WATSON, J. Forbes.

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The Textile Manufactures and the Costumes of the People of India. Second edition of a comprehensive and visually rich account of local and regional tastes, organized into articles that leave the loom ready to be worn and piece goods which require additional work. The illustrations depict how a range of garments were worn, close-ups of ornamental braiding, carpet and rug designs, and the process of creating the legendary "Dacca Muslins". This work was first printed for the India Office in 1866 to accompany Watson's Collection of the Textile Manufacturers of India, limited to 20 sets of 18 volumes, with each set containing over 700 fabric samples. Termed "Industrial Museums" by Watson, these works were "simultaneously an ethnographic catalogue and a brief for increased commerce with India" (ODNB). By educating British manufacturers on Indian textile traditions and consumer preferences, these works supported the production of British machine-made goods for home and imperial markets, reinforcing Britain's commercial dominance at the expense of India's traditional handloom industry. The erosion of indigenous textile production later became a powerful symbol for nationalist campaigns.Dr John Forbes Watson (1827-1892), trained as a physician and between 1850 and 1853 served as assistant surgeon to the Bombay Army Medical Service. After returning to London, in 1858 he was appointed Director of the India Museum and Reporter of the Products of India for the India Office, where he spent

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