Question

why did the indian iron smelting industry decline in the 19th century

Answer 1

The series of British forest law passed by the mid 19th century in the forest restricted access to forest areas. under which conditions the iron smelters could not continue with their occupation for long. many gave up there craft and look out for other means of livelihood. the demand for iron produced by local indigenous smelters also declined because of tough competition from British Steel. In fact, the large demand for Iron and Steel required for the construction of Railways in India was made by importing iron and steel from England.