By the 1790s the handkerchief trade in the Caribbean had become very lucrative, and traders competed to supply it with the most fashionable styles. When the French East India Company dissolved in 1794, the British East India Company set out to take over its share of the Caribbean market. On researching Caribbean trends they discovered 'Madras Red Handkerchiefs' were especially popular 'as decoration for the head'. In response, the Company ordered South Indian 'Madras Red Handkerchiefs' for the Caribbean market.

Related Database Records

Entry no. 104: On the use of handkerchiefs and coarse textiles in the French Caribbean and the role of Indian weavers in the French East India Company textile trade.