ABSTRACT
Industrial fluctuations led to a centralization of industrial action under the Indian Jute Mills' Association (IJMA), which effectively did turn into an all-powerful cartel running the industry during the war years. Its powers, however, were not equal to the task of securing mill production during the war. This chapter focuses on the concept of the manager raj, arguing that the IJMA increasingly connected and centralized local centres of control, thus, acquiring state functions. The crisis of production, and the anticipated breakdown of industry were then counteracted by attempts to govern the industry and its local centres from the IJMA offices in Calcutta. Britain's declaration of war in September 1939, acquired imperial dimensions, as the Government of India signed up immediately. This triggered an enthusiastic response among Scottish overseers and managers in the jute belt. In the months that followed the outbreak of hostilities, IJMA members were busy with hectic activities designed to support the 'home-front'.
