While handmade clothing found appreciation in Africa, China, and domestically, the establishment of a cotton mill in Ahmadabad in 1861 intensified competition due to Gujarat's cotton reputation. By the late 19th century, India had 178 cotton textile mills, but obstacles arose during World War I, with subsequent flourishing afterward. The number of mills surged to 249 by 1901 and a remarkable 417 by 1945, providing employment for 510,000 workers.