Question

“Under the British rule, India underwent systematic economic exploitation with its resources and wealth being diverted to Britain.” Justify the given statement with valid explanation.

Hint:

Colonial policies systematically drained India’s wealth and weakened its indigenous economy to benefit Britain.

Answer 1

Under British colonial rule, India experienced economic exploitation in the following ways:
Drain of Wealth: A significant portion of India’s revenue and resources was transferred to Britain as salaries, pensions, and profits.
Destruction of Indigenous Industries: British policies favoured imports from Britain, leading to the collapse of local handicrafts and industries.
Commercialisation of Agriculture: Agriculture was forced to produce cash crops for British industries, rather than food crops for Indians.
Neglect of Infrastructure for Indian Welfare: Infrastructure was developed mainly to serve British economic and administrative interests.