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13 Aug 2024

Jute: India’s Gift to the World

Written by

The Logical Indian

Category

Places and People

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Introduction

Jute, often referred to as ‘The Golden Fibre’, stands out as a remarkable natural resource that has woven its roots deep into India’s history. With a rich legacy dating back to ancient times, jute production traces its origin to the fertile lands of India, making it a truly precious gift from the country to the world.

The Roots of Tradition

Derived from the bast or skin of the jute plant’s stem, this golden and silky fibre has been an integral part of Indian culture for centuries. Historical documents, such as the Ain-i-Akbari from 1590, highlight how jute was used by poor villagers during the era of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. Simple handlooms and spinning wheels were employed to create clothes and various everyday items from this versatile fibre. The use of jute ropes and twines by Indians, especially the Bengalis, for household purposes further emphasises its deep-seated presence in ancient times.

The Global Journey Begins

The journey of jute as a global commodity began in the 17th century when the British East India Company took on the role of the first jute trader. The company primarily dealt in raw jute during the 19th century, establishing a trade link with Dundee's Jute Industry in Scotland. Margaret Donnelly, a jute mill landowner in Dundee, played a crucial role in setting up the first jute mills in India. This marked the beginning of a flourishing industry that would go on to shape the economic landscape of the subcontinent.

Calcutta: The Jute Capital

The real turning point came in 1855 when the first jute mill was established at Rishra, near Calcutta, by Mr George Acland, who brought jute spinning machinery from Dundee. The availability of raw materials, abundant labour, and ideal shipping locations propelled the jute industry’s rapid growth. By 1910, India had 38 companies operating over 30,000 looms, exporting more than a billion yards of cloth and over 450 million bags. Calcutta became a global leader in producing burlap and bagging materials, further solidifying jute’s importance on the world stage.

Independence and Evolution

Even after the fall of the British Empire in 1947, the jute industry persevered in India, as Marwari businessmen took over the mills. In East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), the need for a local jute industry arose, leading to the establishment of numerous mills. Post the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, the government took control of most Pakistani-owned jute mills, forming the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC).

Jute Today: Eco-Friendly and Versatile

Today, India stands proudly as the largest producer of jute, followed closely by Bangladesh. The top ten jute-producing countries include China, Côte d'Ivoire, Thailand, Myanmar, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Nepal, and Vietnam. Bangladesh has emerged as the largest exporter of raw jute, while India remains the world's largest consumer of jute products.

The significance of jute goes beyond its historical roots and economic contributions. Jute is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable, making it an environmentally sustainable choice. Its cultivation is concentrated in rain-fed areas of Bangladesh, India, China, and Thailand. The long staple fibre boasts high tensile strength, low extensibility, and a golden shine that adds to its allure.

In recent years, jute has found its way into various industries, diversifying its applications. From non-woven textiles and composites to geotextiles and high-performance technical textiles, jute continues to evolve. Its use in the automotive industry for eco-friendly interiors and the development of byproducts for cosmetics, medicine, and paints showcase the versatility of this gift from India to the world.

Conclusion

Jute’s journey from ancient times to its global prominence is a testament to its importance and resilience. Originating in India, it has transcended borders and become a valuable resource for a sustainable and eco-friendly future. As we celebrate the golden fibre, let us recognise and appreciate the gift that jute, a true symbol of India’s rich heritage, offers to the world.

References

History of Jute
Worldjute.com
Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/plant/jute-plant

IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), with a paid-up share capital of INR 663 crore, is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. Our key differentiators are our simple, easy-to-understand products that are fairly-priced and efficiently serviced.We offer a diversified suite of over 46 need-based products & Riders (as of 31st March 2022) catering to varied customer segments, leveraging multiple distribution capabilities and augmenting various investment options. In all, propositions under the categories of Protection, Assured Savings, Wealth, Pension, Health and Group Funds for Employee Liabilities form a complete suite of offerings that help our customers prepare for the certainties of life. Our products are easy to understand and competitively priced with risk management being our core strength.

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IndiaFirst Life & the logical indian

Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life), is one of the country's youngest life insurance companies. The Logical Indian is an independent and public-spirited digital media platform for Indian Millennials. IndiaFirst Life and The Logical Indian have come together to showcase India’s rich history of innovation in different fields of life which have made a significant mark on humanity and globally. The information presented here is the result of a collaborative effort between The IndiaFirst Life, Dentsu Creative & The Logical Indian. All research and fact-finding is credited to Dentsu Creative in association with The Logical Indian.