During the Mughal period, which of the following was a major and widely developed industry?

Introduction / Context:
Economic history of the Mughal period often focuses on agriculture, trade, and handicrafts. Among handicrafts, textiles were particularly important. India was renowned for its fine cotton textiles which were in high demand in domestic and international markets. Exam questions commonly ask about the most important industries to check whether students can associate particular crafts and products with the correct historical period and empire.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which industry was a major one during the Mughal period.
• Options are pearl production, silk cloth, cotton cloth, and no option is correct.
• We assume “major industry” refers to scale of production, employment, and export importance.
• We know that the Mughal economy had a strong textile sector.

Concept / Approach:
Although pearls and silk were valuable luxury items, the main textile industry that achieved world wide fame under the Mughals was cotton cloth. Regions like Bengal, Gujarat, and the Coromandel coast were known for producing high quality cotton textiles such as muslin, chintz, and calico. These were exported to Europe and other parts of Asia. Silk was produced but on a relatively smaller scale compared to cotton. Pearl fishing existed but was not the primary industry of the Mughal heartland. Therefore, cotton cloth stands out as the major industry.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall general features of the Mughal economy, including its large agrarian base and flourishing handicrafts. Step 2: Focus on textiles, which were widely produced and traded, especially cotton fabrics. Step 3: Remember that European trading companies came to India partly because of the rich variety of Indian cotton cloth, which had strong overseas demand. Step 4: Compare options and identify cotton cloth as the industry with the greatest extent and impact. Step 5: Select cotton cloth as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts by European travellers, as well as records of the British, Dutch, and Portuguese trading companies, frequently mention Indian cotton textiles as key export items. This repeated emphasis on cotton fabrics confirms that they represented a major industry. In contrast, pearls and silk are mentioned as important but more limited luxury items, not the central industrial base.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pearl production: This occurred in certain coastal areas, but it did not form the backbone of Mughal industrial activity.
Silk cloth: Silk was produced, especially in some parts of Bengal and Kashmir, but cotton far exceeded it in volume and significance.
No option is correct: This is incorrect because at least one option, cotton cloth, clearly represents a major industry.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may be tempted by silk cloth because it sounds luxurious and impressive. Others may overestimate pearl production due to its high value. However high value does not always mean large scale industry. To avoid confusion, always think of what product was produced in large quantities across many regions and exported widely. Cotton clearly fits that pattern for the Mughal era.

Final Answer:
During the Mughal period, cotton cloth was a major and widely developed industry.