1. Changing Market Conditions: The demand for indigo declined significantly due to the rise of synthetic dyes in the late 19th century. Synthetic dyes were cheaper, easier to produce, and offered a wider range of colors, making them more attractive to the textile industry.
2. Exploitation of Cultivators: The indigo cultivation system in Bengal was characterized by oppressive practices and exploitation of cultivators (peasants). The British planters forced cultivators to grow indigo on their lands, often neglecting food crop production, leading to widespread poverty and indebtedness among the peasantry. This exploitation resulted in growing resentment and resistance from cultivators.
3. Indigo Revolt (1859-1861): The Indigo Revolt was a major uprising by the indigo cultivators in Bengal against the oppressive indigo plantation system. The revolt led to widespread protests, demonstrations, and even violence. The revolt highlighted the grievances of cultivators and ultimately contributed to the decline of indigo production in the region.
4. Failure to Adapt: The indigo planters in Bengal were slow to adapt to the changing market conditions and the growing discontent among the cultivators. They failed to diversify their crops and adopt modern cultivation methods that could have improved their productivity and profitability.
5. Government Policies: The colonial government's policies favored indigo planters, giving them access to land and cheap labor. However, changing political dynamics and growing awareness of the plight of the peasantry led the government to reassess these policies. The government eventually introduced regulations to protect the rights of cultivators and reduce the power of the planters.
6. Rise of Alternative Crops: The decline of indigo production created an opportunity for cultivators to shift to other cash crops, such as jute. Jute was less labor-intensive and had growing demand in the international market. Cultivators found jute to be a more profitable alternative to indigo.
These circumstances collectively contributed to the gradual collapse of indigo production in Bengal during the latter half of the 19th century. As a result, the once-thriving indigo industry was replaced by other agricultural pursuits, and the socio-economic landscape of the region underwent significant changes.