Those who contrast the economic conditions of ancient India with those of modern Europe cannot fail to be struck by the great effect of modern inventions substituting machinery for human labour. One direct effect of this is to cause over-production and competition for new markets. This has led to political jealousies, and even war. Did people in India really lack the inventive ability and mechanical skill to substitute mechanical power for human labour, or did they foresee the troubles arising from such a change? It is understood that artisans in India as well as other countries before the invention of power developed a finer artistic taste and skill than those at the present day.