An Overview of Indian Economic Structure under British Rule

Abstract

The British economic policies led rapid transformation of Indian economy into a colonial economy where nature and structure were determined by British needs.. There colonial government in India was concerned more with the protection and promotion of the economic interests of Britain rather than with the development of the Indian economy. Such policies transformed India into mere supplier of raw materials and consumer of finished industrial products from Britain. The ruthless exploitation under British colonial rule completely devastated India’s economy.  The British conquerors totally disorganized the traditional structure of the Indian economy. They exploited Indian resources and carried away Indian wealth as tribute. The results of this subordination of the Indian economy to the interests of British trade and industry affected also Indian society and culture.