From Ancient Fibre to Sustainable Future
Published on: July 17, 2025
Author: Ahans World Editorial Team
🌿 Introduction
Jute, often called the “Golden Fibre”, is one of the oldest and most versatile natural fibres known to humanity. Today, jute is gaining renewed attention as the world shifts toward sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. But the journey of jute is not just about bags and packaging—it’s a story of empires, industrial revolutions, colonial policies, and rural livelihoods.
In this article, we explore the rich history of jute, its global evolution, and its significance in India, which remains one of the world’s leading producers.
Origin and Global History of Jute
1. Ancient Beginnings
Jute has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, especially in the Ganges delta region. Early records suggest that Indus Valley Civilization might have used jute-like fibres for cordage and fabric.
In ancient China and Egypt, similar plant-based fibres were used for making ropes, mats, and coarse clothing. However, jute itself came into major commercial use much later.
2. Industrial Revolution and Rise in Europe
- During the 17th and 18th centuries, European countries began to take an interest in jute.
- In 1793, British merchants exported the first consignment of raw jute from India to the United Kingdom.
- By the early 1800s, Dundee in Scotland became the world’s jute capital, thanks to innovations that allowed jute to be spun by machine.
The British East India Company then began sourcing vast quantities of raw jute from Bengal (now divided between West Bengal in India and Bangladesh) to feed the textile mills of Britain.
3. Colonial Exploitation and Global Trade
Under British rule, India became both the producer of raw jute and the market for finished jute goods. Farmers were often forced to grow jute at the expense of food crops. The finished goods—gunny bags, ropes, and sacks—were then sold back to Indian consumers or used in the global shipping trade.
Jute was so vital that during World War I and II, it was used in large quantities for military tents, sandbags, and sacks.
🇮🇳 The History of Jute in India
India has a deep and complex relationship with jute—economically, culturally, and politically.
1. Indigenous Cultivation
Long before colonial rule, farmers in Bengal, Assam, and Bihar were growing jute along the riverbanks of the Ganges and Brahmaputra. It was used for making ropes, mats, fishing nets, and household items.
2. Birth of Indian Jute Mills
- The first jute mill in India was set up in Rishra (near Kolkata) in 1855.
- By the early 1900s, the region had become a major global exporter of jute goods.
- During Partition in 1947, most of the jute mills remained in India, while most of the jute-growing areas became part of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)—leading to a major supply disruption.
India responded by increasing its own jute cultivation efforts in West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha.
3. Post-Independence Decline and Challenges
After independence, India’s jute industry faced many challenges:
- Bangladesh emerged as a tough competitor due to cheaper labour and better quality fibre.
- Synthetic alternatives like plastic began to replace jute in packaging and transport.
- Labour strikes, poor mill conditions, and government controls further weakened the industry.
4. Jute’s Revival in the 21st Century
In recent years, jute has made a strong comeback due to:
- Global push for sustainability and plastic bans
- Government policies like the Jute Packaging Mandatory Order (JPMO)
- Innovative jute products: handbags, folders, shoes, furniture, home décor
India is currently the largest producer of raw jute in the world and has the most jute mills, mainly concentrated in West Bengal.
Modern Uses of Jute
Today, jute is no longer confined to gunny sacks. It’s at the heart of eco-conscious fashion and packaging.
- Bags: Tote bags, shopping bags, gift bags
- Home décor: Rugs, curtains, wall hangings
- Crafts: Ribbons, lace, organizers
- Industrial: Geotextiles, insulation, composites for automotive use
Global Producers of Jute
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| India | Largest producer of raw jute and jute goods |
| Bangladesh | Second-largest producer; higher fibre quality |
| Nepal | Smaller production; mainly for domestic use |
| Myanmar, Thailand | Minor producers with emerging markets |
Conclusion
The story of jute is a symbol of resilience and revival. From the looms of ancient Bengal to the eco-stores of New York, jute has traversed a journey few fibres can claim. For India, jute is not just a crop—it is heritage, livelihood, and now, a symbol of the green future.
As we become more environmentally conscious, jute is regaining its rightful place as the fibre of the future.
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