, the early entrepreneurs were mainly Indian merchants, bankers, and traders who had made wealth through foreign trade before the coming of British rule.
They later used their money to start industrial ventures (factories, mills, etc.).

2. Examples of Indian Entrepreneurs

Dwarkanath Tagore (Bengal):
- One of the earliest Indian industrialists.
- Invested in coal mines, indigo, shipping, and banking.
- Partnered with British merchants.
Dinshaw Petit and Jamsetjee Nusserwanjee Tata (Bombay):
- Parsi industrialists who started cotton textile mills in Bombay.
- Tata later founded the Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) in 1907.
Other merchants:
- Many Marwari and Chettiar traders also invested in cotton, jute, and banking sectors.

3. How They Earned Capital

They made profits from trading with China, especially by exporting opium in exchange for tea and silk.
The money earned from these trades was used to set up industries in India.

4. Challenges Faced by Indian Entrepreneurs

The British government favoured British businessmen.
Indian merchants were often not allowed to trade in European markets.
They faced restrictions on importing machinery and obtaining credit.
The Indian markets were flooded with British goods, which made it difficult for local industries to grow.

5. Growth of Indian Enterprises

Despite restrictions, Indian entrepreneurs started cotton mills in Bombay, jute mills in Calcutta, and iron and steel industries later on.
Their success laid the foundation of modern Indian industries.

Topic-13: Where did the workers come from?

1. Need for Workers

As factories started coming up in India, there was a huge demand for workers.
But finding regular and disciplined workers was difficult in the beginning.

2. Source of Workers

Most factory workers came from villages.
They were peasants and artisans who had lost their traditional livelihoods due to:
- Decline of handicrafts and handlooms.
- Low agricultural income and famines.
They came to cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras in search of work.

3. Role of Jobbers

Jobbers were agents or middlemen who helped factories hire workers.
They often came from the same villages as the workers.
Jobbers promised jobs, sometimes in exchange for money, gifts, or personal loyalty.
They became powerful figures in the factory system.

4. Working Conditions

Factory work was hard and uncertain.
Workers were often hired and fired easily depending on demand.
No job security, low wages, and long working hours were common.
Many workers kept one foot in the village — working in cities during some months and returning home during others.

5. Living Conditions

Most workers lived in crowded slums near factories.
Poor sanitation, unsafe conditions, and disease were widespread.
Despite hardships, workers formed communities and sometimes protested for better conditions.

Topic-14: The Peculiarities of Industrial Growth

1. Slow and Uneven Growth of Industries

Industrial growth in India was slow and uneven under British rule.
Some industries like cotton and jute grew quickly, while others remained small.
British goods dominated the Indian market, leaving limited space for Indian products.

2. Dominance of British Industries

The British controlled most of India’s economic and trade policies.
Manchester-made cotton cloth and Lancashire goods were imported in large quantities.
Indian industries mainly produced coarse cloth for local use, not for export.

3. Indian Industrial Expansion

Despite restrictions, Indian entrepreneurs found opportunities to grow:
- During the First World War (1914–1918), imports from Britain declined sharply.
- Indian factories increased production of cloth, iron, and steel to meet wartime demand.
- After the war, Indian industries became more self-reliant and expanded rapidly.

4. The Role of Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement (1905) encouraged people to boycott foreign goods.
This led to a rise in demand for Indian-made products.
Many new textile mills and small factories were established.

5. Product Variety

Indian industries began to produce a wide range of goods —
- Cotton textiles, jute, iron and steel, matches, paper, and glass.
Small-scale industries coexisted with large factories.
Traditional crafts and modern industries grew side by side.

6. After World War I

During and after World War I:
- Imports from Britain reduced due to the war.
- Indian industries grew to fill the gap.
- Indian industrialists gained confidence and experience in production and management.

Topic-15: Small-scale industries predominate

1. Coexistence of Big and Small Industries

Even after large factories were set up, small-scale industries continued to dominate industrial production in India.
A large part of the industrial workforce was still engaged in handicrafts, handlooms, and small workshops.

2. Employment in Small-Scale Industries

By the early 20th century, only about 10% of the total industrial workforce was employed in modern factories.
The remaining 90% worked in small-scale industries such as:
- Handlooms (cloth weaving)
- Metal work
- Leather and pottery
- Woodwork and glass making

3. Reasons for Their Survival

Low Capital Requirement:
- These industries required little investment and could be started by families at home.
Local Demand:
- They supplied goods to local markets and rural areas.
Skilled Craftsmanship:
- Many artisans had traditional skills that machines couldn’t replace easily.
Cheap Labour:
- Availability of low-cost labour helped small units survive.
Swadeshi Movement:
- The movement promoted Indian handmade goods and boycott of British products, boosting small industries.

4. Regional Specialisation

Different regions of India were known for specific crafts:
- Madhubani – hand-painted textiles
- Murshidabad – silk weaving
- Lucknow – chikan embroidery
- Kutch and Rajasthan – tie-dye and block printing

5. Importance of Small-Scale Industries

Provided employment to millions in villages and towns.
Helped preserve Indian art and culture.
Contributed to domestic production, even though large factories got more attention.

Topic-16: Market for goods

1. Need for New Markets

As industrial production increased, British and Indian manufacturers needed buyers for their goods.
Finding a large market became essential to sell machine-made products and earn profits.

2. Advertisement and Branding

Advertising played a key role in creating a market for goods.
Manufacturers used labels, calendars, newspapers, and posters to attract customers.
Advertisements made people believe that buying certain products showed modernity, style, and status.

3. Labels and Packaging

Goods were sold with beautiful labels and images to make them appealing.
Labels often carried messages like:
- “Made in Manchester” or “Made in Britain” — to show superior quality.
- Indian gods and goddesses — to attract Indian buyers.
This created a trust and emotional connection with consumers.

4. Use of Indian Symbols

Indian manufacturers used religious and cultural symbols to promote their goods.
Example:
- Images of Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) or Bharat Mata were printed on labels.
- This gave the impression of purity, prosperity, and nationalism.

5. The Swadeshi Influence

During the Swadeshi Movement (1905), advertisements began to promote Indian-made goods and boycott of foreign products.
Slogans like “Buy Indian” or “Be Proud of Indian Products” became popular.
This helped Indian industries grow and create national pride.

6. Creating Desire

Advertisements did not just inform — they created desire among consumers.
They used emotional appeal, showing products as symbols of modern life and progress.
This helped expand the market for factory-made goods across India.

Conclusion

The Age of Industrialisation was a period of great transformation that changed the face of the world forever. It brought new inventions, machines, and industries that led to faster production and growth. Industrialisation created modern cities, railways, and communication systems, opening new paths of progress and development.

But at the same time, industrialisation also brought problems — poor working conditions, child labour, and the decline of traditional handcraft industries. In countries like India, industrialisation under colonial rule benefited the British more than the local people, leading to the destruction of many local industries.

Despite its challenges, industrialisation laid the foundation of the modern world. It transformed societies, economies, and ways of life, shaping the path toward today’s industrial and technological age.

In short, industrialisation was both a maker of progress and a cause of struggle — a revolution that changed human history forever.