Child Labour in History: A Study of Cotton Textile Industry of Bombay

Child labour has been employed in India since time immemorial. But this subject came up for discussion after the beginning of modern industry, particularly the cotton textile industry in Bombay. The British industrialists spread exaggerated stories regarding the working conditions of child labourers. The government appointed commissions to make enquiries. It took action on their recommendations. It tried to ensure that very young children were not employed. Certifying doctors were to give certificates regarding their age. This stopped the employment of young children but up to a limit. Some millowners opened schools for the education of child labourers. But their efforts were not much of a success. The number of child labourers declined in 1920s.