Govinda Samanta : Or the History of a Bengal Raiyat - cultivation of indigo plants and indigo manufacture

Govinda Samanta : Or the History of a Bengal Raiyat

Cultivation of Indigo Plants and Indigo Manufacture

Q. Give a brief account of the cultivation of indigo plants and indigo manufacture as depicted in Day’s Govinda Samanta.

Answer: The “Govinda Samanta : Or the History of a Bengal Raiyat”, written by Lal Behari Day, is a historical account of the life of a wealthy indigo planter named Govinda Samanta in Bengal during the late 18th century. The book provides detailed information about the cultivation of indigo plants and the manufacturing process used to extract indigo dye from the plants.

According to the book, the cultivation of indigo plants was a labor-intensive process that required skilled laborers to work in the fields. The indigo plants were typically sown in May or June and harvested in October or November. The planters had to be careful to ensure that the plants were not damaged during the harvesting process, as this could affect the quality of the dye that was produced.

Once the indigo plants were harvested, they were taken to a processing center where the leaves were crushed and soaked in water. This process was known as fermentation and it was essential for the production of high-quality indigo dye. After the leaves had fermented for several hours, the liquid was drained off and the remaining pulp was pressed to remove any excess water.

The liquid that had been drained off was then allowed to settle and the sediment was removed. The remaining liquid was then poured into large vats where it was stirred and aerated for several hours. This process caused the liquid to oxidize, which resulted in the formation of the blue dye. Once the dye had formed, it was drained off and dried into cakes or balls, which were then sold for use in the textile industry.

In addition to the information provided earlier, the book also describes the social and economic conditions prevalent in Bengal during the 18th century. It depicts how the British East India Company monopolized the indigo trade, leading to the exploitation of local farmers and landowners.

The book highlights the struggles faced by indigo planters such as Govinda Samanta, who had to navigate complex political and economic systems to protect their interests. It also depicts the harsh working conditions and exploitation faced by indigo workers, who were often forced to work long hours for little pay.

Furthermore, the book also provides insights into the cultural and religious practices of the people in Bengal during the 18th century. For instance, it describes the customs and traditions of the Santhal tribe, who were one of the primary labor sources for indigo planters.

In general, the cultivation of indigo plants and the manufacture of indigo dye was a complex process that required a great deal of skill and expertise. The book provides a fascinating insight into the world of indigo planters in Bengal during the 18th century and highlights the importance of indigo dye in the textile industry.

Overall, the Govinda Samanta provides a comprehensive account of the indigo industry in Bengal during the 18th century, shedding light on the complex social, economic, and cultural factors that influenced the cultivation and manufacture of indigo dye.

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